Stop Displaying Post Count

[SheepDog]

I cannot help but think that an effort to raise one's own post count leads to less thoughtful or meaningful posts in general. How about not displaying it any more?

It would be hard to argue that post count adds credibility to a person's words, IMO.

Just a suggestion.

[glassmoon]

I was thinking about it myself, and although it can lead to low lower quality posts (con), it's still a good indication for how someone is invovled in the forum (pro).
Maybe a different way for showing the involvment of members in the forum can be found, like showing average posts per day.

[waxwing]

What about average non-bitching posts per day. Just kidding, sort of.

[Dunearhp]

I was thinking about it myself, and although it can lead to low lower quality posts (con), it's still a good indication for how someone is invovled in the forum (pro).
Maybe a different way for showing the involvment of members in the forum can be found, like showing average posts per day.

Working on post rate would be worse than the current system. The signal to noise ratio would fall further. I'd prefer quality over quantity.

Perhaps post modding would be possible.
For example, allow people to categorize posts along the lines of

Troll/Flamebait
Trollfood/Firewood (falling for flamebait)
Grudgematch (eg. SB Vs EZ.)
Signal
Noise

Extraverted/Introverted
iNtuitive/Sensate
Thinky/Feely
Judging/Perceiving

Then you could have your claimed type, your apparent (INTPCentral Normalized) type, and an interaction rating under your name.

How is that for democratic anarchy.

Just a hastily formed thought.

[SheepDog]

I'm sort of posturing here, but...

why does the person posting need any kind of credentials indicating involvement or anything else? Couldn't their words speak for themselves?

[booyalab]

I might be biased since my post count is likely perceived as ridiculously high, but why is it assumed that because someone has a high post count that they must be posting for the sake of raising it?

[waxwing]

Jumping in:
I don't think many people (especially INTPs) would post for the sake of raising post count. But I also wonder why post count is necessary. Booyalab, what do you think? Pros/cons?

[booyalab]

Why do you want my opinion? I didnt come up with the idea, lol. I dont think it's necessary but not for the same reason sheepdog thinks it isn't. Though it is fun to think up nicknames for people.

[melancholeric]

Jumping in:
I don't think many people (especially INTPs) would post for the sake of raising post count.Oh no, I could never do that.

But I also wonder why post count is necessary. Booyalab, what do you think? Pros/cons?
It is necessary because we want to see how many posts someone has without having to check his profile. Don't ask why we want to see that though.

We're just curious.

[booyalab]

It's important to differentiate the losers from the Xtreme l0Z3rZ

[Swift]

Fuck, did I just raise my post count? *embarrassed look*

[waxwing]

Why do you want my opinion? I didnt come up with the idea, lol. I dont think it's necessary but not for the same reason sheepdog thinks it isn't. Though it is fun to think up nicknames for people.Yep, I know that you didn't come up with the idea. That wasn't my point. I asked you what you thought because you commented, and, perhaps, I'm asking you for the same reason some people look at post count. Curiousity.

If it's more than curiousity, it's simply that I often wonder what people think, if they have an opinion at all. In your case, part of the reason I asked you is because you mentioned your high post count. I began thinking about a newcomer reading posts for the first time. It seems that (post count : post substance) would make a huge difference in how he/she perceives the member and the forum as a whole. If all members can still view profile and read "all posts by booringlabby" for example, then it seems that the post itself should stand on its own. In the context of the tread, for sure, and in the context of the person, but without regard to post count.

*edit. That was funny. I had typed a colon to indicate a ratio and it turned into an emoticon (sticking tongue out). No offense.

[booyalab]

yeah I agree with that. (not to say I care enough to STOP making random posts like this)

[Claverhouse]

Oh no, I could never do that.

It is necessary because we want to see how many posts someone has without having to check his profile. Don't ask why we want to see that though.

We're just curious.
To be truthful, how many profiles do we actually view here ? I've only seen about twenty. And half of them were suspected trolls.


Claverhouse :ph34r:


I added a picture to mine recently, safe in the knowledge no-one would ever see it. Since it was sans titre, I've called it: 'When Mothers Bring Up Their Daughters in the Right Way, The Future of the Nation is Assured'.

In case you ask, I don't think I've French blood.

[Sackanaka]

I saw your pic before you posted that, sir.

[teh ph34r!]

[Claverhouse]

can still view profile and read "all posts by booringlabby"

*edit. That was funny. I had typed a colon to indicate a ratio and it turned into an emoticon (sticking tongue out). No offense.
The earlier bit was still funnier. Why would 'anyone' feel offense at that ?


Claverhouse :ph34r:

[melancholeric]

To be truthful, how many profiles do we actually view here ? I've only seen about twenty. And half of them were suspected trolls.
And that's exactly why the post count should be displayed below the avatar.

And I viewed your profile right after reading this post, and saw "last activity: viewing user profile".


I added a picture to mine recently, safe in the knowledge no-one would ever see it. Since it was sans titre, I've called it: 'When Mothers Bring Up Their Daughters in the Right Way, The Future of the Nation is Assured'.

In case you ask, I don't think I've French blood.
I saw it. I think you added that soon after your mod initiation speech.

Quite a beautiful picture.

[booyalab]

not that melancholeric knows what beauty is...

[SheepDog]

I might be biased since my post count is likely perceived as ridiculously high, but why is it assumed that because someone has a high post count that they must be posting for the sake of raising it?
How could asking a question be biased, unless it was a rhetorical question?

To answer, though, I'm probably just projecting.

[booyalab]

How could asking a question be biased, unless it was a rhetorical question?

To answer, though, I'm probably just projecting.

I wasn't sure if it was a rhetorical question until it was answered, and based on your answer, I guess it was.

[melancholeric]

not that melancholeric knows what beauty is...
Beauty:

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
smasher: a very attractive or seductive looking woman
an outstanding example of its kind; "his roses were beauties"; "when I make a mistake it's a beaut"
http://www.cogsci.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/webwn

Beauty is the phenomenon of the experience of pleasure, through the perception of balance and proportion of stimulus. It involves the cognition of a balanced form and structure that elicits attraction and appeal towards a person, animal, inanimate object, scene, music, idea, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauty

The attribute of a thing in virtue of which the thing pleases when perceived. A blending of the unity, truth, and goodness in a thing, characterized by completeness, proportion, and clarity of presentation in an intellectual-sensuous form, so as to produce a disinterested emotional pleasure in a rational perceiver.

http://radicalacademy.com/aipphilglossary1.htm
a Primary Principle, is defined as such combined perfection of form and charm of coloring as affords keen pleasure to the sense of sight, that quality or combination of qualities which affords keen pleasure to other senses (eg, hearing), or which charms the intellectual or moral faculties, through inherent grace, or fitness to a desired end, an embellishment, ornament, grace, charm. Beauty is defined by Plato as the Luster of Good. Emerson said, "We ascribe beauty to that which is simple, which has no superfluous parts, which exactly answers its end." James Barry said, "Beauty consists of unity and gradual

http://miriams-well.org/Glossary/

deliverance through the perception of: cf. vimokkha (II. 3) To hold for beautiful or pure (subha) what is impure (asubha), is one of the 4 perversions (s. vipallása).

http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma2/dictionary/bd5.html

an enthusiastic expression of pleasure or agreement.

http://www.artistwd.com/joyzine/australia/strine/b-3.php

is the highest sign of power: it is beyond contradictions, relaxed and without stress - no need for violence; everything follows and obeys the most love-worthy features (Nietzsche)

http://www.a-studio.nl/en/writings/abc/

[SheepDog]

I wasn't sure if it was a rhetorical question until it was answered, and based on your answer, I guess it was.
Glad I could help.

[booyalab]

melancholeric:
"Knowledge, if it does not determine action, is dead to us."
-Plotinus

[melancholeric]

melancholeric:
"Knowledge, if it does not determine action, is dead to us."
-Plotinus
I think Paul James touched this one:

A further result of the Ti function is the concept, lived out by many an INTP, that knowledge is everything. They tend to believe that information is the key to life. All mistakes can be avoided by having the right information at the right time. This has at least a certain logic about it. Where they differ from other temperaments (especially from SP types) is that a large gap may exist between knowing and doing. To know is everything, to do is a lower order necessity, if it is necessary at all. This breeds the potential for lazy aloofness. The INTP is often satisfied simply by knowing that he could do something if he wished.
That part of the profile is quite accurate. Not that I'd disagree with you on this, but my actions, or lack of them, are just a downside of being an INTP.

[mgb]

I love how melan is actually using a thread about people posting crap and increasing their post count to post crap and increase his post count.

Very devious.

[SheepDog]

BTW, mgbradsh, congrats on reaching 3000 posts!

How many posts do I need for a nickname? 1000, right?

[mgb]

BTW, mgbradsh, congrats on reaching 3000 posts!

How many posts do I need for a nickname? 1000, right?

Aww, hey, thanks. If I thought you were sincere I would tell you to keep plugging away 'cause you'll get there soon.

[misutii]

taking this opportunity to raise post count

[crule81]

I love how melan is actually using a thread about people posting crap and increasing their post count to post crap and increase his post count.

Very devious.

I agree. 679

[crule81]

I agree.

And then there are those of us who add nothing to the discussion and only agree with another post. 680

[SheepDog]

I knew that given enough time, people would start making my point for me.

[melancholeric]

I love how melan is actually using a thread about people posting crap and increasing their post count to post crap and increase his post count.

Very devious.
With your 3k+ postcount, I don't think you would be the first one to point any fingers about this. I could easily have 1500-2000 posts if I wanted, given the time I spend online. Besides, if I wanted a post count boost, why have I posted that much in the Parlor lately?

[songbird36]

Well here's a controversial "INTJ" suggestion. We have some self-regulating posting "criteria" for the main forum, as opposed to the "Rants and Raves" or "Bitch" section. Posts in the main forum must contain one or more of the following:

* Interesting subject content (history, politics, philosophy or whatever the topic is)
* Insightful observation
* Incisive humour (not private jokes)
* A relevant question on which others are asked to comment

Hmm..this suggestion is only *half* serious but imagine the quality improvement if it were followed?

btw in terms of *number* of posts I agree with the people who say high post count doesn't necessarily mean attention whoring or low quality content. Some people (myself included) prefer to make short pithy posts, as opposed to long, reflective ones. This means our post count will be naturally higher but the total number of words used may be the same as others with a lower count.

[waxwing]

The earlier bit was still funnier. Why would 'anyone' feel offense at that ?


Claverhouse :ph34r:
They wouldn't....would they?

Sometimes I wonder.

[melancholeric]

Well here's a controversial "INTJ" suggestion. We have some self-regulating posting "criteria" for the main forum, as opposed to the "Rants and Raves" or "Bitch" section. Posts in the main forum must contain one or more of the following:

* Interesting subject content (history, politics, philosophy or whatever the topic is)
* Insightful observation
* Incisive humour (not private jokes)
* A relevant question on which others are asked to comment

Hmm..this suggestion is only *half* serious but imagine the quality improvement if it were followed?

btw in terms of *number* of posts I agree with the people who say high post count doesn't necessarily mean attention whoring or low quality content. Some people (myself included) prefer to make short pithy posts, as opposed to long, reflective ones. This means our post count will be naturally higher but the total number of words used may be the same as others with a lower count.
And here's an INTP suggestion. What if you keep your INTJ suggestions the hell away from INTP central.

Define "Interesting subject content". If it's interesting to an INTP, then it can be discussed. Ditto for others. Unless you can come up with an objective criteria for those, and I doubt you can.

[waxwing]

Relevant, incisive, insightful, and interesting do seem difficult to determine when people are known to have different interests, insights, brands of humor, and hierarchies of relevance.

Otherwise, I think I get it.

[Network Alchemy]

post count could be made unseeable on posts but seeable in profiles ~ i have seen this in other communities and it is good

i believe whether or not a particular person would post for the sake of increasing their post count is irrelevant and it is something like saying ~i do not murder people therefore there should be no laws or structure against murdering people~

[songbird36]

And here's an INTP suggestion. What if you keep your INTJ suggestions the hell away from INTP central.

Define "Interesting subject content". If it's interesting to an INTP, then it can be discussed. Ditto for others. Unless you can come up with an objective criteria for those, and I doubt you can.

No need to get snaky Melancholeric - there wouldn't be a suggestion box if people didn't have the right to make suggestions - I've seen lots of INTPs making them (including ones which could be construed as "officious" such as sending people to the sin bin). So no, it's not a type thing.

Call my criteria "guidelines" perhaps. Of course they're subjective - they're an outline of expectations of certain parts of the forum. We already have them to some extent by labelling various areas which contain a description of expected content for those areas. It was merely an expansion of that idea.

And I'm not suggesting that the forum be moderated to "enforce" these criteria.

[mgb]

With your 3k+ postcount, I don't think you would be the first one to point any fingers about this. I could easily have 1500-2000 posts if I wanted, given the time I spend online. Besides, if I wanted a post count boost, why have I posted that much in the Parlor lately?

I wasn't pointing fingers, just noticing, and increasing my post count in doing so. Not that it matters at this point, I didn't even notice I was at 3000 until SD pointed it out.

[SheepDog]

post count could be made unseeable on posts but seeable in profiles ~ i have seen this in other communities and it is good

Thanks for clarifying that. That's what I meant to say in my proposal, actually.



i believe whether or not a particular person would post for the sake of increasing their post count is irrelevant and it is something like saying ~i do not murder people therefore there should be no laws or structure against murdering people~
I also happen to agree with this.

[melancholeric]

No need to get snaky Melancholeric - there wouldn't be a suggestion box if people didn't have the right to make suggestions - I've seen lots of INTPs making them (including ones which could be construed as "officious" such as sending people to the sin bin). So no, it's not a type thing.

Call my criteria "guidelines" perhaps. Of course they're subjective - they're an outline of expectations of certain parts of the forum. We already have them to some extent by labelling various areas which contain a description of expected content for those areas. It was merely an expansion of that idea.

And I'm not suggesting that the forum be moderated to "enforce" these criteria.
1. You made an "INTJ" suggestion. Whether it was any different from any other suggestions here is irrelevant. We've already seen what happens when you make any kind of suggestions about this forum.

2. I don't know about you, but I am enforcing pretty much that criteria on myself all the time. I don't post anything just for the sake of posting something.


I wasn't pointing fingers, just noticing, and increasing my post count in doing so. Not that it matters at this point, I didn't even notice I was at 3000 until SD pointed it out.
You were wrong.
1. It's not crap. It may not be the best example of quality posting, but it's not that kind of spam that I (and you) have occasionally done.
2. I don't post to increase my post count. If I did, why the hell would I post that much in the parlor? Or private messages?
3. I'll be getting a nickname soon. Can't wait.

[songbird36]

1. OK but can't you address ideas rather than persons? I thought you were one of the people who could.

2. Yes, good.

[melancholeric]

1. I can. I did. Some people can't. That's why you (not being particularly popular here) should avoid making that kind of suggestions. First, you made it clear that it's an "INTJ" suggestion, and that suggestion just screams "CONTROL FREAK!!!" to me.

Second, it's pointless to make any suggestion like that, when 1) people are already doing that and 2) it's impossible to enforce.

[songbird36]

Oh well the "INTJ" thing was a wee joke actually. Maybe my humour is an "INTJ" thing too!

Nuff said..

[Shai Gar]

Jumping in:
I don't think many people (especially INTPs) would post for the sake of raising post count. unless we considered it a game

[Crazy]

How about replacing post count with a rating system for posts, and your average rating shows up where the count would be. 1 = shitty post, 10 = excellent post.

I've tried on other sites to boost my post count, but I am never satisfied posting something completely useless.

Or a rating that only the mods can adjust, based on how the person generally posts.

[Star]

How about replacing post count with a rating system for posts, and your average rating shows up where the count would be. 1 = shitty post, 10 = excellent post.


I suggested this a while back. It's a feature already in the forum software being used. vBulletin Repuation Feature (http://forums.intpcentral.com/showthread.php?t=2702&highlight=vbulletin+reputation)

There's no social problem we can't fix with some kind of software configuration. :nerd: Or, well, if we can't, at least the tinkering around might distract us.

[Crazy]

And I thought I was being clever and original.

[Claverhouse]

Apart from the fact that even the most dedicated mods may have better things to do than to individually rate every post made here; having the members rating the posts would be equally subjective and they wouldn't bother anyway. How often have people rated threads since the new system came in ?



Claverhouse :ph34r:


Basically: post-counts don't matter in the least, but it does enable the casual observer to separate the weak from the strong.

[booyalab]

And then there are those of us who add nothing to the discussion and only agree with another post. 680

I do that once in awhile, earlier in this thread to be ironic, and other times usually to shut the person up. edit: 2,920

[Crazy]

There are weak ones who post alot more than strong ones though. That is the point. People judge based on post count, but all post count tells you is how many times a person has typed in a little box and clicked "post quick reply" or "submit reply" on the forum.

We could make the post count generate random numbers.

[waxwing]

unless we considered it a game
Oh, mm-hmm. So, a post is sort of like a sheep and we're all insomniac introverts doing what we do best: talking ourselves to sleep, in a linear fashion. This game is not putting me to sleep quite yet, but boring me, immensely. I'm in that really restless period where I can't sleep, but I don't really want to get up and do something else quite yet. Maybe I just don't get the concept of the "I Count Posts" game. Actually, since this is really not about counting posts, I don't get the whole personal competition vibe here. Someone explain, please. I mean, I can ignore it, but I really want to know what is so fun about it?

I'm gonna start counting posts in bed. Not bedposts. I know, usually four. :whistle:

[booyalab]

I feel bad for mgbradsh, everyone else can (and does) look to someone with more posts to say who they consider to be a post whore.

[Lee]

Maybe we should have post per day average next to the overall post counts.

Thats supposing the current situation really bothers people, which I doubt.

[Claverhouse]

I feel bad for mgbradsh, everyone else can (and does) look to someone with more posts to say who they consider to be a post whore.
Gee, a sort of nearly endless chain ! Stares at booyalab hard.



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[SheepDog]

Maybe we should have post per day average next to the overall post counts.

Thats supposing the current situation really bothers people, which I doubt.
It's not post count in itself that was the issue. The nature of the posts, which was my original point, definitely does really bother people.

[SheepDog]

...Actually, since this is really not about counting posts, I don't get the whole personal competition vibe here. Someone explain, please. I mean, I can ignore it, but I really want to know what is so fun about it?
That's getting to the heart of the matter, I think.

[Lee]

It's not post count in itself that was the issue. The nature of the posts, which was my original point, definitely does really bother people.
Don't let it bother you, people are going to have different styles of communication, would you rather they changed because you say so?

[SheepDog]

Don't let it bother you, people are going to have different styles of communication, would you rather they changed because you say so?
Please tell me how I asked anyone to change their behavior. It seems that it is you that is giving directives, telling me what to think/feel.

[Lee]

Please tell me how I asked anyone to change their behavior. It seems that it is you that is giving directives, telling me what to think/feel.
I thought that you wanted people to stop posting silly posts designed to increase thier post count.... thus changing thier behaviour.... if not, then what is the point of the thread.

[SheepDog]

I thought that you wanted people to stop posting silly posts designed to increase thier post count.... thus changing thier behaviour.... if not, then what is the point of the thread.
Fair enough. I can see why you might see my original suggestion as targeted in that way.

Honestly, I brought it up to point out what I saw as a possible contributor to the many (many) threads open at the moment critiquing the dynamic around this forum at the moment (ok, for a while now). I thought it was worth bringing up, anyway.

If I have feelings about the posts here, they're disappointment for the most part. There's a lot of potential on this board, some very smart, experienced, thoughtful people. There's just so much noise that it's hard for the quality to be heard sometimes. Even from the people that I don't really care for, I have seen reason to have respect for their views. But even this gets lost in the noise far too often.

Sorry for getting defensive. It's not my nature to take direction well, not sure if that's INTP-ish or not, but it's an understatement for me personally. At the same time, just saying that won't make my disappointment go away.

[songbird36]

I think your comments are pertinent and timely, and support the sentiment behind them.

[booyalab]

Since the aim of this forum is so ambiguous, you're not going to eliminate the 'noise' (which really is a matter of perception).

[Sackanaka]

I would quote Anchorman but it doesn't seem very appropriate. (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial_s&q=Anchorman+%22loud+noises%22&btnG=Search)

Also, I have seen a sudden spike in sensical threads. At least, insightful to me.

[booyalab]

I would quote Anchorman but it doesn't seem very appropriate. (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial_s&q=Anchorman+%22loud+noises%22&btnG=Search)

Also, I have seen a sudden spike in sensical threads. At least, insightful to me.
wait a minute!...... there's a link there!!! TEACHER!!!

[file cabinet]

I don't think the displaying of the post count has been an issue.. at another forum I was a part of ppl seemed to be judged by their post count.. so they eliminated the display of the post count.. then they started judging people based on their user id (smaller user id was better, apparently).. but neither of those problems seem to be happening here. although, I personally would rather have postcounts not show since it's relatively pointless.

[Sackanaka]

Let's post the most reasonable solutions so far then, and perhaps reach a consensus or at least basis for a poll. This is what it seems like to me:

1) Post # to be displayed in public profile only.
2) that's about it (http://fan.in-my-skin.org/brick/).

[Edmond Zedo]

Gah. It ain't broke...

If nothing else post count shows Guests that there are lots of regulars here, and it's not a dead forum.

[SensEye]

I don't think the displaying of the post count has been an issue.. at another forum I was a part of ppl seemed to be judged by their post count.. so they eliminated the display of the post count.. then they started judging people based on their user id (smaller user id was better, apparently).. but neither of those problems seem to be happening here. although, I personally would rather have postcounts not show since it's relatively pointless.I don't see how having access to information can be a bad thing.

Certainly a high post count can be indicative of a low quality poster (ie. a flame warrior) but I am perfectly capable of making judgements based on my own observations. I don't need to be "nannied" by selective information disclosure.

[mgb]

I feel bad for mgbradsh, everyone else can (and does) look to someone with more posts to say who they consider to be a post whore.

I don't have the most, keep looking up.

The heart of the matter here is that Sheepdog and probably some others believe that post count is used as a ranking system on the forum and as such people will do anything, including degrading the quality of their posts to achieve a higher status.

This might be true until someone hits 1000 posts and gets their little (or long) nickname. After that, who cares?

Fundamentally, I believe this to be wrong and is a misguided effort to achieve a higher quality of posting on the forum. To be quite honest, quality of posts is a product of the membership and nothing else.

Some people here like to sit back and remember the good old days when the forum was fun and people used to make quality posts and didn't care about post count. To those people I challenge you to go back and re-read those old threads, they were as "crappy" as anything that's around today and there was just as much banter inbetween members, it may have been more positive in a lot of cases, but I wouldn't call it better.

Everyone seems to have idealized notions of this forum. It is what it is. It's a product of the membership. I see a lot of people bitching about how they don't like it, so do something about it. Post on topics you think to be relevent. Ignore ones that aren't. If you don't like the fighting, don't watch it, don't post anything about it. Put those members on ignore. If you want quality control, vote on threads. But complaining about isn't going to help your case. Complaining about stuff like this is on the same level as fighting. Calling all people with a high post count flame warriors is ridiculous. If you took all my posts out from fights, I would still have more than most members.

People here need to start putting up or shutting up.

[coffeezombie]

Changing the displaying of post counts will not stop most of the people on here from being idiots, I guarantee you that.

[jyakulis]

How about replacing post count with a rating system for posts, and your average rating shows up where the count would be. 1 = shitty post, 10 = excellent post.

I've tried on other sites to boost my post count, but I am never satisfied posting something completely useless.

Or a rating that only the mods can adjust, based on how the person generally posts.

Christ this sounds like too much work man. I can't even keep up with just rating the threads in general. On that note I'm rating this thread a 1 star. WHO CARES!!!!!!!!!!!

[Network Alchemy]

if when arguing with someone with a high post count relative to mine i rip them a new one my glee will be high

[shum]

Changing the displaying of post counts will not stop most of the people on here from being idiots, I guarantee you that.

instead of showing post counts, how about just showing the names of moderators we know?

[garak]

nt

[Sir Isaac Lime]

You think the majority even look at post counts?

[Lee]

You think the majority even look at post counts?
Nope, i hardly even acknowledge them.

[Miss Anthropic]

Let the 1000 post nickname reflect the quality of the posts. If one reaches 1000 by single-sentence posts, then we shall call them "Post-whore #1" and 2 and 3 etc... :devil:

[garak]

Familiarity with that person is more useful, and it comes without even having to glance at the post count.

But I don't see a problem with advertising the post count. What the fuck kind of loser would seriously get so caught up about it that they would make an effort to post more, to bring it up? Seriously, wtf? Is this really a problem? I can't imagine it is.

[melancholeric]

instead of showing post counts, how about just showing the names of moderators we know?
How well do I need to know a mod to get the name displayed?

Nope, i hardly even acknowledge them.
Neither do I.

914. Getting closer and closer to the magic 1000. You're not that far from it either.

[SheepDog]

Nope, i hardly even acknowledge them.

Neither do I.

914. Getting closer and closer to the magic 1000. You're not that far from it either.
Thanks for the laugh. I love irony. :D

[booyalab]

How well do I need to know a mod to get the name displayed?

Neither do I.

914. Getting closer and closer to the magic 1000. You're not that far from it either.

I cant wait to name you *throws head back and laughs evilly*

[melancholeric]

I cant wait to name you *throws head back and laughs evilly*
You're just baiting me to postwhoring, and I am not going to play that game. As for naming, you'll have to wait, I still have about 90 to go. And I'll ask someone like Clara to name me, she's nicer. You're just... Nazi dominatrix. And scary.

[booyalab]

You're just baiting me to postwhoring, and I am not going to play that game. As for naming, you'll have to wait, I still have about 90 to go. And I'll ask someone like Clara to name me, she's nicer. You're just... Nazi dominatrix. And scary.

ok fine, if you really want something like "rainbow dancer of the puppy daisies" or whatever...now THAT'S scary

[Claverhouse]

And I'll ask someone like Clara to name me, she's nicer. You're just... Nazi dominatrix. And scary.
Aww, don't you remember that Russian picture EJ put up as tribute to his favourite nazi dominatrix ? You're scared of that ? I bet Rasputin wouldn't have been intimidated by a delicate girlie.

Dominatrices just want to have fun.


Claverhouse :ph34r:

[melancholeric]

ok fine, if you really want something like "rainbow dancer of the puppy daisies" or whatever...now THAT'S scary
I never said I want a scary nickname. I said you are scary.

Besides, it's far too early to talk about this now.



Aww, don't you remember that Russian picture EJ put up as tribute to his favourite nazi dominatrix ? You're scared of that ? I bet Rasputin wouldn't have been intimidated by a delicate girlie.
I've tried to forget everything about EJ/Rich-whatevernumberthatwas/his other reincarnations, but I vaguely remember a picture like that. I think it was in one of the deleted threads.


Dominatrices just want to have fun.
More power to them. Just don't ask me to have fun with them.


See, I'm not postwhoring. I could have replied to both posts separately and have 2 new posts instead of one, but I replied to both at once, even if it takes more work in form of copypasting. I'm doing my best in not hitting 1000 as soon as possible.

[jetboots]

Couldnt help but notice that about 90% of the replies in this tread are from people with over 500 posts. I guess its just a special interest group paying attention to their own reality:P

[mgb]

I never said I want a scary nickname. I said you are scary.

Besides, it's far too early to talk about this now.



I've tried to forget everything about EJ/Rich-whatevernumberthatwas/his other reincarnations, but I vaguely remember a picture like that. I think it was in one of the deleted threads.


More power to them. Just don't ask me to have fun with them.


See, I'm not postwhoring. I could have replied to both posts separately and have 2 new posts instead of one, but I replied to both at once, even if it takes more work in form of copypasting. I'm doing my best in not hitting 1000 as soon as possible.


I already have your nickname picked out. Sorry.

[booyalab]

I never said I want a scary nickname. I said you are scary.


but I even threw a smiley emoticon at you yesterday! and for what?!? :angry:

[melancholeric]

but I even threw a smiley emoticon at you yesterday! and for what?!? :angry:
Quite a few smileys actually, and I admit that it made you less scary. Still, that avatar creeps me out. That, and your occasionally aggressive behaviour. And some other things.

[mgb]

but I even threw a smiley emoticon at you yesterday! and for what?!? :angry:

You are kinda scary. You have to admit.

[booyalab]

Quite a few smileys actually, and I admit that it made you less scary. Still, that avatar creeps me out. That, and your occasionally aggressive behaviour. And some other things.

Now I'm curious...


You are kinda scary. You have to admit.
no I dont.

[Lee]

no I dont.
He's right.

[mgb]

Now I'm curious...


no I dont.

Admission is the first step...

[booyalab]

I suppose now would be a bad time to unleash my wrath.

[mgb]

I suppose now would be a bad time to unleash my wrath.

Yeah, it could be. Maybe we need to talk about your wrath, and figure out what it's all about.

[melancholeric]

Now I'm curious...
you .... invite... people.. like EJ!!!!


no I dont.
You are scary. Accept it, embrace it, get over it.

He's right.
He's right.

Admission is the first step...
He's right too.

I suppose now would be a bad time to unleash my wrath.
Very very bad time indeed.

[booyalab]

I didn't actually invite him, I told him about the place and he's in love with me so it was a convenient way for him to watch my every move. I'm not responsible for his behavior!

[Claverhouse]

Very very bad time indeed.

Exactly. [Cold, but breathing fire].



I didn't actually invite him, I told him about the place and he's in love with me so it was a convenient way for him to watch my every move. I'm not responsible for his behavior!
He was from Plymouth, Devonshire, England right ? Does he worship you from afar ? 4,500 miles seems pretty afar.

And you are responsible for your proteges.

So far: 4 - 5 Trolls. You smuggled in EJ; Shai smuggled in Ghosteh; melancholeric smuggled in Universal: the Russkie poet chap came in by himself and spoke in strange tongues. It's either sabotage or an attempt to look good by comparison with the nutter muttering in the corner.



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[Clara]

SheepDog, I'm glad to be reading your posts again. :)



instead of showing post counts, how about just showing the names of moderators we know?
How well do I need to know a mod to get the name displayed?
Subverting the implicit sense of what shum said ( that someone who is going beyond the bounds of generally behavior acceptable behavior might prefer to hear that from someone who likes them ). Then again, it's possible that moderators might not feel as friendly -- at any given moment -- to whomever it is, as may be thought ...


As for naming, you'll have to wait, I still have about 90 to go. And I'll ask someone like Clara to name me, she's nicer.
ok fine, if you really want something like "rainbow dancer of the puppy daisies" or whatever...now THAT'S scary
Obviously, neither of you knows me as well as you seem to think you do. Hmm, does this matter enough to me, to add to your understanding... hmm

One thing... I don't do naming. Fortunately, I know enough people who are talented about names, that I usually have only had to decide which of several seemed a better match.


[ ellipsing a whole raft of sarcastic comments... just to be annoying about it ]

[booyalab]

He was from Plymouth, Devonshire, England right ? Does he worship you from afar ? 4,500 miles seems pretty afar.

And you are responsible for your proteges.

So far: 4 - 5 Trolls. You smuggled in EJ; Shai smuggled in Ghosteh; melancholeric smuggled in Universal: the Russkie poet chap came in by himself and spoke in strange tongues. It's either sabotage or an attempt to look good by comparison with the nutter muttering in the corner.



Claverhouse :ph34r:

You're right....I made the whole thing up *rolling of eyes*

So you dont think he can worship me from afar but you think it's possible for me to wrench the keyboard from his fingers and stuff it down the garbage disposal?

OH! so universal is melancholeric's fault? well, why is he not scary too then? Especially while having the audacity to post his picture as his avatar.



Obviously, neither of you knows me as well as you seem to think you do. Hmm, does this matter enough to me, to add to your understanding... hmm

I notice you didnt criticize the nickname itself, just the fact that melancholeric thought you would do naming. I win.

[melancholeric]

I said someone like Clara and being nicer than booya doesn't really take much. And it is too early to talk about my naming now. Or too late if you ask mgbradsh.

Someone could explain this to me, because apparently I am too dumb to understand, but how exactly did I smuggle Universal in when he had left the forum before I even started lurking.

And this Russian guy sounds interesting. I'd really like to hear more about him.

[Claverhouse]

OH! so universal is melancholeric's fault?
.
Actually, no. I added that to see if he was paying attention.;P



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[booyalab]

I said someone like Clara and being nicer than booya doesn't really take much. And it is too early to talk about my naming now. Or too late if you ask mgbradsh.


70% of the people who posted in the anti-booya thread could vouch for me that probably 70% of the people on this forum could beat me up in an instant (unless I had a gun, which I dont, no worries)

I'm a wimp. (or maybe I'm trying to convince you so you'll let your guard down and..uh, jk... )

edit:

Actually, no. I added that to see if he was paying attention.;P



Claverhouse :ph34r:

curses, foiled again!

[Claverhouse]

And this Russian guy sounds interesting. I'd really like to hear more about him.
Geez, am I the only one who remembers anything? I bet Vaga could if she was here.

This was back in what I previously referred to as the First Incarnation, but which was actually apparently the Second Incarnation ( forumer ). He rambled on in long Slavonic posts speaking of love and his heart and misunderstanding --- or something: only in free verse poetry.

We lost him when we moved to ppb. Not purposefully. I think.



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[booyalab]

what was his name? I think I might vaguely remember him..or mention of him.

[Clara]

I notice you didnt criticize the nickname itself, just the fact that melancholeric thought you would do naming. I win.
Huh ? What nickname ? And, somehow, I don't think melancholeric actually thinks I'm going to find any nicknames... I think that might have been just to see if I was paying attention. ( Actually, I did miss the beginning of this tangent, and then walked away from the computer several times, while wording my post... if that helps anything. And, booyalab, I enjoy your posts, too. Well, as many of them as anyone else's. :hug: )

[Lee]

what was his name? I think I might vaguely remember him..or mention of him.
You probably were him :thelook:

[Claverhouse]

No this was about a year ago. I forget names of people I've known for several years ( particularly if I haven't seen them --- something to do with advanced egocentricity I imagine ): something like Soula or Vasha I think. But the posts from the forumer board were lost forever anyway, I guess. We were young, heedless and innocent. We thought it would last forever. Then winter came.



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[booyalab]

I think I remember seeing posts referring to him

[mgb]

I think I remember seeing posts referring to him

No you don't. You are just trying to fit in now by linking yourself to past incarnations of the forum. For shame.

[booyalab]

No you don't. You are just trying to fit in now by linking yourself to past incarnations of the forum. For shame.
I dont want to be scary :(

[melancholeric]

Geez, am I the only one who remembers anything?
Well, I wasn't there, but I do remember you mentioning this guy somewhere.


He rambled on in long Slavonic posts speaking of love and his heart and misunderstanding --- or something: only in free verse poetry.
I suppose this is one way to increase post count. By the way, did you have similar nicknaming traditions back then?

Huh ? What nickname ? And, somehow, I don't think melancholeric actually thinks I'm going to find any nicknames... I think that might have been just to see if I was paying attention.
the nickname I'm supposed to get after ~80 posts. Probably this week if I keep posting at this rate. Not to say anything about content.

Actually, I did miss the beginning of this tangent
What tangent?

You probably were him :thelook:
Obviously. Now she'll just need to start posting long Slavonic posts in free verse poetry.


No you don't. You are just trying to fit in now by linking yourself to past incarnations of the forum. For shame.
Why you gotta be like that?

[mgb]

Why you gotta be like that?

I wish we had a shrug emoticon, with arms like the laughing one, I would use that a lot.

[SheepDog]

You guys amuse the hell out of me.

[booyalab]

I wish I could say we try....but we dont...we're doomed to an unintentionally funny existance

[Clara]

You guys amuse the hell out of me.
See what you were missing ? If only this brilliance were somehow turned to useful purposes ( Wait ! Yes, amusing those of us who can only read and laugh is a useful purpose. Nevermind. )

I'm very very glad that the definition of Tangent seems to be evolving, in common usage. I'll post with a lighter heart, now.

[SheepDog]

See what you were missing ? If only this brilliance were somehow turned to useful purposes ( Wait ! Yes, amusing those of us who can only read and laugh is a useful purpose. Nevermind. )

I'm very very glad that the definition of Tangent seems to be evolving, in common usage. I'll post with a lighter heart, now.
But is the lesson here that it's only fun if you lower your expectations and stir the pot yourself?

[Lee]

Who want's to have serious debate when we can laugh instead?

Do not degrade comedy to some lower standing.

[SheepDog]

I'd settle for 'thoughtful', either in humor or in discussions. Serious has it's place, but isn't a primary expectation of mine.

[Claverhouse]

Well, I wasn't there, but I do remember you mentioning this guy somewhere.
I may have once, on a post here deleted.



I suppose this is one way to increase post count. By the way, did you have similar nicknaming traditions back then?
AFAIR, and I was but a mere tyro, giants walked the forum in those days, the naming had been limited to the founding members and/or people who had 100 posts. Once I had got to somewhere approaching that, they wisely foresaw the dangers ahead, and increased it to 1000 posts.

I buckled down to some good hard post-whoring as if my very life depended on it.


Claverhouse :ph34r:


[ And may I say, this has been as pretty a display of thread-subversion as it would be possible to see. Melancholeric is the Subversion-Master: or Master of Subversion, if he prefers it that way. Everyone bows, as after a minuette.

If that's what they do after a minuette. I've never seen one. Tangos, yes on film; but not minuettes. ]

[Sir Isaac Lime]

I wish we had a shrug emoticon, with arms like the laughing one, I would use that a lot.

http://forums.horrorcore.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif

[Clara]

But is the lesson here that it's only fun if you lower your expectations and stir the pot yourself?( You have more than one username, don't you ? :thelook: )
edit : I meant, that has a familiar ring to it; echoing strongly what a few others have expressed about this. I wasn't asking that literally; I try not to wonder about such things -- part of a long list of things I don't try to know.

No, to resume a serious tone, I think that it's important that there be room for a range and variety of expression... And I think that this speaks to the INTPish nature of these fora ( as distinct from whatever individuals happen to be posting in a given period of time ).

I think that inspiration and understanding are sparked in a variety of ways.

Sometimes we want to hear what others think, about a topic... and sometimes we just want to hear what others think.

( Hmmm -- there are many times where I've come to a full stop, in trying to approach something directly, from as many angles as I can think of... then, turning to something completely different, especially in the company of others who are expressing themselves with inspired brilliance -- on themes unconnected to whatever I've suspended... adds fuel, later on, when I return to whatever-it-was... )

[SheepDog]

Clara, I cannot tell whether you're agreeing or disagreeing with the "lower expectations" comment.

[melancholeric]

I wish we had a shrug emoticon, with arms like the laughing one, I would use that a lot.
You're shrugging about everything because you don't know anything what you're asked.

I'm very very glad that the definition of Tangent seems to be evolving, in common usage. I'll post with a lighter heart, now.
I think this whole thread has been a gigantic tangent. If there was a point somewhere, it was lost after the first reply.


Who want's to have serious debate when we can laugh instead?

Do not degrade comedy to some lower standing.
Exactly. Life is too short to be taken seriously. And comedy can be art at its finest.



I may have once, on a post here deleted.
I am absolutely sure I've seen that. If it was deleted, this can't be confirmed though.

I buckled down to some good hard post-whoring as if my very life depended on it.
I can believe that.


[ And may I say, this has been as pretty a display of thread-subversion as it would be possible to see. Melancholeric is the Subversion-Master: or Master of Subversion, if he prefers it that way. Everyone bows, as after a minuette.

If that's what they do after a minuette. I've never seen one. Tangos, yes on film; but not minuettes. ]
I don't know what to think of that. It sounds quite derogatory, but then... being master of something...

[songbird36]

Can someone administer the last rites to this thread before it turns into the "Night of the Living Dead"?

[Clara]

Yes and no.

As Shaytana said, it depends what we hope to find here. I think frivolity is important. I agree with melancholeric's remark that comedy can be art. Besides that, some of the people who've posted in this thread are among those whose ways of thinking about things -- almost, but not quite, whatever they're thinking about -- is often illuminating. I don't think it's fair, to rate one person's pursuit as "higher" than another's. I don't think many people realize, when they're doing it, that they're making it difficult for anyone to talk about serious topics. And I include "What's up with that Avatar" among those frustratingly subverted, for a while, "serious" threads. ( If someone wants to argue this, send a PM. )

There needs to be scope for those who hope for serious discussion... to be able to discuss with like-minded others, without being drowned out by those who want a different kind of interaction. There's this, too : there are some profound reflections, in many of the designated silly threads... and, everyone who has been criticized for non-serious posts has expressed some profound thoughts on some topics. Sometimes in a light, bantering tone; sometimes not.

[mgb]

http://forums.horrorcore.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif

Insufficient.

[mgb]

You're shrugging about everything because you don't know anything what you're asked.

You asked why I gotta be like that. Shrugging is a great way of saying, " 'cause ".

[Lee]

Insufficient.
exactly, I mean it barely even looks like what it is supposed to, I think SIL should be banned for this insolence.

[Claverhouse]

The little fellow looks rather as if he were paying homage --- to melancholeric --- more than shrugging.


Claverhouse :ph34r:


[ It would be rather thrilling, for connoisseurs of irony at least, it melan were to be compelled by the exigencies of this very thread to here win through to the magic One-Thousand-Poster mark. At least before the powers decide to make it Ten-Thousand-Poster. ]

[SheepDog]

Can someone administer the last rites to this thread before it turns into the "Night of the Living Dead"?
My next suggestion was that we drop all the forums and just have one "Thread".

[Clara]

[ It would be rather thrilling, for connoisseurs of irony at least, it melan were to be compelled by the exigencies of this very thread to here win through to the magic One-Thousand-Poster mark. At least before the powers decide to make it Ten-Thousand-Poster. ]
It would. But that's 78 more posts. And trying to -- let's say "encourage" -- melancholeric to do anything... leads to unpredictable results. ( I don't think it's possible, but then, I don't know melancholeric very well. )

To return to file cabinet's original question : what can be done, to make it more possible for those who want to discuss only topics, without addressing anything personal, to be free to do that ?

[Star]

Suggestion: move this thread to the playground. :devil:

[Claverhouse]

[ To Sheepdog: begetter of this thread c ]( You have more than one username, don't you ? :thelook: )
edit : I meant, that has a familiar ring to it; echoing strongly what a few others have expressed about this. I wasn't asking that literally; I try not to wonder about such things -- part of a long list of things I don't try to know. Gosh, I missed that the first time.



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[Clara]

What ?!? I never said that green part !

Oh. You're right. I forgot what thread this was.

On the original topic : maybe leave the post counts exactly how and where they are... and everyone who wishes for more thoughtful posts, ought to do exactly as SheepDog did, earlier, asking one another to say what they think. Or, point out someone's thoughtlessness, in some clever way (e.g. adding green words, in quoting them. )

[SheepDog]

It would be very easy to forget what this thread was.

[Vagabond]

Geez, am I the only one who remembers anything? I bet Vaga could if she was here.

This was back in what I previously referred to as the First Incarnation, but which was actually apparently the Second Incarnation ( forumer ). He rambled on in long Slavonic posts speaking of love and his heart and misunderstanding --- or something: only in free verse poetry.

We lost him when we moved to ppb. Not purposefully. I think.



Claverhouse :ph34r: a) Vaga was here and she saw that.
b) Other than his heart, he was trying to save our souls as well.
c) His poetry was pathetic.
d) Nothing is lost forever (shed a tear now, you may). Ever check the archives? ;)
e) http://intpcentral.com/index.php?mode=archive&a=thread&id=400
144DeZonia. I am sure that is who you mean claverhouse (or did we have more crappy poets back then..?)

[coffeezombie]

That was terrible... you must be a sadist to have supplied us a link to that, Vagabond. :mad:

[Claverhouse]

What ?!? I never said that green part !

Oh. You're right. I forgot what thread this was.

On the original topic : maybe leave the post counts exactly how and where they are... and everyone who wishes for more thoughtful posts, ought to do exactly as SheepDog did, earlier, asking one another to say what they think. Or, point out someone's thoughtlessness, in some clever way (e.g. adding green words, in quoting them. )
Not thoughtlessness in the least. But it was worthy of note as the least sweet thing you have ever written in an otherwise unbroken record of kindness; and because it's funny.

Which relieves the otherwise sombre bleakness of this magnificent yet melancholy thread. I added the green, not to highlight anything but to make it clear whom you were addressing: we don't want any more 'misunderstandings'...


a) Vaga was here and she saw that.
b) Other than his heart, he was trying to save our souls as well.
No wonder I think of him as the First Troll.


c) His poetry was pathetic.
Unkind. Never say a word that may hurt someone.


d) Nothing is lost forever (shed a tear now, you may). Ever check the archives? ;)
e) http://intpcentral.com/index.php?mo...a=thread&id=400 (http://intpcentral.com/index.php?mode=archive&a=thread&id=400)
144DeZonia. I am sure that is who you mean claverhouse (or did we have more crappy poets back then..?)
Sorry, I thought the forumer stuff had been lost, and only the ppb stuff archived. Not that I ever go there: I didn't think anyone did.


That was terrible... you must be a sadist to have supplied us a link to that, Vagabond. :mad:
Yes.


Claverhouse :ph34r:



'Weak we are, screaming boldly in our wantonness like a wildebeest. '

[songbird36]

It would be very easy to forget what this thread was.

Yeah wasn't it something about attention-whore posters?

*SB34 scratches chin thoughtfully*

[Claverhouse]

Indeed, as our greatest member might say. It's not that easy to take seriously a thread which addresses an issue of staggering unimportance --- apart from not noticing postcounts unless they say 3 or something nearly as low, I doubt if anyone here has ever responded even minutely differently to another member based on their perceived post number. And it's difficult to take a forum seriously where government is postulated as supreme evil, and people get excited about fighting each other.


The Revered Cheerleaders of the State.


During the debate over a bill to designate the frontier chuck wagon as the "official state vehicle", Texas State Senators got a bit out of hand.
The bill's sponsor, Kel Seliger of Amarillo, was upset that fellow lawmakers weren't taking his bill seriously, interrupting him with silly questions ("Should we call it the Charles Wagon?" and "Can we also designate the low-rider as the official state urban vehicle?")

When yet another senator was about to interrupt with his own one-liner, Seliger fumed, "I've already yielded more than a cheerleader at a drive-in!"

The entire chamber went silent, not believing he would diss the revered cheerleaders of the state.

Seliger later blamed "incipient Tourette's syndrome" for his outburst, and suggested "the next bill I do will be for motherhood." (Austin American-Statesman) ...Isn't that pretty much what already happens when the cheerleaders yield"?This is True 3rd April.



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[SheepDog]

Indeed, as our greatest member might say. It's not that easy to take seriously a thread which addresses an issue of staggering unimportance --- apart from not noticing postcounts unless they say 3 or something nearly as low, I doubt if anyone here has ever responded even minutely differently to another member based on their perceived post number.

I hadn't really considered that people would change their response based on the post count of another. Thanks for bringing it up, and then knocking it back down. I think you're right, btw.

[booyalab]

I doubt if anyone here has ever responded even minutely differently to another member based on their perceived post number.
obviously at least one person thinks post counts say something about the person who has them, since this thread even exists.

[songbird36]

Most of this thread has been characterised by off-topic outbursts of Tourette's - I am thinking there may be some closet sufferers on this site.

I think Sheepdog needs to declare an official end to this "nothing" thread so we can all go and argue with Robespierre about his no-win proposition..

[SheepDog]

Most of this thread has been characterised by off-topic outbursts of Tourette's - I am thinking there may be some closet sufferers on this site.

I think Sheepdog needs to declare an official end to this "nothing" thread so we can all go and argue with Robespierre about his no-win proposition..
So you're waiting for me? huh?

[booyalab]

Most of this thread has been characterised by off-topic outbursts of Tourette's - I am thinking there may be some closet sufferers on this site.

I think Sheepdog needs to declare an official end to this "nothing" thread so we can all go and argue with Robespierre about his no-win proposition..

or maybe we can decide for ourselves what threads we want to participate in :)

[Vagabond]

That was terrible... you must be a sadist to have supplied us a link to that, Vagabond. :mad: Just complying with authority's requests:whistle:
Blame Claverhouse. And curiosity. Heh heh. :devil:

[Vagabond]

Unkind. Never say a word that may hurt someone. Real sadists are never kind. (Only to masochists).

Yes.

[SheepDog]

obviously at least one person thinks post counts say something about the person who has them, since this thread even exists.
Not to mention the people who, in this thread, indicated that having thread count displayed had a positive effect on this forum.

And no, this is nowhere near the most significant topic posted here. I never expected it to be.

[melancholeric]

You asked why I gotta be like that. Shrugging is a great way of saying, " 'cause ".
And " 'cause " is a great way of saying "sorry, I don't have any better answer".

The little fellow looks rather as if he were paying homage --- to melancholeric --- more than shrugging.
Homage for what exactly? What have I done now?


[ It would be rather thrilling, for connoisseurs of irony at least, it melan were to be compelled by the exigencies of this very thread to here win through to the magic One-Thousand-Poster mark.
I was planning to ignore this thread until I have 999 posts and then make the one magic limitbreaking post here, but then I got bored and realized I have nothing better to do than write stuff like this.

At least before the powers decide to make it Ten-Thousand-Poster. ]
Uh oh. They're not going to do that, are they? It was 250 before, wasn't it? I'd better hurry with this.


It would. But that's 78 more posts. And trying to -- let's say "encourage" -- melancholeric to do anything... leads to unpredictable results. ( I don't think it's possible, but then, I don't know melancholeric very well. )
I think everyone here knows me well enough to tell that I am very unpredictable by nature and don't need any external encouragement for that. Not that I'd start spamming oneliners like some others have done for this very purpose, but I might, for instance, stop posting altogether. Or start removing my old posts.

To return to file cabinet's original question : what can be done, to make it more possible for those who want to discuss only topics, without addressing anything personal, to be free to do that ?
If you want to discuss topics without getting personal, feel free to do that. I'd think that's what we do by default. I don't look down to newbies because they are newbies, I look down to them because they are idiots. ( And for the humoristically challenged, j/k. )

On the other hand, I've been here longer than most (registered) members and my post count is at top 15, but I still feel like a http://www.intpcentral.com/uploads/newbie.gif.
I wonder if I should start using that as an avatar again. I already used it once.

Suggestion: move this thread to the playground.:devil:
If I expressed my thoughts on that suggestion, this would be moved to the Parlor. Which would probably serve the goal you had in mind.


c) His poetry was pathetic.
I don't know, I kind of liked it. Nothing to be read at my wedding or anything, but in terms of being bad, it didn't live up to the hype.


Yeah wasn't it something about attention-whore posters?
Offtopic conversational tangents have nothing to do with attention whoring; I do this for my own amusement. I could say a few more words on attention whoring but then this would surely be moved to the Parlor.

It's not that easy to take seriously a thread which addresses an issue of staggering unimportance
I don't know about that, I've had it difficult to take anything seriously lately.


And no, this is nowhere near the most significant topic posted here. I never expected it to be.
Well, it's not quite as significant as WHEN THIS WORLD BURNS. (http://intpcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3294), but not to say unimportant. I think it has served its purpose so far.

[SheepDog]

Well, it's not quite as significant as WHEN THIS WORLD BURNS. (http://intpcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3294), but not to say unimportant. I think it has served its purpose so far.
I quite agree.

[Claverhouse]

Homage for what exactly? What have I done now?
Being yourself ? Anyway, I've changed my mind on the suggestion for your nick: how about 'Magister Ludi' ?

Not the first time a Latin title has been chosen here. [ The foregoing, in no wise or form suggests that the proposer has any great interest in or would read Hermann Hesse unless stuck in a windmill on a rainy day. ]


Uh oh. They're not going to do that, are they? It was 250 before, wasn't it? I'd better hurry with this.
I doubt it, but no doubt their patience is not inexhaustable.



Offtopic conversational tangents have nothing to do with attention whoring; I do this for my own amusement. I could say a few more words on attention whoring but then this would surely be moved to the Parlor.
I'll repeat my quote from the excellent Thorne Smith, whom I regard as superior to Milton ( but then I think Kurt Cobain was superior to Milton: almost anyone was ):

“We do what amuses us at the moment,” replied Marion, “and not what we think may amuse others.”


Well, it's not quite as significant as WHEN THIS WORLD BURNS. (http://intpcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3294), but not to say unimportant. I think it has served its purpose so far.
Nothing approaches the divine Jemma.

Although I've already forgotten where she comes from.



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[INTrPosr]

I am somewhat surprised that something so trivial as to the number of post you have, would be important. If anything, it reminds me of how unproductive I have been by spending too much time posting.

[ohnoaninfp]

I think we should leave it alone. God, what has this forum come to.

[Claverhouse]

PLACE-HOLDER FOR CLASSIC STATUS