Fly Posting

[Trousers]

Remembering that we all do have an opinion and that we as individuals have a right to that opinion I wish to ask the forum in general if 'it' too has noticed a tendency toward what I shall term Fly Posting of late.

At certain times of the day there will be period when every single active thread will have a last post from the same people.
As a rule I try very hard to take everything I see in here with a huge pinch of salt especially as all I know of most of you are your reported opinions.
But at the moment it seems that some of our clan seem to have an inordinate amount of opinions to spread about and that this is done with less concern to the opinions that went before than some of our less prolific posters would give.
Some posts (not the silly ones the serious stuff) seem to be scrutinised to the most minute detail and each detail separated from the others and dissembled and attacked until the true thought and meaning behind the original post is lost? Nothing seems to be gained from this – except maybe p1ssing of the originator, which was my own experience as I don't in turn feel a true opinion is returned offering more information or a better understanding.

Personally, when I actually make myself reply to a post, I really need to feel I can add something, possibly only humour, but I try and add to the value of a thread not just detract or belittle the opinions before.

I understand I am a relative Newbie in this forum and therefore may be making a huge faux par here and before I find myself even more the estranged grumpy old man that I am – anyone else got an opinion on my opinion?
Have I just highlighted something you've become aware of too. . . or am I hypersenstive?

Lights blue touch paper and withdraws in my drop ship to a minimum safe distance. Come on Sigourney get me out of here. :devil:

[Lucy Locket]

Know what you mean but i think you are taking it too seriously. Chill out & have a laugh. Imagine you are talking face to face with someone how many times have you gone off on a totally different tangent & can't work out what the original conversation was about & how you got to where you are.

Relax, have some chocolate & a bottle of wine, it will all make sense then :whistle:

[fletch]

:yeah:
Know what you mean but i think you are taking it too seriously. Chill out & have a laugh. Imagine you are talking face to face with someone how many times have you gone off on a totally different tangent & can't work out what the original conversation was about & how you got to where you are.

Relax, have some chocolate & a bottle of wine, it will all make sense then :whistle:
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

[David Bailey]

Remembering that we all do have an opinion and that we as individuals have a right to that opinion I wish to ask the forum in general if 'it' too has noticed a tendency toward what I shall term Fly Posting of late.

At certain times of the day there will be period when every single active thread will have a last post from the same people.
:blush: Oops...

This probably reflects how I access the Forum. I mainly use the New Posts button, then scan-and-reply to the posts displayed on that. I generally don't have much time to browse the different categories, so I go for the "intense" speed-reading/replying option.

It almost certainly means a lot of the stuff I write (possibly including this post) is junk, and also means my name appear like a rash across the board at some points - apologies if this is annoying :flower:


this is done with less concern to the opinions that went before than some of our less prolific posters would give.
Excellent point - I know I should try to do a bit more research before charging in, for example. Thanks for reminding me; there are 100,000+ messages in the Forums already, there's every chance that excellent answers and points were made which should be revived. We can't always rely on MartinHarper :)


Some posts (not the silly ones the serious stuff) seem to be scrutinised to the most minute detail and each detail separated from the others and dissembled and attacked until the true thought and meaning behind the original post is lost?
Hmmm, I'd join the "chillout crowd" on this one - that's just the nature of some people, or all of us at some point.


but I try and add to the value of a thread not just detract or belittle the opinions before.
:yeah: We should all aim for this.


I understand I am a relative Newbie in this forum and therefore may be making a huge faux par here and before I find myself even more the estranged grumpy old man that I am – anyone else got an opinion on my opinion?
'Well, it's "faux pas", actually' :)
I'm a much-more newbie, that never stops me (maybe you've noticed). There's a fine line between respecting seniority and deferring to it.


Have I just highlighted something you've become aware of too. . . or am I hypersenstive?
I think they're good points in general. Thanks.

[Lou]

Some posts (not the silly ones the serious stuff) seem to be scrutinised to the most minute detail and each detail separated from the others and dissembled and attacked until the true thought and meaning behind the original post is lost? Nothing seems to be gained from this – except maybe p1ssing of the originator, which was my own experience as I don't in turn feel a true opinion is returned offering more information or a better understanding.
Sorry, but you've totally lost me. It's obvious that you feel very strongly about it (and that you've had it as your own experience), but I honestly have no idea what you're on about. Could you give some examples, so that I can check to see if I'm guilty (As I post far too much, too). Cheers. :)

[Andy McGregor]

:innocent:

[El Salsero Gringo]

At certain times of the day there will be period when every single active thread will have a last post from the same people.I think you're misinterpreting the situation: if you log on to the forum at a quiet time (late at night, say, or early in the morning) and post five or six replies then they all show up in a line at the top of the new posts page, because there's no one else posting. But if you do exactly same during the day your five or six posts arent so obvious because other people add new posts to the same threads and to other threads that knock yours down the page.
Some posts (not the silly ones the serious stuff) seem to be scrutinised to the most minute detail and each detail separated from the others and dissembled and attacked until the true thought and meaning behind the original post is lost? Nothing seems to be gained from this – except maybe p1ssing of the originator, which was my own experience as I don't in turn feel a true opinion is returned offering more information or a better understanding.It does keep Gadget out of mischief though...

[Gus]

Some posts (not the silly ones the serious stuff) seem to be scrutinised to the most minute detail and each detail separated from the others and dissembled and attacked until the true thought and meaning behind the original post is lost? Aye, seen numerous incidents of this. Shame really because some very good debates have been swamped by (IMHO) inane ramblings. I know it can be amusing to start swoping witisisms and making risque commenst but can't these comments be removed to the Chat area where they belong? :confused:

[Lynn]

I think you're misinterpreting the situation: if you log on to the forum at a quiet time (late at night, say, or early in the morning) and post five or six replies then they all show up in a line at the top of the new posts page, because there's no one else posting. But if you do exactly same during the day your five or six posts arent so obvious because other people add new posts to the same threads and to other threads that knock yours down the page. I was going to say that too, I've noticed that its much more prevalent if logging on late at night. And if you are on the forum fairly often (which I am at times :blush: :whistle: ) you might read the updates of threads you have already been following, or have previously posted on, and add a comment. If you have been following several threads then this will mean your name may appear as last poster for several threads in a row. If you rarely log on, then suddenly post on lots of threads, yes, that can be irritating.

[fletch]

I think i'm guilty of all the above :tears:
As a newbie to the forum and a P.C. its hard enough trying to cut and paste a quote....(havent got the hang of it yet) :sick:
Its all trial and error, I find that even when asked to post a PM by the person concerned, when I do THATS wrong!!!!!!!! :sad: now I find that logging on and posting lots of reply's is a no,no perhaps Frank could post a guide line as i'm sure I will be making lots more mistakes without knowing :wink:

[Gadget]

At certain times of the day there will be period when every single active thread will have a last post from the same people.
:confused: You log in, you check the new posts, you reply to any you want to, and you log out again.
I use the "todays posts" as a root page, then open new tabs/windows for every new post I'm interested in - reply to those I want to and close them down once read/replied to. Refresh the "todays posts" once done to see if there's anything new and perhaps start the process again.

As a rule I try very hard to take everything I see in here with a huge pinch of salt especially as all I know of most of you are your reported opinions.Erm... so what more do you know about anyone you meet? You present yourself through your posts here and the language you use {abuse :rolleyes:}. What more do you know of someone you spend 3min on the dance floor with? As a rule I try very hard to take everything I see here at face value* and not let my own view point change what is said into what I think was said.
{*There are a few people who make themselves exceptions of course :whistle:}

But at the moment it seems that some of our clan seem to have an inordinate amount of opinions to spread about and that this is done with less concern to the opinions that went before than some of our less prolific posters would give.Do you mean "chit-chat"? Idle banter and 'talking' rather than discussing? I'm afraid it's all part of the exciting and vibrant world of forums. Everyone is guilty of it at some point :blush: and I agree that it's annoying when a discussion is just getting interesting and innane/binal comments distract it into drivel. The moderators can only do so much without it becoming a militant state - to limit this, you need self-discapline and knowing when to reply in PM format rather than publicaly.

Some posts (not the silly ones the serious stuff) seem to be scrutinised to the most minute detail and each detail separated from the others and dissembled and attacked until the true thought and meaning behind the original post is lost? Nothing seems to be gained from this – except maybe p1ssing of the originator, which was my own experience as I don't in turn feel a true opinion is returned offering more information or a better understanding.I agree, but it depends on how you want to argue - If you want to argue against what was written, then you will debate the points. If you want to discredit the person writing, and therefore what was written, then you will attack the person and the style in which the argument was put forward.
Personally, I find the latter to only be used when folk can't think up a decent counter-argument or just want to stir it :devil:. Or don't know any better. Or have miss-understood the argument and are arguing what they think was said. (or should have been said).

Personally, when I actually make myself reply to a post, I really need to feel I can add something, possibly only humour, but I try and add to the value of a thread not just detract or belittle the opinions before. :flower: most of us do. Some of us also have a twisted sense of humor :D Sometimes the humor is only evident if you know the person.

I understand I am a relative Newbie in this forum and therefore may be making a huge faux par here and before I find myself even more the estranged grumpy old man that I am – anyone else got an opinion on my opinion? Which opinion? I counted at least three. :wink: No faux pas: the same thing comes up every few months. You learn to skim over idle chit-chat, ignore stuff that seems personal, and look for people's posts you respect. (...and speed-read/ignore all these four page posts of mine :rolleyes::D)

[JoC]

Has this thread back-fired yet...? :whistle:

When posts start getting too detailed for me I have to admit I lose interest pretty quickly. But hey.

Do I have the most 'most recent' posts now?

[Trousers]

Hmmm more mixed opinions than I expected in here but plenty of private aggrement.

Opinions I was trying to say - should say something, basically an opinion! It may well not be my opinion and that is cool. I take umbridge at people ripping opinions to pieces without really stating a useful opinion back. Just disagreeing with someone is just petty bickering unless you state your true opinion.

If you want to make a statement make a statement, but make it your own statement not the inverse of all the points that you could quote into your reply.
Your statements and opinions should be able to stand alone in their own right.

That's my opinion - i just think it's impolite to dissect replies down to paragraphs, or lines. It takes the context of the reply away. Especially so if all thats going to happen is dissagreement.

Oh and for the record I don't need to calm down, I don't need a glass of red wine and chocolate (well the wine maybe but not to calm down with). Red wine and chocolate there's a migraine in the offing!
All i was after was to see if there were any like minded ppl out there
and there are!

It don't do anything for me it's just nice to know!

:innocent:

[Lynn]

Opinions I was trying to say - should say something, basically an opinion! It may well not be my opinion and that is cool. I take umbridge at people ripping opinions to pieces without really stating a useful opinion back. Just disagreeing with someone is just petty bickering unless you state your true opinion. Just a bit confused though, what has that got to do with 'fly posting'? I can't see a correlation between following lots of threads - which is the way some people use the forum and reply to it, and 'petty bickering', or ODA, which is the style some people use in how they post?

[KatieR]

I tend to only post in threads where I feel I have something to contribute and try not to go too far off tangent but also feel that I have the right to defend myself if someone says something that isn't true...

is that wrong?

I hope Im not responsible for too many peoples aggravation! :whistle: :innocent:

[Trousers]

Just a bit confused though, what has that got to do with 'fly posting'? I can't see a correlation between following lots of threads - which is the way some people use the forum and reply to it, and 'petty bickering', or ODA, which is the style some people use in how they post?
Weeelllllll,

IMHO (and i really hate that imho thing but its the done thing init)

If you don't have a real opinion on a topic its easy to just chuck stuff on a thread. Ok we all do add some humour or try to through the week on other peoples threads and thats ok because you ain't detracting (most times) from the real opinion. But with out placing your own opinion in the fray for other people to pick on you can just nit pick on every subject going without fear of anyone returning the favour BECAUSE you didnt make a statement of opinion. This means you can post on every thread everyday beacuse you are not saying anything of note - FLY POSTING as I called it.

If posters were to consider whether they had a valid opinion on every subject they add to, before they did. I'm sure the number of nitpicky or irrelevant posts would decline and the real subject matter remain at the fore of the threads.
This would also mean that the original posters would not get naffed off and never come back to the threads with further comments.

There are a lot of people out there - like me I hope, that look at the threads and just shy away - in general from posting because you know that your opinion will just be picked to bits. This therefore only leaves the silly threads to play with and these are rich tea biscuits you can devour millions but they never quite hit the spot i.e the fun threads don't give the disscussion element that obviously we like.

is that clearer? And yes it still is only my perception I know!

[bigdjiver]

If one person writes I think ... and another writes I think .... (which is different) all that is learned is the opinion that they hold.

If the second person gives a reason why they think that first person is wrong, and gives a reason why their opinion might be better, then there is the possibility for errors and omissions in knowledge and thinking to be corrected, and for people to learn.

Apologies for any distress caused, but I will remain in the "fly posting" and "dissembling" groups.

[Lynn]

is that clearer? And yes it still is only my perception I know! Yes, thanks :hug:

If I don't have a lot of time, or if I am in a frivolous mood, I head for the 'light' or 'fun' threads. At other times I want something more substantial. I tend to find that when I am working and I want a 5 min break, then I go for those lighter threads and I'm sure many others do too. But on other threads I do like to think about what I am saying, how I am wording it and so will leave those threads till I have more time.

I'm not fond of 'nit picking' but I have commented at posts if I have felt that someone is doing/saying something they have criticised others for doing. And I wouldn't mind if someone pointed out any inconsistencies in my posting too.

[Andy McGregor]

And I wouldn't mind if someone pointed out any inconsistencies in my posting too.The above post does not mention shoes ...

[LMC]

I've learned so much from reading the 'technical' bits on this forum, but only ever post in a few because I know so little.

Trouble is, no-one can see me sitting there quietly reading, they only see me being noisy and opinionated on the very few threads I feel I can contribute to or being silly in 'ere :wink:


If you have been following several threads then this will mean your name may appear as last poster for several threads in a row.
:yeah:

In the real world, over 90% of communication is non-verbal (93% body/facial expression IIRC). All we get on here is the 7% (well, maybe 9% if you allow a bit extra for the smiley guys) and it can be all too easy to get things 'out of proportion'.

[Gadget]

I've learned so much from reading the 'technical' bits on this forum, but only ever post in a few because I know so little.
I'm not one to with-hold my opinions: be they right or wrong :innocent: And more than once I have been one voice against many who are a lot more knowledgable and experianced than me - this does not make my opinion any less valid; it is my opinion.

I am open to persuasion that this opinion is ill-conceived, badly presented, based on falsehoods, or simply wrong... but you have to convince me :devil: As I will try to show how I arrived at this opinion and convince anyone else that it's right. This is termed "discussion" {or "argument" if you want to be argumentative :wink:} and encourages people to look at things from a different perspective.

It dosn't matter how much or how little knowledge/experiance you have on a subject you are posting on - as long as you are prepared to explain how you arrived at your opinion and are prepared to listen to other people's to perhaps change yours. To any lurkers or new folk: Please post questions & opinions and try not to be intimidated by anyone :flower:

{For example, my opinion and views on Ballroom dancing have been changed due to discussion here - and that's a subject I know very (very) little about.}

[JoC]

To any lurkers or new folk: Please post questions & opinions and try not to be intimidated by anyone :flower:
:yeah: I've received what I believe to be some pretty decent advice and suggestions by posting a question here and there, or at very least I've got a question out there, which is sometimes enough to cause the answer to present itself. :)

[Lucy Locket]

I've been part of some interesting & funny & rude conversations. On a more mature/serious note I've also had a lot of help & advice.

I always look forward to checking out what's been said during the day.

[angelique]

It dosn't matter how much or how little knowledge/experiance you have on a subject you are posting on - as long as you are prepared to explain how you arrived at your opinion and are prepared to listen to other people's to perhaps change yours. To any lurkers or new folk: Please post questions & opinions and try not to be intimidated by anyone :flower:
}
:yeah:
That's quite reassuring to read however I have to admit as
a. a relative newbie on here
b. being relatively new to dancing
c. being quite DENSE when it comes to anything too technical/scientific :blush:

I still find it quite hard to post anything like my own opinion on here unless I am absolutely sure of what I am talking about or if it is something humourous...(or to do with sleazing on the dance floor :wink: ) for fear of being shot down in flames by people who are so conversant in the technicalities of things I'm not an expert on and also using a P.C.! It's difficult and frustrating to argue back when you can't even cut and paste properly :rofl:

I agree that you do learn a lot on here ....one thing that I have learnt is that coming on here and posting on everything is a source of irritation for some and something for which I am guilty so belated apologies to anyone this has affected.

Right then, shoes........ :drool:

[fletch]

I still find it quite hard to post anything like my own opinion on here unless I am absolutely sure of what I am talking about or if it is something humourous...(or to do with sleazing on the dance floor :wink: ) for fear of being shot down in flames by people who are so conversant in the technicalities of things I'm not an expert on and also using a P.C.! It's difficult and frustrating to argue back when you can't even cut and paste properly :rofl:

:
I find that comment sad but tipical of life in general......... :tears: we all want to be excepted. :flower: the danger is watching life go by for the lack of a few full stop and punctuation marks :what: you wont please all the people all the time, be true to you :clap: don't let pc snobs hold you back the forum IS supposed to be fun :hug:
When first started dancing I would neaver ask the good dancers :sad: but its the only way to learn :nice:

Fools rush in.......................................... :flower:

[David Bailey]

:tears: we all want to be excepted. :flower:
Well I know I do... :rofl:
Come on, you are Gadget-spawn, aren't you?

OK, in the more serious vein of this thread, I am clearly one of the Mouthy Git Brigade, and am both conversant in newsgroup protocols and the arcane art of the CTRL+C / CTRL+V incantations :)

This won't change. Similarly, I'll still do lots of pointless posting, for which I'm sure you'll all be glad. :whistle:

However, I think there's a very interesting point about (for want of a better work) "thread-swamping" by MBG-ers; in that we may swoop on a thread within minutes of it being created, and proclaim our opinions to the world. Arguably, waiting a bit for others to come forward may promote a bit more of an opportunity for new / less frequent posters to post their own opinions.

On the other hand, if no-one replies to a thread, it shrinks down into oblivion pretty quickly. Also, I'm not sure if that premise is true - people are pretty welcoming generally, and generally treat newcomers with care and understanding.

I don't have strong opinion either way - there are arguments both ways - but if I had to, I'd say it's better to have lots of frivolous posts (which people can skip) than few posts (which kill off a forum). But then I could be biased by being a frivolous-poster :)

If nothing else, this has made me think a bit about protocols and forum environment, for which I'm grateful.

[Gadget]

Come on, you are Gadget-spawn, aren't you?How prolific do you think I am? :confused::rolleyes:

[Lucy Locket]

:yeah:
That's quite reassuring to read however I have to admit as
a. a relative newbie on here
b. being relatively new to dancing
c. being quite DENSE when it comes to anything too technical/scientific :blush:

I still find it quite hard to post anything like my own opinion on here unless I am absolutely sure of what I am talking about or if it is something humourous...(or to do with sleazing on the dance floor :wink: ) for fear of being shot down in flames by people who are so conversant in the technicalities of things I'm not an expert on and also using a P.C.! It's difficult and frustrating to argue back when you can't even cut and paste properly :rofl:

I agree that you do learn a lot on here ....one thing that I have learnt is that coming on here and posting on everything is a source of irritation for some and something for which I am guilty so belated apologies to anyone this has affected.

Right then, shoes........ :drool:


i'm pretty new here too and i hope i haven't irritated anyone either. I guess you simply have to say your bit. We all have a voice & each one is unique. Sometimes we say things which will upset one person & not another. Be yourself, say what you feel. It's supposed to be fun, take it with a pinch of salt & chocolate & ice cream & popcorn.

As for shoes........................................ :cheers:

[JoC]

CTRL+C / CTRL+V incantations :)
That sounds extremely complicated and very impressive.

[Lou]

arcane art of the CTRL+C / CTRL+V incantations :)Me too!


This won't change. Similarly, I'll still do lots of pointless posting, for which I'm sure you'll all be glad. :whistle: I like your pointless posts! Particularly the ones about footwork. :D


I don't have strong opinion either way - there are arguments both ways - but if I had to, I'd say it's better to have lots of frivolous posts (which people can skip) than few posts (which kill off a forum). But then I could be biased by being a frivolous-poster :) :yeah: (And surely a quieter forum would actually be more off-putting to newbies? I'd be worried about being more obvious and standing out amongst fewer posts - and also worried that no one would reply!).

It always makes me wonder what people think the rest of t'internet is like if they complain that this place is intolerant. :rolleyes:

This place is fluffy. Get over it. :wink:

[David Bailey]

That sounds extremely complicated and very impressive.
Hah, I wish.

Basic Cut&Paste tutorial:
- Select the "thing" (text, object) you want to copy (e.g. highlight some text with your mouse)
- Press the CTRL and the C key at the same time to copy
- Go to where you want to put the copy - e.g. a new post.
- Press the CTRL and the V key at the same time to paste that "thing".
- That's it...

I'm just an unreconstructed DOS-er at heart :)

For quotes, there's more information about them in the lovely FAQ (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3458#howtoquote)

For example:


Come on, you are Gadget-spawn, aren't you?
How prolific do you think I am?
Errr... dunno, but I saw War Of The Worlds on Sunday, I'm still feeling a bit paranoid :)

[Andy McGregor]

I'm just an unreconstructed DOS-er at heart :)It's taken me years to kick the habit - and I still think in Lotus 123 for DOS when using Excel. Does it make you go blind? Or just leave you missing out on new functionality?

[DavidY]

Basic Cut&Paste tutorial:
- Select the "thing" (text, object) you want to copy (e.g. highlight some text with your mouse)
- Press the CTRL and the C key at the same time to copy
- Go to where you want to put the copy - e.g. a new post.
- Press the CTRL and the V key at the same time to paste that "thing".
- That's it...

I'm just an unreconstructed DOS-er at heart :)I was led astray with Ctrl-Insert/ Shift Insert combinations at some point - can't remember when but it was years ago. They still work most of the time

[Gadget]

One thing to add about using "Cut & Paste": it coppies stuff to the windows clipboard.
There is only one clipboard.
All applications running on your computer share it.
It only clears when the computer is re-set (or it asks you when you close an application).

So...
You can copy stuff from an e-mail and paste it into Word.
You can copy stuff from word and paste it into the forum.
If you copy stuff an hour ago, it will still be there waiting for you to paste.
If you copy a forumite's name to paste into a post, then copy some text, the text has just over-written the name on the clipboard.

[JoC]

Basic Cut&Paste tutorial:

What's the female equivalent of a leetle sarcastic get? :innocent:

[Lou]

What's the female equivalent of a leetle sarcastic get? :innocent: :rofl: Nice one!

[David Franklin]

What's the female equivalent of a leetle sarcastic get? :innocent:
[flutter] Oooh... you're so forceful, you hunky, macho thing, you, I could fall in a heap at your feet... [simper] ... Oh, and you're the best I've ever had....
Except no-one can ever work out if Lou is male or female... :whistle:

[JoC]

Great innit? Lou's letting me borrow that one. :D

[fletch]

Basic Cut&Paste tutorial:
- Select the "thing" (text, object) you want to copy (e.g. highlight some text with your mouse)
- Press the CTRL and the C key at the same time to copy
- Go to where you want to put the copy - e.g. a new post.
- Press the CTRL and the V key at the same time to paste that "thing".
- That's it...


For quotes, there's more information about them in the lovely FAQ (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3458#howtoquote)



oh no!!!!! i'm getting really confused :blush: I know its not difficult :really:
I am a blond (well bottle anyway) :eek: i'm not very good at doing things on my own :wink: with or without instructions :rofl: hoping to get some 1 2 1 at the weekend so my performance may improve :D well if the sun doesn't come out :waycool: