swapping screen names

prombabe · Post by **prombabe** » 06 Mar 2005, 15:24

When I was first asked to enter this website no-one seemed to know who anyone was,and the topics were fiesty and energetic, now everyone seems to know everyone else and to put it bluntly, everything is getting a tad too polite and although no doubt I will meet you all one day, I suggest we swap names and get a bit of good ald banter and a bit of debating back into it.
What do you lot have to say

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 06 Mar 2005, 16:46

Swap names - as in a one-to-one thing? Ok, I'll be Bob. Next!

prombabe · Post by **prombabe** » 07 Mar 2005, 10:29

What I meant dadist is that you DONT actually tell people who you are going to be that would defeat the object, maybe it would be better if we all make up new names and start again

Jay · Post by **Jay** » 07 Mar 2005, 10:34

The problem with that, Prombabe, is that I wouldn't remember what name I was!

That's why I've always kept my own name on here!

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 07 Mar 2005, 17:49

prombabe wrote:What I meant dadist is that you DONT actually tell people who you are going to be that would defeat the object, maybe it would be better if we all make up new names and start again

Or we could just cut straight to it and start an argument. Here we go - you spelled "Dadaist" wrong. Bring it.

Gedge · Post by **Gedge** » 08 Mar 2005, 14:03

prombabe wrote:When I was first asked to enter this website no-one seemed to know who anyone was,and the topics were fiesty and energetic, now everyone seems to know everyone else and to put it bluntly, everything is getting a tad too polite

I agree entirely Prombabe. Case in point being the current thread about sciatica. Lots of people saying how sorry they feel for each other. Can you not phone each other to offer sympathy? It's beginning to feel like a bit of an exclusive private club with "in" jokes that people outside the central caucus don't / can't share.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 08 Mar 2005, 14:37

Gedge wrote: It's beginning to feel like a bit of an exclusive private club with "in" jokes that people outside the central caucus don't / can't share.

Gedge if that is the impression that you ant others get then that is really sad. Everyone is free to start topics and to enter into discussion. In the old days some insults, jibes or styles used to rile people but I think that many of us are used to it. It is however, an overstatement to say that we all know each other.

What can we do to change?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 08 Mar 2005, 14:37

Dadaist wrote:Swap names - as in a one-to-one thing? Ok, I'll be Bob. Next!

How come you get to be Bob?

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 08 Mar 2005, 16:06

First dibs. Deal with it.

foxy · Post by **foxy** » 08 Mar 2005, 17:38

Gedge wrote:
I agree entirely Prombabe. Case in point being the current thread about sciatica. Lots of people saying how sorry they feel for each other. Can you not phone each other to offer sympathy? It's beginning to feel like a bit of an exclusive private club with "in" jokes that people outside the central caucus don't / can't share.

To be fair, this is a General Discussion Forum for the community so it's hardly surprising that some people know each other. Personally I know very few people on the forum but still feel able to join in with the chat and offer advice or sympathy...surely that's the point

If you want global or anonimity or both, then this is not the right platform

bellybabe · Post by **bellybabe** » 08 Mar 2005, 18:56

Er...um...actually i think Gedge has a fair point. As does everyone else. There are a lot of in jokes here now, and I suspect that could be daunting for people who aren't as involved (read: sad) as those of us who are more...active. As people have come to know each other, either in reality or virtually, we have become more relaxed with each other and so the forum has become less formal and it's possible we lose something through that.
At the same time though, I also think we've gained an awful lot. And we still have plenty of serious posts, and anyone is welcome to start one. Just one example: Genbunkan (sp?) started off with a first post on a serious topic, one which was widely read and received many responses. We still discuss planning applications, global situations, and you only have to look at the number of posts and views of the congestion charge thread to see that serious discussion still happens here.

So basically my response to these comments is..."yeahbutnobutyeahbutnobutright....".

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 08 Mar 2005, 19:15

Gedge, I can sympathise with another forum member without knowing them personally. A few of us have met up at POL nights out and it's great that new friendships have resulted from the forum, but most of us only know each other virtually.

I think/hope we are a very welcoming community. Inevitably there are in-jokes between people who have 'known' each other for a while - that happens on any forum and in any social situation. How you use the forum is entirely your choice. You can choose to remain anonymous, as many people do, you can post several messages a day or you can enjoy other people's posts without ever feeling inclined to post your own messages.

Our meal on Saturday is a case in point. The invitation was open to all registered members, not just Top 10 posters. I'm looking forward to meeting Foxy, who I don't know, and meeting some of the other folk I have only met briefly.

I guess by 'central caucus ' you mean regular posters? How do you become a regular poster? By posting regularly.

As someone who joined back in September 2003 you are one of our most established members. With 52 posts to date you are a Top 40 poster. You are one of a handful of Porty people with an exclusive Portobello Online T-shirt. Doesn't that make you one of the central caucus as well?

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 08 Mar 2005, 19:26

What, did you show him the handshake?

ali · Post by **ali** » 08 Mar 2005, 20:07

In jokes??? Where??? Am I missing something????

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 08 Mar 2005, 20:19

There's no caucus. And look - our last night out was a very relaxed affair ->

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 08 Mar 2005, 20:19

I agree with Bob. You become a regular on this board by posting regularly. We can't help it if we know each other! Some people on here, I was brought up with

I think this has been a fantastic thing for the community. I personally have made new acquaintances and had some brilliant nights out. It's what you make it and everybody is made welcome whether you're talking drivel or not!

DG · Post by DG » 09 Mar 2005, 11:06

There's no caucus. And look - our last night out was a very relaxed affair ->

I knew I was at the wrong do!

Back to topic though. I really like meeting the people who use the forum, whether regular posters or not. My feeling is that this is about people caring about their community, what happens in it and sharing their opinions. At times

there is no need to argue or disagree however, if we do I don't believe anyone holds back or takes the polite option. I only know (as in 'have met') a handful of people on the forum ... but do find myself trying to quess who could be who when walking around porty

.

DG

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 09 Mar 2005, 14:10

Bob Jefferson wrote:. . . . or you can enjoy other people's posts without ever feeling inclined to post your own messages.

Why don't you try that for a while?

Seriously, Gedge has a point but its simply a fact of life. I know of no other medium where people communicate on a regular basis and don't grow closer and more familiar. Its not designed or intended to be exclusive.

Can Gedge or anyone else think how we can be more inclusive? I'm obvioulsy the best at ideas around these parts and I struggle.

foxy · Post by **foxy** » 09 Mar 2005, 17:21

Porty wrote: I'm obvioulsy the best at ideas around these parts and I struggle.

..and such a modest unassuming chap you are too

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

swapping screen names

swapping screen names

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Re: swapping screen names

Re: swapping screen names