Serious Question For Occasional Posters

[kokopelli]

This post is primarily directed to those posters who only post on the forum occasionally. Most of the posts herein are generated by a handful of regular poster which made me wonder if others are "put off" or overwhelmed by these regulars? This a three part question:

 

a. Does it seem that there is a clique of regular posters who intimidate posting by others?

 

b. Do you feel welcome to post or do you feel ignored or put down by some of the regulars?

 

c. What are your feelings about the frequent banter among the regular posters? Negative or positive or neutral?

 

I visit the other gay forums and, at times, feel like an outsider and that my comments are next to worthless and even get challenged no matter what I may post. On one forum, in particular, a few posters seem to dominate every post and engage in endless, banal banter which I find annoying.

 

Any thoughts?

[Guest thaiworthy]

a. Yes, but not on GayThailand.

b. Not welcome, but ignored or put down, but not on GayThailand.

c. I have no opinion, really. If there is frequent banter, I skim it or skip it and summarily forget it.

 

I visit the other gay forums and, at times, feel like an outsider and that my comments are next to worthless and even get challenged no matter what I may post. On one forum, in particular, a few posters seem to dominate every post and engage in endless, banal banter which I find annoying.

 

I agree completely, so I rarely read or post on those boards, if at all.

[Guest xiandarkthorne]

I drop by almost everyday now to read the posts here but seldom do I feel the need to post anything nowadays. That's not because I've been made to feel unwelcome but more because I don't see many posts that make me want to reply or comment on the subject matter in the posting.

 

I do admit that I stopped coming in here and/or posting because of one or two posters who seemed to delight in taking exception to everything I posted (and often, everything everybody else posts, too) but I've learned to ignore them now, so it really doesn't matter. I told myself I wasn't going to lower myself to their standards by getting into an argument of any kind with trolls.

 

I don't mind the banter between other people either. What's said is often very revealing of the posters' personalities (helps me to decide whom I want to ignore). Nor do I worry about whether anyone thinks my posts are useless - a forum is for posting and as long as I don't start acting like a troll, I could care less what anyone else thinks about me or my posts.

 

Sometimes, too, I've already commented on either the same or a similar post at another forum, so I don't feel inclined to repeat what I've said, as many of the posters here are also members of the other boards where I post.

 

PS

I've just discovered that -

a.I can't reply to any of the messages in my Inbox - the pop up just shows the crazy moving button for a while and then the whole thing hangs until my computer says, "Gaythailand is not responding."

 

b.I'm not allowed to start a new thread in the Comments section (the obvious place to report something screwing up, right?) to report that.

 

c.I'm allowed to start a new thread but after typing in the title, I can't type anything else anywhere else on the page.

 

Should I assume that I am not welcome here?

[Guest jimnbkk]

You feel unwelcome! I'm signed in and posting a reply and the scoreboard at the bottom of this topic says that 0 users are reading this topic. 0 member, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users.

 

I don't exist.

 

sob

[Bob]

b.I'm not allowed to start a new thread in the Comments section (the obvious place to report something screwing up, right?) to report that.

 

Don't get too excited about any of that. I commented about the inoperable "Comments" section long ago but never received a response. It's either not working at all or not working for some posters (and, if it's only not working for some posters, I'd bet that's just a quirk and not aimed at anybody in particular).

 

I'm not sure about your other concerns....but would suggest you send a PM to the owner/moderator if you can figure out how to do that (I'm not sure if you can or can't as I've never tried that route before). Good luck in any event.

 

Regarding choosing not to post here, that's cool. As they say, up to you. Some people might not agree with some things you say but my guess is that any disagreement expressed won't get personal here by most of us. A couple of the posters here are actual "real life" friends of mine and they occasionally express fairly strong opposition to something I've said or suggested. That's cool, I can handle it and, vice-versa, they can too.

[Rogie]

I'm signed in and posting a reply and the scoreboard at the bottom of this topic says that 0 users are reading this topic. 0 member, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users.

 

I don't exist.

 

Don't worry, you exist all right. I think there's a bit of a glitch some where in the software so the 'scoreboard' as you so aptly name it isn't always right. Some while ago I commented on another poster not being visible as being on line when I knew he was as he'd just posted! He replied to say the same about me. He knew I was on line but my name hadn't appeared in the scoreboard even though according to my PC I was signed in.

[Rogie]

I've just discovered that -

a.I can't reply to any of the messages in my Inbox - the pop up just shows the crazy moving button for a while and then the whole thing hangs until my computer says, "Gaythailand is not responding."

 

b.I'm not allowed to start a new thread in the Comments section (the obvious place to report something screwing up, right?) to report that.

 

c.I'm allowed to start a new thread but after typing in the title, I can't type anything else anywhere else on the page.

 

a. I assume that's the inbox where you get messages from the other part of the GT Board. It's nothing to do with the Message Board (which uses PM's which are accessed via the Messenger icon) as far as I know. I never get anything in my inbox, although other lucky members have. I have no idea why if you do have messages they are not retrievable - perhaps another glitch so that the Message Board isn't 'talking' to other bits of the site.

 

b. Bob is right. Nobody else, as far as I am aware, can add a comment either.

 

c. I have no idea why that's happening. I haven't heard of that problem before.

[Guest]

PS

I've just discovered that -

a.I can't reply to any of the messages in my Inbox - the pop up just shows the crazy moving button for a while and then the whole thing hangs until my computer says, "Gaythailand is not responding."

 

b.I'm not allowed to start a new thread in the Comments section (the obvious place to report something screwing up, right?) to report that.

 

c.I'm allowed to start a new thread but after typing in the title, I can't type anything else anywhere else on the page.

 

Should I assume that I am not welcome here?

 

1. Please PM me with more details on this.

2. This should now allow you to post comments there and start threads.

3. Let the page load fully. If you have a slow connection and you scroll down too fast, it often interrupts that page and you just need to hit refresh.

[Guest]

I appreciate this topic very much. I hope that the "occasional posters" will let us know what we can do to make your feel more welcome on the site.

[Guest anonone]

a. Does it seem that there is a clique of regular posters who intimidate posting by others?

 

I have not ever felt unwelcome on this board...or really on any of them.

Each board has its own personality and style. It is to be expected that most find a favorite and that is where they do the majority of posting.

 

b. Do you feel welcome to post or do you feel ignored or put down by some of the regulars?

I would have no issue posting, either as a reply or starting a thread, regardless of any actions of the "regulars".

 

c. What are your feelings about the frequent banter among the regular posters? Negative or positive or neutral?

Positive. The banter is a great part of an interactive board. We are not robots. I enjoy the sense of humor of many of the posters, the different perspectives they bring forth, and the good natured ribbing that takes place. Of course it needs to be within limits, but that does not seem to be an issue.

[pong]

a.no b.no

c.I did not really see that much of banter-but I am quite selective in reading. Of course, all regulars who follow all the other well-known same content boards, know that S-g-t was once plagued by quarrels and twists, but this has been effectively terminated by the new owner since a year or so.

Beside tingtong (which now even does not have at least daily postings anymore) of the 3 boards I seek new information, or some hilarious ''reviews'' or stories. Sadly, this board comes out nr 3 in that ranking.

[Guest xiandarkthorne]

1. Please PM me with more details on this.

2. This should now allow you to post comments there and start threads.

3. Let the page load fully. If you have a slow connection and you scroll down too fast, it often interrupts that page and you just need to hit refresh.

 

Hi Scooby, Thanks. I managed to retrieve and reply to the messages just now.

 

Yes, it was the INBOX and not the messenger that was having the glitch.

 

And Bob, it's not that I don't want to post here at all. I just don't always see posts where I think I can or should make a a comment, whereas any new posts I might want to make do not seem appropriate to me after I've had a look at the other posts here. It's just a different "feel", that's all. Nothing to do with whether I feel welcomed or not.

[kokopelli]

Good responses from the more occasional posters; hope to hear from more of you.

[Nikom]

I read this forum almost daily. I seldom post for several reasons:

 

a. Does it seem that there is a clique of regular posters who intimidate posting by others?

>>>>> Yes, there is a clique of regular posters but in general they are helpful and have good posts. There are a couple who God Made In Heaven and thus can not be questioned!

 

b. Do you feel welcome to post or do you feel ignored or put down by some of the regulars?

>>>> Yes, welcome to post and do not feel ignored. Many readers read the posts and appreciate them but do not reply. However: There are a couple who God Made In Heaven and thus can not be questioned!

 

c. What are your feelings about the frequent banter among the regular posters? Negative or positive or neutral?

>>>> It is really inpolite when someone has posted a serious topic and one or two posters take the whole line onto another subject. Why should these few regulars "banter" in the middle of a serious topic. Their posts should be removed, but I realize that this would cause them to leave the board.

[Rogie]

I seldom post for several reasons:

 

Re: the God Made in Heaven posters. I can't read your mind obviously so have no idea to whom you are referring. I think all the regular posters have their Made in Heaven moments - those posts where we put our heart and soul into it. Perhaps in doing so we risk leaving many readers scratching their heads In bewilderment, but that's usually because that poster is genuinely interested in that topic, which does carry the risk he may not take the casual reader with him. In my opinion we have a good cross section of posters, each of whom has his own personality and lifestyle.

 

It is really inpolite when someone has posted a serious topic and one or two posters take the whole line onto another subject.

 

That happens but in my experience 'serious' topics are rarely totally derailed. Things may go off on a tangent but usually they are just following a natural progression which is largely influenced by the various posters' own knowledge and opinions. Don't forget some topics get dozens of replies so it is only to be expected that the final post may bear little resemblance to the OP. If we were restricted to only relying on-topic in every thread, with the threat of being deleted if we deviated, then you are probably right, we would leave.

[kokopelli]

Interesting responses. I think pong made some good points concerning need for new info, hilarious reviews and stories.

I do think the GT forum is gaining momentum but needs some more variety.

[Guest fountainhall]


but needs some more variety.

 



As one of the regular posters referred to in (a) and perhaps even one of those 'made in Heaven' as suggested by khun Nikom (I think I know why he made that comment and to what/whom it refers), I have kept away from the discussion. But I do agree completely with Koko's suggestion. More variety is needed. The real question, though, is how to achieve that?

 

According to those who have replied so far, the three suggestions made in the OP seem not to be deterrents to posting. Yet, a quick look at some other Boards shows that they are in fact more successful than this at bringing in new posters and keeping them. So one can only assume that something about this Board is holding back new posters. And surely it is new posters that will bring in that missing variety?

 

Over the last year or so, there has been at least one poll to try to find out what people wish to read about. The numbers responding were very small and no conclusion could be drawn. So, what does gt.com lack?

 

Compared to other Boards, we have less Thai political content, less regular info on the Pattaya scene, less up-to-date info on bars, saunas, massage and other gay establishments in Bangkok (where, in any case, we could not complete with specialist sites like cruisingforsex.com), and – in common with the other Boards – almost no news or information outside Pattaya, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Are any of these a deterrent?

 

Plus, unlike other Boards, this site’s home page lists about 140 links to all manner of gay businesses in the country. Whilst the information is not always up-to-date, most have weblinks and so will therefore provide the curious visitor with a whole host of information which, on other sites, usually requires a poster to ask for information before links are provided? I am not saying this is a bad thing – anything but! On the other hand, might it be a deterrent to some posters who then do not need to post to discover the info?

 

The only nugget I can gain from replies so far is that we might consider more posts of good/

bad/indifferent personal experiences in bars etc., tales of offs and how they worked out, and so on. But with quite a few regular posters already in longish relationships, how do we get that info – unless it is through new posters???

[ceejay]

a. I'd describe it as a group of regular posters, rather than a clique and I do not feel intimidated by them.

b. I have always felt welcome to post and never put down here.

c. How I feel about the banter depends on the subject matter of the original post. Usually I find it neutral. Occasionally it adds to the post. Rarely, I think it is very inappropriate.

Perhaps the only way to get the poster numbers up to the level of other gay Thailand boards is to be more like them. Where is the USP for this board then?

Or, Scooby, I suppose you could spend some money. The Bangkokbois blog has, from a standing start, attracted a lot of page hits and a lot of comments very quickly. If you could employ a "house" blogger with a similarly distinctive style, and with enought knowledge of Thailand and plenty to say about it, then perhaps it would bring them here and "seed" the rest of the message board?

[Guest JamesBarnes]

A hectic schedule keeps me from visiting the various boards as often as I would like but this one cannot be beaten for quality posting by generally reasonable and helpful posters.

 

There may be boards that are more sensational, hysterical or popular but none of these ingredients indicate decent content!

 

Gaythailand.com has always made me feel welcome and regularly puts me in touch with people from whom I can learn. Thank you!

 

Best wishes,

 

James.

[Rogie]

A hectic schedule keeps me from visiting the various boards as often as I would like . . .

 

Understandable.

 

You've said some nice things about GT, so allow me to return the compliment and say I will most definitely be looking OUT for the magazine of which you are the editor (I hope I have that right) on my next trip to Thailand.

[Guest JamesBarnes]

Dear Rogie,

 

I hope that you will be back in Thailand soon and pick up a copy of OUT iT FREE (at most gay venues); meanwhile it is also free to download at www.out-in-thailand.com

 

Best wishes,

 

James.

[ChristianPFC]

a. Does it seem that there is a clique of regular posters who intimidate posting by others?

b. Do you feel welcome to post or do you feel ignored or put down by some of the regulars?

c. What are your feelings about the frequent banter among the regular posters? Negative or positive or neutral?

a. Clique yes, intimidating no.

b. welcome

c. I love the banter at SGT, banter elsewhere is positive as well.

 

I have been on Gay Thailand forums (mainly gaybuttonthai and SGT) for some years and have some further comments. Subjects get repeated (in some cases I write again what I think about the subject, sometimes I copy what I wrote elsewhere). I wonder how some people can create such amounts of contents (sometimes very competent). I think I spend too much time on these boards (more than 1 hour per day).

[MrBill]

This post is primarily directed to those posters who only post on the forum occasionally. Most of the posts herein are generated by a handful of regular poster which made me wonder if others are "put off" or overwhelmed by these regulars? This a three part question:

 

a. Does it seem that there is a clique of regular posters who intimidate posting by others?

 

b. Do you feel welcome to post or do you feel ignored or put down by some of the regulars?

 

c. What are your feelings about the frequent banter among the regular posters? Negative or positive or neutral?

 

I visit the other gay forums and, at times, feel like an outsider and that my comments are next to worthless and even get challenged no matter what I may post. On one forum, in particular, a few posters seem to dominate every post and engage in endless, banal banter which I find annoying.

 

Any thoughts?

 

a. Yes, there does seem to be a clique. Intimidating, not now. I stopped visiting for several months because it seemed that all the posts were personal attacks and bully beat downs between regulars that had nothing to do with the thread topic at hand. But that seems to have gone by the wayside.

 

b. Feel welcomed and sometimes ignored. A very few regulars seem to be put off when an occasional poster asks a question that has been asked before. Things change so fast in Thailand that I do not trust info posted months ago let alone over a year. I do appreciate those who don't mind repeating info to help out a new or infrequent user.

 

c.Some of the banter, especially when people disagree over trivial things can be negative.My mom always said, "opinions are like assholes. Everybody's got one." No need for multiple posts of "I'm right and you're wrong." Life's too short let it go!