What's The State of the Board?

[Lancecastor]

Hi;

I've bumped a sicxpack of old threads containing some rousing discussion about this place from a couple of years ago.

This was done by request, and it seems like a good notion to give some thought to the state of this board every now and then anyway...perhaps some backlooking will help.

In my opinion, the BDSM segments of Lit have been watered down with the forum split; far fewer post here less frequently in my estimation as a result...which is what I predicted would happen.

I like a lively board where there's room for all.

What is the state of this board today?

discuss.

 

[Vixandra]

From what I've seen-
Part stable, "standard" BDSM
Part oh dear, the world's ending, can I/he/she/they really do this?
and Part- hey, lets stir up stuff.

But then that's just what I've seen.

 

[Scarlett_t2]

I have a huge bottle of salt some weeks I need it alot...others I do not...
Scarlett

 

[AnelizeDarkEyes]

Interesting question. From my point of view, I find the board to be much "less" than it was prior to the split. I find very few current threads that interest me, and continue to note that the "meaty" threads are those from the past that continue to get bumped and added to by newer members.

Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily, but it is interesting to note that there has been a drop off those on those with real time experience posting with any kind of regularity on BDSM topics.

~anelize

 

[Netzach]

I'm too busy beating people, I guess.

 

[Caitlynne]

Interesting question. From my point of view, I find the board to be much "less" than it was prior to the split. I find very few current threads that interest me, and continue to note that the "meaty" threads are those from the past that continue to get bumped and added to by newer members.

Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily, but it is interesting to note that there has been a drop off those on those with real time experience posting with any kind of regularity on BDSM topics.

~anelize

I agree, here.

There has been a definite drop off in 'meaty' discussions, and I miss the 'old days' (when I lurked mostly) when there seemed to be just 'more' BDSM talked about. Maybe I'm just expecting too much though.

I'm not sure that a causal relationship can be linked to the split of the forum. There might be a combination of many factors that has contributed to the decline of posting, including the split of the forum.

All I can say is this--I think that it *is* good to evaluate the forum every now and again. Communication being the hallmark of BDSM, it fits that we would discuss the state of the BDSM forum.

Nothing stays the same, it either grows or it decays, but it does not stay the same.

~ Cait

 

[Etoile]

California.

Encinitas, specifically.

 

[AngelicAssassin]

20 hops to the target with occasional lag spikes at so-2-0-0.cr2.iad1.us.above.net [64.125.29.242].

 

[Daddyslilpet]

Oh Lancey poo... nice to see you haven't changed one bit.

Things too quiet over on the GB or Playground for ya darlin? Is him bored???

 

[catalina_francisco]

I agree things need evaluation periodically...part of why one of the threads I wanted as a sticky when I was asked to moderate was the Suggestion thread....gives an opportunity for people to place their thoughts and positive, constructive suggestions as to how things could be made more user friendly. It floats free, and as it is unrealistic to expect daily ideas from posters who often log on with little time to spare, it has disappeared into the black hole.

We do have a board full of great people of various backgrounds and interests, but I have found that while some (not all) are ready to raise issues and often in a loud, disruptive manner, they are not willing to do anything positive to add to improving what they see as gaps in the daily working of the board, such as posting. I used to be one who complained occasionally, but I also made an effort to do something constructive, as do many others who see room for improvement. Lurking is nice, but it doesn't do much toward the board as a whole unless people delurk and get out there posting and discussing.

Lancecastor, you yourself have in long past days made some brilliant posts, but we rarely see you now so why feel then inclined to come here out of the blue to post something critical....and why do you need to bump threads for someone else? They don't have the courage to do it themselves? I gather they have a PC otherwise it would be of little importance to them.

I see little relevance in resurrecting past arguments about the board, as many of those who posted at that time are no longer with us, and the argument as such is then not the same, it is past history. It is sad we have lost so many good posters, mostly over such heated issues and continual harrassment from a small minority, and who still maintain they will not return specifically because they see those people still remain throughout Lit and still employ the same tactics to remove anyone they don't personally approve of or have on their personal friend list. Is not a big attraction.

I figure no matter how good a board may be, there is always room for improvement. If people want more posting, more topics discussed, they have to be willing to take some responsibility for that happening, not sit on their hands and play critic and expect it to magically happen, or more to the point, for others to provide the meat for the rest to digest. Even the most inexperienced have something to offer. I know many have time constraints, but even a post a day, or week, all helps to keep it alive. A discussion board will go through ups and downs as a normal part of it's life, but without input from a wide and large group of people it will surely die. Bit like a baby...don't give it the love, food and liquids it needs to survive, everyone hoping someone else remembers to do it, it will most likely die of neglect. By all means have an opinion, it is needed to keep things alive, but also balance it with 'positive' input.

Catalina

 

[FungiUg]

Bored.

 

[catalina_francisco]

Interesting question. From my point of view, I find the board to be much "less" than it was prior to the split. I find very few current threads that interest me, and continue to note that the "meaty" threads are those from the past that continue to get bumped and added to by newer members.

Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily, but it is interesting to note that there has been a drop off those on those with real time experience posting with any kind of regularity on BDSM topics.

~anelize

Have to agree Anelize. Seems twins think alike more often than not.

Catalina

 

[Xelebes]

People come and go, it happens with every forum that has been here for a while. The solution?

To form a new guard! Or something or other...

 

[catalina_francisco]

Bored.

Good, then create some threads you will find of interest.... or do you want me to send you some of these European subs I keep finding?

Catalina

 

[catalina_francisco]

Oh Lancey poo... nice to see you haven't changed one bit.

Things too quiet over on the GB or Playground for ya darlin? Is him bored???

Nice to see you here again dixi...you have been missed but figured you also had a lot of time elsewhere to make up for.

Catalina

 

[Lancecastor]

Lancecastor, you yourself have in long past days made some brilliant posts, but we rarely see you now so why feel then inclined to come here out of the blue to post something critical....and why do you need to bump threads for someone else? They don't have the courage to do it themselves? I gather they have a PC otherwise it would be of little importance to them.

The latter part of the paragraph clipped sounds snarky and doesn't call for a response...I don't think it's the role of a Moderator to say she hopes to see reasoned discussion out of one side of her mouth while simultaneously calling people out from the other...the only result is a mouth that is too full to be appreciated for its other potential uses.

That being said, I posted a general critique of the current state of the BDSM Forum(s) and an invitation to discuss same because I have an opinion regarding same (which I stated) and looked forward to hearing what others have to say.

And the responses have fallen so far within a predictable range...quips, barbs, and the suggestion that you cannot think critically if you are not active on a daily basis.

To the latter point, I'd say as I always have that there are many many many people who read this Forum but do not post. A good many will read, enjoy, learn, PM others....and that's just as relevant to the Mission of this Forum as daily participation, in my view.

After all, not everyone is willing to step forward and have a moderator take a shot at them for suggesting something she might not agree with.

So, in reply I would suggest that an exclusive, narrow and predefined set of expectations such as those you've alluded to with respect to participation and agreement as prerequisites for acceptance here...are a fundamentally limiting factor in the health and growth of the Forum.

I would encourage a more open and accepting approach to all who enter and post as a sound starting position going forward.

 

[catalina_francisco]

The latter part of the paragraph clipped sounds snarky and doesn't call for a response...I don't think it's the role of a Moderator to say she hopes to see reasoned discussion out of one side of her mouth while simultaneously calling people out from the other...the only result is a mouth that is too full to be appreciated for its other potential uses.

That being said, I posted a general critique of the current state of the BDSM Forum(s) and an invitation to discuss same because I have an opinion regarding same (which I stated) and looked forward to hearing what others have to say.

And the responses have fallen so far within a predictable range...quips, barbs, and the suggestion that you cannot think critically if you are not active on a daily basis.

To the latter point, I'd say as I always have that there are many many many people who read this Forum but do not post. A good many will read, enjoy, learn, PM others....and that's just as relevant to the Mission of this Forum as daily participation, in my view.

After all, not everyone is willing to step forward and have a moderator take a shot at them for suggesting something she might not agree with.

So, in reply I would suggest that an exclusive, narrow and predefined set of expectations such as those you've alluded to with respect to participation and agreement as prerequisites for acceptance here...are a fundamentally limiting factor in the health and growth of the Forum.

I would encourage a more open and accepting approach to all who enter and post as a sound starting position going forward.

You are entitled to your opinion but would ask you not read into my words the sentiment that would be behind them if perhaps you had written them. As for the lurking and private PMing as an alternative to posting, you are correct, it is part of the function of a community type forum, but as I also pointed out, if we all decide to do that there will be no reason for people to lurk, no one they see existing to PM, no posts and threads to read thus no 'discussion' board and no reason to continue.

It is very easy to be critical and justify it with, 'posting is not my reason for being here', a little more difficult perhaps to think beyond what is your personal comfort zone and contribute visibly in even the smallest way. Similarly, if you don't put fuel and oil in your car, it isn't going anywhere fast....now you can kick the tyres, curse and blame everyone else in the near vicinity, but the bottom line is that ain't going to make the car miraculously recover and take you to paradise, not without a little help. If you can tell us how to keep a discussion board going without discussion, I for one will give you my undivided attention.

As to moderators taking shots at people who they do not agree with (as an excuse), I haven't seen that from either myself, or Miss Taken. We both do what has to be done, when it has to be done, pleasant or not....comes with the territory and responsibility. As has been stated multiple times in past discussions, being a moderator does not mean you magically become elevated above the community, nor that you no longer have a right to express your opinion, experiences or thoughts. Why the heck would anyone take on the task if it means immediate expulsion to an invisible throne?

I think a moderator who believes that they have to assume a role where they see themselves as needing to be separate from the community they moderate, live a secret life others are not allowed to see, not join in discussions simply because they are a moderator, then you not only have someone who has let false power go to their head, but someone who no longer sees themselves as equal to others in that community which IMO is not helpful to the larger picture, nor the intention. Just my opinion of course, but as is my habit, I am not one to like elevated positions, attention, nor special treatment.

Catalina

 

[Daddyslilpet]

Nice to see you here again dixi...you have been missed but figured you also had a lot of time elsewhere to make up for.

Catalina

Thank you Catalina. I am always around even if I don't say much. And if I may offer one little tidbit of advice... Lance likes for people to "debate" with him. Just thought I'd throw that out there. Watched and went through this all 2 years ago (as can be evidenced by some of the threads he bumped).


And Lance, darlin, I'm doing fine. How are you?

 

[catalina_francisco]

Thank you Catalina. I am always around even if I don't say much. And if I may offer one little tidbit of advice... Lance likes for people to "debate" with him. Just thought I'd throw that out there. Watched and went through this all 2 years ago (as can be evidenced by some of the threads he bumped).


And Lance, darlin, I'm doing fine. How are you?

I suspected you might be lurking and that is good. Thanks for the advice..certainly wish he would find other ways to amuse himself. More is the pity the desires of one or two same people can dominate the board as a whole every year or two though. Oh well, it creates discussion and that is the positive.

Catalina

 

[Lancecastor]

Given that this a discussion board, it seems to me that no-one need fear or malign the possibility that discussion and debate might actually occur.

Thanks for agreeing with my point of view, CF ...and good to see you too, dixi!

It seems to me this forum is slower than it used to be...not so many things perking up fresh and hot...if so, to what would you attribute the slower pace and quantity?

Could it simply be that one can only read so many Do You Shave? and Advice For New Subs threads before....it's all been said?

If that is the case....wouldn't bumping old threads on specific topics be wise in order to engender more comprehensive threads a la the old Mother Thread?

 

[Phoenix Stone]

If you don't like smartasses, please skip to my post that follows this one

edited to add warning in subject line, for Those who Hate Smartasses and the People Who Love Them (and you Know who you Are -- just admit it to yourself, you'll feel better.)
If I get Any ruffled responses about This post, from Anyone besides Lance (whose apparent love of smartassitude presumably extends beyond himself), I shall be vewwy vewwy angwy and shall chide and chastise you repeatedly, at self-righteous length, and possibly depth.

Hi Lance,

I wasn't here in the old days, so have nuttin' to say (by way of fair, direct, objective answer to the question as given)... but will say it anyway!

As one of the boring, rl ill-informed newbies, I canna pine and wax nostalgic for the days when the board was One, the threads were Tasty and all the posters were Frequent, Agreeable and Above-average.
But can say that I've found this the most welcoming, interesting and informative board, (and group, when taken en masse), that I've yet encountered.
(Which should give you some idea of what a provocateur I've been on Other boards!)

Seriously, if you're an example, as seems to have been implied by some, even the Trolls are thought-provoking, funny and interesting here.

(Being directly called say, Bitch and Cunt, on another forum here, by Their troll, just isn't as piquant. (oops, better give prerequisite caveat: this doesn't mean I think/assume that Any of this is aimed at, or has anything to do with, me. Just that if I Were to be purposely insulted by Lance or Anyone here, it would be done with admirably greater subtlety, hence earning my admiration, if not my appreciation.)
For instance, when I parleyed the (to paraphrase), 'dried up old bitch cunt who should be killed' sally from said troll, with 'Poopyhead!,' the best their troll could muster was an 'infantile, in return, A direct miss with a dull blade, as differentiating between infantile and childish (infants don't speak) was beyond him, and most disappointingly, the ironic intent apparently went completely over his head.

More Seriously Still... (just to show y'all I can) it's great that the level of discourse, of even the squabbling, is at a higher level which serves to both keep out the irritating Baby Trolls with potty mouth, and keep down the boredom factor.
(Gotta Do something about the juicy Kiwi above, though. What Would you like to play, Sir? (And btw, I never entered the argument about calling guys who aren't my Master, Sir, because I do it as it pleases me, as long as it doesnt seem to annoy them (unless I'm trying to annoy them) which is all there is to say. No philosophy or stand-taking for or against. Glad it's not enforced on this board.)

Will admit to inordinate curiosity about the mystery requester with the presumably sprained bumping finger, who asked you to bring these threads back up. (Wouldn't want to be accused of attempting to 'out' anybody, though. ) So, Sir Lancelot, who is your Lady? (Bet it's a lady! And, hmm, wht are the other clues? Must be someone from the old days, to know you, since I've been here 5 months and haven't seen you post here before.)

Ps. A lively board with room for all sounds good to me.

Did I 'discuss'?

 

[Phoenix Stone]

There! Whewh!!

Now that I got that out of my system... will reiterate the important stuff, with no screwing around:

Hi,

But can say that I've found this the most welcoming, interesting and informative board, (and group, when taken en masse), that I've yet encountered....

it's great that the level of discourse, of even the squabbling, is at a higher level which serves to both keep out the irritating Baby Trolls with potty mouth, and keep down the boredom factor.

Ps. A lively board with room for all sounds good to me.

 

[Phoenix Stone]

...and then the follow-up, after reading

And ooooh, so glad I posted the General (and true for me) stuff above, Before reading all the posts. Tried squinching my eyes and mouth shut to keep from commenting Wondered if that was cowardice, or weariness.
sigh

Lance, without doing (my usual) point-by-point, I agree with you. Which will put me immediately back in the doghouse. And it sounds like this anonymous requester was either tired of the recent squabbling between Catalina and I (which is why I waited (was it a whole day?) before posting), or was defending the right of newbie loudmouth (such as myself) to defend themsselves against 'snarkiness' (or whatever you wanna call it) and moderator anger at refusing to take (what feels like unwarranted) chastisement like a good subbie/switch.

sigh again. Even if it makes me feel a bit shaky, it wouldn't be right to hide out and let the well-intentioned take it, when it seems to have something to do with me. 'Twould be easier.



Ps. everyone takes things differently, and there are those who will see me as wrong, a timewaster, bigmouth, rude, whatever. (Though, oddly, No one has told me so in pm.) I'm truly sorry for causing offense or boredom to any innocent bystanders. Hate to watch a flamewar or squabble, myself.

 

[Lancecastor]

Though I pass through this forum from time to time, I don't read everything, so I wasn't aware there was any current Moderator-related nonsense going on here at present.

BDSM forum moderators have always been far too involved, controlling and bossy for my taste anyway... certainly as compared to the way the other forums here are moderated....that is to say in a general way, I wouldn't be surprised to hear the current BDSM mods are heavy-handed.

I'm just ch-ch-ch-ch-check 'nit out. What, what ,what whats it all about?

 

[Phoenix Stone]

Nothing much, in the long run. Not liking one another's tone, I suppose.

In my pov, it's been about defending myself against insults to my honor, both direct, and, more often, disguised by sheep's clothes.

In hers, likely I'm an irritating little , whom it is her painful Duty, to dispatch.

(edited to take out the really good stuff.)


Warning: I continue to 'not let it go' here, even After apologizing for aesthetic unpleasantness in view of innocent bystanders, because:

a. it's contained here on this thread, so if you Must look, it's yer own fault from here on.
b. he asked.