Forums > Social Discussion > Splitting Social
Login/Join to ParticipateBRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,009 posts
Location: Bristol, UK
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,009 posts
Location: Bristol, UK
Posted:
For a while now we (the moderators) have been trying to think of ways to keep the informal community of HoP but also try to retain an atmosphere where intelligent debate can still occur without being drowned out but the more informal posts & threads.
So, we're going to try an experiment. Social is now split into two: Social Chat and Social Discussion. Think of one as pub chat, and the other as dinner party talk.
Social Chat is a place for informal and random chit chit, silly threads, games, one liners and the infamous "either/or" and "what do you know" threads. I would like to stress that we in no way frown on the silly one liners and game threads - they help make the very friendly community we are.
Social Discussion is for slightly more structured threads where the poster wishes the thread to remain on topic and not contain off topic banter and one liners. It is not intended solely for intense chin stroking philosophical discussions or arguments!
So, lets give this a go and let me know what you think of the idea, now and in the next few weeks.
If anyone would like a thread moved from one forum to the other please send me a PM, or email me directly at
Non-Https Image Link
Thanks,
The Moderators
For a while now we (the moderators) have been trying to think of ways to keep the informal community of HoP but also try to retain an atmosphere where intelligent debate can still occur without being drowned out but the more informal posts & threads.
So, we're going to try an experiment. Social is now split into two: Social Chat and Social Discussion. Think of one as pub chat, and the other as dinner party talk.
Social Chat is a place for informal and random chit chit, silly threads, games, one liners and the infamous "either/or" and "what do you know" threads. I would like to stress that we in no way frown on the silly one liners and game threads - they help make the very friendly community we are.
Social Discussion is for slightly more structured threads where the poster wishes the thread to remain on topic and not contain off topic banter and one liners. It is not intended solely for intense chin stroking philosophical discussions or arguments!
So, lets give this a go and let me know what you think of the idea, now and in the next few weeks.
If anyone would like a thread moved from one forum to the other please send me a PM, or email me directly at
Non-Https Image Link
Thanks,
The Moderators
PLATINUM Member
Flying Water Muppet
5,276 posts
Location: Edin-borrow., United Kingdom
Flying Water Muppet
5,276 posts
Location: Edin-borrow., United Kingdom
Posted:
WoW! This just happened right before my eyes! One refresh, it wasn't there, and another refresh and it was! Plus my screen just flickered on and off when I loaded up the new one, it KNOWS something is different.
Er yeah. So, er... Yeah.
more importantly:
FIRST POST!
[I know I'm sad]
EDITED_BY: mcp (1081705550)
WoW! This just happened right before my eyes! One refresh, it wasn't there, and another refresh and it was! Plus my screen just flickered on and off when I loaded up the new one, it KNOWS something is different.
Er yeah. So, er... Yeah.
more importantly:
FIRST POST!
[I know I'm sad]
EDITED_BY: mcp (1081705550)
"the now legendary" - Kaskade
"the still legendary" - Kaskade
I spunked in my friend's aquarium and the fish ate it. I love all fish. Especially the pink ones. They are my bitches. - Anon.
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
did the same for me...I popped up and saw only social chat, no discussion yet.
I think it's a cool idea. It might just take some time getting used to though...So, if you intend the convo. to be light-hearted and silly, use chat, but if you'd like some sort of real discussion on the topic, use discussion? Is my take on it right?
Thanks for thinking of ways to constantly improve the board and all your hard work.
did the same for me...I popped up and saw only social chat, no discussion yet.
I think it's a cool idea. It might just take some time getting used to though...So, if you intend the convo. to be light-hearted and silly, use chat, but if you'd like some sort of real discussion on the topic, use discussion? Is my take on it right?
Thanks for thinking of ways to constantly improve the board and all your hard work.
SILVER Member
veteran
1,389 posts
Location: Guelph, ON, Canada
veteran
1,389 posts
Location: Guelph, ON, Canada
Posted:
I like it, personally, I find it more organized. I like it when things are organized! (And no, that doesn't mean my room is clean, because it's the farthest thing from!) So I think this is a brilliant idea, once everyone gets their heads around it!
(And with this bunch, shouldn't take too long I'd say!)
So, I applaud and thank the Admin. team for doing this - I like it!! Just hope everyone else is as pleased as I am!!
~ Bobo
I like it, personally, I find it more organized. I like it when things are organized! (And no, that doesn't mean my room is clean, because it's the farthest thing from!) So I think this is a brilliant idea, once everyone gets their heads around it!
(And with this bunch, shouldn't take too long I'd say!)So, I applaud and thank the Admin. team for doing this - I like it!! Just hope everyone else is as pleased as I am!!
~ Bobo
wie weit, wie weit noch?
fragst mich, wo wir gewesen sind...
du fehlst hier
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
Mr Dom,
I feel as though someone's just instantly cleaned up my home.
ta!
Mr Dom,
I feel as though someone's just instantly cleaned up my home.
ta!
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
I'm not sure what I think.
Ask me again in a few weeks.
I'm not sure what I think.
Ask me again in a few weeks.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
BRONZE Member
Sporadically Prodigal
2,758 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sporadically Prodigal
2,758 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posted:
I think this is a wonderful idea and hopefully it will entice some of the older members to come back and contribute.
Now we just need to develop some subjects that are actually worthy of 'discussion'
*wracks brain... finds nothing*
I am also looking forward to being able to actively moderate this forum. Does any one else remember me being the on-topic nazi of yore?
I think this is a wonderful idea and hopefully it will entice some of the older members to come back and contribute.
Now we just need to develop some subjects that are actually worthy of 'discussion'
*wracks brain... finds nothing*
I am also looking forward to being able to actively moderate this forum. Does any one else remember me being the on-topic nazi of yore?
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GOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
its a great idea!
i vaguely rememebr it was mentioned somewhere of dividing the poi section into something like beginner /advanced - i like that idea too.
hugz & thanx to all modz, adminz, & malcolmz
its a great idea!
i vaguely rememebr it was mentioned somewhere of dividing the poi section into something like beginner /advanced - i like that idea too.
hugz & thanx to all modz, adminz, & malcolmz
"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,107 posts
Location: In a test pit, Mackay, Australia
old hand
1,107 posts
Location: In a test pit, Mackay, Australia
Posted:
Ummm...
Not entirely sure I like the sound of this. One of the other boards I post on has created nearly 20 various catagories over the years. The result is that you're in a state of confusion as to where you should be posting or where to find a previous topic. Please don't let that happen here.
Threads evolve, at some point serious becomes silly and then back again a few posts later. I can see someone making an offhand one-line comment and immediately getting loads of "This is not the right place for this!" posts coming back to them.
I can sort of understand why the mods have done it, but you've just increased your workload having to patrol yet another section and bump stuff around. The existing setup wasn't broken, so why the fix?
Ummm...
Not entirely sure I like the sound of this. One of the other boards I post on has created nearly 20 various catagories over the years. The result is that you're in a state of confusion as to where you should be posting or where to find a previous topic. Please don't let that happen here.
Threads evolve, at some point serious becomes silly and then back again a few posts later. I can see someone making an offhand one-line comment and immediately getting loads of "This is not the right place for this!" posts coming back to them.
I can sort of understand why the mods have done it, but you've just increased your workload having to patrol yet another section and bump stuff around. The existing setup wasn't broken, so why the fix?
There is a slight possibility that I am not actually right all of the time.
110% MONKEY EVERY TIME ALL THE TIME JUST CANT STOP THE MONKEY
3,149 posts
Location: London
3,149 posts
Location: London
Posted:
hmm,
Is the politics forum going to be merged with the discussion forum now?
i'm very unsure of the benefits of splitting discussions into 'serious' and 'non-serious'. i prefer pretty much all my conversations to be a blend of the two. i think that introducing the distinction will be to the detriment of topics in either forum (regardless of how strictly, if at all, the distinction is enforced).
but i'm with Lightning - i'll wait and see
EDITED_BY: simian (1081247524)
hmm,
Is the politics forum going to be merged with the discussion forum now?
i'm very unsure of the benefits of splitting discussions into 'serious' and 'non-serious'. i prefer pretty much all my conversations to be a blend of the two. i think that introducing the distinction will be to the detriment of topics in either forum (regardless of how strictly, if at all, the distinction is enforced).
but i'm with Lightning - i'll wait and see
EDITED_BY: simian (1081247524)
"Switching between different kinds of chuu chuu sometimes gives this "urgh wtf?" effect because it's giving people the phi phenomenon."
GOLD Member
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
Posted:
I'm kinda with Sim on this, it seems a little strange at the moment and doesn't really seem to help any more but I can see the potential good points. Time will tell I guess. If it's a general thumbs down from the users will that mean it will go back to the old layout?
I'm kinda with Sim on this, it seems a little strange at the moment and doesn't really seem to help any more but I can see the potential good points. Time will tell I guess. If it's a general thumbs down from the users will that mean it will go back to the old layout?
Let's relight this forum 
SILVER Member
not with cactus
2,052 posts
Location: bristol/ southern eastern devon, United Kingdom
not with cactus
2,052 posts
Location: bristol/ southern eastern devon, United Kingdom
Posted:
took me absolutly ages to work out was different just now... i think its probably a good thing too.
so
took me absolutly ages to work out was different just now... i think its probably a good thing too.
so
Me train running low on soul coal
They push+pull tactics are driving me loco
They shouldn't do that no no no
110% MONKEY EVERY TIME ALL THE TIME JUST CANT STOP THE MONKEY
3,149 posts
Location: London
3,149 posts
Location: London
Posted:
actually...
i think it's a really good change
and withdraw my previous comments.
what? it's a monkey's perogative to change its mind, innit?
(i still reckon you should migrate the politics forum)
actually...
i think it's a really good change
and withdraw my previous comments.
what? it's a monkey's perogative to change its mind, innit?
(i still reckon you should migrate the politics forum)
"Switching between different kinds of chuu chuu sometimes gives this "urgh wtf?" effect because it's giving people the phi phenomenon."
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
Good.
Quote:
I can see someone making an offhand one-line comment and immediately getting loads of "This is not the right place for this!" posts coming back to them.
Good.
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,009 posts
Location: Bristol, UK
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,009 posts
Location: Bristol, UK
Posted:
spritie - yep, nail on the head.
Yes, the politics forum will move into the Discussion forum. However I didn't do it straight off as I wanted to demonstrate that this forum isn't just for serious, depressing debate. I would like to somehow strike a blance. We're not saying you can't make jokey comments here, but the aim of posts should on the whole be a thought on, or response to, the original topic of the thread. Or am I just using too many words!?!
We'll see how it goes for a while. Obviously if it's a failure and the majority of people want it merged back then it'll happen, but I'm hoping that's not the case.
spritie - yep, nail on the head.
Yes, the politics forum will move into the Discussion forum. However I didn't do it straight off as I wanted to demonstrate that this forum isn't just for serious, depressing debate. I would like to somehow strike a blance. We're not saying you can't make jokey comments here, but the aim of posts should on the whole be a thought on, or response to, the original topic of the thread. Or am I just using too many words!?!
We'll see how it goes for a while. Obviously if it's a failure and the majority of people want it merged back then it'll happen, but I'm hoping that's not the case.
AnonymousPLATINUM Member
Posted:
I remember when HoP was a nice friendly place to post! When you didn't have to worry about what you posted.
Cheers!
P.S. I don't think this will encourage any old posters! Truth is I think they have moved on!
I remember when HoP was a nice friendly place to post! When you didn't have to worry about what you posted.
Cheers!
P.S. I don't think this will encourage any old posters! Truth is I think they have moved on!
SILVER Member
slack rating - 9.5
2,216 posts
Location: Suburbiton, Yoo-Kay, United Kingdom
slack rating - 9.5
2,216 posts
Location: Suburbiton, Yoo-Kay, United Kingdom
Posted:
aahhh i see. was gonna stand by simian + lightnings first opinions but waited to have a proper look before deciding. good plan!
aahhh i see. was gonna stand by simian + lightnings first opinions but waited to have a proper look before deciding. good plan!
It is our fantasies that make us real. Without our fantasies we're just a blank monkey' - Terry Pratchett
SILVER Member
Your Face!
1,173 posts
Location: el paso, tx, USA
Your Face!
1,173 posts
Location: el paso, tx, USA
Posted:
Yea,yea,yea. Just another place to run to check if there are any new post's. *nudges pounce* Huh,pounce?
Yea,yea,yea. Just another place to run to check if there are any new post's. *nudges pounce* Huh,pounce?
Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism - how passionately I hate them!
-Albert Einstein-
Peanut butter... It fills the cracks of the soul! -Paul Blart-
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
¡Social discussion is dead,
long live the Social Discussion!
¡Social discussion is dead,
long live the Social Discussion!
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
Sponge
883 posts
Location: Stevenage
883 posts
Location: Stevenage
Posted:
Wow, you don't post for maybe two weeks and it all changes!!! (Will have to explore some more before I give my two thumbs fresh!)
Wow, you don't post for maybe two weeks and it all changes!!! (Will have to explore some more before I give my two thumbs fresh!
) Monkeys monkeys and bananas
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
I'm still not leaning strongly one way or the other.
However, I do feel that if we are going to go ahead with this, then the "Political Discussion" section needs to go and be replaced with the new section.
Personally, I was never much of a fan of putting that section down there because nobody posts there, anyways.
I'm still not leaning strongly one way or the other.
However, I do feel that if we are going to go ahead with this, then the "Political Discussion" section needs to go and be replaced with the new section.
Personally, I was never much of a fan of putting that section down there because nobody posts there, anyways.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
member
102 posts
Location: London
102 posts
Location: London
Posted:
I think it's a great idea, Dom. I moderate another board and we've done something quite similar in recent months. There's still plenty of healthy debate going on, as well as huge amounts of codsh!t and nonsense being spouted as well.
Hope it all settles well. People generally fear change, but imho it's usually a good thing.
Ali x
I think it's a great idea, Dom. I moderate another board and we've done something quite similar in recent months. There's still plenty of healthy debate going on, as well as huge amounts of codsh!t and nonsense being spouted as well.
Hope it all settles well. People generally fear change, but imho it's usually a good thing.
Ali x
Why is it that everthing which is fun is illegal, immoral, or fattening?
Sponge
883 posts
Location: Stevenage
883 posts
Location: Stevenage
Posted:
I just went for a check in politics, oops, it's not there! So Social Discussion is for on topic debates and politics? I don't mind, was just a little confused...
I just went for a check in politics, oops, it's not there! So Social Discussion is for on topic debates and politics? I don't mind, was just a little confused...
Monkeys monkeys and bananas
NYC
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
Posted:
I reserved judgement until now.
I like it a bunch. It's refreshing to be able to carry on a serious conversation without being interrupted with the latest [insert random and uncommon animal of the month here] joke. And if one feels like being silly, that conversation won't get hijacked into something serious.
Though it is kinda funny that "Social Chat" has essentially become the "kids table".
"You can't carry on an adult conversation using proper English? Go sit at the kids table."
I reserved judgement until now.
I like it a bunch. It's refreshing to be able to carry on a serious conversation without being interrupted with the latest [insert random and uncommon animal of the month here] joke. And if one feels like being silly, that conversation won't get hijacked into something serious.
Though it is kinda funny that "Social Chat" has essentially become the "kids table".
"You can't carry on an adult conversation using proper English? Go sit at the kids table."
Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]
DIAMOND Member
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
"Nuff respect to NYC."
100% dude, it reminds me of the good old days.
"Nuff respect to NYC."
100% dude, it reminds me of the good old days.
110% MONKEY EVERY TIME ALL THE TIME JUST CANT STOP THE MONKEY
3,149 posts
Location: London
3,149 posts
Location: London
Posted:
the "kid's table" factor, and some recent criticisms in the Social Discussion forum are exactly what i was worried would happen when i first saw the new division.
A segregation of posts into two categories of humorous+stupid and sober+intelligent.
Then i thought, no, people will be reasonable, and will stick to Dom's pleasantly vague definitions rather than demanding an undertakers tone in the social discussion forum.
perhaps a more clearly labelled 'Grumpy Old Man Forum' is required
If you don't like badgers, then you don't have to smoke them, but i don't think my badger fumes are detrimental to rational discussion.
the "kid's table" factor, and some recent criticisms in the Social Discussion forum are exactly what i was worried would happen when i first saw the new division.
A segregation of posts into two categories of humorous+stupid and sober+intelligent.
Then i thought, no, people will be reasonable, and will stick to Dom's pleasantly vague definitions rather than demanding an undertakers tone in the social discussion forum.
perhaps a more clearly labelled 'Grumpy Old Man Forum' is required
If you don't like badgers, then you don't have to smoke them, but i don't think my badger fumes are detrimental to rational discussion.
"Switching between different kinds of chuu chuu sometimes gives this "urgh wtf?" effect because it's giving people the phi phenomenon."
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,009 posts
Location: Bristol, UK
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,009 posts
Location: Bristol, UK
Posted:
To clarify how I see the policy. I didn't say that humour was outlawed from discussion, but if a post and series of posts contain only banter with no on topic content then I believe those threads should be out of place in Social Discussion.
You're specifically refering to the 3 posts in the Robert Heart thread. These 3 posts contained pure banter and were posted over the course of 5 minutes. It's this kind of rapid, no topic posting that can easily fill up and dilute a thread, makng it unfriendly to people who ony check HoP occasionally.
Or I'll create the "Grumpy Old Man" forum and place it next to the "Argumentative Monkey" forum
See humour. Kinda.
To clarify how I see the policy. I didn't say that humour was outlawed from discussion, but if a post and series of posts contain only banter with no on topic content then I believe those threads should be out of place in Social Discussion.
You're specifically refering to the 3 posts in the Robert Heart thread. These 3 posts contained pure banter and were posted over the course of 5 minutes. It's this kind of rapid, no topic posting that can easily fill up and dilute a thread, makng it unfriendly to people who ony check HoP occasionally.
Or I'll create the "Grumpy Old Man" forum and place it next to the "Argumentative Monkey" forum
See humour. Kinda.
NYC
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
Posted:
{Dom, That must be that "British humor" I've heard so much about.}
I think there's a huge difference between the words "Humorous" and "Irrelevant".
Though I think that some would disagree.
Nobody's ever been discouraged from making humorous comments simply because they were humorous. Irrelevant comments have no place in a serious discussion and disrespect those attempting to converse about a specific topic.
I also think there's a huge difference between a side comment that's thrown off, and derailing a discussion completely.
{Dom, That must be that "British humor" I've heard so much about.
}I think there's a huge difference between the words "Humorous" and "Irrelevant".
Though I think that some would disagree.
Nobody's ever been discouraged from making humorous comments simply because they were humorous. Irrelevant comments have no place in a serious discussion and disrespect those attempting to converse about a specific topic.
I also think there's a huge difference between a side comment that's thrown off, and derailing a discussion completely.
Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]
110% MONKEY EVERY TIME ALL THE TIME JUST CANT STOP THE MONKEY
3,149 posts
Location: London
3,149 posts
Location: London
Posted:
NYC, i don't think the difference between relevant and irrelevant is always quite so clearly defined.
A little borderline irrelevant banter can serve a useful purpose in relieving or avoiding tensions.
other than that...
yup, exactly what you said
Dom say
i thought every forum was an argumentative monkey forum
NYC, i don't think the difference between relevant and irrelevant is always quite so clearly defined.
A little borderline irrelevant banter can serve a useful purpose in relieving or avoiding tensions.
other than that...
yup, exactly what you said
Dom say
Quote:
Or I'll create the "Grumpy Old Man" forum and place it next to the "Argumentative Monkey" forum
i thought every forum was an argumentative monkey forum
"Switching between different kinds of chuu chuu sometimes gives this "urgh wtf?" effect because it's giving people the phi phenomenon."
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