Shoutbox

About IRC:
It was stated a LOT of times that IRC and the forums aren't the same. It doesn't matter if they're for MsgPlus! or for whatever they are, IRC issues and Forum issues are to be handled separately.

Now, this thread has become IRC-related, which is the opposite of its purpose.

To be honest, you don't require to be a great person to go to IRC. I'm an idiot who never does anything on IRC but to put smilies and whatnot, and never got banned or treated bad. So, maybe you could try a different approach.

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About behavior:
Anyway, the forums might not be crumbling down or anything like that, but the air is different. I don't think it's because of the admins or what they do. It's easier to blame the people with more "forum age" and power (like with everything), but they're just a few.

The real issue is the whole community. I don't mean it's anything bad, it's just that the world is going through a lot of issues and it reflects on us. Our different opinions and tastes clash, and with time it generates anger against other members.

It's human, so I don't think we can do anything about it. Maybe calm down a little, but tell that to the dozens of people who post daily (regulars, I mean).

About some phrases and my thoughts on them:
You don't need to have the last word in every single debate.
This reminds me that if two members are the type to have the last word at everything, if they clash, it's a never-ending, eventual, flame war.

If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything.
We did have a debate over this phrase. It doesn't mean to suck up or take it literally. It simply means that sometimes, it's best to keep your mouth shut. Not only because it may hurt the other person, but because you might also get hurt.

Words are words. Be mature.
How much harm can a comment cause the member I'm talking to? If I tell him/her: "you're an idiot!", how will they react? Do I know this person enough to joke and be understood? These are basic questions you should make yourself before posting something, anything.

You might not care at all about what others tell you, but remember, not everyone is like you. Some people take things seriously, and it's something to consider. After all, if you do it with your family, friends and ocassional strangers, why not respect people's feelings on the Internet?

Agree to disagree.
What is the point of keeping a discussion if things are starting to get personal? The solution is not carrying it on until one of you gets banned or hurt, but to leave it at that and move on. Opinions are that, personal thoughts that might or not be changed, but debates are not to force changes, but to open minds.

About helping:
But, seriously, we could learn to tolerate each other. This is a support forum, mainly. Which, reminds me of what someone else posted: some people think there's a race to see who helps the most people in one second.

Don't get me wrong, they seem to have the best intentions, but when replying you can't understand a thing of what they're saying because they must have been typing in a rush. This confuses the person who comes here for the help and help only.

About rules:
The rules and guidelines are all over the place, maybe some people should read them again. It would really ease up a lot of work. I know I ocassionally slip, like anyone else, but some make these slippings part of their everyday forum experience...


Anyway, that's kind of what I had to say today... Feel free to PM me or something. I hope this doesn't offend anyone, I like the forums and will stick around a lot more, no matter what others say.

<--- off to sleep


PS: to think traxor is missing all this!