AtariAge and Negativity

[+RangerG]

I have noticed recently some pretty negative answers to newbies or mistakes posted on these boards. It really does seem that these boards have a vocal minority of malcontents. I hope that the community of AtariAge is not negatively impacted because one of the key things that got me into classic gaming was how helpful everyone was on these boards (and generally still are). Others responded to my basic questions, helped me with mods to my equipment (I knew nothing about electronics) and in general were positive, helpful, and excited about the hobby. I hope this spirit remains.

 

Take care,

RG

[Raijin Z]

Relax, citizen! Negativity is forbidden here! If someone commits a thoughtcrime, they're on the road to banning! Hahah, since this is a private site, you can't complain, either!

[Brad2600]

I have noticed recently some pretty negative answers to newbies or mistakes posted on these boards. It really does seem that these boards have a vocal minority of malcontents. I hope that the community of AtariAge is not negatively impacted because one of the key things that got me into classic gaming was how helpful everyone was on these boards (and generally still are). Others responded to my basic questions, helped me with mods to my equipment (I knew nothing about electronics) and in general were positive, helpful, and excited about the hobby. I hope this spirit remains.  

 

Take care,

RG

 

It's one thing to be helpful. However, a majority of newbies do not use the search function or the AA database before asking questions. It's common for the same question to be asked 50 times in any given forum, when the answer is right at the poster's fingertips.

 

A simple way to cut back on duplicate topics: Use the Search function.

[Adrian M]

[

A simple way to cut back on duplicate topics: Use the Search function.

 

Agreed.

[joeybastard]

I think it depends on the day of the week. Sometimes, everybody is helpful, sometimes everybody feels like being a wiseass. It's nothing new. Not everybody was nice to me when I joined a few years ago either. I didn't take it personally. Just like real life, when talking with many different people, some of them are going to be assholes/stupid/unfunny/conceited/insert any adjective here.

 

I think much of it is uncalled for. I, at least try to give a newbie a chance before being a jerk to them. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don't.

[Raijin Z]

There was a time when I would have thought people would be afraid of being yelled at, and would do their homework beforehand, but now I realize that it is nobody's obligation to learn anything.

[devils advocate]

I have noticed recently some pretty negative answers to newbies or mistakes posted on these boards. It really does seem that these boards have a vocal minority of malcontents. I hope that the community of AtariAge is not negatively impacted because one of the key things that got me into classic gaming was how helpful everyone was on these boards (and generally still are). Others responded to my basic questions, helped me with mods to my equipment (I knew nothing about electronics) and in general were positive, helpful, and excited about the hobby. I hope this spirit remains.  

 

Take care,

RG

 

It's one thing to be helpful. However, a majority of newbies do not use the search function or the AA database before asking questions. It's common for the same question to be asked 50 times in any given forum, when the answer is right at the poster's fingertips.

 

A simple way to cut back on duplicate topics: Use the Search function.

 

 

Once again an ass to the last.

 

But hey! Adrian agrees with ya!!

 

1. Many people are not as internet savvy as yourself.

 

2. Does it really hurt your majesty to answer the same question a few times?

 

3. What happens when people run out of questions?

 

4. Some people like to post repetitive questions, and others like to pad their post count, or use excessive retardicons, as they've already posted virtually anything sembling a thought from their brain. Live and let live.

 

5. Do you people want to look like a friendly warm community, or a bunch of asses who are so forum ettiquette perfect, you truly show that it is all you have?

 

6. Three or four people CONTINUALLY show their arrogance and ignorance towards new people and/or people not as internet savvy as themselves. Kepone, you're one for sure. And i've called you on it before. Enjoy your little site when NO ONE wants to be a new member......... Other sites give prizes for posters and new members...You just belittle and beleauger them.

 

 

Kepone and Adrian.....Two of the best reasons NOT to be a new member on this site.

 

:wink:

[Adrian M]

 

 

 Once again an ass to the last.

 

 But hey! Adrian agrees with ya!!

 

1. Many people are not as internet savvy as yourself.

 

2. Does it really hurt your majesty to answer the same question a few times?

 

3. What happens when people run out of questions?

 

Newbies generally get the same response on any other forum.

I don't necessarily belittle newbies (check my post history), but it does get a bit tiresome to see the same "What's your favorite 2600 game" or "How do I hook up my 2600" threads 10 times each month.

Face it, society in general is becoming ruder and less receptive in real life, so why should an online community be any different?

[lonesome_pa]

Plus a lot of newbies may not be aware of the database or the search button. Hence, the definition of a newbie.

[Adrian M]

Then perhaps there should be a newbie faq forum or a brief explanation of the forum's features when they sign up.

[sku_u]

Newbies generally get the same response on any other forum.  

I don't necessarily belittle newbies (check my post history), but it does get a bit tiresome to see the same "What's your favorite 2600 game" or "How do I hook up my 2600" threads 10 times each month.  

Face it, society in general is becoming ruder and less receptive in real life, so why should an online community be any different?

 

Since communities are supposed to actually be helpful towards one another, yes, we should be different.

 

I'll continue to help newbies who come along. It wasn't too long ago that we were all newbies. It's too bad that some people would rather take 10 minutes to come up with a witty response then take 2 minutes to actually help out every once in a while. Maybe some of these people making the nasty remarks are incapable of helping others, or don't know the answer themselves, so they'd rather hide behind a mean response.

 

@Adrian, your newbie forum idea makes sense and may curb some questions, but it will never curb all of them.

[Stingray]

Personally I don't have a problem with answering the same question multiple times provided it's a question on a topic that I'm as passionate about as video games. Share the joy guys, life's too short to be walking penis all the time.

 

-S

[joeybastard]

... but it does get a bit tiresome to see the same "What's your favorite 2600 game" or "How do I hook up my 2600" threads 10 times each month.  

 

I have to ask, why do you read those threads if you're bored with them? I know sometimes the title is too vague to get the meaning but it just seems an easy thing to ignore if it bugs you.

[devils advocate]

Then perhaps there should be a newbie faq forum or a brief explanation of the forum's features when they sign up.

 

 

Oh oh.. We agree....

 

Sort of. Perhaps a mandatory etiquette tutorial?

 

What we don't agree on:

 

I belong to many forums that treat their new members well...In fact great, as they realize that new life, is continuing life.

 

This forum will be pretty lame when it's only the top twenty posters, typing out retardicons as quick as they can to keep up, don't ya think?

 

If this site encouraged new members, someone like Kepone would be warned of his actions by someone other than regular old posters like myself. Check his posts. He will, at first chance, throw a rolly eyes retardicon on someone not being the "perfect poster".

Too many established members of this site are elitist. Thoughts like that will not expand the hobby., It will only contract it. Kepone would be a great case study for that.

[shep]

What bugs me is how people do not do research for things first. They come here for an easy fix instead of actually checking out the AA database and FAQs. I really don't understand where this laziness comes from, I also wonder where the acceptance of this laziness came from. I'd like to point out I stated all these same opinions awhile back and I was called a jerk by everyone basically.

[Adrian M]

... but it does get a bit tiresome to see the same "What's your favorite 2600 game" or "How do I hook up my 2600" threads 10 times each month.  

 

I have to ask, why do you read those threads if you're bored with them? I know sometimes the title is too vague to get the meaning but it just seems an easy thing to ignore if it bugs you.

 

Who says I read them?

The point is, many of them show up under the topics list in the various forums.

[figgler]

Please, an faq forum on how to behave?

Why do long timers get so bent out of shape when people try to interact? So what if the same question is asked 100 times?

 

These topics come up all the time:

 

How do I get my NES to work?

What are your fave games?

Cleaning your carts?

Top 10.....

 

So? This forum is about interacting with people. It's not just a bloody data base. Like newbies are supposed to come here, search for the info they need in some conversation someone had a year ago and be done with it, log off and quit bugging everyone who's been here forever? Whatever.

Let the newbies be. Help 'em out. Talk to people and quit thinking you're better because this message board is your chief social outlet.

This place is becoming too fucking clique-ridden as it is

[devils advocate]

What's the big deal?

 

Don't you ever take the easiest route to finding solutions?

 

If I want a new dvd, I guess I could check online from Futureshop, after finding the right category, the proper divison, and then hoping it's properly categorized according to genre...Or....I could phone FS, and ask them to quickly check if they have said dvd. Hmm Laszy? Maybe. Do lots of people do that? yes. Do I? No.... But I understand when MY WIFE does that. For her, it's more feasable to ask someone knowledgable, than to frustrate herself with a wrong, or incomplete answer..

 

 

 

 

Again. The major problem here is elitism from certain members.

 

Just don't read what you perceive as the stupid, redundant threads. Snub your nose back up, and go on the the "16 Malagai cart variations found", or the "free exctasy:200 ways to improve your binary" thread that is obviously much more on your level.

[joeybastard]

This place is becoming too fucking clique-ridden as it is

 

It always was(at least as long as I've been here), it's just that different groups have asserted themselves more lately. I think that's natural in human interaction, people group together in smaller groups from the larger community.

 

And I agree with you on trying to help out newbies

[Adrian M]

Then perhaps there should be a newbie faq forum or a brief explanation of the forum's features when they sign up.

 

 

Oh oh.. We agree....

 

Sort of. Perhaps a mandatory etiquette tutorial?

 

What we don't agree on:

 

I belong to many forums that treat their new members well...In fact great, as they realize that new life, is continuing life.

 

This forum will be pretty lame when it's only the top twenty posters, typing out retardicons as quick as they can to keep up, don't ya think?

 

If this site encouraged new members, someone like Kepone would be warned of his actions by someone other than regular old posters like myself. Check his posts. He will, at first chance, throw a rolly eyes retardicon on someone not being the "perfect poster".

Too many established members of this site are elitist. Thoughts like that will not expand the hobby., It will only contract it. Kepone would be a great case study for that.

 

I see what you're saying and you do make some valid points. And yes, the bulk of what constitutes a high post count is usually spam.

 

To me, I look at these forums as a fun little diversion for which to spend a few sporadic minutes a day while at work. Granted, you can learn a lot here and get some answers to your questions, but in the grand scheme of things it is just a forum....text on a screen if you will. That is why I do not make a particularly concerted effort to "get along" or "be welcoming"...I read and speak my mind and that is all. Perhaps my approach is wrong for this community, but in the end, I am not overly concerned!

[devils advocate]

What is elitism you ask?

 

 

That is when a long standing member belittles someone new for asking whether Space Invaders for the 2600 is rare, and worth anything on Ebay after posting his "dupes" in the marketplace, and checking to see if his boxed Quadrun is on the upswing in value.

[sku_u]

What bugs me is how people do not do research for things first.  They come here for an easy fix instead of actually checking out the AA database and FAQs.  I really don't understand where this laziness comes from, I also wonder where the acceptance of this laziness came from.  I'd like to point out I stated all these same opinions awhile back and I was called a jerk by everyone basically.

 

You didn't research this post carefully. This has already been said several times before.

 

...Catch my drift?

 

I don't come here to conduct research, I come here to interact with others about my favorite hobby. Maybe these newbies are doing the same. Ever heard of an ice breaker? One a slow day, I've started a thread or two that's dealt with something talked about in the past. Haven't all of you?

 

The wasn't directed at Shep specifically. I was just referencing him as an example.

[HawgWyld]

Please,  an faq forum on how to behave?  

Why do long timers get so bent out of shape when people try to interact?  So what if the same question is asked 100 times?  

 

These topics come up all the time:

 

How do I get my NES to work?

What are your fave games?

Cleaning your carts?

Top 10.....  

 

So?  This forum is about interacting with people.  It's not just a bloody data base.  Like newbies are supposed to come here, search for the info they need in some conversation someone had a year ago and be done with it, log off and quit bugging everyone who's been here forever?  Whatever.  

Let the newbies be.  Help 'em out.  Talk to people and quit thinking you're better because this message board is your chief social outlet.  

This place is becoming too fucking clique-ridden as it is

 

Good points. Hell, if we want to gripe about topics around here, then let's talk about some of these which have popped up in the past:

 

1. Microsoft just released a special-edition case!

2. Sega got bought. Hah, hah, hah!

3. Threads which pops up everytime a new game is released for the xbox.

4. Threads which start out, "Which console is better...?" Those just degenerate into flame wars and tend to drag on for pages.

5. Any thread which starts out with, "(insert console/handheld name here) sucks." We get treated to more whining from someone who decided Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo or whatever has treated them badly. More flame wars result.

 

I could post some more examples, but the point is made. If we start complaining about people new to classic gaming and are just looking for a little advice, let's talk about some of the posters around here who seem to have no mission but to irritate people as often as possible. Or, we could just decide to be a little less anal retentive about what goes on in the forums, huh?

[Adrian M]

Please,  an faq forum on how to behave?  

Why do long timers get so bent out of shape when people try to interact?  So what if the same question is asked 100 times?  

 

These topics come up all the time:

 

How do I get my NES to work?

What are your fave games?

Cleaning your carts?

Top 10.....  

 

So?  This forum is about interacting with people.  It's not just a bloody data base.  Like newbies are supposed to come here, search for the info they need in some conversation someone had a year ago and be done with it, log off and quit bugging everyone who's been here forever?  Whatever.  

Let the newbies be.  Help 'em out.  Talk to people and quit thinking you're better because this message board is your chief social outlet.  

This place is becoming too fucking clique-ridden as it is

 

Good points. Hell, if we want to gripe about topics around here, then let's talk about some of these which have popped up in the past:

 

1. Microsoft just released a special-edition case!

2. Sega got bought. Hah, hah, hah!

3. Threads which pops up everytime a new game is released for the xbox.

4. Threads which start out, "Which console is better...?" Those just degenerate into flame wars and tend to drag on for pages.

5. Any thread which starts out with, "(insert console/handheld name here) sucks." We get treated to more whining from someone who decided Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo or whatever has treated them badly. More flame wars result.

 

I could post some more examples, but the point is made. If we start complaining about people new to classic gaming and are just looking for a little advice, let's talk about some of the posters around here who seem to have no mission but to irritate people as often as possible. Or, we could just decide to be a little less anal retentive about what goes on in the forums, huh?

 

Amen! I find those very same topics annoying as well!

 

LOLZ!!!

[devils advocate]

Great points everyone.

 

 

Sad thing is, the people who could really use to see this, aren't replying..........

 

I guess they're too busy trying to look up how to put an entire thread on ignore.......

 

"It must have been posted about before...I'll never ask"