I've notice lately an increasing amount of "hostile" posts

[DoctorJ]

When I first started vaping and found the ECF community I was thrilled to find a group of like minded individuals that were extremely helpful and kind. There were quite a few members who went out of their way to help and answer questions and guide me on my first vaping experiences. I loved reading the forums to glean more knowledge of vaping and make it a more enjoyable experience. I still love this forum and try to visit daily and help answer questions and impart some of my vaping experience to try and help others. I also enjoy interacting on some of the other social threads.

However, all this being said I've started to notice an increasing amount of posts and replies by some members that I perceive as hostile or just down right mean. For instance, a recent thread was created and the OP was having some issues. I will admit the post was a bit odd and the answers seemed simple to the more experienced among us. I was shocked at some of the responses to the OP such as, and I'm paraphrasing, "Maybe vaping isn't for you and you should just smoke cigarettes because that's more simpler." There were other replies similar to this in nature and I was amazed that members of our community could be so purposely callous. When I jumped to the OP's defense, I was then a target for some really mean replies. The excuse that some members used was that they've had similar posts by the OP before that were "dumb" or "over reacting" to whatever the post was about. After re-reading the thread and some others by the OP, I gather that the OP may be genuine in their concerns and maybe "over simplifying" or "over reacting". Or the OP has a hard time putting in words what they are trying to say. Or the OP may just be a troll that likes to stir the pot. Not knowing the OP personally I can't give a definitive answer to my observations, but no matter what the case is, some of the replies were definitely uncalled for.

This is just one example of a few threads I've come across where someone has replied to another member with a scathing or mean remark. Yes I understand that some of us have bad days, but WOW! To go off on someone for making a seemingly innocent remark or statement I just don't understand. Some of the replies are starting to give some of the threads a "Facebook, Twitter, etc..." type feel where flaming another person seems to be the norm. I will be the first to admit that I've read a few OP's and replies where I've sat back in my chair and said out loud, "REALLY? or WTH?" or something to that effect. However, I would never reply like some of the those that I have seen.

I'm not on my soapbox or high horse here, which I'm sure some of you are thinking. I'm just taken aback by the increasing number of "hostile" replies. I'm not calling anyone out or saying the moderators are doing a bad job. I know moderating a forum is huge task and following each response on each thread of a forum this size is a massive undertaking. So what I am suggesting is this; the members of ECF should be a bit more proactive when it comes to someone making hostile statements or otherwise "trolling". We should do a bit more "self policing" by reporting mean posts to our moderators. I'm not suggesting you report everything that hints of hostility, but use good judgement when it comes to a post and deciding if the reply was just meant in good fun or kidding the other poster.

I know there is a fine line when it comes to the written word. Meaning and intent can be interpreted very differently on how something is phrased. There are no visual clues such as facial expressions, nor sound clues such as voice inflection. Being an English teacher I understand how difficult interpretation of the written word can be. Also I've had to moderate student forums and they can get real testy sometimes when someone's opinion is "challenged" or a perceived slight to their post.

Basically what I'm humbly requesting is this, before replying on a thread to a previous poster or OP, think about your response after reading the post carefully. Try to take into account what that member has said and try to take it for what it is worth, not what you may read into it. Take some time before responding to a "poorly stated" question or answer, some have to be taken with a grain of salt. Also, if you are extremely knowledgeable on the a subject in a particular thread, take into account that an OP or other poster may not be. One thing I've always told all my students, "There is no such thing as a dumb question. It's senseless in NOT asking a question that you really need to know the answer to in order to succeed in your endeavor."

Humbly subimitted to the ECF community,
DoctorJ

 

[dbrandt01]

I notice this is some posts, but some posts I've been a little rude to, I'll admit. Usually it's more towards the threads like "I just started vaping 2 days ago, I have a 0.08 build. Clouds bro clouds". I tend to go off more on them. Even with the people that blow huge clouds in front of restaurants or threads with minors vaping. I try to help the best I can on most threads when I post. With general questions like, "I'm a beginner, what is a safe build" type thing or question in general about how to build seems laid back in responses and more helpful.

 

[bman1977]

Its the internet. People are mean everywhere on the internet. Part of the package.

 

[WonderDude32]

Thank you Dr. J for bringing light to this. Most people here, including myself, use this site to understand how to make our vapes more enjoyable. Unfortunately, there will always be those that don't have common courtesy and have a disregard for others. I like to believe that I hold myself to a higher social standard and try to involve myself with similar individuals which I'm proud to say I have found within this forum. I have often told my employees that your conduct should not be predicated by the actions and words of others. Be the great, caring person that you know you are and others will eventually come around.

 

[DaveSignal]

I use mech mods, unregulated boxes, and low resistance RDAs. If a new poster asks how to do something that many other forum members here think is dangerous, I will tell said newb how to do it. And direct them towards information about ohms law and battery safety. But, just because someone is a new vaper doesn't mean they aren't capabale of wrapping good coils, checking the resistances, and using a mod with a battery configuration that is safe. I don't think everybody needs to start out with a clearomizer on an istick. The majority of vapers here are here because they are willing to learn and want to learn.

 

[Alien Traveler]

I will admit the post was a bit odd

I know what thread you are talking about - the one where OP demanded to impose strong restrictions on juice manufacturers because he, OP, was so unsatisfied with one of the juices. The same OP earlier demonstrated complete disrespect to battery safety. Whas it a trolling or not, but seeing such posts on a forum which is a source of vaping information for novices is not good. I promise I'll be not a kind replyer now and in future to such posts.

 

[Princessdee]

DoctorJ, I agree, I've seen it a lot, too.
I just pretty much quit posting, unless it's just a short statement meant to help.
I will sometimes PM someone who seems to be struggling and wants help, just so I don't get replies from "those people".
That's just my solution, probably won't be everybody's; but it works for me.
They've succeeded in running me off, for the most part.

 

[ReigntheGamer]

This forum is like high school, unless you're one of the "cool kids" you better strap on a helmet before you post anything.

 

[WonderDude32]

DoctorJ, I agree, I've seen it a lot, too.
I just pretty much quit posting, unless it's just a short statement meant to help.
I will sometimes PM someone who seems to be struggling and wants help, just so I don't get replies from "those people".
That's just my solution, probably won't be everybody's; but it works for me.
They've succeeded in running me off, for the most part.

This is really sad. You have been a member for so long and have so many years of knowledge that could be valuable to so many. Please don't let a few misguided people prevent you from sharing your experiences.

 

[Princessdee]

This is really sad. You have been a member for so long and have so many years of knowledge that could be valuable to so many. Please don't let a few misguided people prevent you from sharing your experiences.

Awwww.
How sweet was that!

 

[Matty316]

I've also notice a few hostile posts latley and every time I see them it makes me sad. If you disagree with someones opinion or post it's far more productive to explain why you disagree rather than just flaming them.

What worries me is if others see these posts then feel worried to post/ask questions for fear of being flamed themselves. I'm sure thats not the type of atmosphere most of us want here.

 

[Racehorse]

Its the internet. People are mean everywhere on the internet. Part of the package.

Actually, this forum is privately owned and operated. It's not "the internet". Somebody is paying the bills, and members here are guests, who are expected to behave by the Forum Rules.

Most all of this stuff is covered in the ECF rules.
ECF Forum Rules | E-Cigarette Forum

Anyone who feels a rule has been broken may click report to report the post and let the moderators handle it from there.

Quite frankly, the owners/administration of this forum are very open minded in that they do not delete or censor opinions, even if those opinions are not shared by said owners/administration.

It seems that some of the individual guests are the ones who want to "disallow" contentious topics from being aired, or respond to others in a less than polite manner. Every now and again, a moderator will pop into a contentious, passionate topic to remind participants of the rules. When topic gets totally out of hand (i.e., there is too much rule breaking going on, and it is a full time job for a moderator to properly administer the topic) then the topic is closed.

In other words, the ability to keep discussions open and alive, is pretty much based on the behavior of the participants......not what they have to say or their opinions.

I think it's a great model!

 

[DanJiblets]

Even with the jerks, and I've encountered quite a few. Overall, this is the best, friendliest community I've ever been a part of.

 

[Ou2mame]

I don't know... Anywhere you go where you're interacting with people, there will be jerks. I think the mods do a good job weeding out the bad, off topic, and rule breaking though. I actually have the reverse perception of this forum. To me it's a well run place full of mostly like minded people who are helpful and polite to each other. On the rare occasion that this isn't the case there is intervention by members and mods.

 

[Lessifer]

When someone posts about regulation being needed, without understanding the fight that is going on right now, and especially when the regulation they're calling for has NOTHING to do with the problem they experienced, it doesn't inspire me to be pleasant.

That being said, I don't think I've ever been mean on here.

I mean seriously, what does "I may have gotten juice that was higher nic than it was supposed to be, although I don't know that this is the case" have to do with "Vendors shouldn't be allowed to put pictures of fruit on the label" ?

 

[Jdurand]

As a member of several internet forums on various subjects, I can say this is one of the more civil that I frequent. Some of the car forums can be extremely brutal to new guys. I spent some time on another well known vape site, and it was pretty brutal too in a few threads. This place is like a home to many people. I have been helped, directed and supported many times here. I have been as generous with my time, knowledge and even retired gear as I can be. However, with that being said, I'll be one of the first to call out a troll or someone wishing to discuss things that are not allowed here, in a New York second. I feel it is my duty to protect this home we all love. I do promise to use good judgement and remember where I was only months ago when I reply to a real member, but trolls and trouble makers.........well you better watch out.

 

[mattiem]

Even with the jerks, and I've encountered quite a few. Overall, this is the best, friendliest community I've ever been a part of.

This......I have seen a few things that shouldn't have happened but for the most part I see a huge group of folks that are willing to give freely of their time to help.

I think a few come here from the wild west if other forums and places like facebook or comment sections on youtube where everything is allowed and at times even applauded. Most of the really bad rule breakers don't stay long and for that, I am very grateful. For every one that doesn't treat others as they would like to be treated either learn the rules or leave, either willingly or otherwise and those that are left are ones that are willing to share what they have learned without being condescending to those that are just learning.

This place is like a second home to me and I, for one, am truly happy that it is kept clean and for the most part, orderly. I don't say it often but want to say Thank You to all the folks that make this a place that I want to spend my time.

 

[mattiem]

DoctorJ, I agree, I've seen it a lot, too.
I just pretty much quit posting, unless it's just a short statement meant to help.
I will sometimes PM someone who seems to be struggling and wants help, just so I don't get replies from "those people".
That's just my solution, probably won't be everybody's; but it works for me.
They've succeeded in running me off, for the most part.

I only liked this one for support. Please don't let the jerks keep you quiet.

 

[Iffy]

Its the internet. People are mean everywhere on the...

... globe!

Several years ago, the vaping genre was new to everyone interested. Info was lacking and equipment challenging <obvious under statement>. Ergo, the ECF became the development, learning and 'first aid' resource center.

With the advancements and current assortment, 'everyone' is now an instant plug&play expert on their own combos.

Hopefully, we can appreciate the new vapers' challenges and respond with meaningful, not mean, answers/suggestions! AND, gently remind the 'meanies' that we are here to learn and/or assist, not brow beat or beat breasts.

Don't forget, 'conversations' and mod contact are probably the most efficient 'corrective action' methods without creating public wizzing contests.

 

[DC2]

I would say that I have seen a slow increase in "hostility" over the years.

But I am not sure if it is in line with the growth of the forum, or becoming exponentially worse.
And also, you have to consider that the demographic of the forum is slowly shifting as well.

It's a bit complicated...