When Did This Forum Become Negative?

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by ewalling

This seems more a case of Internet hypersensitivity than anything else, as far as I can see. Negativity? Really? Then again, perhaps we 'foreigners' do tend to be a bit more negative than North Americans, although I don't think we quite see it like that. Perhaps the rising tide of negativity you perceive over the last 10 years could have something to do with AGF becoming less the small American 'family' it once was and more the international forum it now is, or aspires to be. But I have noticed at work here in the US, one has to be very careful about criticizing a system, a policy or anything that reflects on someone else's efforts. In Europe, at least, I think people are much more likely to express dissent more assertively. Maybe it is partly this more strident way of exchanging opinions that has upset the OP so much.

I think you may be on to something. This forum is well moderated and the OP has engaged in as many "strident" comments as many others. We all do at times. It can't, and shouldn't be all about agreeing on every issue, there should be constructive and spirited debate.

But as you point out quite well, we're becoming much less open to criticism and differing opinions, on anything. So a retreat to a safe space seems reasonable to far too many.

[nitram]

Originally Posted by sled

Yep, I knew this would happen. You let one European in, next thing you have another, then another, then there goes the neighborhood.....

Hey! Don't forget us Canadians...You ALWAYS forget us Canadians.

Originally Posted by nitram

Hey! Don't forget us Canadians...You ALWAYS forget us Canadians.

Who? Oh, . . . . yeah . . . .

[JakeStone]

I have only been participating here for a couple years...
Always enjoyed Pastor Steve's comments and guidance.

Best to you Steve .. Hope you decide to come back!

[crikey]

When I became old and cranky.

But seriously, who asks a question like that, states their intention to 'leave the building', and then doesn't actually go hide in a the AGF Forum closet to spy on us hashing this out? C'mon, Steve.

[RP]

Originally Posted by crikey

When I became old and cranky.

As we old and cranky Baby Boomers either die off, lose interest, or leave for whatever reason, it's safe to assume that other "younger" members will enter the room. With them comes a different perspective, a different temperament, and a different humor. While "Be Nice" is a great guideline, everyone's definition and execution of that is going to vary...

[sled]

Originally Posted by A-Mac

Who? Oh, . . . . yeah . . . .

Yeah...... those guys....

[BrunoBlack]

Originally Posted by nitram

Hey! Don't forget us Canadians...You ALWAYS forget us Canadians.

Bunch of hosers too busy exercising their Molson Muscle to get into a kerfuffle Eh.

[ghostnote]

Unfortunately, the rules apply to everyone.
I'm not being snarky, but as long as those people referred to in the OP aren't breaking those rules, then they have the same rights as all of the thoughtful, considerate members. The argumentative types annoy me, too, but if we want a free exchange of ideas and information - that's what we get.
This place is MUCH more well behaved than most others.

[Methos1979]

It's part human nature, part internet forum nature. My favorite saying around here is that no thread that starts good natured is going to end that way! If I was a young person in college looking for a thesis project I think this subject would be very interesting with no shortage of examples from any forum.

Generally speaking, this forum is one of the better ones. I agree with the OP that most here are great and I've formed some great friendships. There are also some that just can't help themselves and need to be contrary. When I see them show up on a thread I grab the popcorn and wait for the show to start.

Sorry to see Steve go as he's one of the good ones. I understand his desire to leave before 'becoming one' of the trolls. He's right though, if you don't feed them, they crawl back under their bridge to await the next unsuspecting poster. I hope you make your way back here someday. Most people that quit and post about it eventually do! We'll welcome you back with open arms!

[jpd]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

The AGF forum overall has a very positive vibe where many knowledgeable and helpful people contribute. Great moderators also.
There will be some friction here and there, but that's life isn't it.

That's what the people say..."

[Jobe]

I read here almost every day. I enjoy this place. I guess I don't understand. Your 'leaving' post is the most negative thing I've read here in recent memory. I have to go shovel snow now. But I would rather be here. Priorities. We choose. The best to you.

[amyFB]

Originally Posted by RP

...While "Be Nice" is a great guideline, everyone's definition and execution of that is going to vary...

This surprises me.

I don't know how anyone can misinterpret "be nice".
It means - say or do things that are pleasing to hear or see.

It's simple opposite is "don't be mean". That's pretty simple to me.
It means - don't say or do things that harm or make other people unhappy or sad.

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by amyFB

It's simple opposite is "don't be mean". That's pretty simple to me. It means - don't say or do things that harm or make other people unhappy or sad.

Well, it's not so easy to anticipate what makes another person unhappy or sad. If someone criticizes Lakewood guitars and I have a Lakewood (which I do), is that person being mean to me by not considering that someone on the forum might have a Lakewood and an extremely tender sensibility?

Sense of humour is also a tricky area. Teasing someone or 'taking the pee,' as it's termed, is a form of intimacy in the UK. In the US, it can be confrontational or rude. We may try to suppress our natural conversational instincts here and put on a bland attitude of approval and congratulation, but the beast will out at times, and tears will be spilled.

P.S. If anyone's considering trashing my Lakewood, be warned that I have an extremely tender sensibility!

[Jobe]

Your Lakewood smells of elderberries and was built by a hamster.