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

[FlamingoTutu]

... However, it's actually against the ECF rules to openly discuss a moderator, or their actions, so no, questioning administrations opinion can get you a ban.

So no, they actually aren't very open minded on those topics and yes you can be censored.
I'm not complaining ( don't ban me) just pointing out some facts.
The truth is always best...

Not sure what forum you're on but we troll the mods all the time. Makes them feel loved and gives them something to do.

I don't really appreciate this kind of post. You say there will be "at least one jerk in the bunch" Do you have any idea how singled out that makes me feel? Do you have any idea how alone that makes me feel? I mean, yeah, it's not like there are a bunch of jerks everywhere and we don't travel in packs. It's lonely. It takes me forever to find another jerk out there is this great big world and even then, we don't usually get along because, well, the other guy is a jerk. But we jerks are people too. With feelings. Sure, we may not be that smart. And sometimes we come across as abrasive. And sometimes we may accidently spit food out of our mouths when we talk because we drink too much. And we may not be able to hold down a job making french fries because we're constantly hitting on the new window girl and the fries get burnt. And we may not know how to pleasure a woman even though we say we're the best ever. But we have feelings damn it. Real feelings.

Jeez, now I feel terrible. Would you feel better if we bought you your very own hamster wheel?

Wow, there. Speak for yourself. I can provide many, many testimonials and video evidence, if required...

 

[HauntedMyst]

Pack sand!

Why would I pack sand? Unless there was a flood or someone was building a sandbox or perhaps a new beach, who packs sand? What do they do with it once it's packed?

 

[Racehorse]

What do they do with it once it's packed?

Some people turn it into MONEY

Box of Annoying Sand - Ruin Days

 

[sonicbomb]

I can only comment based on the threads I have seen, but I disagree that there is a upwards trend in hostility. I contend that ECF is generally a bastion of knowledge and helpful friendly folk, the like of which I personally haven't come across before in my web travels.

In regards to the thread that OP is referring to, I think he/she may have been slightly harshly treated, some comments more than others. Having said that the post in question was for want of a better description, both simultaneously bat-guano crazy, and what seemed to be intentionally inflammatory. My response to this was the same as it would have been in a real conversation, I made a joke of it and did what is known in the UK as talking the Micky.
The post had all the hallmarks (to me) of someone trolling for effect, or someone not entirely in command of their faculties. I also think that many of the people who commented on that thread, based also on his/her previous posts in particular, was an agent provocateur or at the least someone just looking for a fight.

I absolutely agree we should all collectively try to take the high ground and be both helpful AND courteous. But sometimes people post stuff that is so off the wall I personally find it hard not to have a bit of laugh with them. After all, this is a forum, not a Monastery.

And on that note, heres something completely different:

 

[Mad Scientist]

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

Hi, I assume you're talking about a post I made in response to someone who proposed that tighter regulation of eliquids is necessary because pictures on the bottles attract children and because two different bottles of juice seemed to have a differing nicotine content taste. The poster indicated that currently available commercially prepared liquids are thus unsafe and more government intervention is thus necessary. If this person was serious, they are irrational, but more likely just a troll. I suggested with an appropriate level of sarcasm that it is safer than smoking.

In response to you, by mischaracterizing my post, you have been uncivil and rude to me. You have now embarked on another thread clearly intended to bully members into avoiding any sarcasm or humor. Your classic passive-aggressive routine doesn't fool me and if you would like to identify another ECF member who may need to back up, try a mirror.

Best regards, hugs and kisses.

 

[Robino1]

Slow down peeps!

Deep breath


Hold it


Hold it




Let it out now.


Time to just chill

 

[Robino1]

I have become kind of fond of my little happy clocks

 

[xwarp]

I got through page 3 of this thread and decided I might as well post because I was one of the people that posted what could have been considered a snary reply, the one that introduced that poster to gloves and possibly a chemical suit if desired.

You know, the majority of the replies in that thread, MILD.

Why you may ask?

I'm a firearms enthusiast. I'm particularly fond of my Constitutional Rights. I've served this man's military and swore an oath.

But then some psychopath goes on a rampage and then goes the anti's that have no interest in dealing with the animals, they want more regulation. You want to talk about RUDE AND CRUDE, go to any firearms forum and suggest stricter regulations on firearms because YOU had a negligent discharge and blew a hole in your new led t.v. and see what kind of responses you get.

Same as stated in that thread. The poster freaked out, albeit the fellow did not follow any safety precautions, THAT HE CHOSE NOT TO, and then all of a sudden, wants legislation because of HIS fear.

Wrong.

I'm sorry, but the net has been around long enough that people SHOULD be smart enough to GOOGLE on their own prior to posting dumb crap like:

"Hey, I'm new here, how do I use Google?"

Give me a freakin' break.

If you can't find a Youtube tutorial, then you probably don't need to be doing it.

Likewise, if you can't find already posted info on some forum about your question, then you probably shouldn't do it.

We're all adults here, and adult questions are reasonable, but don't go jump out of an airplane and then post on facebook: HEY, someone tell me how to use a parachute.........

 

[wheelie]

@Robino1 I like your little happy clock. Some times I just sit on threads waiting to see if happy clock shows up. LOL

 

[WillyZee]

What do they do with it once it's packed?

They pound it.



Sent via iPhone

 

[Robino1]

We try to let threads settle on their own. If things get too heated, we post to Chill down (see above for an example..Ahem) or something to that affect. If things continue to deteriorate, we will post a bit stronger message.

If people do not take a hint or a strong suggestion, time to lock it down. It's too far gone to save or turn around back to civility.

We do like and encourage healthy debate. How else do we learn and grow? When they turn to attacking, that's when we step in and say STOP IT!

The key to not getting a thread shut down is to Not make things Personal. Do not call people out by name. Do not say You or You're a blah, blah, blah. Do not assume a post made was aimed at you. Your blood pressure will thank you.

 

[retired1]

But then some psychopath goes on a rampage and then goes the anti's that have no interest in dealing with the animals, they want more regulation. You want to talk about RUDE AND CRUDE, go to any firearms forum and suggest stricter regulations on firearms because YOU had a negligent discharge and blew a hole in your new led t.v. and see what kind of responses you get.

Same as stated in that thread. The poster freaked out, albeit the fellow did not follow any safety precautions, THAT HE CHOSE NOT TO, and then all of a sudden, wants legislation because of HIS fear.

Regardless, rude is not permitted here. Period. This isn't like other sites. We treat the membership with respect. Otherwise, don't post.

 

[KattMamma]

Ok, I had to go find the post in question after reading this. I think members were right to call this person out, and I don't think it's rude for members to call out a poster who is begging for regulations. We are under attack from all angles, and will rightfully defend against such posts.

I didn't read the whole thread, but I do see a few posts got out of hand and were deleted by a mod. But it appears that the overwhelming majority were reasonable.

Which makes me question this thread.

Do you really think we should just be nice and say "okey dokey" when someone begs for regulation?

 

[tj99959]

Most of the time when a thread starts to get out of hand on ecf, the discussion will turn to bacon & peanut butter, or Miracle Whip and Mayonnaise.

I did find this tidbit this morning tho' on FB.

Probably best not to be one.

 

[Capt.shay]

Well, if it makes anybody feel any better, it's not ECF. I'm kind of a crotchety old fart in real life also.

 

[GinnyTx]

yeah me too *lol*

some of the threads that I've made a snarky kind of comment are generally from trolls or seem that way..or deliberately derisive to vaping in general, the "it's bad for you" or the "let's tax and regulate the stuffings out of it" then it's meeting like with like.

that thread in question..to me is like showing up in Church and spouting how great atheism is.

but I agree..that's one of the great things about ECF there's just really nice folks talking about vaping even on today's internet ...despite popular belief one is accountable for what they say on the internet and always have been.

 

[WillyZee]

Most of the time when a thread starts to get out of hand on ecf, the discussion will turn to bacon & peanut butter, or Miracle Whip and Mayonnaise.

I did find this tidbit this morning tho' on FB.

inverted?


Sent via iPhone

 

[Lessifer]

Most of the time when a thread starts to get out of hand on ecf, the discussion will turn to bacon & peanut butter, or Miracle Whip and Mayonnaise.

I did find this tidbit this morning tho' on FB.

Probably best not to be one.

I heard an NPR story that said that the above is the main ingredient in many restaurant "calamari" dishes. Just FYI.

 

[Racehorse]

I have often told my employees that your conduct should not be predicated by the actions and words of others.

That is a wise statement!

One's behavior is something one must own. That is the concept of being self-controlled and self-possessed.

Unfortunately, there are people who feel that anyone who doesn't hold their exact opinion isn't entitled to respectful behavior.

It is something they were not taught as children and the concept seems very foreign to them. So they will BLAME the other person for making them angry, and justify it however they can.

(I used to have to interview people in prison.....Prisons are filled with people who are unable to *tolerate* people who don't agree with them... who "went off" on somebody for whatever reason. Their personality/behavior disorder is just more severe than somebody who gets very bent out of shape / hot under the collar over a difference of opinion). Those interviews were a great insight into people who explained their own behavior as being "the other person's fault". ("they deserved it.")

If the greater society operated on that basis, we would have nothing but fist-fights, screaming matches, wars and bloodshed.

I find I am consistently annoyed or impatient with somebody, that is my own failing.

And a good time to consider using the IGNORE feature of the software here.

 

[DoctorJ]

I'm really glad to see such an active response to my OP. I think a few have misconstrued my intent. First of all "hostile" was used as a general term and I'm not referring to joking around or good natured fun between members. I was trying to bring attention to the more down right mean replies that have no place in decent society.

I never had any intention of specifying any thread or calling out any specific member for replies or comments that were made. Some of you did that on your own; once again not my intention.

I read a good majority of the threads, daily if I can and was simply pointing out that (OK instead of "hostile" shall we say "uncalled for") posts and replies seemed, at least to me, to be on the rise. As many of you have pointed out, this is due to the growing number of vapers and other factors.

Being PC was also mentioned and something about being "thin skinned". As I stated in my OP, I've been teaching for 20 years now and if you've ever taught before, you'll know that you won't last very long in the field unless you have thick skin! And as far as being PC, I'm about the least PC person you'll ever meet. I think the term is absolutely ludicrous. I have an extremely sarcastic personality, however, I have to reign that in a lot otherwise people will think I'm a smartazz. I just happen to be trained in pointing out the obvious and speak fluent sarcasm

Some one said something about "limiting free speech". I by no stretch of the imagination support that notion in any form or fashion. However, should that speech be mean or uncalled for, I discourage it, but everyone has the right to say what's on their mind.

I've seen a few replies on here that mention antz coming into our little home and trying to stir the pot. This may be opening Pandora's box and probably a new thread altogether by asking this question, but I really don't see what they might accomplish by doing that. Trying to get us to fight amongst ourselves? I'm not sure how that would benefit their cause, but OK. (Please please don't respond to this question here! This is a whole different issue and I was just stating an opinion to some responses)

Lastly, yes I know there are internet trolls everywhere. I am an MMO gamer as well and see that constantly in-game and on the gaming forums. I take trolls for what they are worth and that being not worth my time!

All in all ECF is a great community and I love it here. I was not trying to stir up dissension by any means. I was not questioning the job of the moderators or any other members of our community. I was simply noting an observation on my part and was hoping that we ECF members might be a little more thoughtful about our replies to posts that might be (insert your word here for weird, dumb or inciting). I know there will always be a few bad apples in every barrel and am not expecting any kind of sweeping reform that every one play nice, share your toys and don't call others bad names. This isn't kindergarten!

Thanks for the support of my OP and all of the kind replies. Thanks to those pointing out aspects of my OP that I didn't acknowledge or address And thanks to those of you who disagree. I have no problem with my opinion being challenged; such is the greatness of a civilized society. That being the right to disagree and have your opinion known where an insightful and fruitful debate may ensue.