are you one of the users that does this?

[The White Hunter]

SNIP

I too do not understand such posts, I made on while back about Pokemon Black & White 2 and I got a guy who said "This thread is a waste of time" and fuck all else.

I hereby propose that whenever any Escapist sees a post of this nature, that they immediately quote him and put "Then don't post on the thread."

If 10,000 people did that he'd very soon learn not to waste space.

Also, surely just posting that the thread is stupid warrants low content and reporting? :3

 

[SonicWaffle]

BLAH

Holy shit, quoted the wrong person again, and it was the same dude. I suck today

 

[Moonlight Butterfly]

I have a bit of a live and let live attitude.

If it's something completely bizarre I will be like wtf is this but I kind of get irritated by people posting in decent threads that there has been the same thread back in the mists of time or something and to use the search function. It's silly and rude. Especially considering it's not great to necro threads.

 

[SonicWaffle]

Whether you like it or not you lot do have a certain (for lack of a better word) mystique. When you join a thread you give it a certain legitimacy. If you post in a thread, people will see your name on the 'hot topics' forum thingy, and they will go in to see what you have said.

Wait, people don't do that do they?

Do they?

D:

I agree with this man!

 

[Scrustle]

I hate people who post stuff like that. If you haven't got anything to say then don't bloody say anything. Do they think that people really care how much they don't care? That's really egotistical. It's fine to voice distaste and piss people off if you say something that actually has some discussion value to it, but if you're just something of no consequence just for the sake of saying something then shut the hell up. You just make yourself look like a self centred prick.

But I have to say I am tempted to post in topics which always come around again and again which I find pretty tiresome. Sometimes it gets pretty ridiculous, like a new thread of the same topic appearing only a few days after the same topic dropped off the front page. I can't believe there are enough people to post in the thread who haven't posted in one before for it to actually create something which even qualifies to be called a "thread".

But I just remember that if I do post then I'll be working against what I want. I want those threads to go away. By posting in them I would be bumping them and making it stick around longer. Although I guess it's better to have one of these threads stay around instead of endless new ones showing up all the time. Then again they never last long so I guess other people don't care about the discussion enough to keep the thread going either. They do tend to be of the most boring and shallow subjects.

 

[Jack Rascal]

BLAH

Holy shit, quoted the wrong person again, and it was the same dude. I suck today

I noticed... Makes me want to take back what I said earlier. It is not me, it's you

 

[Oly J]

I hate people who post stuff like that. If you haven't got anything to say then don't bloody say anything. Do they think that people really care how much they don't care? That's really egotistical. It's fine to voice distaste and piss people off if you say something that actually has some discussion value to it, but if you're just something of no consequence just for the sake of saying something then shut the hell up. You just make yourself look like a self centred prick.

that's exactly what I'm talking about. it's like when someone texts you just to tell you how bored they are...well not exactly but you know what I mean

 

[Doneeee]

Nope I avoid threads I dislike like the plague. If there is a flood of gun control or religion threads I usually won't post for a while.

 

[Eclipse Dragon]

Eclpsedragon:
I think the high post is viewed as a merit because those people are recognizable, They're everywhere, so the community gets to know them. Generally, if you ask a person "Name the first six escapist from the top of your head." those people will probably list individuals with high post count.

(If you're wondering the first six that visit my brain are... Daystar, Hazy, Fappy, Topaz, Sassafrass, and Doclector. Phasmal, Casual Shinji, and Canadamus_prime came in also. Those names might be mostly influenced by the majority of them being in this very topic, but I'm pretty darn sure most users would at least list Daystar regardless).

There is actually a thread like that open right now, and it entirely proves your point. All the guys appearing on everyone's list are those with the uber post counts, because people see them everywhere.

It's a depressing thread though - seven pages and nobody has mentioned me. I'm currently in stage 3 of the Five Stages of Grief, Bargaining - I'm willing to trade anything for recognition! Well, almost anything. Ain't nobody getting my signed Alan Moore.

BLAH

Holy shit, quoted the wrong person again, and it was the same dude. I suck today

This is because me and Jack Rascal are actually the same person, and you're experiencing a time paradox.

Back OT: Eh nobody mentioned me either, don't let it get to you. Even some of those I listed in my first six didn't get mentioned.

I dunno, it seems like most of the really short posts I see earn the poster a warning at the very least. That said, it is at least better than "first", because it's an opinion - however laconically expressed - on the topic. Yelling "hurr durr me am firstest!" adds nothing. Same as posting an image meme, IMHO; what the fuck does posting the "I don't want to live on this planet anymore" add to a discussion other than "Look at me, I'm misanthropic! How cool am I!"?

You can get away with posting a sentence provided it's on topic...
Umm don't ask how I know that, those instances aren't my happy memories.
The mods will certainly hit you though for posting just an image or a one word response.

Agreed. Especially if they're responding as if you didn't already respond to their points, and just keep repeating the same thing as if by saying it enough times you'll magically change your mind.

To combat the "I agree" thing, I find myself going slightly overboard. My posts tend to be a bit longer than they should be, generally to give the other person at least something they can respond to. I never like leaving a post that ends a conversation - it's like saying "LOL!" in a text, how the hell do you respond to that? Whatever you send it going to make you look like a lonely, needy person unwilling to let the conversation die. And yes, I do see the irony there

They usually taper off to a point in which nothing can be said without repetition,
at which point both parties can call it quits and feel OK about it.

For me it's the "you are" or the "what's your" threads. You are your avatar, what was the last boss you killed, what is your favourite gun, how big is your dick etc etc. I just don't see the discussion value in them. I swear, a while ago I saw a "how old are you" thread, and for the life of me I couldn't figure out how that was supposed to spin into an actual conversation.

"I'm 25"
"Holy shit, me too! What are the odds?"
"I bet we have other things in common too - do you enjoy the speculative fiction of Philip K. Dick?"
"I DO! LET'S BE BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!"

Those threads can break off into fun conversation sometimes. Obviously, you won't get any deep, philosophical reasoning from them, but if every thread was deep and thought provoking, I would feel exhausted really fast. There are a few threads that I feel have good discussion value, but fall a few pages behind because of more popular topics. I try to dig those up and post in them to give them a little bit of a second chance. Some of them have really taken off when I do that, it's good to see them become popular.

My problem is that I shouldn't technically have downtime; as soon as I finish one job, I start the next one, so whenever I'm posting here it's with a slight twinge of guilt knowing that I really ought to be working ;-)

Downtime really doesn't make it better, I have absolutely nothing to do right now, but I'm still huddled over the computer screen, looking over my shoulder, like it's somehow a bad thing I'm on an internet forum, even though all my work is done for the moment.

Being a male, I'm not sure I can get away with that, isn't it meant to be a ladies-only thing? Also, I've worked here nearly for years, these people know I have trouble walking and talking at the same time

Since when is multi-tasking a ladies only thing?
I'd start a topic to see what people say to that, but with recent trends, it would turn into a flame war and people complaining about the very thing this topic is based on.

It does sound like you're out of luck though if they've known you for so long.

...what the holy hell is that?! It will haunt my dreams, ever following but a few footfalls behind no matter how fast I run...

That's Toothless from How to Train your Dragon, and his failed attempt at a smile.

Spoiler

 

[SonicWaffle]

BLAH

Holy shit, quoted the wrong person again, and it was the same dude. I suck today

I noticed... Makes me want to take back what I said earlier. It is not me, it's you

Nonono, can't be. I'm perfect. Me being right is a fundamental constant of the universe; if you disprove it, existence ceases to be. Is that what you want? IS IT?!

No, I didn't think so.

 

[The_Waspman]

I did this, but not in an angry way. I was once in a thread that I was reading, and started to comment, but realised I had nothing more to say than:

'I have nothing to contribute to this thread.'

What an epic waste of time.

In terms of repeat threads, I don't do it for every thread of its type, because I have other things to do, but I will often post in Mass Effect 3 threads about how much I enjoyed the game, and how there was a lot about it that was worthy of admiration.

 

[Jack Rascal]

Just to be clear, I don't care about post count. I was merely pointing out that to some people on the forums it means a whole lot. Going as far as saying "I don't read a post if the users post count is low". And that's just ridiculous. But on the other hand, I think as long as any forum has had a post count, it has meant something. Why otherwise display it?

I sort of guessed you didn't care about post counts, I just couldn't find the right way to word what I wanted to say.

But I agree, ignoring someone because they have a low post count is pretty stupid. Just because they don't post a lot, doesn't mean they're gonna post stupid things. As for why they display it, I actually wish I knew. It doesn't really serve much purpose.

I think in 'ye olde days' you were considered something on a forum if you had a high post count. You were known, if not by name or avatar, by your post count to be an "old timer". You've been there for a while and that's something, new people would respect you a little. I don't think this really applies anymore, I could go on a rampage now and accumulate a massive post count, but who would know me? I could go and post in every topic but I'm sure nobody would care if I only gave my opinion and then left, never looking back. And that happens a lot. Before, when forums weren't so populated and busy, you couldn't rack up a massive post count in a short time. So your post count directly meant that you're an avid poster who's been there for a while. Not saying that their opinion is better from other people for that, but you were almost staff at that point.

And, I'm sure there would be a lot of angry people if Escapist suddenly decided to stop displaying post count

And there definitely is a bragging right if you have a high post count. I've actually seen people admit that they do not even read posts if the user has a low post count. To some people here, if you do not post in every thread, your opinion is not valid. To all reading this, please note I said some people. No need to jump on me for this.

That's.... that's horrible.
If somebody took the time to write a well thought out post, it should be taken seriously, regardless of post count.
Maybe those people have low counts because they make an honest effort to do this.

I know. I was kind of shocked to read that people do that. And getting a high post count is really not that hard so I don't see a reason why it should be considered as some merit. Some people post on any topic and some only when they think they can contribute. Some have fantastic posts, some don't

I tend to look at join date as better than having a high post count...
of course I joined in 2009, so take from that what you will.

I think the high post is viewed as a merit because those people are recognizable, They're everywhere, so the community gets to know them. Generally, if you ask a person "Name the first six escapist from the top of your head." those people will probably list individuals with high post count.

(If you're wondering the first six that visit my brain are... Daystar, Hazy, Fappy, Topaz, Sassafrass, and Doclector. Phasmal, Casual Shinji, and Canadamus_prime came in also. Those names might be mostly influenced by the majority of them being in this very topic, but I'm pretty darn sure most users would at least list Daystar regardless).

I understand why some people give merit to high post count, but don't find that very logical. I recognize users, as you said, because they are everywhere but that doesn't mean I think particularly highly of them. I sometimes see the same names on every topic and know, they have nothing particularly interesting to say. Even if they're quoted, challenged to defend their opinion, they do not come back to the thread. I read a lot more than I post here and have come to recognize some people by their posts and ideas. Those are the ones I respect.

 

[ReinWeisserRitter]

Yep, done it a few times; sometimes people just need to be told they're being stupid, even if it's falling on deaf ears. I've never said anything to the effect of "I'm not going to be a part of it", though, but not because I'm part of the discussion, because indeed, I haven't been to date when making such a comment. I just don't do the smug twat routine - intentionally, anyway.

That said, what's up with your formatting. You capitalize the letter I when referring to yourself, but never capitalize any other time, and you use punctuation, but only sometimes. It's weird, and I honestly think it's a more interesting subject.

 

[Shoggoth2588]

While I haven't done that (I am disgusted by your viewpoint! Just thought you ought ta know). I have posted in threads that aren't necessarily meant for me though like in PC gaming threads or threads about genres of games I don't normally play just to see if I can add anything even remotely helpful or, relevant. I don't think this will be too helpful but relevant? Probably only marginally so but better than nothing.

 

[Jack Rascal]

BLAH

Holy shit, quoted the wrong person again, and it was the same dude. I suck today

I noticed... Makes me want to take back what I said earlier. It is not me, it's you

Nonono, can't be. I'm perfect. Me being right is a fundamental constant of the universe; if you disprove it, existence ceases to be. Is that what you want? IS IT?!

No, I didn't think so.

I wouldn't dream of disproving it, oh heavens no. I don't take unnecessary risks. But surely I can question it? What harm can it bring, if one insignificant little girl questions your perfection?

 

[MysticToast]

There's a direct correlation between post count size and the length of one's penis. (inb4 Hazy saying inverse in length )



When the eleventy billionth repeat thread appears, I sometimes just need to voice how pointless it is to make a thread that's been done the previously mentioned eleventy of the billionth time.

There's only so many opinions on a subject before it's just going around in circles, that's why flavour of the month threads are annoying.

Could I avoid them? Yeah, I suppose, but how am I supposed to whine about them if I'm not there

Daystar pretty much nailed it on the first post (again...)

I rarely, if ever, post in a thread I have no opinion on, but I have been known to voice my distaste about seeing the same thread over and over again.

 

[SonicWaffle]

This is because me and Jack Rascal are actually the same person, and you're experiencing a time paradox.

I'm not sure that's actually a time paradox. Couldn't you just be one dude with two different accounts? Let's not fuck up space-time if we don't have to, it take ages to get the mess out of the carpet.

Back OT: Eh nobody mentioned me either, don't let it get to you. Even some of those I listed in my first six didn't get mentioned.

But I'm me! You know, super special and important. I'm about 87% sure that the universe revolves around me and everyone else is composed of two trained monkeys wearing a trenchcoat just to make me feel like there are other people around. It's like solipsism, but with way more monkeys. Why, you could be a monkey right now, how would I even know?!

You can get away with posting a sentence provided it's on topic...
Umm don't ask how I know that, those instances aren't my happy memories.

Oh, come on, that's not fair. Now I am obligated to ask! I envision some sort of dark, devious crime. Did you go into every thread on the forum and just post the word "indivisible" in each? Not particularly dark or devious, admittedly, but hey - you might be monkeys. Maybe for monkeys that is devious.

The mods will certainly hit you though for posting just an image or a one word response.

What annoys me with the images is the way people tend to add a couple of lines on as if to justify the use of a tired meme. They'll post the picture, and follow it up by basically repeating what's said in the picture, and that'll count as content.

Those threads can break off into fun conversation sometimes. Obviously, you won't get any deep, philosophical reasoning from them, but if every thread was deep and thought provoking, I would feel exhausted really fast. There are a few threads that I feel have good discussion value, but fall a few pages behind because of more popular topics. I try to dig those up and post in them to give them a little bit of a second chance. Some of them have really taken off when I do that, it's good to see them become popular.

I usually take the opposite approach, and tend to only jump into the newer/lower post count threads. There's less chance of people skimming to the comment box if there's only one or two pages to read through, and if people read the posts they might actually reply and then I can have a nice or an interesting conversation.

Hmm. This, coupled with my reaction to the "name your fellow Escapists" thread, is starting to look like I have a serious and disturbing need for attention

Downtime really doesn't make it better, I have absolutely nothing to do right now, but I'm still huddled over the computer screen, looking over my shoulder, like it's somehow a bad thing I'm on an internet forum, even though all my work is done for the moment.

That might not be the best idea, they might think it's not something as innocent as a gaming forum if you keep acting suspicious ;-)

Since when is multi-tasking a ladies only thing?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/7896385/Scientists-prove-that-women-are-better-at-multitasking-than-men.html

Or, to copy/paste from wikipedia,

The idea that women are better multitaskers than men has been popular in the media. Recently, a study by British psychologist Professor Keith Laws at the University of Hertfordshire was widely reported in the press to have provided the first evidence of female multitasking superiority.[22] A formal research paper has yet to be published.

It's a stereotype, essentially. Might be some basis in fact, but none of these studies seem all that conclusive.

I'd start a topic to see what people say to that, but with recent trends, it would turn into a flame war and people complaining about the very thing this topic is based on.

Ugh, god, don't get me started. It seems this forum is full of people ready to take extreme positions on the whole feminism debate, from women-can-do-no-wrong to feminazis-are-evil. I've been writing an article recently about the whole "Catwoman is a *****" debacle from Arkham City, but the comments you get around here are really putting me off. Whatever I say, I'm bound to piss off somebody!

That's Toothless from How to Train your Dragon, and his failed attempt at a smile.

Spoiler

Why...why does it want me to die? It looks at me with eyes full of loathing, as if it can already see me writhing in pain in its mind's eye. It frightens me!

 

[Jedamethis]

Never. In general, I only talk if it's something hilarious, or something very necessary.

 

[Darxide]

basically my question is, are you one of the people that posts in a thread simply to voice your distate for the thought of posting in the aforementioned thread?

if so......why? I mean, why? surely the logical response is to simply not post, leave the thread and let it die, however I do notice that generally the people who do this have posts in the thousands.

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