SSP:Local Hamilton in critical condition

flar · #1 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 12:05 PM**

SSP:Local Hamilton used to be enjoyable to read and a great source of information. Lately it's just a great source of information. We've welcomed many new members over the last few months who are making valuable contributions. I enjoy the diversity of opinions, however, some members are not expressing opinions but trolling. This makes the board painful to read.

from Wikipedia: An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who posts controversial and usually irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, with the intention of baiting other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion

SSP forum rules:

* One account per person.
* No anti-social behavior, trolling, spamming, etc.
* Third-party articles and images must be properly formatted and credited.
* No illegal activity.
* No commercial postings without prior approval.

Can we all agree to stop the anti-social behaviour, trolling, personal insults and ideological bickering?

There is a simple solution to all this: courteousness and mutual respect. There will be disagreements, simply proceed with valid arguments based on facts and evidence. I hope that mature individuals can still argue without resorting to ad hominem attacks and name calling. If you can't come up with convincing arguments, agree to disagree. And finally, don't feed the trolls.

SteelTown · #2 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 12:42 PM**

It's this constant back and forth bickering that's been developing over the last few months and now it's spreading to other threads.

For me I respect all opinions, I may disagree with them but we live in a free world where one isn't forced to have one viewpoint.

If this continues on I’m afraid the mods will have to step in and take strict non-tolerance actions soon and no one will benefit from this.

raisethehammer · #3 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 12:43 PM**

excellent post flar.
this is a great website and discussion forum. Let's all do our part to keep it that way.

I'd also like to add that we need to do a SSP meet-up sometime soon.
I think meeting each other in person also helps to develop better relationships and respect for each other.

holymoly · #4 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 12:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by raisethehammer

excellent post flar.
this is a great website and discussion forum. Let's all do our part to keep it that way.

I'd also like to add that we need to do a SSP meet-up sometime soon.
I think meeting each other in person also helps to develop better relationships and respect for each other.

I agree all around. Has there never been an SSP Hamilton meet-up? (I had the impression you guys knew each other pretty well.)

coalminecanary · #5 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 1:01 PM**

There has been lots of talk of meeting on the roof of the Tap House but they are so behind on construction... at this rate we'll have to do it urban exploration style.

I thought civic drinks night at PJC might be a good place to have a greet. Lots of other urban hamilton lovers would be there ... and could be lured onto SSP :-)

DC83 · #6 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 1:05 PM**

You're awesome, Flar!!

Sometimes if I miss a day (rare, I know haha), I have to scroll through a whole page, sometimes two, just to read a relevant post. It's pretty frustrating.

"baiting other users into an emotional response" ... I'm glad you highlighted this point. It seems there are a cpl individuals who target one particular forumer who they KNOW they'll get a reaction from. That's why we should ignore these posts.

It's been so rediculous as of late that moderators have had to step in and delete irrelevant posts... then the trolls wonder why. People have been banned from this site in the past, and I don't think SSP.com mods are all that hesitant to ban more trouble makers.

I know it seems childish, but we should report these posts (esp ones that use profanity or personal insults) to mods. This way we can get back to reading useful info and share our ideas on how we can make Hamilton a better place for everyone to live AND visit

BrianE · #7 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 1:28 PM**

Might I suggest a few easy guidlines that could help a person when posting a reply to a topic.

1. If your reply consists of one 3 word sentence, don't bother posting it, it's safe to say you're not contributing somthing.

2. The following is a list of words and phrases that should tip you off that your post is offensive, and not constructive to the conversation. Therefore, don't bother posting it.

- "You people" or "you guys" or "Youse Guys"
- "Hitler", "Nazi", "fascist"
- "don't make me laugh" or "Laff!"
- "Idiot"
- "Moron"
- "Brain dead"
- "Typical Left Wing" or "Typical Right Wing"

There's plenty others, maybe we can start a list.

BTW these are all words that have been taken directly from posts written by users in this forum.

realcity · #8 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 1:39 PM**

ahhh... "moron" is one of my fav words... How can I talk about Kathy Drewitt now?

coalminecanary · #9 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 1:44 PM**

from http://politicalhumor.about.com/libr...pic-morans.htm ...

DC83 · #10 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 1:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by realcity

ahhh... "moron" is one of my fav words... How can I talk about Kathy Drewitt now?

HAHAHA I'm pretty sure Kathy Drewitt is a synonym for 'moron'!

Example in a sentence "That Kathy Drewitt wants to turn Gore Park into a parking lot!"

I think he means using 'moron' towards other forumers.

raisethehammer · #11 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 2:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by coalminecanary

from http://politicalhumor.about.com/libr...pic-morans.htm ...

haha...I love that.
I seem to recall seeing this pic before...wasn't it a big rally before a WWF match back in the day when Brett Hart was ticking off all the yanks as part of his shtick??

Millstone · #12 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 3:05 PM**

I would appreciate if some people stop making snide remarks about how I "must" like Wendy's and Subway because I like a quiet suburban work environment, for a start.

matt602 · #13 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 3:42 PM**

There's some hot spot topics that create trolling but for the most part I don't really think there's a problem. Some of us just need to learn not to take the bait in those situations.

JT Jacobs · #14 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 3:51 PM**

^Snide remarks are out of order, to be sure. However, many posters are overly sensitive and petty. Offense need not be continually taken over trivialities. We need to recognize that posts are opinion. The more informed and critical this opinion is, the better. Let's all try to develop thicker skins, hmm?

Jon Dalton · #15 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 5:05 PM**

"But if I just argue a bit harder, maybe the other guy will realize that he's wrong."

matt602 · #16 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 5:12 PM**

If the internet has taught me anything, that tactic NEVER works. Why? Cause you can't intimidate someone with words on a screen.

JT Jacobs · #17 Posted **Apr 24, 2008, 5:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt602

If the internet has taught me anything, that tactic NEVER works. Why? Cause you can't intimidate someone with words on a screen.

It's not about that anyway. It's about rational discussion, passionately and respectfully delivered. It isn't about browbeating or bludgeoning someone over the head until they say 'uncle.' It has to have only one 'agenda' (if any): to combine as many ideas from as many perspectives as possible for the greater good of the community. From the array of ideas a few excellent ones will emerge, but only with the help and collaboration of all ideas and perspectives.

BCTed · #18 Posted **Apr 26, 2008, 5:38 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by raisethehammer

excellent post flar.
this is a great website and discussion forum. Let's all do our part to keep it that way.

Why don't you make an honest effort to practice what you preach? I really think you have to sit down one day and objectively evaluate what your true contribution is to this board.

JT Jacobs · #19 Posted **Apr 26, 2008, 8:02 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCTed

Why don't you make an honest effort to practice what you preach? I really think you have to sit down one day and objectively evaluate what your true contribution is to this board.

Why don't both of you take your petty little feud off of the public airwaves. I don't like to speak for others, but I'll wager that most of us have had way more than enough. Why do you feel the need to bicker publicly?

Can we just talk about the issues that face Hamilton?

raisethehammer · #20 Posted **Apr 26, 2008, 8:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT Jacobs

Why don't both of you take your petty little feud off of the public airwaves. I don't like to speak for others, but I'll wager that most of us have had way more than enough. Why do you feel the need to bicker publicly?

Can we just talk about the issues that face Hamilton?

with all due respect, that's exactly what I am doing. I've seen his post sitting there like the usual bait, and I'm not taking it.
I'm more than happy to keep this forum about Hamilton and it's various issues.