GRW has taken a turn, and I don't like where it's gone!

[ringin]

Sorry if this is in the wrong area, but I figured it would just be lost in "the Pub".

Not that anyone really cares, but I just wanted to express that I'm kind of disappointed in the direction that GRW has been going in the past weeks. It's not as much fun as it used to be. Mainly because every thread I read starts out ok, and then turns into a bickering match between a select few people. Everyone has the right to speak their mind here, but a lot of what GRW used to be about seems to be getting lost. I like to come here to read and discuss golf related topics...and I've seen a lot of threads going in the wrong direction, and no one seems to be able to keep them on track.

I'm not "threatening" to turn in my membership card (as if anyone would care)...I guess I'm just hoping that I'm not the only one who has seen these changes lately. Usually if one person notices something, there are others who feel the same way. I'm sure some of you will give me the proverbial "no one's making you hang out here, feel free to take a hike", but I like this forum and just would like to see it remain a fun, informative and productive discussion board. I hope I'm not the only one who feels this way.

[tour_insider]

I think it is taking on a broader range of topics - which I like, personally - so I have to say I like the direction it's been going. I think it also has something to do with it being the off-season for a lot of golfers here, so people aren't out tinkering with their swings and coming in here to bounce ideas off people. Could be part of it.

You are right, though, in that there are some people who really just like to bicker about whatever the subject at hand may be...

[Wazmankg]

I think I know what you mean ringin. I don't know if I'm one of the ones you're referring to and feel free to tell me if I am. I'm pretty hard to insult. If I notice a thread has broken down into IM silliness I either a) move on to another thread if I don't care about the topic, or b) post something related to the topic.

[nachos]

Wow, I'm not alone. Not to say that I post that much to begin with, but I have started reading less threads on GRW do to the things that you mention.

[ringin]

I agree with both of you guys...and I don't mind the broader topic range. That's a great thing. I just have noticed that a lot of these topics start out with good intentions and then turn into a 2 or 3 way conversation, most of which is sarcastic bickering or disguised jabs and insults. In the old days, when a thread went this direction, the mods would usually step in and end it...but it seems that some of the mods are actually involved in the banter.

And no Waz...you're not a culprit.

[stlcard_25]

Just moving this over to the proper forum....

[tour_insider]

Yeah, now I see what you're saying. I'm probably just as guilty as anyone else..

[Wazmankg]

here are 2 rules we had at the other place that should probably be included here -

2) Use Private Messaging for personal conversations between two people and of no concern to anyone else. It's like e-mail but only on this site and it's secure and private.

3) Do not post simply to increase your post count. Each post should be a contribution of some sort of the conversation.

[Leaguegolf]

Originally Posted by tour_insider

Yeah, now I see what you're saying. I'm probably just as guilty as anyone else..

Maybe not quite as much as "anyone"................

[tour_insider]

Originally Posted by Wazmankg

here are 2 rules we had at the other place that should probably be included here -

2) Use Private Messaging for personal conversations between two people and of no concern to anyone else. It's like e-mail but only on this site and it's secure and private.

3) Do not post simply to increase your post count. Each post should be a contribution of some sort of the conversation.

Rule numero tres there is definitely in play here; as for numero dos, you never know, because it could be that something one of the people posts would pique the interest of someone else. But rule 3 you see a lot of...

[HackBlack]

hmmm...I brought this up in another thread 2 days ago.

Playing Partners

Glad to see that, as it's own thread, this topic is getting some additional reaction.

[ringin]

Originally Posted by HackBlack

hmmm...I brought this up in another thread 2 days ago.

Playing Partners

Glad to see that, as it's own thread, this topic is getting some additional reaction.

I have been watching it go on for a while now, but never really wanted to say anything. I would just post something on topic in an attempt to get things back on track, but it never seemed to do much. Hopefully if we all have a therapy session here we can figure things out.

[Johneli]

IMO the bickering gets heated BECAUSE each participant is aware of the fact that everyone's reading the replies and they feel the need to "ramp up" the response so as not to be perceived as losing the argument. I think that a mod SHOULD intervene EARLIER and kindly suggest that the membership in general is not interested in their ing matches; a further suggestion to take it to pms would probably all but kill the disagreement due to lack of audience.

[Fourputt]

I tend to agree with Ringin on this. I find myself posting in a few select threads, then often bowing out when they deteriorate into inane babble and bickering over nothing. I believe in making my point, or explaining my views in one or 2 posts, then sitting back and reading other comments or points of view. Sometimes I will step back in for a rebuttal, but I usually try to keep on topic (I've made my share of mistakes here, but I do try).

That is my biggest gripe is that it is very hard to have a topical discussion when 2 or 3 others are carrying on a side conversation that has nothing to do with the thread. I'm a big fan of using the PM process to make side comments which are outside the scope of the thread topic. I wish more members felt that way.

[Diane]

I have a confession - when I first read this thread - I thought oh no, they're talking about me. Then I read it again and I realized it couldn't be me because based on your comments, if you had an issue with me or my posts, all of you would have sent me a PM explaining how you felt. You can't imagine how silly I feel being so paranoid and vain enough to think you were talking about me.

[ringin]

Originally Posted by Diane

I have a confession - when I first read this thread - I thought oh no, they're talking about me. Then I read it again and I realized it couldn't be me because based on your comments, if you had an issue with me or my posts, all of you would have sent me a PM explaining how you felt. You can't imagine how silly I feel being so paranoid and vain enough to think you were talking about me.

I sent you a PM.

[halk]

I tend to agree with those that are saying things digress a bit here in threads but does that not tend to happen in any setting be it face to face or on an Internet forum. Yes we mods can and should step in and get things back on track if it goes to far astray but the general members can request that a poster do the same if they see someone digressing. I also have to ask the question about talking only golf would this forum not get boring real quick, I live and breathe golf but I do not want to talk golf 24/7 or am I getting of topic and going in the wrong direction here. I really believe we have a good forum here, it's again just like in person people can go off into different directions also it is good that we are having this discussion because I think it shows that we can discuss a problem and come up with a solution that works.

[ringin]

Just to clarify...I don't have a problem with discussing lots of topics. That does keep things interesting. But when the thread starts out discussing "The Best Golf Shot You Ever Hit" and half way down the first page it's turned into a few people speed posting back and forth throwing diggs at each other about whatever, then I consider the thread to have been hijacked and no longer on topic.

I like the increase in thread topics in all of the areas of the forum. Let's keep that going. I'd just like to see the threads stay civil and on topic.

[JimSomebody]

I think that the GRW Team wants the site to deliver the greatest good for the greatest number, so I'm glad we're having this discussion, and I encourage members to add any thoughts they'd like to express.

If you have thoughts you don't want to express "in public," another way to be heard is to PM to a GRW Team member. Also, if you come across a particular post that seems to illustrate the issue (or any kind of problem), click on that post's red-flag ("Report Post") button, and the GRW Team will see your thoughts that way, too. You may or may not get a reply, but your input will be seen.

In my opinion, this is one of the things that happens in the life of a site. Glad we're talking about it.

[Diane]

Originally Posted by ringin

I sent you a PM.

Ok, now that everyone knows I am one of the "select few people" being referred to - I guess I should address your "concerns" from my POV. I talk a lot - here, there, most everywhere - some might call it babbling. I hop from topic to topic, changing channels if you will - I go off on tangents and I often digress. Something grabs my attention and I'm off and running. IMO - Waz has the best advice - move on to a topic that interests you or add something.

[300Yards]

I've noticed the same- but I don't think it's that bad!

I'm yet to see a topic like you describe where people go off the wall bickering.. or maybe I'm not looking in the rigt places.

Oh, and I'm sorry for any threadjacking I may have done. Although I can't think of any time I've done so lately..

[arbitrage]

I think that most of us are suffering from "being away from the game we love" fever with this stinking weather and we are letting out our anger out on our fellow members. The fact that we are in an election year does not help matters. Politics bring out the worst in people. I admit that it brings out the worst in me so I try to restrain myself from political discourse. We have to remember this is a family-friendly forum and behave ourselves.