Forum & Meet Changes

[Big Dave]

And I raised that in my post :P

[Dormiens-Dave]

I do think the negativity to Towers is due to the past two years; I respect your thought on Th13teen but a lot of people where upset not that we got a family coaster. Just that as you said it is not that impressively themed and so much more could be done with the drop.

Then we got no new attractions for 2011 (well crabs) and a terrible Fanta sponsorship plus little appreciable tidy-up of the park mixed with an annual pass PR disaster... However though a few people still seem to be determined Towers can't do right I think the positivity is creeping up again on the forum. It just probably needs a good ride to open in that building in the valley in March to fully bring everyone around.

Hopefully anyway

[AstroDan]

Also, a few more positive things in the past few months:

- Improving relationships with Alton Towers, links to John Wardley and others.
- The "Honest Truth" thread being one of the best discussion grounds on AT for years.
- Forthcoming TTF Birthday Event at Alton Towers
- Most popular International Meet coming April 2012 to Europa-Park
- TT forums having a REAL impact for Alton in 2011 - with Fanta, Picsolve prices and more
- Alton hotel management posting on the forum creating a much better vibe between enthusaists/the park
- Two "thrill" focus investments one year after another in 2012 and 2013 - the first since 2001-2002 (Subs/Air)

[oldgitBEN]

I dont think its a problem to be honest, cant say anything has stuck out in my mind regarding poor posts or members. A couple of newer members with obscure or incorrect information, but that happens on every forum.

Meh.
Give it a couple of months and there will be an overly gushing "Oh TTF I love you, thanks to all the members and the staff, group hug blah blah blah".
Its a perpetual cycle of TTF.

[mrbrightside]

Its a perpetual cycle of TTF.

It's a perpetual cycle of life tbh. Be it internet forums, or offices. One minute things aren't right, the next minute everyone loves each other.

[.Will]

I'd just like to say thank you to the team for taking some time out to produce the post quality message, it's just the sort of thing I have been looking for so on my behalf (and I am sure I speak for many others) that is a fantastic move in the right direction.

I did wonder about writing an 'Welcoming Guide for New Members' which would have information on post quality, how to link and embed photo's etc I would have welcomed it as a newer member.

[formula1fan]

I think it's time for me to speak up.

Having been a member on TTF since April 2007, I've seen the site go through various stages. For several years, I posted on and off, but I started getting into the swing of things a bit more after, slightly weirdly, my grandmother died two days after my brother's wedding in October 2010, and I was grateful for the support I received from the members on here. After getting involved in TT Chat, I felt more involved in TTF as a whole, and I believe that this was one of the reasons that pushed me to finally attend a meet, and I can honestly say that the Fireworks meet was the best day I have spent at Alton Towers, and the best weekend I've had for several years. I feel that I've been welcomed into TTF very well - although it's taken a long time - and I really value the social side of TTF, especially bearing in mind that I'm currently going through some issues regarding my sexuality. The support that I've received from the members regarding this issue has been fantastic, and I wish to thank you for helping me - although I've still got quite a way to go.

As for the forums, I can understand where you're coming from, Spike. This year has been, let's face it, a pretty dire one for Towers, with no major investments to speak of, and uncertainty about future investments not helping matters at all. I refuse to post in either the Nemesis:Sub-Terra or SW7 topics, because they are, in my opinion, just filled with people arguing for the sake of arguing, and essentially saying "I'm right and you're wrong, so shut the :censored: up, as your post is worthless". I'm aware that this may be considered a bit extreme, but it's how it comes across to me. There are also other topics where I feel that this is prevalent. It's my view (and also probably that of others) that one of the reasons why so much of this is going on is that there has been a lack of investment in 2011, Thirteen was overhyped, and people are jumping to conclusions about things way too quickly. It's sad to see the forums like this, but I sincerely hope that things will eventually get better.

[Dylan]

I'm quite glad that this thread has come about actually. I've had some similar thoughts but not to the same degree, and not enough to feel the need to speak up about it.

The problem I have found, is that over and over again there are opinionated people who will not listen to other people's reasoning. I have never been a massively regular poster, but have found over the last year or so that many times when I have offered an opinion or thoughts on some threads, I have been shot down, sometimes in a really rude manner. (If you don't like it, GTFO etc). I don't particularly take offense, but it's annoying when it is from people who tend to dominate some of the threads. I just don't contribute that much any more, as I don't see the point, which in turn makes the forum less enjoyable for me. As someone with years of knowledge and experience of the theme park world, it's quite frustrating to sit quietly sometimes when I genuinely feel my points are worthwhile.

Sometimes it only takes a few comments to turn it into a negative experience (even for a seasoned member like me). If this is the way that some newer members are treated, it's hardly welcoming.

It's not something the team can really help with, it's just 'one of those periods'. Dynamics will change again, and different people will become dominating on the forum. That tends to be the cycle. I'll still lurk around and give my opinion when I feel necessary.

Regarding the meets, the faff is inevitable with large numbers. Some people would prefer to split, some people want to remain in a full group all day. The bickering has never bothered me, I always sit on the sidelines during meets really. But I can see how it ruins things for some members. This does happen in real life too though, and not just on TTF!!

[Dormiens-Dave]

I just don't contribute that much any more, as I don't see the point, which in turn makes the forum less enjoyable for me.

My only issue in all this is when people say the above, and i only pick on you Dylan because i know you personally and know i probably wont offend as lots do this. If a few members are felt to be a problem but old members give up then the forum is doomed. I don't expect people to do this but surely its better to prove what good debate is by posting and report these posts.

[Spike]

I just don't contribute that much any more, as I don't see the point, which in turn makes the forum less enjoyable for me.

My only issue in all this is when people say the above, and i only pick on you Dylan because i know you personally and know i probably wont offend as lots do this. If a few members are felt to be a problem but old members give up then the forum is doomed. I don't expect people to do this but surely its better to prove what good debate is by posting and report these posts.

I don't think it's a case of "giving up" I think quite the opposite in fact. By airing these views I think it shows we do care about things that go on on the forum. If we sat back and just left then we would be giving up. But I agree with Dylan it does put off posting as much due to the unruly nature in which some members present themselves. 

[Dormiens-Dave]

I didn't mean you shouldn't air these views, its what this forum is for and we should welcome any constructive criticism. I just think if enough people push good debating skills into the forum there will be a lead for others to follow.

[mrbrightside]

That's part of the issue on every forum Spike... Older members get a bit bored and give up on posting but still enjoy coming to read the forum and also feel sad that they don't want to post any more. This then begins threads like these... The forum is what we all make of it, and if we all try to post in a manner deemed as positive then the place can change.

For a pointless analogy think of TTF as a partner. When you go out with someone at the start it's a honeymoon period where everything good happens and plenty of sex takes place. A year down the line and you'll probably hit a dry patch, and you then have to work together to re-ignite the spark that is missing in the relationship. A similar thing applies on forums... If you lose interest, you need to work to get the spark back - and once the work is put in, it's enjoyable for all xD

[Dylan]

I just don't contribute that much any more, as I don't see the point, which in turn makes the forum less enjoyable for me.

My only issue in all this is when people say the above, and i only pick on you Dylan because i know you personally and know i probably wont offend as lots do this. If a few members are felt to be a problem but old members give up then the forum is doomed. I don't expect people to do this but surely its better to prove what good debate is by posting and report these posts.

Dave, can't believe you are picking on me
The problem is, a lot of the time, the posts / responses are not worthy of reporting. They just niggle at me personally, and I have continued posting, to be met with the same response to the point where I just lose interest, and don't want to then come across as being patronising or condescending.
It's just little things, but I think if people read Craig's guidelines topic, they may just think twice about the manner in which they respond. There is debate, and there is being rude.

[Spike]

That's part of the issue on every forum Spike... Older members get a bit bored and give up on posting but still enjoy coming to read the forum and also feel sad that they don't want to post any more. This then begins threads like these... The forum is what we all make of it, and if we all try to post in a manner deemed as positive then the place can change.

For a pointless analogy think of TTF as a partner. When you go out with someone at the start it's a honeymoon period where everything good happens and plenty of sex takes place. A year down the line and you'll probably hit a dry patch, and you then have to work together to re-ignite the spark that is missing in the relationship. A similar thing applies on forums... If you lose interest, you need to work to get the spark back - and once the work is put in, it's enjoyable for all xD

HAHA Love the analogy

I do want to post, that's the point, but you do feel like "what is the point" when it's going to be met with arrogance, attitude & ego. I love posting huge debates where I feel i can contribute but over the last year it's gotten to the point where I don't want to, or if I do, I spend the next 12 hours back and forth defending my right to air my opinions. This is not mainly about me anyway as I can hold my own against arrogant prunes, i'm more concerned with the general trend of bullying other peoples views, quashing anything that does not conform to their ideals. It is noticeable trend and not just to myself. I agree it's a hard one to police though.

[Sam]

I disagree.

I think both meets and the forum are better than they've ever been!

The forum especially has come on leaps and bounds technically, and with the range of different competitions, polls, awards, archive stuff and all sorts of lovely things that both the team and members come up with.

It's very easy to say "oh it's got worse since my day". It's because the people who think that are more likely to start a topic than the people who think "it's gotten better" or "it hasn't really changed" since my day. Those would be pretty boring topics. :P

edit: I don't think people are that negative. See the overwhelming positivity that is starting to emerge over Swarm and how brilliant the theming is!

[BIan]

Spike,  there is an option in your profile settings to ignore certain users.  Maybe adding people to that list will help make the forum more enjoyable for you?

There posts still appear but its blank, with an option to click to make the post visible.

Ian

[RustyRider]

I'd like to apologise as some of my posts sometimes have bad grammar/typos etc. it's just that I use an iPhone with a smashed screen and spellcheck doesn't seem to work well with it.

I do try to proofread my posts beforehand but I struggle to see mistakes due to the cracks! Would it be a recommendation to get tapatalk?

Dont hate on me, I'm only human after all  :P

[.Will]

You are not the problem at all Rusty and have nothing to be sorry for, it's many members that spam for the sake of spamming and don't add anything to the discussion whereas from what I have seen/read you have been a good contributor.