Site Forum

I would like to believe that our forums prefer a premise of OPEN and FREE discussion. Most common topics I see on our forums include questions, comparisons, polls of opinion as well as debates. It is not uncommon for nonsense or unsocial behavior to sprout as people lose temper, especially if the topic is controversial like ERR/VAR cards. Poor understanding of differences in ideas of it's members is a common problem on forums. Because replies to a topic are often worded aimed at someone's point of view, discussion will usually go slightly off into several directions as people question each other's validity, sources and so on. Circular discussion and ambiguity in replies can extend for several tens of posts of a thread eventually ending when everyone gives up or attention spans waver and a more interesting topic takes over. It is not uncommon for debates to end in outrigtht attacks. And so is the case here on TCDB; Since I enjoy reading the threads, I can see how misunderstandings regarding questions and comments can lead to some "fur flying". I see many times questions are asked, and the answer is really not very helpful and the next reply heads down a different path,....extremely annoying and frustrating, especially when you are trying to satiisfy a specific task. It has happened to me, and unlike many members that would rather not question. I tend to get "fired up" and respond in a "notso" professional way. I think everybody can learn a lesson in forum etiquette yet stay within a forums' purposes.

I agree with you Bob. I think there are just some people out there who either don't think about how their point is going to come across in print, or they simply don't care because they're trolls. Either way it typically devolves the conversation pretty quickly when people immediately assume the worst in others. 

As a collector of Non-Sport cards, more specifically Marvel Comics Non-Sport cards, I get a lot of the "I don't get it" from other collectors who don't understand why I collect pictures from children's books. When I try to explain that some of them are very detailed paintings that have been in galleries and would rival many great artists, they still don't understand. This site has been pretty good so far about not berating people but I still see the occasional "card of the day" post complaining about a Non-Sport card popping up.

It is fine if you don't collect them but don't call it stupid or childish or worthless. I don't collect sports cards but I don't hate on anyone who does. I don't hate on anyone's hobbies really. I used to poke fun at "Bronies". These are men/boys who love the show "My Little Pony" and dress up as the characters and go to Brony conventions. I thought it was silly for grown men to be doing that but honestly for every hobby out there there is someone who thinks it is silly, so who am I to judge?  So long as your fun is not harming anyone else then, go nuts.

Also, if we could all start with the assumption that people on these forums are good, decent people and their questions and comments come from a sincere and decent place then we would all be better off. If you assume that I am a terrible person because I put out some wrong information or because I collect comic cards or because I voted for Trump, then the conversation is never going to go in a positive direction. It is one thing to disagree with someone, and even disagree with passion but I think a good rule in general would be to never condescend and never insult someone just because you disagree. And If someone does insult youu, just leave that person be. Calling them out is pointless because they either don't realize when they are being rude or they are doing it on purpose. Either way the conversation is going to devolve pretty quickly.

Thank you. Well written, well said. I'm glad there are members who understand the purpose of a forum. I'm not campaigning for friends, just hoping that some members can agree.

If this is in part our forum lineup:

General Forum
For broad discussions of collecting

Card Identification Forum
For solving card mysteries

Site Forum
For announcements and discussions regarding this site

Off-Topic Forum
For discussions of non-collecting topics

Then, our forums allow great latitudes in posting from discussions on  general collecting to discussing non-collecting topics.

Personally, I don't think we violate any forum rules. Say, post what's on your mind. That's why TCDB is such a great site, bringing in new members daily. Hat's off to ADMIN and his L8 buddies.

Comments in a forum post are interpreted by the readers not the typer and can cause dramatic reflections, bitter tastes, and most important deter the noobs....    

Thanks for this post @Bobscardz.. (epic link BTW)

Coming from a new to the forum and new to the hobby view.. some of the comments I read can be more of a deterrent then an invitation of information... but I am Entomologist from North Florida (insect nerd living nowhere near a Baseball team) Trying to jump into a hobby that most here have been doing for years... In the forums I'm in about insects we gobble up noobies and try to make them lifers, friends, heck I've hired two people i met forums, I have even hosted group meet ups... I do not get that vibe here from some and it is a bit harsh sometimes... But this is the best site and forum for this hobby that I could find..heck I pay every month for ad free..lol..and leave an open tab 24/7 of it..so yall are stuck with a Garrison asking questions that may seem dumb and suggesting silly ideas to make it easier or lazier...  

Cheers 

Jamie

I have had a few run-ins over the years here on TCDB, mostly with OCD things on my part. I never try to bemoan or belittle anyone as I can ask some silly-assed questions myself. At the end of the day it is the fact that I may never meet anymore than say two to three of you that I just let what is said roll off my back. People will never mesh 100% on an internet site or thread so deal with it the best you can and move on. BTW I'm home with a sick kid if the regulars are wondering why I am posting at 8 AM. LOL

@Garrison, What's wrong with noobs? Sounds like maybe you are one yourself. I consider myself a noob compared to some of these guys with huge collections. I took a break from collecting through my Army and college years and only started back up again in the past year. I agree this is one of the best sites out there for the hobby. Really great community with a solid platform for trading.

@vargsa  could not agree more bud

All good stuff guys. Think it is important to remember, What we write we think, what we think we write. I luv the forum, I've learned more from the forum postings than perusing the whole site it self. Some of our elite members need to calm down, relax and enjoy the growth of the TCDB and listen to what some of us have to say.