A Great Idea that wasn't... - Page 2 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Elu Ancalime · 01-19-2006, 11:21 AM

I posted on the thread Southern Elves? that dealt with Dorwinnion. I made a rather long post, and I am dying for feedback. Thanks to Estelyn to reffering me here. Any feedback would be appreciated.
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Dodge 440 history

Mithalwen · 01-19-2006, 11:40 AM

"If you plan on reading my post, read all of it and give it a minute, or don't read it at all. I dont want anybody to misunderstand what I meant because they didnt read all of it. thnx "

I only had time to skim read your post when it first appeared and have not had a chance to give it in depth consideration though it contained interesting ideas. I would tentatively suggest that your opening comment quoted above (despite the smiley) is daunting and discourages anything other than a full scale response. I know that it is frustrating when posts are misunderstood but I think you may have scared a few people off....

Thinlómien · 01-19-2006, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elu Ancalime

I posted on the thread Southern Elves? that dealt with Dorwinnion. I made a rather long post, and I am dying for feedback. Thanks to Estelyn to reffering me here. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Sorry, Elu, I intended to at least rep you for that, but I hadn't spread enough reputation to rep you, so I didn't. I will correct it when possible. The whole Southern Elves discussion actually is a bit pancake. Sincerely,
the starter of the whole thread in question

Elu Ancalime · 01-19-2006, 07:30 PM

Thanks Thinl?mien. I didnt want to sound like I was asking for users to rep me, but I didnt want someone to reply to something that I stated in the post. If you've ever written an FAQ walkthrough of a game(I havent) the writers hat eit when people email them a question adressed in the FAQ. Same concept. Ill be sure to change that if i want any response though.
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Silversurfer vaporizer

gralin musicteeth · 01-19-2006, 07:58 PM

NOBODY who has posted in this thread is as desperate for their thread to be successful as I have been for my pathetic threads. I even created an alter-ego to keep my threads alive (can you guess who it is???). But that was then. Now, I just don't care. I realize I don't have enough brain power to compete around here, so I hang out in Mirth.

Gurthang · 01-20-2006, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gralin musicteeth

I realize I don't have enough brain power to compete around here, so I hang out in Mirth.

That's not such a bad spot. I sometimes have the same feeling, and I just love Mirth regardless.

Then there are other times that I think I can do well in Books and such, but I'm not sure that that's even true. (See Signature.)

THE Ka · 01-20-2006, 05:20 PM

Quote:

But really, what thread ideas of yours never worked out?

All of them!

No really, if you want to base it upon if it made everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside, then yes.

Though, I have found that the only way you can get people to actually think is to make them challenge and profess each others' ideas. If everyone enjoys that, then I'm happy that everyone still creates thought. Even if they do hate me. At least everyone is thinking.

~ Ka

Gurthang · 01-20-2006, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE Ka

No really, if you want to base it upon if it made everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside, then yes.

Though, I have found that the only way you can get people to actually think is to make them challenge and profess each others' ideas. If everyone enjoys that, then I'm happy that everyone still creates thought. Even if they do hate me. At least everyone is thinking.

Now isn't that kind of ironic. A 'successful' thread, meaning one that is long, is usually long because people are "discussing" there different opinions. *cough*arguing*cough*

So basically, we are happy with our thread when we cause people to disagree. What horrible people that makes us sound like!

At least it is all for enjoyment. I mean, it's not like they don't like "discussing".

The Squatter of Amon Rûdh · 01-21-2006, 11:14 AM

I would say that a successful thread is an interesting thread, and an interesting thread throws a new light on some aspect of its subject. Sometimes a lively debate can provide the interest, but often a lot of people who agree can build on one another's insights to create a fascinating read. Sometimes heated debate simply turns an interesting question into a string of posts that quote each other in detail as a prelude to tedious hair-splittings; an approach which is only gripping if you happen to be a combatant.

Perhaps success should be measured in terms of intent: the longest-running thread that I ever started has become at best a list and at worst a chat room, so I suppose that it wasn't thought out as well as it could have been. Strangely, my favourite among threads that I started only received very few responses, most of them from yours truly; but those few posts from other members justified the whole exercise, even if they all languish unread forever.

THE Ka · 01-21-2006, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gurthang

Now isn't that kind of ironic. A 'successful' thread, meaning one that is long, is usually long because people are "discussing" there different opinions. *cough*arguing*cough*

So basically, we are happy with our thread when we cause people to disagree. What horrible people that makes us sound like!

At least it is all for enjoyment. I mean, it's not like they don't like "discussing".

Well, upon analyzing the original post to this thread, and that of the psychological make-up of most members, the thread being long may be 'successful', but I believe most people prefer something that makes them happy or gives them a sense of joy, however short it may be. It really is a Quality vs. Quantity concept. Do you want a small gem or a push cart full of fool's gold?

What I meant wasn't that I liked people to 'disagree', only that they would show and support their own thoughts, and not the unconditional acceptance that we are bound to in society. We walk around with the belief, that, if we think, feel, and behave in accordance with the people around us, we'll get the positive regard we long for.
But, when we hit the grain of differences, we push out our ideas upon the matter and say, 'Hey! I think Balrogs DO have wings! And i'm going to explain my reasoning (personal ideas) to you...'

Yes, it may seem horrible, but at least there is thought. I can't imagine a Balrog thread on here that has been met with apathy...
And if there was one, then that would call reason for concern. I agree though, everyone has the conditional acceptance of discussion...

~ Rogerian Psychology Ka

Brinniel · 07-10-2006, 02:28 AM

In all my four years on the BD, I've only started nine threads, none of which were too successful, the best one being Real LOTR Places with 40 posts.

I consider my biggest failure to be Middle-earth's First Annual Invention Convention. I was hoping it to be an original fun-filled thread with many replies, but I only ended up with eight (one being myself). Perhaps my idea was a little too complicated..... I don't know.

zxcvbn · 01-20-2008, 01:16 PM

My biggest complaints about this forum are that there are so few members around, and even fewer who post. Yes, we have quality over quantity, but the quantity is so miniscule. For the past month, I've started many (IMHO) interesting threads but seeing the increasingly low response I'm starting to lose my enthusiasm like the posters above.

Hookbill the Goomba · 01-20-2008, 01:37 PM

I had big hopes for 'If This is the Answer, What is the Question?' but alas, it was not to be.
The 'Out of Context Contest' I thought had potential, but once again I was mistaken.

Of the threads I've started, I think only the Newspaper has been 'successful' so to speak. Although, the number of people reading it and the number of people disgusted by it are roughly the same.

Elmo · 01-20-2008, 02:49 PM

Just read my thread starting history! Memorable ones include when I wrote a long slating about Finarfin's role in the Noldor's rebellion, that had one reply

and another about Gondor's role as a colonial power, that was completely ignored, then pity bumped, had a couple more replies and then ignored again

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 01-21-2008, 02:17 PM

Ah, the world of internet discussion: one crushing defeat after another.

The Barrow-Downs has a certain balance to it that I've always found reassuring. There are busier sites out there but they leave me bewildered and frightened. The Downs is home. Fear not about replies: someone will find your thread in a couple of years and restart it. There's a certain beauty to this phenomenon.

Gwathagor · 01-21-2008, 03:40 PM

Hmmm. Lower expectations = less disappointment.

Lalwendë · 01-25-2008, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hookbill the Goomba

Of the threads I've started, I think only the Newspaper has been 'successful' so to speak. Although, the number of people reading it and the number of people disgusted by it are roughly the same.

Such is the life of those holding positions of power in the Fourth Estate. Imagine how the editor of the Daily Mail feels

01-19-2006, 11:21 AM	#41
Elu Ancalime Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Anador Posts: 476	I posted on the thread Southern Elves? that dealt with Dorwinnion. I made a rather long post, and I am dying for feedback. Thanks to Estelyn to reffering me here. Any feedback would be appreciated. ________ Dodge 440 history Last edited by Elu Ancalime; 03-03-2011 at 10:44 PM.

01-19-2006, 11:40 AM	#42
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,449	"If you plan on reading my post, read all of it and give it a minute, or don't read it at all. I dont want anybody to misunderstand what I meant because they didnt read all of it. thnx " I only had time to skim read your post when it first appeared and have not had a chance to give it in depth consideration though it contained interesting ideas. I would tentatively suggest that your opening comment quoted above (despite the smiley) is daunting and discourages anything other than a full scale response. I know that it is frustrating when posts are misunderstood but I think you may have scared a few people off.... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

01-19-2006, 07:30 PM	#44
Elu Ancalime Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Anador Posts: 476	Thanks Thinl?mien. I didnt want to sound like I was asking for users to rep me, but I didnt want someone to reply to something that I stated in the post. If you've ever written an FAQ walkthrough of a game(I havent) the writers hat eit when people email them a question adressed in the FAQ. Same concept. Ill be sure to change that if i want any response though. ________ Silversurfer vaporizer Last edited by Elu Ancalime; 03-03-2011 at 10:44 PM.

01-19-2006, 07:58 PM	#45
gralin musicteeth Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tossing half-sick between grotesque reality and savage, frightening dreams Posts: 360	NOBODY who has posted in this thread is as desperate for their thread to be successful as I have been for my pathetic threads. I even created an alter-ego to keep my threads alive (can you guess who it is???). But that was then. Now, I just don't care. I realize I don't have enough brain power to compete around here, so I hang out in Mirth. __________________ Where was the stooped and mealy-coloured old man I used to call Poppa when the merry-go-round broke down?

01-21-2006, 11:14 AM	#49
The Squatter of Amon Rûdh Spectre of Decay Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Bar-en-Danwedh Posts: 2,177	Success through stirring? I would say that a successful thread is an interesting thread, and an interesting thread throws a new light on some aspect of its subject. Sometimes a lively debate can provide the interest, but often a lot of people who agree can build on one another's insights to create a fascinating read. Sometimes heated debate simply turns an interesting question into a string of posts that quote each other in detail as a prelude to tedious hair-splittings; an approach which is only gripping if you happen to be a combatant. Perhaps success should be measured in terms of intent: the longest-running thread that I ever started has become at best a list and at worst a chat room, so I suppose that it wasn't thought out as well as it could have been. Strangely, my favourite among threads that I started only received very few responses, most of them from yours truly; but those few posts from other members justified the whole exercise, even if they all languish unread forever. __________________ Man kenuva métim' andúne?

07-10-2006, 02:28 AM	#51
Brinniel Reflection of Darkness Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Polishing the stars. Well, somebody has to do it; they're looking a little bit dull. Posts: 2,983	In all my four years on the BD, I've only started nine threads, none of which were too successful, the best one being Real LOTR Places with 40 posts. I consider my biggest failure to be Middle-earth's First Annual Invention Convention. I was hoping it to be an original fun-filled thread with many replies, but I only ended up with eight (one being myself). Perhaps my idea was a little too complicated..... I don't know. __________________ Nolite te bastardes carborundorum

01-20-2008, 01:16 PM	#52
zxcvbn Wight Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In front of my PC Posts: 164	My biggest complaints about this forum are that there are so few members around, and even fewer who post. Yes, we have quality over quantity, but the quantity is so miniscule. For the past month, I've started many (IMHO) interesting threads but seeing the increasingly low response I'm starting to lose my enthusiasm like the posters above.

01-20-2008, 01:37 PM	#53
Hookbill the Goomba Alive without breath Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: On A Cold Wind To Valhalla Posts: 5,912	I had big hopes for 'If This is the Answer, What is the Question?' but alas, it was not to be. The 'Out of Context Contest' I thought had potential, but once again I was mistaken. Of the threads I've started, I think only the Newspaper has been 'successful' so to speak. Although, the number of people reading it and the number of people disgusted by it are roughly the same. __________________ I think that if you want facts, then The Downer Newspaper is probably the place to go. I know! I read it once. THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN: The Legend of the Golden Bus Ticket...

01-20-2008, 02:49 PM	#54
Elmo Pittodrie Poltergeist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: trying to find that warm and winding lane again Posts: 633	Just read my thread starting history! Memorable ones include when I wrote a long slating about Finarfin's role in the Noldor's rebellion, that had one reply and another about Gondor's role as a colonial power, that was completely ignored, then pity bumped, had a couple more replies and then ignored again __________________ As Beren looked into her eyes within the shadows of her hair, The trembling starlight of the skies he saw there mirrored shimmering.

01-21-2008, 02:17 PM	#55
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	Ah, the world of internet discussion: one crushing defeat after another. The Barrow-Downs has a certain balance to it that I've always found reassuring. There are busier sites out there but they leave me bewildered and frightened. The Downs is home. Fear not about replies: someone will find your thread in a couple of years and restart it. There's a certain beauty to this phenomenon. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

01-21-2008, 03:40 PM	#56
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Hmmm. Lower expectations = less disappointment. __________________ Stories and songs.