Interesting to see...

[BigJim13]

How other forums operate!

Over the weekend I joined a Stephen King forum (I am a huge SK fan). I followed all the rules, lurked for a week or two just to get a feel and then when there was something I wanted to post about I joined. After joining at first I could not post then realized I had to verify my registration-Ok no biggie. Once I did that I still could not post! WTF!! I wanted to make my point!!! Anyway sent a PM to the Mod and then waited, for a day and a half before getting a response.

The response baffled me! I could not post when I joined because the forum is closed on the weekends! Are you kidding? The time when most people have the most free time to talk about ever so important things like Golf and SK and the board is closed?!?!?

Anyway, it gave me a good chuckle and I am now able to post, although I have not since I haven't had time! First forum I have joined since joining here in Aug 2006.

[eclark53520]

Yeah, every forum just like every family has their own set of rules and their own 'clickyness' about it.

I am a member of local boards so small its lucky to have 2-10 posts a day, all the way up to a board that is world wide and see's constant online member numbers over 5k almost 24 hours a day. Each one almost seems like its own living breathing being.

[FATC1TY]

I've posted on a paintball board, for almost 9 years. I've played with, and met several of them through my travels across the country competing. I've seen the board go from a full blown site, with reviews, and site content, to being sold, lost, and closed down for months. The crazy thing, is once it was back up, as just a message board, people started logging back in, and there are probably less than 30-35 of us still posting, with maybe 10 still even playing paintball anymore.

It's pretty interesting really. The younger guys who were 14-16 at the time, all married now, working, kids.. the whole nine.. It's pretty odd to be posting with people that long.

[BigJim13]

I've seen how each site has it's own rules. The site I came here from, one which will remain nameless, started out great-lots of great info and discussion but soon turned into non stop fighting. It got OLD and got OLD FAST. I came here and found exactly what I was looking for, good discussion about golf and equipment.

[FATC1TY]

Yeah, it's good here.

The other site where we all know each other is no-holds barred. Little to no moderation, which I like. Spammers somehow never find the site, no one really joins it anymore, and it's completely un-filtered to talk about anything your willing to type.

Even the heated political threads get really interesting and stay somewhat comical and to the point without butting heads so hard everyone is wondering what happened.

The most nazi site I've been on, is WRX by far. Probably has to do with all the young kids on there too.

[lildudejds]

I hate it here.....

Which is why I still log in and check the forum 8 or more times a day

[xamilo]

I hate it here.....

Which is why I still log in and check the forum 8 or more times a day

YEap, I log in and check about 8 times a day as well, but now I'm not that embarassed since I know you guys do the same thing

[eclark53520]

Shoot i have a browser open to shottalk almost all day at work, whenever i need a break from waht i am doing, i hit new posts and see whats up

It keeps me from going postal some days....

[wirehair]

I'm touched by all this outpouring of emotion.

[limpalong]

Every person is a unique personality. Each discussion board seems to develop its own personality. Discussion boards will evolve and change as the characters who "reside there" change. Some other golf forums I used to frequent...

Golf forum #1: Has an open political folder. The animosity that is generated in the political forum spills out into the various golf forums. Name calling. Personal attacks. Personal threats.

Golf forum #2: Has a small cliqueish group that discusses the rounds they play together. If anyone tries to chime in, you are virutually ignored. They send you personal e-mails begging you to participate. Participate and you get zero response.

Golf forum #3: Went from one of the leading equipment forums to a board that included insults and name-calling back to a board that is quite mellow and interesting. Most participants are old farts who no longer have to have the latest and greatest in equipment. One of the best "Other Discussions" forums on the 'net. Good hearty discussion about everything from sports to kids to televison shows to vehicles. No politics allowed.

Golf forum #4: Also one of the leading equipment forums... at one time. Went overboard anti-OEM and heavily weighted towards components. Got rather nasty is you indicated ownership of or desire of any OEM club or clubs.

Golf fourm #5: Still one of the best out there for equipment technical information. Always has the latest in equipment releases reviewed and discussed... before they even hit the shelves. Good moderation, but extremely focused on high tech and new release equipment.

It just seems that ShotTalk continues to be a good mix of good people... who genuinely enjoy the great game of golf. The moderation has so much to do with that. And, having no open political forum helps!! Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!