friendly atmosphere changing on BLF?

[JamesB]

Like Pulsar i only monitor a handfull of threads lately so i haven’t noticed any unfriendliness but noticed a LOT of new members.

1. New members might come from less friendly forums and need time to absorb the atmosphere and adjust

2. For years i have known the posting style and online personnality of 95% of BLF members and knew when not to be offended by certain things that i knew the member didn’t intend to be offensive, knew who had a good heart but short temper, or knew when someone was joking or being serious, that is not true anymore with all theses new members as i feel i know a very small minority of members now.

3.Some longstanding members (like the OP) earned a great deal of respect from other members for their knowledge and achievments over time, the afflux of new members brings a ton of people who haven’t had the opportunity to witness this and build deserved respect, this could be perceived as rude from loved gurus here.

I love this forum, i’m sure the friendly state of mind will be passed on newcomers by the great people here

[DBSAR]

@JamesB

Like Pulsar i only monitor a handfull of threads lately so i haven’t noticed any unfriendliness but noticed a LOT of new members.

1. New members might come from less friendly forums and need time to absorb the atmosphere and adjust

2. For years i have known the posting style and online personnality of 95% of BLF members and knew when not to be offended by certain things that i knew the member didn’t intend to be offensive, knew who had a good heart but short temper, or knew when someone was joking or being serious, that is not true anymore with all theses new members as i feel i know a very small minority of members now.

3.Some longstanding members (like the OP) earned a great deal of respect from other members for their knowledge and achievments over time, the afflux of new members brings a ton of people who haven’t had the opportunity to witness this and build deserved respect, this could be perceived as rude from loved gurus here.

I love this forum, i’m sure the friendly state of mind will be passed on newcomers by the great people here

+ 1

[Yokiamy]

Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, when the flashohol kicked in, i might forget everything on social aspects and tend to ask things on a less friendly tone, then possible.
.
Sorry about that on forehand.
.
Im member for just half a year and i really like the atmosphere, most people are really willing to help, so lets keep up the good work!

[cera (cera@1967)]

@DavidEF

Well, I’ve been here a couple years now. The general atmosphere hasn’t changed a lot in the time I’ve been a member, as far as I can tell. Yes, we get an occasional upset. But, from what I’ve seen, that’s always been the case. Even some of the long-standing members have been a little rude at times. I can tell you, as a person who is seen as rude sometimes myself, I think the analogy that sedstar used of the car driver and pedestrian is spot on. We’re supposed to be self-moderating here. For the most part, it seems to be working very well. But maybe sometimes we do need to stand up to people who are being disruptive and tell them so. We need to not be afraid to tell new people ‘the way it is’ here, so that it can stay that way, and NOT end up like ‘the other place’ or worse. And maybe that happens more often now than it used to. I think it’s because the newbies are starting to outnumber the old timers. We have a higher concentration of members that are less connected. I don’t think it’s any more cliquish than it was when I joined. Take that as you will. But there are definitely different classes of members - those who are integrated well into BLF and those who are not (yet). Over the past couple years, that second class has been growing. It has always been there, but it was a smaller, more manageable group in the past. This explosion of new memberships is due largely to the BLF specials, IMO. We need a bigger middle class. People like me, who aren’t the old timers, and maybe don’t know as much, and maybe aren’t completely integrated ourselves, but we can be the glue that holds the other groups together. We can answer some of the questions. We can facilitate some of the cultural integration of new members. And we can point back to the rules when needed, so the older members don’t have to get grumpy, or pining for ‘the good ole days’ when BLF was smaller and everyone knew each other. In short, I believe that we’re not less friendly overall, we’re just seeing less friendly behavior more often because we’re a larger, more diverse group than the BLF of a few years ago. As for being helpful, I see that hasn’t changed much either. But, since we have been seeing a lot of new memberships in the past couple years, the ratio has shifted between +people that can be helpful+ and +those who need them to be.+ As more of the newer guys start to gain confidence themselves, this can shift back the other way. It just might take a little time. I’ve been here this long, and I’m still a newbie!

+ 1000000 !!!! Well said... couldn't be better !!! By chance , are you a sociologist ?

[DBSAR]

@DavidEF

Well, I’ve been here a couple years now. The general atmosphere hasn’t changed a lot in the time I’ve been a member, as far as I can tell. Yes, we get an occasional upset. But, from what I’ve seen, that’s always been the case. Even some of the long-standing members have been a little rude at times. I can tell you, as a person who is seen as rude sometimes myself, I think the analogy that sedstar used of the car driver and pedestrian is spot on. We’re supposed to be self-moderating here. For the most part, it seems to be working very well.

But maybe sometimes we do need to stand up to people who are being disruptive and tell them so. We need to not be afraid to tell new people ‘the way it is’ here, so that it can stay that way, and NOT end up like ‘the other place’ or worse. And maybe that happens more often now than it used to. I think it’s because the newbies are starting to outnumber the old timers. We have a higher concentration of members that are less connected. I don’t think it’s any more cliquish than it was when I joined. Take that as you will. But there are definitely different classes of members - those who are integrated well into BLF and those who are not (yet). Over the past couple years, that second class has been growing. It has always been there, but it was a smaller, more manageable group in the past. This explosion of new memberships is due largely to the BLF specials, IMO.

We need a bigger middle class. People like me, who aren’t the old timers, and maybe don’t know as much, and maybe aren’t completely integrated ourselves, but we can be the glue that holds the other groups together. We can answer some of the questions. We can facilitate some of the cultural integration of new members. And we can point back to the rules when needed, so the older members don’t have to get grumpy, or pining for ‘the good ole days’ when BLF was smaller and everyone knew each other.

In short, I believe that we’re not less friendly overall, we’re just seeing less friendly behavior more often because we’re a larger, more diverse group than the BLF of a few years ago. As for being helpful, I see that hasn’t changed much either. But, since we have been seeing a lot of new memberships in the past couple years, the ratio has shifted between people that can be helpful and those who need them to be. As more of the newer guys start to gain confidence themselves, this can shift back the other way. It just might take a little time. I’ve been here this long, and I’m still a newbie!

well said.

[The_Miller]

@atbglenn

I remember when it was a bunch of us guys/gals into flashlights discussing our latest purchase. Now it’s gotten to the point where if you don’t know how to program and design drivers, you’re out of the loop. That’s how I feel the last couple of years. Not a good feeling to be honest.

No no no, please don’t feel that!
I am in several mass PMs and have been for the special projects.
The people are designing drivers, writing software and at times it is like a different language to me.
Yet it is all friendly and if needed patiently explained.

New members get several welcomes
All questions are normally answered in a friendly manner

I have not been here long so can’t compare to 2011 but it seems more then nice here all the time, only minor less friendly flow was put down by the crackdown on rudeness

If somebody seems a bit arrogant I think of a movie quote that goes something like this: “the Italian word arrogance means to claim what is rightfully yours and does not have the negative connotation as the English word” idk if this is true but assume somebody knows what they are taking about and if not I trust others to give the correct info.
And attitude, well I am kind of thick skinned so it doesn’t really get me I hope, if it does I try to write a semi funny reply and can have great joy doing that (despite sometimes deleting most and posting much less, writing is done with a big smile )

[nqcken]

i like it here and there will always be folks who are less social than others but still, this is my favorite forum . i for one appreciate the high quality of members (flashlight speaking) and do not want to change a thing. it would be nice if everyone realizes that not all of us are as knowledgeable and proficient as others (that would be me) and take time to help educate and respond. keep smiling and maintain a good attitude.

A friendly reminder every once in a while of the basic forum rules and concepts probably is not a bad idea. all in all i believe we have something unique here and would not like to see it spoiled

ken

[DB_Custom (Dale)]

Maybe we need to talk SB into making it a rule that new members have to host a giveaway right off the top, then we can all critique their choice of what would make a good giveaway flashlight and help them mod it into something respectable.

All kidding aside, the forum has indeed changed some since I came in and I think a lot of that is just the eb and tide of some people leaving while others come in. Some of those that are no longer here to lead us have left for life reasons, simple boredom, or like with Old-Lumens, he has moved on to where the Proton’s Originate so he can shape them from the get go.

Probably time for me to host a giveaway, I’ve gotten so involved with talking too much I haven’t noticed my own post count! So, I’ll be doing a giveaway soon, will have to look through my small arsenal and see what might be worthy…

I think this spirit, the giveaway, is something we can all do to bring back that warm fuzzy feeling of being a BLF member. So, Old Timers dive in!

[DBSAR]

@DB Custom

Maybe we need to talk SB into making it a rule that new members have to host a giveaway right off the top, then we can all critique their choice of what would make a good giveaway flashlight and help them mod it into something respectable.

All kidding aside, the forum has indeed changed some since I came in and I think a lot of that is just the eb and tide of some people leaving while others come in. Some of those that are no longer here to lead us have left for life reasons, simple boredom, or like with Old-Lumens, he has moved on to where the Proton’s Originate so he can shape them from the get go.

Probably time for me to host a giveaway, I’ve gotten so involved with talking too much I haven’t noticed my own post count! So, I’ll be doing a giveaway soon, will have to look through my small arsenal and see what might be worthy…

I think this spirit, the giveaway, is something we can all do to bring back that warm fuzzy feeling of being a BLF member. So, Old Timers dive in!

Good points DB. I am over due too to offer a giveaway or two.

[Jerommel]

@DB Custom

I’ve gotten so involved with talking too much I haven’t noticed my own post count!

Holy smokes!
And i thought i didn’t have a life…

[Speed4goal]

I’m a relatively new member here, I lurked both forums briefly a few months before joining this one. On the other forum people were telling this one guy if you can’t afford $75 for a light you need to find a new hobby. I joined here and its been the most friendly place I’ve seen. Warm welcome, lots of help people offering to mod my lights for parts and shipping. Some people here know my situation I’m in and have helped.

I see a few heated debates on some subjects that could be seen as argumentive. But to me being fairly new the overall atmosphere is still welcoming and full of people willing to help. Whether its finding out why your light won’t turn on, to how to build one from scratch.

[teacher]

@Jerommel

1. Let’s hope you’re not right…
2. But it’s a good signal to give off i.m.o.
3. These are exceedingly crazy times, or at least, i think they are…
4. This doesn’t help the average human mood.
5. I’ll keep an extra eye on myself, i can be ‘moody’ too.

• 1. Agreed
• 2. Yep, we can kinda try to each monitor ourselves
• 3. I think you are speaking of the World at large… I totally agree!
• 4. Again, total agreement! . We are on a roll “J”…. 4 for 4!!
• 5. *WHAT* You have got to be kidding!! I have never ever noticed that out of you? “”Moody”“?? No way at all my friend.
  NOW…… IF you had used one of the words I might well use to describe ‘myself’, (on somewhat rare ocassions at this point I might add ); then I might well have agreed with you J. But ”moody”…. no way buddy.
  Well……… 4 out of 5 ain’t bad.
  .
  .
  .
  
  .
  .
  I think you know I am just kidding around with you “Jeromel”. There is nothing wrong with what you do.

“To me” you are a person who thinks ‘outside the box’ a lot of the time AND…… you are Passionate about your ideas.
I think that is great, that is how new stuff comes about.

Just because someone may not embrace your “vision” does not make it, or you; wrong. Maybe the time is just not right for it or whatever.

Just don’t take it personal and press on buddy.

Sure, you have come across as a royal A-hole a time or two. BUT…… so what, most of the people on this forum have also; whether they admit it or not. In one way or another, overtly or covertly; most all have.

Your a good guy with some good ideas, willing to help people with understandable answers no matter how basic or “dumb” the question.

Yet you are able & capable of conversing with the “brainiacs” also so as to understand & be understood. :+1:

At least…. that is what “I see” !!

Keep it up “BLF Brother”, it’s family; we’ll let you know if you cross over into “A-hole Mode” and you should feel free to do the same. (not that you would ever need to tell me…… :person_facepalming: … … )

None of us are perfect, and none of us has the complete inside track as to what is acceptable behavior. Unless it is of course just outright awful or against forum rules of course.

For better or worse, things change…… in any venue. To me, it is better here since I joined a good bit over a year ago. I think, what I fondly call; the “Cometa War” had lot to do with that change: what I see as positive change.

The “RUDE” button came out of that. The playing field was then leveled between the long time member & the newer member………

BUT…. that is for another post. I am typing this on a phone & to me that is a pita.

You da’ man Jerommel… keep it up!!

[Wineslurper]

I joined in July. A friendly and active forum that offers something for everyone. Like work or a club or other organizations there will be some adversity at times. It’s bound to happen with a growing forum that offers so many projects and group buys and reviews. The knowledge shared here is priceless.

[robk]

Things are bound to change over time as the cast changes. We have lost some members (such as Foy and Justin, to name just two) who really helped establish the character of this place as it got going. New members have stepped forward, and people like HKJ and others really help to establish a sense of continuity. This is a nice place and I believe most new members sense that and treat others with respect, but there will always be some who are more interested in expressing their personal agenda than playing well with others. Just like in real life. Mostly, I still really like the feeling of this virtual hangout.

[sb56637]

@atbglenn

@my9221

@atbglenn

I’ve been here nearly 6 years and I’ve noticed it’s much less friendly now. It’s become cliquish IMO.

I agree with you that’s why I have only 700+ posts on this forum since I joined BLF in 2011!

Glad someone agrees with me.

Well, I certainly hope that most others here aren’t getting those vibes, and my apologies to you both.

Be what it may, thanks to DBSAR for bringing up this issue. And let’s all try to nip it in the bud.

[sb56637]

@DavidEF

But maybe sometimes we do need to stand up to people who are being disruptive and tell them so.

And please don’t be afraid to use the Rude! button as described here , and definitely please do send me a PM if you feel somebody is establishing a pattern of rude or nasty behavior.

[sb56637]

@DB Custom

Maybe we need to talk SB into making it a rule that new members have to host a giveaway right off the top, then we can all critique their choice of what would make a good giveaway flashlight and help them mod it into something respectable.

There you go! :sunglasses:

[hIKARInoob]

Bully Light Forum

[tatasal]

@sb56637

@DB Custom

Maybe we need to talk SB into making it a rule that new members have to host a giveaway right off the top, then we can all critique their choice of what would make a good giveaway flashlight and help them mod it into something respectable.

There you go! :sunglasses:

:+1: :sunglasses:

[teacher]

@tatasal

@sb56637

@DB Custom

Maybe we need to talk SB into making it a rule that new members have to host a giveaway right off the top, then we can all critique their choice of what would make a good giveaway flashlight and help them mod it into something respectable.

There you go! 8⁾

:+1: 8)

Great idea!! <span class=“ anymore. “new” not I’m glad”>