Schools of thought/perspective

[DanaC]

What tends to happen in online communities is they become to a large extent self regulating. I found that to be the case in online gaming communities. There were very strict ideas about what was and was not acceptable behaviour. Then there'd be a bunch of rebels who'd just want annoy everyone, but generally, there would be a more or less accepted rule set.

[piercehawkeye45]

Originally Posted by DanaC

What tends to happen in online communities is they become to a large extent self regulating.

I agree with this. Even though it is online there are still social norms on the closely knit forums (like the cellar) and even more on smaller forums and ones with a low average age (15 or so). It starts to almost become cultish on some of them.

[Spexxvet]

IMHO, UT, the mode of communication really hasn't altered group dynamics. We're still a clan of neanderthals, vying for Alpha status. Instead of physical fighting, we use words. When that doesn't work, either because we don't express information well or the receiver doesn't agree with our position, we take out our verbal clubs and beat each other with them. You'd think there'd be something between agreement and a dirty finger in the eye. Some people in this cafe manage it - but to many of us are Lumberjims, deep down inside, and it doesn't take much for him to rear his ugly head and start poking.:p

The above does not apply to the writer.

[yesman065]

Originally Posted by DanaC

What tends to happen in online communities is they become to a large extent self regulating. I found that to be the case in online gaming communities. There were very strict ideas about what was and was not acceptable behaviour. Then there'd be a bunch of rebels who'd just want annoy everyone, but generally, there would be a more or less accepted rule set.

Possibly, That or anyone with differing ideas gets attacked by a couple idiots, ridiculed by others until they leave - leaving mostly a group who all think similarly about most things. I thought the cellar was different - I know it used to be. Now it seems every thread gets reduced to a joke, or lolcatz or a pissing match. I for one am tired of it yet it seems that is what is "wanted" for lack of a better term. I was as much to blame as anyone else, I admit that. Now, I'm just tired of it.

[queequeger]

Originally Posted by yesman065

I thought the cellar was different - I know it used to be. Now it seems every thread gets reduced to a joke, or lolcatz or a pissing match. I for one am tired of it yet it seems that is what is "wanted" for lack of a better term. I was as much to blame as anyone else, I admit that. Now, I'm just tired of it.

I lurked for quite some time on the cellar, long enough to forget where I originally found it, and I finally joined. I've just joined less than a few weeks ago, but I've already got people that I agree with on many subjects, others that disagree with me on most, and there have been the occasional dick-swingings (of which I've played a bit of a part in ) but I think this place is much like just about every other forum in it's little hierarchies (although a little more general and less asinine). I know I never expected to be called girls names, and never expected such a wide variety of people, but I don't think anyone's got hurt feelings about anything that's been said, or truly wished any ill will.

That's my n00b two cents.