Getting tired of it...

[carol]

I'm tired of people referring to these "greats". What does that make me and 99% of the rest of the users of this site? Ingrates?

Even the "greats" attack.

Well, everyone has their own criteria regarding what deserves the title "great". I think what many people are referring to are members who have years of experience in keeping, breeding, raising, genetics, health issues, etc. and were always quick to help out and not "attack". These members also sat around this forum in it's infant stages just waiting to help people so this site could grow. Of course, there are many others here that don't have that experience that are also "great" in their own way.
However, word games aside. I have to agree with Dean. I think I'll always participate here to a degree, but the ratio for experienced keeper topics to beginner/chit chat topics has changed. There is no denying things have changed. Depending on how you feel, that could be good, bad, or neither. I do strongly feel that due to varying factors, this site has lost many members that had an immeasurable wealth of experience and proved they were happy to share it and I'm just not sure how it's going to recover from that. But like I said, maybe that wasn't the direction people wanted this site to go anyway, so who am I to say that's "bad". :shrugs: I go to whatever forums have the flavor of what I'm in the mood for.

 

[Tula_Montage]

The source!

This is where I come in with more controversial crap...

Yesterday I joined the new "private" experts ONLY forum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.com - Run by Canadian breeder Caroline Piquette.

Within typing one word into chat (which btw was "evening") I was banned. Simply because one little boy decided he didn't want me there. And so the heard followed. I have the chat logs from the last few nights in CCCorns chatroom - And its rather disgusting how much of a concern I seem to be.

Nontheless I busied away on the new forums, rather enjoying what it had to offer. I made literally 2 posts, a member introduction and one on my lavender Lacey. Both were well manned and received well.

HOWEVER low and behold logging in today I couldn't - Then I find this:

Sorry Elle but I can't keep you here.

I know you are here to put trouble. Just you first thread show an attitude I
don't like and don't want here. A lot of peoples work hard for this to be a
peaceful place and I can't take chances with you. So I have to remove you as a member here.


Caroline Piquette

I would NOT have mad this public but I am appalled at the utter contempt, ignorance and snobbery from certain members on that forum. Namely the ones who find themselves too great to visit this site anymore - The abandoners you could say.

I understand that my first impressions on everyone were terrible almost a year ago - but when was the last time I was officially associated with any trouble on CS.com

If you ask me - the new site is no better than here. If you do join to escape the newbies here, you will only be faced with ignorant "experts" who want it their way or nothing at all. I do not blame Caroline for banning myself, she only has the best interests of the source in mind - and I'm sure the pressure to get shot of me from the experts was too much I feel sooooo rejected :sobstory:

 

[bjc7487]

ive had my snakes for about 5 yrs now, and just joined this forum, and im very reluctant to even post on here because of reading all the negative things people say when they conflict opinions. seems like the newbies have to almost be initiated or something. :shrugs: i like this forum and i like to read all the informative threads and the pictures, but the drama i see on here sometimes is just annoying, it gets in the way of the actual purpose of the forums.

 

[Dreqqus]

wow that sucks. I'm a lurker rarely post but i hadn'te really notived much of a change, some faces missing but that happens. And yeah the snobbery of that other sit is well beyond amazing. Wow!

 

[Tula_Montage]

ive had my snakes for about 5 yrs now, and just joined this forum, and im very reluctant to even post on here because of reading all the negative things people say when they conflict opinions. seems like the newbies have to almost be initiated or something. :shrugs: i like this forum and i like to read all the informative threads and the pictures, but the drama i see on here sometimes is just annoying, it gets in the way of the actual purpose of the forums.

If you think this is bad, Join "the source"!!!!

I honestly love this forum... I make it damn obvious as I contribute something everyday - be it friendly blabble, pictures, advise or just a welcome to a new member. It all adds up, and shaped this forum into the friendly community it is.

Sometimes little things are blown well out of proportion - ie that chat room incident. That obviously got people going - thus those angry members sick of the nooobie infancy created their own little retreat. I hope its everything they want it to be.

But for those that don't seem to qualify for that, then CS will be your best EVER source for consnake information. I'm stickin here... I like the remaining members who contribute so much ie Mike, Katie, Lore, Dean, Chris, Dale etc etc... I could go on but these guys posts make my day :shrugs:

 

[CaptBogart]

I'm for once finding it hard to write a decent reply. I've already deleted and started over a couple times... This, for me, is a fun site. I don't really get involved in the basic, repetitive, threads anymore because after awhile I figured out that most people hear what they want to hear and are hoping at least someone will agree with their views for self validation. I rather like the photo gallery, and in the Genetics forum I still stumble across old threads with valuable info I didn't know. I've actually found some where a now common morph was "discovered", (quite entertaining reading). If a thread shows lots of replies I have to check it out... like driving slow past an accident out of morbid curiosity. :grin01: For serious conversation though, I have to go elsewhere, and that's just the facts. I lose interest having to wade through the off topic rants, hijacking, and petty bickering, to the point it's more irritating than helpful. As far as gleaning useful information for a pet keeper, it's time well spent reading repetitive posts...

 

[ghosthousecorns]

I'm torn in two. I like the other forum, I like it here. But this is home, this is where I have been a member since '04, this is where I feel welcome and feel like what I have to say carries some weight. I really miss the people that left, but they must have had their reasons. I'm not much of a computer junkie so it's hard to belong to both sites and sit on a fence... I've always been rather tolerant of newbies and their questions anyway, and I like the silly threads on here like your top five bands. I guess cs will never be quite the same but it's still a good place IMO

 

[pkeafergus]

Well - I am a newbie who has read alot but has very little experience - I have fed our little guy 4 times without problems and I read alot of posts here but do not answer because I would just be repeating something I've read and I know someone who has actual experience will answer. I try to respond occassionally to things I can comment on - or pictures I really like. I hang around to learn - in case I ever have a problem - maybe I will have already read about it and have an idea what I need to do so I won't be paniced looking for info. I scan and then tend to ignore the posts that get everyone in an uproar.
I just want to thank those of you that are here - I am sure that what I have learned here has helped make our new pet problem free so far and hopefully he'll stay that way! I would have liked to have seen what this site was like before...as everyone keeps saying - I would probably still be a bit of an observer since I am not a breeder anyway - but I think there is still enough knowledge here for any problems I might come across as a pet owner and I enjoy looking at everyone's pictures - esp the ones that are in focus!

 

[CornCrazy]

OK...I really don't know where to begin. I, for one, have been very busy at work and have not had much time to be on any forum lately. I've been really missing it. I used to really enjoy being able to "talk" with people who had the same passion that I do.

I do not, however, miss all of the nastiness that had really gotten out of hand prior to and after the chat incident. I do not believe it was the chat incident that caused everyone to leave, either. I think that was just the "straw" on the camel's back...

This site has been changing quite a bit over the last year or so. We've gotten more and more trouble makers. Honestly, it breaks my heart. I miss the "home" atmosphere that this forum used to have.

 

[zwyatt]

im very reluctant to even post on here because of reading all the negative things people say when they conflict opinions.

Links, pls.


Views and opinions expressed in this post are aimed at no one person in particular.


I hear all this talk about the terrible negative things that go on and all the snobbery, newbie bashing, and on and on, but can I see some references?

Now, I know that some of this sort of thing goes on (as it does on nearly every forum ever in existence, it seems). Maybe, it's just that I haven't been able to spend nearly the amount of time as I used to on the forum, but I don't see most of this stuff going on. I still look through the husbandry and health sections and try to answer a few questions if nobody else has answered them yet, but I must just be completely missing all the antics that seem to always get people worked up.

Mabye it's just me, but can anybody, off the top of there head, cite more than 1 or 2 of these "negative" posts/blow-ups that they are referring to (excluding the chat fiasco)? The only thing that I can remember are the multiple threads similar to this one, where everyone loves to moan and complain about how people are being negative and harsh with how they answer questions. If it weren't for these threads, I'm not sure I would notice it.:shrugs:

Don't get me wrong, I have definitely noticed the changes around the forum with respect to many newer members who seem to be less technical and more casual members, which tends to cause some friction at times. It just seems that, to an extent, everyone likes to make a mountain out of a mole hill regarding the "intermittent" negativity.

 

[Nanci]

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45797

 

[mbdorfer]

It just seems that, to an extent, everyone likes to make a mountain out of a mole hill regarding the "intermittent" negativity.

Bada Bing! :cheers:

 

[Tula_Montage]

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45422&highlight=tararose

 

[Tula_Montage]

Bada Bing! :cheers:

I have to agree... However most negativity these days are from new members refusing to take advice from people who have been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

HOWEVER I still think creating an "elite" forum was very petty and that will not solve any problems. I see a lot of members on there that are on here and that have been known to cause a lot of negativity. And of course now the "private" forum has had a little publicity, theres going to be even more new members. I hope Caroline finds the time to track them all down and revome them also.

 

[PtDnsr]

I probably really should just keep my mouth shut but here goes nothing...

IMO it's not so much the negativity (but there does seem to be more in the overall tone) as the "it's not home" atmosphere that's been mentioned a lot. I'll be the first to admit I don't have as much time to post and read as I used to but I still manage to get on at least once a day. As far as the "greats" they were part of that homey atmosphere that (for the most part) we all liked. Sure there were issues but it was more like siblings. Now it seems that there's just petty bickering going on to some extent. I also don't think it comes down to the old guys vs. the newbies. There are some newbies on here that I respect a lot because they have taken the time to do their research, can type correctly, and also type intelligently. There are other newbies I completely ignore because of the apparent rudeness (intended or not), typing, and chat-speak . I will always come to this forum as it's what helped spark my interest. I think that this forums can still be great but we need to get over this rut that we're in and do something about it. If we don't like the negativity start saying something positive (or nothing at all). Go out of your way once a day to say something nice that may not get said otherwise. It's not that hard. Besides - I don't like to deal with the same drama at home that I do at work.

~Katie

P.S. - I would also like to point out that the whole negativity about the other forum isn't helping things. I know that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I respect that. But I also think that we shouldn't dwell on that fact or it will keep dragging everyone down. Besides - if there's a big split in the corn world it will royally mess with things down the road (think genetics, proving things out, etc.). My 2 cents.

 

[Nanci]

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45303&page=1&pp=40

 

[zwyatt]

Mabye it's just me, but can anybody, off the top of there head, cite more than 1 or 2 of these "negative" posts/blow-ups that they are referring to (excluding the chat fiasco)?

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45797

This illustrates my point perfectly. That's one link off the top of your head. If the forum were overflowing with this stuff and it was really weighing on your mind that heavily, you should have been able to tell me several cases where this had recently happened. I'm not exclusively talking about offering links to the threads. I'm saying that if it was so rampant and you were so aware of it, you should be able to say, "Well, Zach, it's been happening in the tara rose cohab thread, the whatever thread, the this thing thread, etc, etc.

Instead, I only see one. It took 10 minutes before you were able to pull up the next one. Certainly, if I fired up the search function, I could eventually find a whole host of threads...if I wanted to keep dredging up old issues.

I'm not in any way trying to pick on you. I'm only trying to illustrate my point. Twenty other people could each post a link to one thread that came to their mind, but unless a significant number of those twenty can easily cite more than just 1 or 2 intances, I just am not buying the story that it's such an out of control problem on this forum.

IMO it's not so much the negativity (but there does seem to be more in the overall tone) as the "it's not home" atmosphere that's been mentioned a lot.

I agree with this. Meaning that I believe it's just an overall shift that has caused the forum to feel less like home. When I log in, just skimming down over the new threads and such, it doesn't have the same feel...but it's not at all related to negativity.

In all honesty, I do believe it is related to many of the newer members...HALT! I'm not condemning all new members. In general, a fair number of the newer members just seem to have a...how should I put it..."different style". There's nothing inherently wrong with it, it's just different. It's not to my taste, but I can't admonish them all just for that reason.

 

[carol]

I don't really get involved in the basic, repetitive, threads anymore because after awhile I figured out that most people hear what they want to hear and are hoping at least someone will agree with their views for self validation.

Great point, this is another main reason I've been on the quiet side lately. There is more than enough information to be found by searching this site, and I get tired of spending 30 minutes typing information that could have been found in a 30 second search. When I do take the time, it's rarely appreciated and that person just goes for the advice they wanted to hear in the first place, and I'm evil for offering an opinion that requires work.

Every forum you go to is going to have an administrator that is prone to human error. No one is ever going to go to a forum where one agrees with all the actions of the admin. It's no secret that I'm not a big fan of how some were treated here, but I try to not let that ruin the site for me.

Tula, you can't tell me you're that upset. See if from this perspective, these are all attributes you gave yourself...
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showpost.php?p=366821&postcount=26
Surely you can see why an administrator would be shy of someone who proclaims themselves to be psychotic and annoying. Not to mention someone who seems to pride themselves for wasting an administrator's time enough to ban you three times. I have nothing against you personally, but I do admit I'm always suspicious of what your motives are. I remember when Chat here was in full swing, you were quite proud of being banned, and quite proud of getting people all in a stir. I'm sure Caroline was there many of those nights as well and remembers the disrespect you had for Rich's time and energy. Can you really blame her for not wanting to go there? I personally wouldn't have kicked you until you acted up. However, banning someone who is a self proclaimed trouble maker (and proud of it) before they cause trouble does not make it secret or snobby. That's as much of a strech as saying this place is the perfect place to go for cornsnake information because Tula makes so many "nice" posts here. :shrugs:

 

[Tula_Montage]

Great point, this is another main reason I've been on the quiet side lately. There is more than enough information to be found by searching this site, and I get tired of spending 30 minutes typing information that could have been found in a 30 second search. When I do take the time, it's rarely appreciated and that person just goes for the advice they wanted to hear in the first place, and I'm evil for offering an opinion that requires work.

Every forum you go to is going to have an administrator that is prone to human error. No one is ever going to go to a forum where one agrees with all the actions of the admin. It's no secret that I'm not a big fan of how some where treated here, but I try to not let that ruin the site for me.

Tula, you can't tell me you're that upset. See if from this perspective, these are all attributes you gave yourself...
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showpost.php?p=366821&postcount=26
Surely you can see why an administrator would be shy of someone who proclaims themselves to be psychotic and annoying. Not to mention someone who seems to pride themselves for wasting an administrator's time enough to ban you three times. I have nothing against you personally, but I do admit I'm always suspicious of what your motives are. I remember when Chat here was in full swing, you were quite proud of being banned, and quite proud of getting people all in a stir. I'm sure Caroline was there many of those nights as well and remembers the disrespect you had for Rich's time and energy. Can you really blame her for not wanting to go there? I personally wouldn't have kicked you until you acted up. However, banning someone who is a self proclaimed trouble maker (and proud of it) before they cause trouble does not make it secret or snobby. That's as much of a strech as saying this place is the perfect place to go for cornsnake information because Tula makes so many "nice" posts here. :shrugs:

I commend you Carol - for seeing some sort of reason in all of this.

HOWEVER I do not understand how on earth any of that BS could be taken seriously?! If THAT kind of sarcasm condemns someone then I just don't know what to say.

No I am not upset about not being part of the elite team - I am PROUD I am not associated with it.

As for being banned - Twice was for being arrogant, silly, rude etc. Once was a complete misunderstanding of the use of my Scottish slang towards another member - Not that I need to clarify or justify myself. I apologised to Rich on all 3 occasions. I DO respect his authority and his decision to ban me on those occasions.

I DO NOT respect Carolines decision in any way shape or form. If she is that precautions, doubting and downright paranoid thats her problem. Personally I think it was a weak decision which she only made to shut other members up that she obviously values (ie the ones that handed over the $25)

 

[tyflier]

Well, Zwyatt...just off the top of my head--

There are the 2 threads started by TaraRose in which she was repeatedly chastised simply for seeking out ALL opinions, not just one. And she wasn't told just once...she was repeatedly chastised by many different people, over and over in 2 different threads.

There was the whole jdizzy to pcs username sweitch wherein someone was trying to "startover". Now in all fairness, he didn't deserve a second chance, as it turns out, true enough. But folks didn't wait until he acted up before they started being negative.

There was the whole cs.com video thread. Granted, PCS needed to learn how to take respectful criticism. But a good lot of the thread was not so much respectful criticism as it was bashing.

There was the Q + A thread where there was a good deal of bashing going on. An it wasn't just geared towards one individual.


Then, of course, there are the threads where people deserve the disrespect that they recieve, but they are overtly negative just the same. Those would include, but not be limited to 2 different threads by JGAust and 2 different threads by some pirate guy. Now I will grant you that those threads were utterly ridiculous and the negativity and disrespect brought about were more or less deserved. But again, they were overtly negative in tone, and, In my very humble opinion, the tone takes away from the board as a whole.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying that the whole forum is becoming some bashing-ground where people need to start worrying about being harrassed everytime they state an opinion. It's not THAT bad. But I have noticed a trend, very, very recently, like the last few weeks, in which one person will make a comment which suggests someone is doing something wrong, and out of nowhere there comes this throng of people behind, all saying the same thing, but each one getting progressively less respectful, until the person who started the topic or is being accused of wrongdoing feels like they are being insulted personally about their husbandry skills.

As I said, I really don't think their is an "overwhelming" amount of negativity. But there does seem to be a recent trend of gang-piling over matters of opinion which just seems uncalled for and unnecessairly disrespectful.

This is, of course, merely my $.02 Your mileage may, and probably wil, vary...