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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 86. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by llurpsienoodle on July 17, 2008, at 7:34:58
I have not seen statistics on usage, but it's my imagination that posting is way down, as are new threads.
Are there enough new posters these days?
Regardless, what could we do to encourage more posting?
Posted by Dinah on July 17, 2008, at 9:02:44
In reply to Is Babble Dying?, posted by llurpsienoodle on July 17, 2008, at 7:34:58
I've been concerned about it for a while. Every once in a while I start going through the archives to save what I want to save.
I guess we could make sure to welcome newcomers and make them feel at home.
Someone pointed out, and I tend to agree, that there aren't as many newcomers to begin with. Google rankings (and I think maybe increased competition as well) bring fewer people here.
I think Dr. Bob's absence from the boards and the decline in posting coincided.
I think certain people have a way of engaging people's interest and drawing people here. I know several people date their involvement back to some playful threads on Psychology. And there were a few very influential posters on Meds as well. Not to say that the current posters aren't engaging, of course. But I think sometimes a group of circumstances come together to make Babble especially appealing.
I don't know the answer. But it is a concern of mine. I've had indifferent success trying to engage Dr. Bob on the matter. Perhaps you'll have better luck.
Posted by Quintal on July 17, 2008, at 11:38:51
In reply to Is Babble Dying?, posted by llurpsienoodle on July 17, 2008, at 7:34:58
I think babble has lost its sense of fun. The meds board feels stifled. I've wanted to post more but I've had the feeling it wouldn't be welcome in the current atmosphere. I'm having this problem like some of the others where I can't think of anything to say that won't be picked apart, stamped on, ridiculed etc, or be uncivil. There's no spontenaiety any more - it's dead. Been strangled to death. The meds board in particular has felt a very heavily defended left-brained male-dominated territory of late.
I suppose we could try to reignite the embers, but I have a feeling someone would just come along and pour cold water on it. People say this has happened before, and posting eventually picked up again. I don't think it's the end of babble. It is getting awfully boring though.
Q
Posted by Phillipa on July 17, 2008, at 13:02:26
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying?, posted by Quintal on July 17, 2008, at 11:38:51
I've said this all along hence I try to greet newcomers and then I feel criticised and afraid to post as not bringing up the past but I think you know what I mean. I still feel acknowleging a poster with no responses is just curtious even if I know nothing of the subject. I don't like the other sites I've visited. I feel there are a lot of readers. As maybe others fear the same. I remember the fun we used to have even on meds. I used to look forward to responding to threads as It was something I hoped might help another. Love Phillipa
Posted by Lemonaide on July 17, 2008, at 13:11:02
In reply to Is Babble Dying?, posted by llurpsienoodle on July 17, 2008, at 7:34:58
I believe we have always had some steady flow ofnewcomers come by, but the people who are old timer regulars who have posted a lot for more than a year 2 years ago are gone or not posting anymore. They are the ones who gave Babble the meat and potatoes.
Quintal named a lot of good reasons why. With all the rules I feel like I am now posting in a parlor room with lots of breakables and valuables. You are allowed to sit, but only if you have clean shoes and you don't air your dirty laundry. Plus pressed clothes with complete modesty.So yes, I feel Babble is dying, in fact it is almost dead. I try to post, but them am warned I am not sharing the boards. I would love more people here, but I think it has to do with the regular members leaving. Sometimes regulars are the ones who will influences the people who just read and not post to come out of their shells because they feel comfortable because of the long time posters. They can trust Babble because of it.
Posted by Sigismund on July 17, 2008, at 15:46:15
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying? » llurpsienoodle, posted by Dinah on July 17, 2008, at 9:02:44
It is the playfulness that has meant something to me here.
Sometimes too that playfulness has been contentious.
When there is playfulness there is openness, I think?
Posted by Midnightblue on July 17, 2008, at 16:21:32
In reply to Is Babble Dying?, posted by llurpsienoodle on July 17, 2008, at 7:34:58
Well, I've been missing you.....
MB
Posted by wishingstar on July 17, 2008, at 18:11:19
In reply to Is Babble Dying?, posted by llurpsienoodle on July 17, 2008, at 7:34:58
To be perfectly honest, the biggest reason (although not the only reason) I dont generally post anymore is that I just have never really feel like I fit in here. That's speaking of when I did post regularly of course, not now, as I havent posted much recently. I dont blame that on anyone here by any means, but it's just an off feeling I have. Possibly some of my own issues, some of reality, and some of who knows what else mixed in. I think others have felt that way before too and some have worked through it, while others have left. I dont know what the solution is. Again, I dont blame anyone here or anything anyone is/is not doing for my feelings.
Posted by Lou PIlder on July 17, 2008, at 18:21:53
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying?, posted by wishingstar on July 17, 2008, at 18:11:19
> To be perfectly honest, the biggest reason (although not the only reason) I dont generally post anymore is that I just have never really feel like I fit in here. That's speaking of when I did post regularly of course, not now, as I havent posted much recently. I dont blame that on anyone here by any means, but it's just an off feeling I have. Possibly some of my own issues, some of reality, and some of who knows what else mixed in. I think others have felt that way before too and some have worked through it, while others have left. I dont know what the solution is. Again, I dont blame anyone here or anything anyone is/is not doing for my feelings.
Wshingstar,
You wrote,[...like I {fit} here...],
If you could elaborate on what you are wanting to mean by to{fit}, then I could respond accordingly.
Lou
Posted by fayeroe on July 17, 2008, at 19:41:56
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying?, posted by Sigismund on July 17, 2008, at 15:46:15
> It is the playfulness that has meant something to me here.
> Sometimes too that playfulness has been contentious.
> When there is playfulness there is openness, I think?
I'm with you, Sigismund....why have a sandbox, if you can't play in it.Sometimes I feel that the contentiousness is just for show. Just to ruin a thread or to cause posters to back up....
Playfulness encourages openness and recently Social has been wide open!!!
Posted by obsidian on July 17, 2008, at 20:55:13
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying?, posted by wishingstar on July 17, 2008, at 18:11:19
you know I feel like that a lot...
like I don't belongI feel like I have nothing important to say
Posted by Lou PIlder on July 17, 2008, at 21:04:42
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying? » wishingstar, posted by obsidian on July 17, 2008, at 20:55:13
> you know I feel like that a lot...
> like I don't belong
>
> I feel like I have nothing important to sayobsidian,
You wrote,[...I feel like I have nothing...].
I am perplexed to form in my mind how your statement could be connnected to the subject of the thread and would like for you to elaborate if you like about:
A. What do you think is the cause of your feeling that?
B. How could a change in the forum, if any, effect to you that you might not feel that way?
C. when did you forst feel that way?
D. what do you consider to be {important} to say here?
E. other replies
Lou
Posted by Phillipa on July 17, 2008, at 21:10:15
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying? » Sigismund, posted by fayeroe on July 17, 2008, at 19:41:56
Remember the thread on why and how you picked your posting name that was fun And that thread of yours was a great deal of fun. Phillipa who posts to much!!!!!! I do think I'm civil????
Posted by obsidian on July 17, 2008, at 21:25:59
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying?-fheilngsvuhnwrth? » obsidian, posted by Lou PIlder on July 17, 2008, at 21:04:42
I like you Lou. :-)
you try so hard to understand
A. What do you think is the cause of your feeling that?
I don't know...maybe because I haven't been "in it" in a long time
B. How could a change in the forum, if any, effect to you that you might not feel that way?
I don't know...kinda feels how a kid might act out if they think they might get attention, but they don't bother if they know they won't
C. when did you forst feel that way?
maybe a year ago (just a guess)
D. what do you consider to be {important} to say here?
I'm sleepyE. other replies
Lou
Posted by llurpsienoodle on July 17, 2008, at 22:02:31
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying?-fheilngsvuhnwrth? » Lou PIlder, posted by obsidian on July 17, 2008, at 21:25:59
So, what I'm getting is that 1) there seems to be less posting lately for
a) individual feelings (i.e. fitting in)
b) community issues (threads that run dry, lack of new posters, lack of humor & spontaneity, lack of Dr. Bob presence --Sure I'm forgetting some)and it seems like most of these have a fairly straightforward solution. I will go over to social henceforth and post a silly.
-Ll
Posted by wishingstar on July 17, 2008, at 22:12:33
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying?-dzitfit » wishingstar, posted by Lou PIlder on July 17, 2008, at 18:21:53
Lou,
I'm really not sure if I can elaborate only because I dont know how to. It's really a subjective feeling for me that hasnt been caused by any particular event or issue. I dont really have words for it. I just dont want to be a bother. Like a new kid in school trying to make friends when everyone else already knows their way around. My issue, for sure.
> Wshingstar,
> You wrote,[...like I {fit} here...],
> If you could elaborate on what you are wanting to mean by to{fit}, then I could respond accordingly.
> Lou
>
Posted by Phillipa on July 17, 2008, at 23:40:51
In reply to Interesting, posted by llurpsienoodle on July 17, 2008, at 22:02:31
Li no not to me. It's that you may feel criticised if you post too much and a lot are saying in private e-mails afraid of being blocked so write privately. See you weren't here a few years ago when we used to laugh on the meds board too. So a lot of those posters left. No they were not better as still e-mail with a lot of them they got tired of lack of spontanety. I hope I've conveyed this civily and not generalized and done nothing to insult anyone or worded it wrong. See that's what I mean fear of posting for me. Love Phillipa
Posted by johnj on July 18, 2008, at 8:51:00
In reply to Is Babble Dying?, posted by llurpsienoodle on July 17, 2008, at 7:34:58
Yes, it is dying because it has become more a click. I started coming here way before most that are here now. There used to be many knowledgeable people here but they all eventually leave. If you look in the archives you will see what I mean. If you take away about 3 or 4 posters on the med board there isnt much med talk left and I am sure they will eventually tire out too. In the past I didnt view babble as a click only for certain people but now I do. There are way less informative posts and now every board is for social engagement or the posts are supportive only. That is not what people used to come here for and why other boards such as social were created. Now, that looseness has permeated every board. Again, read the archives and you will see what I mean.
The thing that upsets me the most is the unfair treatment some get by Dr. Bob and his deputies. They are rarely consistent in their warning and banning of people. I had no recourse when I was banned and even tried to email the deputies to no avail. I am not even sure if their emails were even correct. After my blowout on the med board in which I started with helpful post it spiraled downward. I posted an email for Dr. Bob on the Admin board and was mocked right away and that person was never warned. I think it is because they used to be a deputy and they appear to get special treatment and Dr. Bob never answered my question. My question was simple and I was told by someone else what I was asking was fair and possible, yet I was just mocked. I found it funny that what someone was angry with me for doing just turned around and did it right back to me.
The board is also dying because of the fear of posting. One never knows if they will be singled out for banning. So I fear I will just be banned again for stating my concerns. Maybe we are just guinea pigs for Dr. Bobs experiment anyway, I just dont know anymore and I tire of it.
AND, the emails I received. Someone who I thought was a friend gave my personal email out and I was attacked by supporters of a poster and then the spam began. Thanks babble for being supportive! So, if you ask if it is dying the answer probably is YES. It is no longer supportive or informative for me.
This post was not intended to attack anyone, but I am sure the deputies will find something wrong with it.
Posted by fayeroe on July 18, 2008, at 8:51:59
In reply to Re: Interesting » llurpsienoodle, posted by Phillipa on July 17, 2008, at 23:40:51
I am sorry that some posters feel that they should not post.
I felt that way long ago and far away because my posts were ignored.
I decided to post whenever I wanted to, whether or not I got answers.
If I had something to say......I said it. That did get me blocked, so I guess I said too much. :-)Seriously, I do think the civility thing has gone too far. There are actually times when I am being silly on social or self-esteem that I look over my shoulder and wonder if someone is disapproving. And before everyone gets their panties in a wad, those are my feelings and I take responsibility for them....but there have been times when I thought we might get stopped on a thread.
Again, I am sorry that someone would come to a support forum and feel left out or silenced.
It isn't a support forum if we feel left our or if we're afraid to post.
Posted by Lemonaide on July 18, 2008, at 8:59:15
In reply to Interesting, posted by llurpsienoodle on July 17, 2008, at 22:02:31
I was going to respond on more reasons, but the truth is I just don't care anymore. This place isn't what it used to be 3 years ago. I feel less vested here. When the psych board only gets one new post a day, there is a problem.
Posted by gardenergirl on July 18, 2008, at 10:10:34
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying? Definately » llurpsienoodle, posted by johnj on July 18, 2008, at 8:51:00
> I had no recourse when I was banned and even tried to email the deputies to no avail. I am not even sure if their emails were even correct.I have never known the email addresses of the deputies to be incorrect. It may be that the deputies deferred the matter to Dr. Bob?
> I posted an email for Dr. Bob on the Admin board and was mocked right away and that person was never warned. I think it is because they used to be a deputy and they appear to get special treatment and Dr. Bob never answered my question.
Did you report my post? If it got reported, it did get reviewed by admin. I do think that it can appear that I get special treatment, and it would make sense to conclude that it could be because I was a deputy. I don't meant to sound arrogant, but I wonder how many folks who believe I get special treatment have considered that I was and am knowledgeable enough with the civility rules to have been a deputy. I have a very good idea of where the line is, at least when the line isn't moving, and I do skip along that line from time to time. It might appear that I am getting away with something, but what would I be "getting away with" if my post is indeed within the civility rules?
I didn't report your reply to me, fyi, though I have no objection to the notification system in general nor about my own posts. I just felt more like making my own request regarding a part of the content. And while I wouldn't exactly use the word "mocked" to characterize my intent, I did want to try to add a little perspective, though perhaps in an over-the-top manner. I apologize for hurt my post caused. I didn't intend any hurt. Rather, I was trying to express my feelings and reactions to your post. I would have done better to do that more directly.
>
> AND, the emails I received. Someone who I thought was a friend gave my personal email out and I was attacked by supporters of a poster and then the spam began. Thanks babble for being supportive!I'm sorry that happened to you. I don't condone that behavior. If it continues to be a problem, Dr. Bob might be able to help you with that if you forward stuff to him that you find concerning.
> This post was not intended to attack anyone, but I am sure the deputies will find something wrong with it.
I appreciate that you do not intend to attack with your post. Sometimes though, an attack can be perceived even without intent. I would imagine that almost anyone might feel hurt, angry, offended, or some other unpleasant feeling to learn that they are perceived as "rarely consistent" and "unfair" in their actions--especially given how much effort and agony goes into making absolutely sure that they (once "we") were being as absolutely fair and consistent as possible.
Regards,
gg, who isn't really paying a great deal of attention to the line at the moment. Color me lazy today. It's the heat.
Posted by johnj on July 18, 2008, at 11:25:00
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying? Definately » johnj, posted by gardenergirl on July 18, 2008, at 10:10:34
You wrote:
I'd rather not see poverty, Can we make that invisible at will, too? It's too hard to look away. Makes my neck and other parts hurt.
"I have a very good idea of where the line is, at least when the line isn't moving, and I do skip along that line from time to time. It might appear that I am getting away with something, but what would I be "getting away with" if my post is indeed within the civility rules?"
Just because you got away with it does not mean it was right. You above all people KNOW sarcasm is a warnable offense. Can I be sarcastic without recourse? How could I complain while I was banned? I tried. Also, you only wrote that because of the other thread, right? So, you were doing what you were chastising me for doing, really no different in my book. You were just getting me back if you really think about it.
About my private email, it doesn't really matter because if people want to be uncivil they can have at it.
I would like a board where we could discuss things without being watched. Basically, a person could say what they want and if we had the ability to turn off a poster then one could do that but still feel they could be open without fear. But, Dr. Bob would have to give up some of that control which I doubt he could do.
Posted by Dinah on July 18, 2008, at 12:19:27
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying? Definately » johnj, posted by gardenergirl on July 18, 2008, at 10:10:34
You are, of course, correct. You have the same training we do in knowing the rules and precedent on application. We don't, and can't, and in my opinion shouldn't, base our actions on anything but the rules and our knowledge of Dr. Bob's precedents, and what we think he would have us do.
But I'm sure you're also aware that the best way to find yourself with a change in where the line is drawn, is to admit to skipping along it. :) I'm firmly convinced that at least a couple of the current rules were put in place in response to my behavior. If Dr. Bob should institute a new Please Don't Skip rule, I hope you find it as amusing as I did when he put a new rule in effect that just happened to address behavior I was aware of exhibiting.
Posted by Dinah on July 18, 2008, at 12:22:40
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying? Definately » gardenergirl, posted by Dinah on July 18, 2008, at 12:19:27
Sigh. As soon as I hit submit, I realized that my post could have a few different interpretations. I only meant it as a reflection on my experiences with the babble process of rule enforcement and change, nothing else.
Posted by Lemonaide on July 18, 2008, at 12:36:52
In reply to Re: Is Babble Dying? Definately » gardenergirl, posted by Dinah on July 18, 2008, at 12:19:27
Could it be that skipping along the line(by anyone) (especially since that line keeps changing) can cause one to view those who do, as getting preferred treatment?
I do believe John has made a valid point, some get preferred treatment it is only human nature, but sometimes it is very clear to see. I may have been one getting such treatment when I first came to the sit, I admit it. (I don't anymore)I haven't noticed the preferred treatment taken place anymore, it could be that deputies we do have now are doing a good job being fair. In fact I would say a great job even with the odd new rules that keep appearing out of nowhere.
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