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

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navigator2011

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When I first found ECF, I found it to full very helpful, kind, inspiring members--focused mostly on helping newbies drop smoking. It still is, really. But there has been another vein growing, too, that is more hostile, arrogant, and seems to have forgotten that switching away from cigarettes often times requires group support.

I don't think that "it's the Internet" is an acceptable excuse for mistreating others, or accepting it either. I just keep in mind that I want to treat others they way I want others to treat me. After all, you never know if the question you're about to ask is "stupid" until someone else responds. So, if your question is "stupid," then how do you want to be treated?
 

DC2

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We have to remember that it is the moderators who keep this place the way it is.
And they are not special or magical, they're just us on steroids.

They're just people who have the time and inclination to provide their help directly.
But we can, and probably should provide help indirectly as well.

I don't like "tattling" on people or posts, but sometimes maybe that is the right thing to do?
:shrug:
 

navigator2011

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I wouldn't be surprised if ANTZ trolls are infesting ECF.

I don't think this is happening a lot. But their handy work elsewhere, I think is creating a constant burden on the vaping community that can lead to lashing out at others. We must resist . . .
 

LMS62

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I don't think it is this forum or internet in particular, because even in face-to-face "real life", if you have 10 people in a group, chances are good you will have at least one jerk in the bunch.

Of course, being anonymous behind a keyboard can have an effect also.

With that being said, please remember that everyone has different communication styles as well. Some are more direct, to the point and straight-forward, and to some that can come across as brash or insensitive. Some people are simply brutally honest about their opinions (tough love) and that can be construed by some as rude also.

It's also tough many times to gauge someone's attitude based on what they type. Without being able to hear someone's tone, inflections, etc it can come across as a bit rude, when that was not the person's intent.

I know when I first came to this forum 9 months ago, there were some posters that I flat out did not like because of how they responded in many threads. It took me a bit, but then I realized that for most of them, it was just their communication style.
 

bman1977

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Its the interwebs. Its not real life.The mods do a great job on here weeding out the junk. And this is one of the friendliest forums online.But, everything read on the interwebs should be taken with a grain of salt, including jabs at me because i'm stating the obvious. If I don't like what someone says I can easily navigate away from that with the click of a mouse.
 

Papillon61

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I must echo some of the posts that have gone before that this is by far one of the kindest forums of all kinds I have ever been on - meaning the past 15 years. I am pretty new here and don't belong to any inner circle, but for the most part I have found the people here to be generous in sharing their knowledge. I've had my share of snarky remarks too but I took them in my stride and replied to them, very politely but very firmly in the sense that I would take no nonsense when what I was talking about was genuine. We are all adults here, at least we should be since we vape, so I think we can all take care of ourselves. It must also be said that it is very annoying when someone posts something that it unncessarily provocative and controversial and then just simply disappears, not even bothering to acknowledge responses that were meant to help.It gives you the feeling of what in my language we call "throwing the stone and hiding your hand". I think courtesy should be practiced by all - both those who start a thread and those who respond.
 

tj99959

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    Been watching this place grow for a while now. Along with growth comes more trolls.
    Most of the time you can tell by the thread title, and just not bother opening the thread.
    The thread in question was a perfect example, and I didn't even open it until it was old, and several pages long figuring that by then the topic would have changed several times.
     

    Lessifer

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    I must echo some of the posts that have gone before that this is by far one of the kindest forums of all kinds I have ever been on - meaning the past 15 years. I am pretty new here and don't belong to any inner circle, but for the most part I have found the people here to be generous in sharing their knowledge. I've had my share of snarky remarks too but I took them in my stride and replied to them, very politely but very firmly in the sense that I would take no nonsense when what I was talking about was genuine. We are all adults here, at least we should be since we vape, so I think we can all take care of ourselves. It must also be said that it is very annoying when someone posts something that it unncessarily provocative and controversial and then just simply disappears, not even bothering to acknowledge responses that were meant to help.It gives you the feeling of what in my language we call "throwing the stone and hiding your hand". I think courtesy should be practiced by all - both those who start a thread and those who respond.

    You are a prime example of an ECF asset. You had an experience that probably would have driven away many vapers, but you came online, posted about it, and wanted to understand what went wrong. You didn't start by accusing anyone of wrongdoing, or calling for regulation, or threatening to sue. You knew that something didn't go the way it was supposed to and you wanted to know why.

    You did get some snarky remarks, and that was uncalled for, but you moved past them and learned what happened and why, and now there's a thread detailing it for others to benefit from. I am very happy that you, and others like you, are a part of this community.
     

    Bunnykiller

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    Im skipping all the other posts... its human nature to impose one thoughts on to another just because they know better and thats how it should be.... people forget where they started at, and once they gain a certian amount of knowledge ( being right or wrong... take for example the dehydration myth) they are right in their demeanor and everyone else doesnt know better....
    and its their place to "spread the knowledge" of their wisdom to make sure others follow the right path....

    not everyone goes around the block to get to the neighbors back yard who lives behind them... they jump the fence. :)
     

    coolerat

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    Its a common interest that draws people to forums and in this case we have a uncommon common interest.

    We only have two basic things in common, most of us smoked and vaping. From Yale to jail we all got here a different way.

    Most people on this forum wouldn't allow my outlaw redneck gun lovin pickup drivin self in there driveway. Unless I was "the help". And frankly I ain't got much use for the kidz with nose rings buying {Other stuff} flavored juice at the B&M's either.

    We ain't all gonna show up at the country club in a Prius waving a Provari anymore then chuck huge cloudz wearing Vans in a downtown loft. We are just folks. Just read the question and answer it if you can. If somebody says 10w's is a joke or 100w is stupid overkill just dry your eyes and move along.
     
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    SleeZy

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    I remember this very same topic was being discussed quite alot when i joined here. But i can't realy see any increase in hostility.
    It's more or less the same imo.

    But as many already pointed out, there will always be a few trolls/hostiles. But the amount of good people far exceeds the bad ones. :)
     

    retired1

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    This is a very busy site with around 10,000 posts made on average per day. That's a lot of typing going on.

    As some have stated, if you see a post that is out of line, by all means report it and the staff will take a look. The moderators (and admins) can't see everything and we do rely on the membership to bring things to our attention. While we may not take action to everyone's satisfaction, if it's reported, it will be looked at.
     

    skoony

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    there seems to be more and more threads that are
    obviously trolls or ANTZ agent provocateurs.
    it's either the juice or some part of the hardware
    that may have a potential risk and thus must be regulated
    for blah,blah,reason because we just don't know.
    these are the kinds of posts that irritate me.
    news flash,we do know. there is zero proof
    vaping is harmful to otherwise healthy people.
    regards
    mike
     

    drysprocket

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    Yeah, sounds like we've noticed the same. In some way, I think it just means that vaping is spreading to a wider audience, and this is the downside to that happening. It's something I think of when I see those same points...it's at least a way to see the bright side.

    I totally see your sentiment Doc and it does bum me out. But with that said, I think this board would benefit from opening up a bit more so it's not seen as a niche community. I'm speaking in terms of talking in what must seem like code to new comers, and I think the posts that have a tone of superiority are just as harmful as those that straight out say to go back to smoking.

    I think the best we can do is try to be that much more helpful and drown out the trolls; because like some others have noted...it is the internet and they'll always be here. I don't think more moderating is the answer. Just my view.
     

    Grimwald

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    When something becomes a "hobby"...boy do the opinions start flying.

    Way back in the day, OK just 3 years ago, when I started, there really wasn't much to choose from. Just a few basic devices and toppers. Mostly we were just trying to keep from smoking. Now, there's so much stuff to choose from, and so many methods. I didn't have a vape shop within 50 miles back then, but I have 4 almost within walking distance today.

    The public didn't much care what we did 3 years ago, but there were so few of us, and we were toddle puffers. Now we face opposition from all sides.

    I think it is wise to reflect on how we treat each other as vaping becomes more and more mainstream. Maybe cut each other a little slack.
     

    FlamingoTutu

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    Some are better at it than others.
    Or should I say, less obvious.
    And don't forget about the joking that goes on between members that know each other and are just having fun. Some of that can be misconstrued as hostile when it is anything but.
     
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