People leaving the board

[Guest]

Personally, I think you're all *****.

But then I'm a ****, too. So I'm in no position to judge.

I'm not ****!

...or am I?

Brend didn't say you were ****. He said you were a ****!

But as ***** go, you're definitely the most ****!


I hope to whatever intergalactic lifeforms there are with abilities beyond human ingenuity, that Hot Shot isn't some bastard offspring of Predabot and Aaron.

[Best First]

i think in terms of contribution its hard to avoid any suggestion otherwise...

Blackie you dirty Thatcherite.

[Hot Shot]

I hope to whatever intergalactic lifeforms there are with abilities beyond human ingenuity, that Hot Shot isn't some bastard offspring of Predabot and Aaron.

(Insert Sprunkner's user title here).

[Yaya]

Some people only like discussing topics with people who share the same opinion. Ah well, a new member will debut at TransformersHomage in 3, 2, 1...

But I would guess there are other people here (Ironhide and PMOP come to mind, Blacksword/Yaya on religion) who can be in the ideolgocial minority sometimes, but they don't leave. Hopefully OPR just lurks.

Actually, I'm beginning to see his point in some way, to be honest.

I don't mind debate and discussion, even about sensitive topics like religion and politics. I don't even mind being insulted during them.

What I have found most naggingly annoying though, something that really is making me think about visiting this board less often, are the personal attacks that occur after posting a simple review about a simple comic issue, and then have it childishly dissected word for word, where accusations are made that I'm putting words into others mouths.

I mean, it's getting to the point where you have to type "IMO" after every ****** sentence, and that's a first me thinks for this board.

Since when did Transfans.net get touchy-feely? Reviews are opinionated by nature.

It's just not as fun anymore, where you have to watch whether you can use the word "we fans" or "TF fans" or such generalizations without footnoting it with an "IMO".

It's kind of surprising because what made this board fun was that there was a higher level of intellect here than other TF boards, and some things just didn't need spelling out.

[Hot Shot]

Some people only like discussing topics with people who share the same opinion. Ah well, a new member will debut at TransformersHomage in 3, 2, 1...

But I would guess there are other people here (Ironhide and PMOP come to mind, Blacksword/Yaya on religion) who can be in the ideolgocial minority sometimes, but they don't leave. Hopefully OPR just lurks.

Actually, I'm beginning to see his point in some way, to be honest.

I don't mind debate and discussion, even about sensitive topics like religion and politics. I don't even mind being insulted during them.

What I have found most naggingly annoying though, something that really is making me think about visiting this board less often, are the personal attacks that occur after posting a simple review about a simple comic issue, and then have it childishly dissected word for word, where accusations are made that I'm putting words into others mouths.

I mean, it's getting to the point where you have to type "IMO" after every ****** sentence, and that's a first me thinks for this board.

Since when did Transfans.net get touchy-feely? Reviews are opinionated by nature.

It's just not as fun anymore, where you have to watch whether you can use the word "we fans" or "TF fans" or such generalizations without footnoting it with an "IMO".

It's kind of surprising because what made this board fun was that there was a higher level of intellect here than other TF boards, and some things just didn't need spelling out.

I haven't noticed that kind of thing here. If it is happening, it's not as bad as other forums on the net. Outside our little fort of a board, people jump up and down and scream, "You're jumping to conclusions!" if you make even the smallest general statement or opinion. This, of course, is followed by the customary insult to your intellegence. Eventually they all pick up their torches and stones and try to chase you off.

Long story short: If you're thinking about leaving for that reason, you should know that you can't escape that problem by leaving here. You'd be walking out of the frying pan and into the fire. I don't think anyone here wants you to leave, either. Just kick back, relax, and have a good time. You've got friends here.

[KingMob]

Some people only like discussing topics with people who share the same opinion. Ah well, a new member will debut at TransformersHomage in 3, 2, 1...

But I would guess there are other people here (Ironhide and PMOP come to mind, Blacksword/Yaya on religion) who can be in the ideolgocial minority sometimes, but they don't leave. Hopefully OPR just lurks.

Actually, I'm beginning to see his point in some way, to be honest.

I don't mind debate and discussion, even about sensitive topics like religion and politics. I don't even mind being insulted during them.

What I have found most naggingly annoying though, something that really is making me think about visiting this board less often, are the personal attacks that occur after posting a simple review about a simple comic issue, and then have it childishly dissected word for word, where accusations are made that I'm putting words into others mouths.

I mean, it's getting to the point where you have to type "IMO" after every ****** sentence, and that's a first me thinks for this board.

Since when did Transfans.net get touchy-feely? Reviews are opinionated by nature.

It's just not as fun anymore, where you have to watch whether you can use the word "we fans" or "TF fans" or such generalizations without footnoting it with an "IMO".

It's kind of surprising because what made this board fun was that there was a higher level of intellect here than other TF boards, and some things just didn't need spelling out.

Some points here that I'm interested in. Firstly, I also dislike posts being taken apart piece by piece. It's a greatly useful style in protracted or complex debate and almost essential in some circumstances, but when dealing with less serious or complicated matters, I find it rather tedious due to the needlessly aggressive and overly structured format it gives to supposedly fun conversations. I don't see it abused that much here, to be honest, far less than at other boards, but yes, if one feels that one's posts are always being dissected I can understand why that might make one feel fed up.

However, qualifying one's statements of opinion is not a pain (IMHO natch!) and is not only polite, it's a good way of covering yourself, no? Did they teach you in your History classes to always introduce a qualifying phrase? "it's a virtual certainty", "it seems likely to" "all evidence indicates" etc. The language of texts in what I believe you mean by 'higher intellect' circles is often somewhat nebulous or dances around blunt points, at least in my experience. I would also hazard a guess that those used to 'higher intellect' circles are actually those most used to qualifying opinions and weighted statements in discourse. The people that toss around their thoughts like hand grenades don't tend to survive long there. So I wouldn't be surprised by that nature of debating occurring at a place that apparently has a higher intellect on average.

There also occasionally seems to be some sort of disconnect between being 'opinionated' and 'deliberately provocative' sometimes. Less so recently than there used to be, admittedly! Apologies for stating the obvious, but simply having an opinion does not grant an automatic right to express it as you may wish and expect immunity to retort. Perhaps if one does not wish to be conversationally engaged in a certain way, one shouldn't seek it?

Stopping now as post already far too long and wanky.

In fact, here's my above post cut down into one sentence: Don't sound like a wanker when you post, as then people will treat you like one.

[Best First]

yes, steadfastly refusing to change the manner in which you post when it has been repeatedly pointed out that it can be quite obnoxious isn't really going to win you any sympathy is it?

It may not always be neccessary to say IMO (nice cheap dig implying that those who think otherwise are somehow of a lessar intellect by the way), HOWEVER, it rather becomes irrelevant if you choose to present your thoughts in the manner where due to a rather dubious choiced of language you seem apoint yourself as spokesperson for anyone other than yourself.

And as for putting words in people's mouths, as someone with a fairly persistant track record of labelling a whole bunch of people Furmanites (perhaps a rather childish label in itself, yes) and insisting on telling them what their opinions are i'd probably just shut up and keep quite at the back on that one.


IMO, natch.

Incidentally well you may not mind being insulted in politics/religion debates i am fairly sick of that kind of thing, i don't mind people having a go at others ideas, or even labelling the ideas as stupid (ideally with something in the way of justification) but they are doing no one any favours by tacking an entirely personal insult on the end of their commentary and i'm pretty sure i'm not really standing for this anymore.

[Yaya]

Long story short: If you're thinking about leaving for that reason, you should know that you can't escape that problem by leaving here. You'd be walking out of the frying pan and into the fire. I don't think anyone here wants you to leave, either. Just kick back, relax, and have a good time. .

I never really planned on leaving per se because of such a silly thing, just visiting less often. Merely pointing out how annoying it is to footnote something as being my opinion when it obviously is. It just becomes a waste of time. I have to disagree though, on other TF boards, I have yet to have to clarify time and again, that such is my opinion and nothing more.

I post comic reviews here because it's a way of stimulating lighthearted debate and discussion. I post the very same review all over the TF internet world. I'm all for people disagreeing with me, if it hasn't been obvious over the past, what, two years. I expect disagreement.

yes, steadfastly refusing to change the manner in which you post when it has been repeatedly pointed out that it can be quite obnoxious isn't really going to win you any sympathy is it?

Not after sympathy. After debate and discussion. Transfans.net should not be about walking on eggshells, about almost anything. It has been a website where almost anything goes, which I have come to enjoy.

From where I stand, semantics should not derail healthy discussion.

However, qualifying one's statements of opinion is not a pain (IMHO natch!) and is not only polite, it's a good way of covering yourself, no?

Yes, but in regards to comic reviews? I can understand the sensitivity of topics like religion, politics, family, etc, where an "IMO" actually helps clarify things. But a freakin TF comic review?

And how about consistency then? If I should change my manner of speech, should not everyone else change to fit whatever style of language is deemed "acceptable" here? I mean, at tfarchive.com, there's this guy Cliffjumper, the guys insults left and right, and I think it's hilarious. I don't agree with him on many things, but the guy is FUN to have around.

Perhaps if one does not wish to be conversationally engaged in a certain way, one shouldn't seek it?

Good advice. Hence my comment that maybe I will post less here, as for me anyways, it has become less fun in some ways.

Incidentally well you may not mind being insulted in politics/religion debates i am fairly sick of that kind of thing, i don't mind people having a go at others ideas, or even labelling the ideas as stupid (ideally with something in the way of justification) but they are doing no one any favours by tacking an entirely personal insult on the end of their commentary and i'm pretty sure i'm not really standing for this anymore.

As long as you are consistent in what you do, in what the ground rules are here, and that they apply to everyone, then what's there to disagree with you about on this.

[sprunkner]

This is like that episode of the Office (American) where Michael gets into the complaint file.

I started this because I don't want OPR to leave. Yes, I think he's been kind of a jerk. But we all know he's going through a hard time. Maybe, like Karl said, we could try to be a little nicer so we see less of this leaving stuff?

And I like Yaya's reviews, actually. Don't always agree but they're well done.

[Shanti418]

Ditto. I like OPR, but don't see why he's been so abrasive lately (and if he IS going through some rough times, but he hasn't said anything about them), BUT......

This topic has gotten out of hand. Complaining about Complaining? The thread has jumped the shark.


I like Yaya's reviews too, but I DO think that Yaya sometimes puts plurality behind his comments to give them more weight. Like he's dropping mana of knowledge he's collected amongst the different boards upon the disconntected rabble at Transfans. lol But it never really bothered me. I just like SOMEONE posting reviews. It reminds me of the days when EVEYRONE posted reviews, and a new comic thread would go two pages on the same day it was released. :P

Maybe I'm just being sentimental because I feel like I've been here for a good while now and have been accepted into the Transfans cadre, but I love everyone.

[Yaya]

I just like SOMEONE posting reviews. It reminds me of the days when EVEYRONE posted reviews, and a new comic thread would go two pages on the same day it was released. :P

Used to be able to go to just one message board, and get this.

Nowadays, you have to post the same review on four message boards to stimulate a good amount of conversation.

[Best First]

i think in some ways people have less to say when its a quality product. When i really enjoy something i don't always feel as inclined to pick at it. I used to really want to mine tje older comics in review format as i thought that it provided good fodder for fan work, but i even think the 'need' for fanfic is lessened when you have a really good 'proper' title.

Then again maybe one of the problems is that specualation often happens in the news forum as that is where previews are published.

as for consistancy in terms of how people are treated, some people have built up more good grace than others, and that will always be the case.

[spiderfrommars]

The IDW board has cornered the market in comic discussion these days (plus you could get your comments in a letters page - nice).

[Yaya]

The IDW board has cornered the market in comic discussion these days (plus you could get your comments in a letters page - nice).

Problem with the IDW board is that you have some pretty "post-happy" members that feel they have to comment on just about everything, and use it almost as a chat room. There are a lot of posts that read "Yeah, I agree", or "you said it!" and that sort of thing.

Not that this isn't their right, and if they enjoy that sort of thing, well who am I to say it should stop. I mean, they all seem like nice guys or gals.

Overall, I enjoy the IDW board and there's a lot of TF comic related discussion there worth commenting on if you sift through some of the monotony.

I've seen Best First there from time to time, and I think EmVee is this boards Metal Vendetta, if I'm not mistaken. And of course, what's a TF board without the "Living TF Encyclopedia", Stu Denyer.

[Best First]

i agree about IDW, its got noticable more chatty since the board switch. I generally only feel compelled to comment 'properly' if i get in early, otherwise you have to read 9 pages of chatter to find out if you are just repeating points that have already been discussed.

otherwise i'll just post a general thumbs up thumbs down.

Plus there is that nonsense where people quote images and go "great" and then someone else does the same and says "yeah" and the same image appears 12 times on a page.

Like you say, people are within their rights, although to be honest if people are notably ding it just to build up a post count then you could class it as flooding.

[KingMob]

This topic has gotten out of hand. Complaining about Complaining? The thread has jumped the shark.

Eh, horses for courses. I'm interesting in language and found what YaYa raised to be far more compelling than the dramarama or emo handwringing the initial issue was flirting with, mainly as there's actually something to it to discuss.

If we had comics that were more divisive in their reader-reaction, I'd imagine we'd perhaps have less noticing of certain things? When everyone is agreeing that something is good, I guess a jump-out point for discussion is how people are saying it's good. Something minor can become major if it's repeated enough and there's nowt else to chew on?

Maybe we should make some comic threads that will actually be divisive?
The Firecons were great characters! Spotlight: Cindersaur plz.

[Best First]

See, no wi am torn, because that is an obvious place for a Guzzle cameo.

[Denyer]

Oh God, I can't wait to read your slightly creepy story about all the members of this board being Internets Flame Warriors then.

I cringe when I remember the pseudo-RPG stuff of seven years ago.

i think in some ways people have less to say when its a quality product. When i really enjoy something i don't always feel as inclined to pick at it.

Certainly true for me. Although I'll go off on trying to explain what I'm getting out of something if other people aren't keen and I happen to like it... really enjoyed Infiltration with few reservations, for instance, but I seem to be in a minority there.

Problem with the IDW board is that you have some pretty "post-happy" members that feel they have to comment on just about everything, and use it almost as a chat room. There are a lot of posts that read "Yeah, I agree", or "you said it!" and that sort of thing.

It's annoying when you come back after a few days and have to wade through to get to the discussion. Speaking of which, I need to get caught up with a letter/addresses... anyone know who it'd be appropriate to write to at DC/Marvel re: Pat Lee, failure to credit / fraud and not hiring the ****? Am after snail mail addresses. Think I might mail Rich Johnston...

Re: boards, I really can't be arsed with ideological arguments much anymore. Don't have time to watch the threads.

edit:

those most used to qualifying opinions and weighted statements in discourse. The people that toss around their thoughts like hand grenades don't tend to survive long there.

Yup. Basic common sense says don't use words such as "everyone", "all", "obviously" unless there's a basis. In a collective of several hundred people, there won't be one mind. Statements of 'fact' should mostly be reserved for stuff like "this issue has twenty-two pages."

[Best First]

Too much embedded quotage coming up....

Oh God, I can't wait to read your slightly creepy story about all the members of this board being Internets Flame Warriors then.

missed that first time round - amen.

really enjoyed Infiltration with few reservations, for instance, but I seem to be in a minority there.

I liked it even more on reading it as a TPB to be honest.

Think I might mail Rich Johnston...

Good bet - he was pretty responsive when i sent him a link to one of our interviews a year or so ago (one avec Lee relevant content)

Re: boards, I really can't be arsed with ideological arguments much anymore. Don't have time to watch the threads.

Agree, its hard to participate constructively unless you check the thread every seven seconds, which isn't really practical these days.

[Impactor returns 2.0]

people are leaving the Board? - damm I thought this place was just as busy as 5 years ago...

[IronHide]

Tis....but with new faces.

[Predabot]

Uh... sooo... Has OPR been online anymore since the last time I popped my head in here?

[KingMob]

Uh... sooo... Has OPR been online anymore since the last time I popped my head in here?

Dunno. Start a thread telling him how much you miss him and see what happens?
Oh, wait.

[divebomb]

Hey, I'm not round here much these days and people prob never really missed me! I can honestly say that when I was around here more often you guys helped me when I had problems and I'd like to think that we're all just like a big group of friends.

Friends bicker and argue all the time, some are steadfast in their resolution to stick with their point others will go off in a huff. At the end of the day as soon as one of them needs help everyone will always rally round.

General discussions is always gonna be a hot bed for dispution, just like when we all sit round the table at a pub with other friends. Guaranteed that someone will say something someone doesn't like and prob storm off, that is because we all have our own opinions.

Now if it carries on i'l have to get all teacher on you and sit you all boy/girl! lol!

[Hot Shot]

Now if it carries on i'l have to get all teacher on you and sit you all boy/girl! lol!

I don't think that'll work here unless we call Predabot the girl.

[divebomb]

Now if it carries on i'l have to get all teacher on you and sit you all boy/girl! lol!

I don't think that'll work here unless we call Predabot the girl.

That was the plan.

[Predabot]

Now if it carries on i'l have to get all teacher on you and sit you all boy/girl! lol!

I don't think that'll work here unless we call Predabot the girl.

That was the plan.

Bah. In that case, I want a pink dress!

[Manchester Devil]

Um... Preds, can you keep such details to yourself, please.

[The Last Autobot]

I don't think that'll work here unless we call Predabot the girl.

That was the plan.

Bah. In that case, I want a pink dress!

And I want to puke!

[Hound]

Talking of people leaving the board, why hasn't Predabot been banned yet?