A Simple Plan

[Madame Pandora]

I don't know how practical this is, but, I just figured rather than continue the backbiting, I would suggest something constructive and see if there was any interest.

Anyway, I am new here. I have met some great people who engage in what I consider to be wonderful conversation. I have also encountered some other people I am not so enthused about, but I know that feeling's mutual. Truth is, I don't know enough about anyone here to harbor any deep feelings, negative or positive. There just seems to be two separate goals that people have when they post on this board, and it’s split people into the unfortunate position of taking sides. This is supposed to be a place of sharing and enjoyment, however, so strife just shouldn’t have to be a focus. There will always be disagreements, sure, but they should be over issues and not the forum itself. This is just my opinion, but I am hopeful that it is shared by others, regardless of their feelings toward me.

It seems a little arrogant to become part of a community and immediately start calling for change, so I hope it is understood that I do this with good intentions.

I've skimmed enough old threads to realize this debate did not begin with me. There is a significant section of Literotica’s regular posters who feel as I do. Rather than continue to fight about it...maybe there is a solution.

I don't pretend to know anything about designing a website, or setting up a BB, but it is possible that the answer could be as simple as dividing the General Board into two separate sections? I mean, surely it is obvious that the Literotica community has expanded...maybe no one has realized that the general posting board needed to expand with it. When any family grows, you build another room onto the home. Maybe that’s all that needs to be done here.

Could Laurel (once she recovers from her trip) possibly set up one General Board for more casual chit-chat and another one for some of the more provocative issues we'd like to discuss? Literotica Cafe and the Literotica Round Table. Just the first names to pop into my head...naturally Laurel or a consensus of members could probably do better.

This way, there could be a place to post the more fun and trivial conversation-like threads and a separate place to post the debate-oriented thought-provoking ones. Certainly, sometimes we all want to be silly, and other times we want to join in a good discussion of serious topics. There is room for both, and maybe it can be set up so that one mindset does not intrude upon the other. I could post in the chit-chat boards when I feel like being silly, and express my views and insights on serious topics when I am hungry for debate.

I would be interested in hearing if others think this is a reasonable, or even practical idea, assuming Laurel would be willing and able to accommodate it and enough others like the concept.

Just trying to make some lemonade out of a lemon of a situation

MP

 

[HSWriter]

I like it...

Madame,
Not only is your idea reasonable and practical, it is very good. I think that this is what Literotica has been lacking lately. This is the way Literotica was built. The members of the BB made suggestions that helped make the site better. I am in favor of giving your idea a shot, if Laurel is interested..

 

[Cheyenne]

Hmmmm.... it is worth a thought. The first hole in the plan I can see would be that many threads start off as one type and end up as another. Silly threads turn serious, and serious threads turn into a flirt-a-thon. I'd hate to feel like that couldn't happen any more since it is part of what makes the bb fun for me. The thread title is just a general guideline- who knows what may lurk when you actually venture inside to read it!

 

[Madame Pandora]

Hmmmm.... it is worth a thought. The first hole in the plan I can see would be that many threads start off as one type and end up as another. Silly threads turn serious, and serious threads turn into a flirt-a-thon. I'd hate to feel like that couldn't happen any more since it is part of what makes the bb fun for me. The thread title is just a general guideline- who knows what may lurk when you actually venture inside to read it!

Certainly there is always going to be some crossover. I don't think anyone is totally unreasonable (okay, I don't think EVERYONE is totally unreasonable...lol). Fun and good debate will always intermingle.

I think the deciding factor could be simply the intent of the thread starter. When I post an idea, I know if I am looking for a serious conversation or a fun chit-chat. I mean...certainly the thread started on Welfare on this board was differently intended than the "Coke or Pepsi" thread. There will always be the fun comment, or the occassional sidetrack. I'm not saying it will be enforced with Nazi efficiency. BUT it would go a long way toward diffising the hostility, I think.

And I think there are probably half a dozen ways to improve on my idea. I mean...maybe there could be 3 sections. One to post hello and thank-you type chit chat, one for the discussion of serious issues, and one just for the "name your favorite song" list type posts. I'm not saying more than 2 boards are warrented. I'm just wondering if at least two will alleviate some of the tension.

MP

MP

 

[FlamingoBlue]

Been there, tried all that....

It just doesn't work here, especially when you have a population that is constantly changing. As for me, I know the folks I can trust to act in a certain way that rubs me wrong. I generally stay away and/or ignore them, except when I am in a "playful" mood. I have found that to work well for me.

Oh, I have found one other thing helpful. If you are consistent in your behavior, folks will be able to figure out who you are, unless that's a problem for you, and I mean you in the generic, not the personal (MP) sense.

Good Luck, MP, but don't think you're gonna change anyone here. I quit trying a loooong time ago. The only person I can change is ME!!!

blue

 

[Shylady]

why don't people just stop complaining? either read the thread or don't read the thread, then move to the next one.

Less work for Laurel that way.

 

[Cheyenne]

Evolution is good!

I wasn't here in the beginning, but was there a time when there were fewer bbs? Maybe when the "how to" board was split from the "general" board- or were they always separate? Evolution isn't a bad thing. The answer I hate the most when I ask someone a question at my job is "I don't know, just because we've always done it that way I guess."

I'm not saying the split in the general board is necessarily a solution, but it sure couldn't hurt to consider it as an option.

 

[Madame Pandora]

Re: Been there, tried all that....

It just doesn't work here, especially when you have a population that is constantly changing. As for me, I know the folks I can trust to act in a certain way that rubs me wrong. I generally stay away and/or ignore them, except when I am in a "playful" mood. I have found that to work well for me.

Oh, I have found one other thing helpful. If you are consistent in your behavior, folks will be able to figure out who you are, unless that's a problem for you, and I mean you in the generic, not the personal (MP) sense.

Good Luck, MP, but don't think you're gonna change anyone here. I quit trying a loooong time ago. The only person I can change is ME!!!

blue

I am not trying to change anyone. I am trying to affect a solution that MIGHT accomodate the differing needs of others.

I don't understand what "finding out who you are" has to do with it. You don't go to a sporting goods store if you're looking to buy cheese. Most people on this board ARE constant with their behavior. Some people lean toward stimulating conversation, while others lean toward casual conversation.

The problem that I myself and the others who have expressed concern on this issue (and there are MANY - I am just a more vocal member, although I'm hoping more of the people who think like me will epxress themselves in this thread), is basically a physical one. I just have trouble weeding out the threads I don't want to participate in. A physical seperation would help.

But then, I am not a person intimidated by change. I can understand why some people might cling to wanting the board to stay the same, but just as so many have pointed out that the community has expanded and altered, so too, does the board, perhaps?

I should hope there is at least, no reason anyone would find the suggestion and discussion of possibility offensive.

MP

 

[Merelan]

"I'm starting with the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways. The message can't get any clearer. If you wanna make a change, take a look at yourself..."
Can you believe I just quoted Michael Jackson?

 

[Myrrdin]

The Board would certainly be easier to navigate, if everyone did the same as Madam Pandora and put a Message Icon in the second column, when they started a thread on the Bulletin Board.It at least gives us some idea what the thread contains.

Can some sort of code out be worked out for this?

eg. the light bulb = an idea.
The ? mark for a question.
for a funny.
for a pointless thread.
etc.

It looks like a simple solution, that means we could all find the threads that interest us, without wearing our mice out pointing an' clicking.

All it takes is the co-operation of the thread starters.

 

[Snoopy]

I am new to posting here but I have been lurking for a few weeks, perhaps a better solution is to understand that the board only belongs to Laurel and Manu and everyone else is a guest here, even if you are registered with a name.

When I was growing up I was taught that when you are at someone else's place you should be polite to their other guests even if you do not like them because your host is kind enough to let you be there.

I am sure they do not enjoy seeing something they created and have put so much heart and effort turn into something so ugly. It was very ugly here last night and that was pretty calm compared to the past week or so.

If you do not like someone move on, you cannot like or be liked by everyone but do not start the troll posting, that just makes it worse.

 

[Madame Pandora]

I am new to posting here but I have been lurking for a few weeks, perhaps a better solution is to understand that the board only belongs to Laurel and Manu and everyone else is a guest here, even if you are registered with a name.

When I was growing up I was taught that when you are at someone else's place you should be polite to their other guests even if you do not like them because your host is kind enough to let you be there.

I am sure they do not enjoy seeing something they created and have put so much heart and effort turn into something so ugly. It was very ugly here last night and that was pretty calm compared to the past week or so.

If you do not like someone move on, you cannot like or be liked by everyone but do not start the troll posting, that just makes it worse.

Snoopy,

Yes, indeed this is the "house" that Laurel and Manu built, and I am not only a guest, but a NEW guest.

However, when a host sets up a forum for discussion, I assume the host does this freely.

As for troll posting, I agree it is disrespectful. I have, as I said before, only posted under a fake name for a HUMOR effect "ie, "The Sheep" in the whispersecret thread. Why exactly would I open myself up for a controversy like this, and then troll post?

If I am to understand your feelings, then there is no room to alter to accomodate differing views? Basically, if I don't like the conversation in the dining room, I can't wander off with a few friends to chat amoungst ourselves on the patio? I have to either stay in the dining room or go home?

That isn't what a host does. Laurel, as I understand it, created this place as an exchange of stories and ideas. Certainly, she anticipated it would evolve as new members began to participate. I'm sure she figured that, by allowing people to express themselves there was going to be some ruffling of feathers mixed in with the flock.

I don't presume to speak for her. I only give her the benefit of the doubt. I enjoy something she has created. That, to me, is the best thing a host could hope for of her guests.

But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

MP

 

[Snoopy]

If I am to understand your feelings, then there is no room to alter to accomodate differing views? Basically, if I don't like the conversation in the dining room, I can't wander off with a few friends to chat amoungst ourselves on the patio? I have to either stay in the dining room or go home?[/B]

Nope not at all, there is plenty of room on the discussion board for all the different views. I said I was taught to be polite to everyone at my hosts house I did not say I had to interact with them, it does not have to be all or nothing.

If you do not like the conversation then do not click on the thread. If you and your friend want to have a chat start yourselves a thread for it and post away.

 

[LacyCasy]

I don't know how practical this is, but, I just figured rather than continue the backbiting, I would suggest something constructive and see if there was any interest

That sounds like a good idea, perhaps you could also start by acknowledging that an apology was made to you about an incident that started some of your backbiting last night.
http://www.literotica.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=21467

I agree with Cheyenne threads change so much from their start to their end.

Blue is right in that you can only change yourself.

Myrrdin's idea would let you know how a thread was started but they do change.

Snoopy hit it right on, the site does not belong to us, it is Laurel and Manu's. The only thing any of us should be telling people that they cannot or should not post are the things that are set out in the site rules.

 

[chatbug]

Could Laurel (once she recovers from her trip) possibly set up one General Board for more casual chit-chat and another one for some of the more provocative issues we'd like to discuss? Literotica Cafe and the Literotica Round Table?

Of course it's Laurel's board to do with as she pleases, but I am in favor of this suggestion. I've noticed that the other sections of the board generally stay within topic. I gotten good suggestions on the Editor's forum, and have posted on the Author's Hangout.

 

[Bigdog]

I think expanding the BB is a good idea. The problem as it stands now isn't the "serious or silly" scenario but more of an overload of users. The General Board is the catch-all for threads that don't fit into any other specific category very well. Since the number of users has grown to over 10,000 the traffic on the General Board is such that during busy periods a post 4 hours old can be down on page 3. This makes it very frustrating to follow up on an interesting thread and easy to miss out on a thread directed to or about you.

As for the notion that asking for changes to the BB is stepping on the host's toes, nothing is further from the truth. Laurel and Manu encourage feedback from us and often make changes based on our suggestions or input. Case in point, both the SRP board and the Personals board were created to redirect certain posts away from other boards. This was done to maintain a certain style and flavor on the original boards, not to banish any one type of poster.

It is time for the BB to evolve; if anyone wants to be involved, send Laurel an e-mail with your suggestion. Be constructive rather than whiney and you just might log on one day and see your ideas implemented.

 

[KillerMuffin]

I like this idea personally, particularly the names, makes it more user friendly. Or just a more friendly sounding board than General Board. I knew a General once, he wasn't very friendly.

However, how would this affect the database? How much would it cost Laurel? Would it be a pain? Would it really be better?

 

[April]

I like MP's idea. Much like a teenager suddenly sprouting up in the space of a couple of weeks, the General Board's clothes are too small and confining.

At the very least, it's worth more discussion.

 

[Merelan]

Nice idea, but doesn't take into account for human nature. There is no way to keep the styles separate. They change too much, too often. One person's idea of serious threads and another persons will be different. Who would decide, and what about those that start one way, and turn another.

 

[R Nitelight]

Discounting the Site Announcements and the Award Nominations. there are ten different Boards. I've posted on all of them.
Some of my posts have been serious.
Some of my posts have been silly.
I've posted whatever the situation called for. I've posted silly and serious on the same thread.
You can split the General Board into two parts if you like, and for a time I'm sure they'll look like distinct entities, but I'm willing to bet that over time they'll start to blend until you won't be able to tell the two apart.
Leave it be. Post what you want. Have fun.

 

[Purple Haze]

I've been silly and serious in the same sentence.

Silly and serious, I've seen attempts at being serious that look silly, and I've seen silly attempts taken seriously. If I have to endure anymore debates on Silly versus Serious, fuck man.

I like the idea of having more than one General Board, it's like an over-crowded room sometimes. Being as we freely discuss a diverse range of topics, it would be hard to name them. I don't think two are enough though,
and trying to divide the serious from the silly ain't gonna happen, and I'm glad for that.

Maybe the General Board could be expanded into like rooms in a mansion, kind of like chat rooms are. You could have a Library and a Conservatory and a Rumpus Room, nah... then you'd have people bitching that you're not supposed to discuss books in the garage. "Sparky, take that thing back to the kitchen where it belongs."

Could you split the General Board into five? Probably, there are certainly enough posters for it. Should they be categorized by subject? Hard to do, too many subjects, too many interests.

What you name the rooms wouldn't matter to me because I would be more interested in who's in there and what they're talking about. We would all find our favorite rooms. I would just hope the there isn't a counter on the number of posts per room.

 

[Oliver Clozoff]

I understand the point made by several posters that silliness and non-silliness are impossible to fully separate, but I don't think this is what MP has suggested (nor do I think any of the parties involved in this conflict would find such a solution desireable, even if it was possible).

Bigdog's post was excellent, he's right on - this board has grown to include an enormous number of posters with wide and divergent goals and ideas of what they want to get from their time here. A "this board a'int big enough fer the two of us" kind of disagreement like this seems to have been inevitable in retrospect.

He's also right to point out the success of the role-playing and personals boards as examples of more specialized boards that have been successful in specializing in a narrowed field of discussion. When the personals board was first opened, there was a lot of joking and silliness until Laurel posted a message that stays at the top of the board, reminding posters that the board is only for placing and responding to personals. Perhaps the new board could have statement declaring its purpose as a more serious place for discussion.

I think a new board would benefit everyone. Those who want a more serious discussion get less frivolity knocking their posts from page 1. Those who just want to have fun get to post as often as they'd like without hearing complaints.

Who loses here?

[Edited by Oliver Clozoff on 01-06-2001 at 05:51 PM]

 

[Cheri]

Hey I'm all for new and interesting things, have you all tried that green ketsup yet? We'll have to ask Laurel what is feasible without making her and Manu's life more stressful. My only worry would be the constant wondering what interesting thread I was missing buried in the back pages of each board. Case in point, I am convinced that Dixon has declaired his undying love and devotion to me. Unfortunately since I haven't responded, he's replaced me with some Hollywood silicone bimbo! But if I just dig with enough diligence, maybe, just maybe I'll find it and get to ride into the sunset on the back of a white horse.....wait for me, my prince.

 

[Whispersecret]

I think the idea is a great one. I also think we should hear from Laurel about its feasibility. I don't see a down side to trying it. If it doesn't work, we'll try to find a solution.