Just my observations

Am I the only one to notice that flaming is on the increase on this
NG?

On analysing the posts which I consider flaming, I must say that it
seems if people would actually think about what they are saying, the
world would be a happier place.

As someone has said in another post we don't have visual signs and
body language and may well mis-interpret a posts meaning, I am an
expert too I guess at this since I am only human, but will apologise
when in the wrong.

If you do not agree with a post just because it doesnt fit in with
your agenda, is it not better to just ignore it rather than take the
"Head Master" approach? "Let it drop type of patronising garb" Sorry
Chef!

I do not think it is helpful for anyone to make a post and then be
told rather arrogantly to drop the subject. What gives people the
right to take on the role or group moderator?

Certainly if I was a new astronomer and could read some of the recent
posts, I would be tempted to write off the hobby as being the domain
of Dictators, Megalomaniacs and downright nutters! Again maybe I am
just a nutter.

Come on guys let's pull together and give amateur astronomy a better
image than of late!

Just my thoughts!

Simon (donning his double asbestos "anti-flame" suit) are those petrol
fumes I smell?

Just my thoughts!


You are absolutely right.



I am leaving this NG for the reasons you state here. I will be back in a
while though, to see if things are getting better.



Peter


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.538 / Virus Database: 333 - Release Date: 10-11-2003

I am leaving this NG for the reasons you state here. I will be back in a
while though, to see if things are getting better.


I think all newsgroups go through phases of increased flaming or snide
remarks, half the time they appear to stem from someones misunderstanding of
a remark and it gets out of hand. Some of the recent threads have taken a
flame orientated slant, I normally just ignore them (as I do trolls). Like
anything else you can either ignore the idiots that want to get cheap
thrills from flaming/trolling and enjoy or take part in the genuine
discussions; or you can get drawn into the flaming and trolling.
It used to be my habit in ng's to killfile trolls and die hard flamers, now
I just ignore the posts they send and read the rest.
This ng has some good members who post informative pieces of information and
news that to me is more useful than joining a society as its always
available and usually up to the minute in regards to what's happening in the
sky at the time. You only have to go back a week or so to see how useful
ng's are to amateur astronomers when the auroras kicked off big style.
Just my two penneths worth.
Graeme

gp.skinner wrote:
I am leaving this NG for the reasons you state here. I will be back in a
while though, to see if things are getting better.



I think all newsgroups go through phases of increased flaming or snide
remarks, half the time they appear to stem from someones misunderstanding of
a remark and it gets out of hand. Some of the recent threads have taken a
flame orientated slant, I normally just ignore them (as I do trolls). Like
anything else you can either ignore the idiots that want to get cheap
thrills from flaming/trolling and enjoy or take part in the genuine
discussions; or you can get drawn into the flaming and trolling.
It used to be my habit in ng's to killfile trolls and die hard flamers, now
I just ignore the posts they send and read the rest.
This ng has some good members who post informative pieces of information and
news that to me is more useful than joining a society as its always
available and usually up to the minute in regards to what's happening in the
sky at the time. You only have to go back a week or so to see how useful
ng's are to amateur astronomers when the auroras kicked off big style.
Just my two penneths worth.
Graeme



Again, I agree. I have followed this group for a year and it’s been very
informative and I have learned a lot from the people here.

My “problem” it just that since Richard pooped in (I’m not blaming him
or anybody else) the majority of the posts has been flaming, and the
signal to noise ration is just getting to high for my taste. That said
I’ll properly be back in a couple of weeks to see if things have settled
down a bit.

Peter

"Peter B" wrote in message ...
Just my thoughts!


You are absolutely right.



I am leaving this NG for the reasons you state here. I will be back in a
while though, to see if things are getting better.



Peter


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.538 / Virus Database: 333 - Release Date: 10-11-2003

Peter I think you should not leave!! This way all the good posters
disappear leaving the trolls a free reign, this no doubt is there aim!

However another observation is....when a beginner asks about a
telescope, we get hundreds of posts from wanabee experts. I now note
when a genuinly interested newbie asks a sensible question the whole
NG clams up!!

I can only explain this because opinions on telescopes are just that
opinions, anyone can hold an opinion, however the questions requiring
scientific knowledge require just that, something which obviously a
lot of so called amateurs do not seemingly possess!!

Any wonder that flaming is on the increase since it usually produces
the most activity from posters!

Simon G

On 10 Nov 2003 16:04:46 -0800, (Simon
Gartfield) knew not what to say untill:

Am I the only one to notice that flaming is on the increase on this
NG?

On analysing the posts which I consider flaming, I must say that it
seems if people would actually think about what they are saying, the
world would be a happier place.

As someone has said in another post we don't have visual signs and
body language and may well mis-interpret a posts meaning, I am an
expert too I guess at this since I am only human, but will apologise
when in the wrong.

If you do not agree with a post just because it doesnt fit in with
your agenda, is it not better to just ignore it rather than take the
"Head Master" approach? "Let it drop type of patronising garb" Sorry
Chef!

I do not think it is helpful for anyone to make a post and then be
told rather arrogantly to drop the subject. What gives people the
right to take on the role or group moderator?

Certainly if I was a new astronomer and could read some of the recent
posts, I would be tempted to write off the hobby as being the domain
of Dictators, Megalomaniacs and downright nutters! Again maybe I am
just a nutter.

Come on guys let's pull together and give amateur astronomy a better
image than of late!

Just my thoughts!

Simon (donning his double asbestos "anti-flame" suit) are those petrol
fumes I smell?

I just keep quiet and watch it!
Much fun, also very strange sometimes...

R

Simon Gartfield wrote:
If you do not agree with a post just because it doesnt fit in with
your agenda, is it not better to just ignore it rather than take the
"Head Master" approach? "Let it drop type of patronising garb" Sorry
Chef!

I do not think it is helpful for anyone to make a post and then be
told rather arrogantly to drop the subject. What gives people the
right to take on the role or group moderator?

Urm. Yeah. OK. Ordinarily, I wouldn't disagree with the sentiment, Simon.

OTOH Bernie has had 3 attempts already at presenting what amounts to the
same views on advising newbies, which spawned yet more threads and a total
(at the time of writing) of 45 or so posts. Which should be enough replies
for anybody, I'd have thought.

I don't really see the need to discuss the same points he's making for yet a
4th time, hence my curt (but politely worded) post.

Regards
Chef!

(Simon Gartfield) wrote in message om...


Hi Chef,

Fair comment on perhaps what seems my repetitions on the telescope
advice, sorry that you found it a bit tedious.

I have undergone some neurosurgery about seven years ago due to the
rupture of an artery in my brain, unfortunately this has left me with
some deficit related to my short term memory.

The result is I know what I want to say, but maybe don't express
myself as good as I should..sorry.

Anyhow I am going to read a bit more and talk less from now on, as my
concentration is not what it used to be at times.

I guess problems like this do not get any better the older we get.

Best regards,

Bernie

Bernie wrote:
(Simon Gartfield) wrote in message
om...


Hi Chef,

Fair comment on perhaps what seems my repetitions on the telescope
advice, sorry that you found it a bit tedious.

I have undergone some neurosurgery about seven years ago due to the
rupture of an artery in my brain, unfortunately this has left me with
some deficit related to my short term memory.

Hi Bernie,

Sorry to hear about that. In that case please accept my apologies for being
abrupt. I thought your first post raised some good points and it certainly
prompted a lively, if not always informative, discussion. By the time I was
reading the same points again for the third time I did start to wonder what
was going on. Knowing now the challenges you face, I understand. I'll keep
them in mind when reading or replying to any posts you care to make here in
the future.

Generally though, it's difficult to avoid making the assumption that you are
replying to someone in full possession of their mental faculties. In some
cases, doubts do arise - although for somewhat different reasons...

One issue that isn't aired all that often is how disabled people fare with
using a telescope and how they cope with the inevitable challenges that
owning one presents. Perhaps you'd be kind enough to share your experiences
with the group from time to time. I'd be interested in finding out how you
get on.

Regards
Chef!