We do not need Soapbox to play nice. ( Not really a rant)
vaclav_sal
Posts: 451
I did not want to highjack thread on getting the Soapbox reinstated.
However, I think we have a bigger problem as a group. We need to address posts likes
This is my first post so be nice... ...be extra nice...
It looks like this site is getting a bad reputation, otherwise newcomers would not write their first posts this way.
Cheers
Vaclav
.
However, I think we have a bigger problem as a group. We need to address posts likes
This is my first post so be nice... ...be extra nice...
It looks like this site is getting a bad reputation, otherwise newcomers would not write their first posts this way.
Cheers
Vaclav
.
Comments
The would be the "sandbox", not the "soapbox" -- although the latter often seems appropriate. Compared to other forums, I believe beginners are treated very well here. Their entreaties are more likely the result of mistreatment elsewhere than from lurking here.
-Phil
My apology for messing up the Sandbox with soap.
But thanks for introducing a new word to me.
I think sometime the synonym " prayer: would be more appropriate to use when asking for help.
Vaclav
I don't think that is the case. I have always found the great majority of the forum members to be helpful, courteous and friendly. There may be a few (very few actually) individuals who are ... hmm, shall we say somewhat less than courteous and friendly..... but they are few and far between, and the others are usually quick to respond and point out the error of their ways. Short of banning someone if they continue being obnoxious I don't see what we can do. Perhaps take a page from the survivor TV series and vote them off the forum.
Vaclav,
Is it possible that some of the newcomers saw your old comment, "...Engineering professions are not for “feel good” sissies..." and, because the newcomers really are feel-good sissies, they make their forum entrance cowering behind their Barbie Dolls and Easy-Bake Ovens?
I'm just sayin.
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?110112-STEM-Education-Discussion.&p=984299&viewfull=1#post984299
Vaclav, I understand the feeling of newcomers to the forum. Because there are many skilled people on this forum a newbie may feel a bit threatened. For example, prior to their first post they may see engineers answering newbies, scientists who freely share their tips, and older folks who mentor younger people. While this can be humbling, sometimes a newbie can really get slammed for not doing much preparation, by not following up on the answers or thanking the responders, etc.
I think you're pointing out either that people need to have some thick skin. OK - that only helps on the internet discussion forums, here or elsewhere. But maybe you're also pointing out that it's really important to encourage newbies and to treat them with the respect so they don't start their posts with "be nice to me. . . " statements. They write their first posts based on what they have read, so we should all do our best to make them comfortable on the forums as new posters (i.e., welcome them to the forums, give them some tips, share your skills, provide encouragement, etc.). Sounds like the first day of kindergarten - does anybody remember how that felt?
In my view the forum members have been very supportive lately. I am often told that the forums were a key component of learning, product development, and inspiration. For these comments we thank our forum members.
Ken Gracey
Sometimes it is hard for those of us who have been in the industry for many years to recall how or what we learnt in the first place and answer with presumed knowledge on behalf of the newbie. However, this is easily overcome by asking in reply what their background is and if they don't understand to ask again for more information. Often it helps if relative newcomers help the newbies because they have been there more recently. This most often happens, particularly when they ask how to get started on one of the development boards.
@all: I think the overall conduct here is actually quite solid, and the level of discussion high. That's intimidating, just for those factors alone. People get intrigued, but then again, they are not where they see others are. Breaking the ice is probably at the top of the list of "ice breaker" things people would do to ease into it.
Not sure we can fix that. I am sure we can work to improve it though, welcoming people being at the top of the list. It's always nice when a person jumps in, and gets a few hand shakes, meets and greets all around.
As for the references to a bad reputation developing or preconceived hostilities, this site is extremely tame compared to others I have frequented. In another life I used to spend a great deal of time on particular car forum that flame wars were (and probably still are) the norm. This is a refreshingly nice place to "hang out" in my opinion. New members just need time to learn how we are different (mostly) around here.
Paul
I am sorry I jumped the gun. I shall save my next rant for the Sandbox.
I almost always come up with something silly to rant about each time I go for a walk.
I just walked on Texas backroads (near ghost town of Dubina - about 10 miles) to reminiscent about my life.
Did not come up with anything bad to rant about, I guess past 68 years have been good to me.
It's me birthday, you know.
Cheers
Vaclav
Hey, Happy Birthday Vaclav!
Ken Gracey
I would like to read if you'd care to share in a "Blog", which they've made available for us in this new format, any reminisces, recollections you may have of the "Prague Spring".
All I've read has come from the pens of correspondents ("journalists") and other professional writers.
Also, as a former newbie who is now working absolute magic with basic stamps, I must say that none of it would have been possible with such rapidity and ease if it weren't for the astounding, saint-like willingness of incredibly experienced and brilliant engineers and scientists on here to share their knowledge in response to my questions. This place has been a true blessing for me, thanks to so many of you!
Dave X.
Happy Birthday my Friend!
Paul
Happy Birthday!
I agree with PJ that you ought to take advantage of the blog format here and rant all you want. Sometimes writing down all the things on your mind can help you organize those thoughts and perhaps even to discern patterns that might help you develop your next plan of action. At 68, you're at a good age for patrolling the forum and swooping in on any newbies here to help them with their basic engineering questions. I hear a lot of adults complain about their kids' doing nothing but playing video games or texting all the time yet those same adults seem to do little to promote their kids doing much else. The kids that come here asking for help are the kids who have stepped away from all the mindless thumbpushing for a moment and they need the encouragement, assistance, and accumulated wisdom of experienced people just like you.
Go for it.
well, I am not sure I want to relive those days on my birthday.
I'll share this with all for now.
It is a scary and helpless feeling standing on the sidewalk next to about 20 ugly steal machines rolling by. ( They had Normandy style invasion stripes on them and officially it was not an invasion!)
The worst part - we all were looking forward to new life. We were such dreamers and idealists.
But President Reagan was right - you cannot fight tanks with ideas.
On positive side - I am here and have no regrets for voting with my feet.
Cheers
Vaclav
Happy birthday!
Re the Prague "invasion", I can remember clearly long ago days as my teacher described being there, standing on the sidewalks, helpless as tanks rolled by and the guns were turned in her direction.It seems that response is universal.
Happy to hear your decision has worked out for you!
Cheers,