Where are... - Page 2

damienpaul · #31 (**permalink**) 21-January-2006, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraser

Hmm, this is an interesting problem, and it actually surprised me a bit. I know that the larger forum has scared a few forum regulars away, and that makes me a little sad, but nothing can ever stay the same. What we have now is an enormous community of people interested in space and astronomy. Any question, any topic gets dozens of responses within a few hours. Before the merge hours would sometimes go by without a single post. It felt like going into an empty nightclub. Now the joint is jumping, and I like that.

It's not necessary to stay on top of every thread, just get involved in the conversations you enjoy. Subscribe to the threads and that's all you need to look at.

Like, I said -its good to see BAUT grow, however, it does feel like its out with the old and in with the new...

I do read my fav topics but literally do not feel comfortable posting in them at all.

Fraser · #32 (**permalink**) 22-January-2006, 02:42 AM

So why don't you feel comfortable posting?

damienpaul · #33 (**permalink**) 22-January-2006, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraser

So why don't you feel comfortable posting?

2 reasons, I even feel it writing this:

1. I feel overwhelmed, totally - that may be just something I am still in the process of adapting to.

2. As VenderL alluded to - uncertainty wrt the rules - I sometimes start a post and then wonder if it will be interpreted as being against the rules, then stop and resume lurking.

mickal555 · #34 (**permalink**) 22-January-2006, 11:27 AM

Just post- to hell with the rules

Fraser · #35 (**permalink**) 22-January-2006, 02:33 PM

1. The feelings of being overwhelmed will go away once you get to know the BA folks. Find one topic that interests you, and join it. That's all I ask. Just one.

2. The rules on BAUT are less strict than they were on the UT forum. Certain topics can be discussed here that were totally forbidden on my old forum, so you should be less worried. You're seeing more bannings, etc, because we're a bigger target.

VanderL · #36 (**permalink**) 22-January-2006, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraser

1. The feelings of being overwhelmed will go away once you get to know the BA folks. Find one topic that interests you, and join it. That's all I ask. Just one.

2. The rules on BAUT are less strict than they were on the UT forum. Certain topics can be discussed here that were totally forbidden on my old forum, so you should be less worried. You're seeing more bannings, etc, because we're a bigger target.

Hmm, I think it's not the range of topics that keeps posters out, but the fact that in the BAUT forum more "debaters" are active, people that argue "to the bone" as it were. They seem only interested in getting results (winning arguments) and less interested in having some fun, and sharing thoughts/facts.
I think this is what scares people away, there's a threshold for people to join discussions when immediately people throw specific jargon into their posts, or immediately question the poster's credentials. As a matter of fact it happened to me too, so I can understand people's reluctance to join. I guess you're right that being overwhelmed is a feeling that can go away, but it can be a real problem. Also, I think it is true that the BA forum was more about "hardcore science" than the old UT forum.

Cheers.

damienpaul · #37 (**permalink**) 22-January-2006, 08:18 PM

Actually Fraser, there are about 10 topics of interest to me and I often lurk in those areas - very interesting reading and I have learnt heaps. I think VanderL hit the nail on the head when he mentioned that alot of the sharing of ideas manner has seemingly gone.

I have a few theories as well -gasp! but after seeing how other theories are treated, I am a little reluctant.

I'll check out the discussions and may suscribe to one of them - but cannot guarantee that I will post in it (as for the other's I spoke of earlier in this thread - I acannot do much in their regard).

The Supreme Canuck · #38 (**permalink**) 22-January-2006, 08:36 PM

Well, if you look carefully, only posters who do not respond to direct queries have their theories shot up. You wouldn't have that problem.

01101001 · #39 (**permalink**) 22-January-2006, 10:33 PM

There's plenty of room for speculation. Just label it such.

If, on the other hand, you are of a mind to advocate a theory because you are personally convinced it is supported by evidence, then expect the evidence to be requested, reviewed and critiqued.

damienpaul · #40 (**permalink**) 22-January-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01101001

There's plenty of room for speculation. Just label it such.

If, on the other hand, you are of a mind to advocate a theory because you are personally convinced it is supported by evidence, then expect the evidence to be requested, reviewed and critiqued.

Oh I have no probs with that at all - and in general, I like my theories etc to be dissected and such. The more critiquing the more refined the theory will become. I guess in that regard I am an anti-woowoo

Fraser · #41 (**permalink**) 22-January-2006, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01101001

There's plenty of room for speculation. Just label it such.

If, on the other hand, you are of a mind to advocate a theory because you are personally convinced it is supported by evidence, then expect the evidence to be requested, reviewed and critiqued.

I think that's a great point. If you've got a hunch and you want to toss it around, then I think you'll find a warm response. If you've got a serious theory, and your belief is bordering on faith, then you're going to have to present valid evidence.

damienpaul · #42 (**permalink**) 23-January-2006, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraser

I think that's a great point. If you've got a hunch and you want to toss it around, then I think you'll find a warm response. If you've got a serious theory, and your belief is bordering on faith, then you're going to have to present valid evidence.

Please read my previous post (ie the one before this one) - I have no problem with providing evidence and accepting critique's for my theories - that is not a problem.

It really does not matter anyway, I am but 1 - the group I represent is about 10-15 compared to the great gains of the board.

I am afraid I just have the fear I will be cut down or ignored regardless of anything I post.

Fraser · #43 (**permalink**) 23-January-2006, 02:20 AM

And I think it's just the opposite. Anything you write will be of interest to 10x as many people. When you used to have posts that didn't get any responses, now you'll be able to have in depth conversations on the exact topics that interest you.

The Supreme Canuck · #44 (**permalink**) 23-January-2006, 02:23 AM

Give it a try, at least. I mean, look at this thread. I bet you started it without expecting much in the way of a response, right?

Two pages and counting...

damienpaul · #45 (**permalink**) 23-January-2006, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Supreme Canuck

Give it a try, at least. I mean, look at this thread. I bet you started it without expecting much in the way of a response, right?

Two pages and counting...

Admittedly - that is a great surprise and lends itself to what Fraser said.

Okay, I'll give it a shot

Halcyon Dayz · #46 (**permalink**) 23-January-2006, 05:25 AM

damienpaul · #47 (**permalink**) 24-January-2006, 07:19 AM

well that experiment went flat as a pancake

Oh well, who cares

The Supreme Canuck · #48 (**permalink**) 24-January-2006, 10:54 PM

So not every thread is a hit. Mine go flat all the time. But many of mine don't. Keep slogging away.

damienpaul · #49 (**permalink**) 25-January-2006, 11:41 AM

nah its cool, appreciate the help and apologies for wasting everyone's time

take care

weather1man · #50 (**permalink**) 27-January-2006, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damienpaul

a lot of the "old guard" of UT - members that were around when I was a new member all those moons ago?

I see a lot of , to me, new faces (=new friends I hope), but alot of old friends seem to be missing.

Hey Damien, I just joined! Found this site through Taupeys profile at Firestorm. Well Just wanted to say I am a "new,"old" face.