AZ Forum out of control...

[Zims Rack]

I've been and active member on this forum since 2003 and have seen alot of great posts and a lot of rediculous posts.

Moderators are trying to keep things on the up and up and flowing well on here, but some people are just asses! There are dedicated sections for various types of posts, this I personally like. It helps with clutter and organization.

Recently in the Main Forum a thread was started by another senior member about a cancer survivor and what happens... he's criticized by a relatively new poster because it's in the wrong or inappropriate section!!! This is outright BS!!!

If we are going to jump down someones throat for this type of post, yet still let others continue to bash others because they don't spell well, build cues the same way, teach a different system, charge more for this/that, have 1/2 naked avatars, etc...what has this forum coming to?

Who gives a crap if the person can't type perfectly, who cares if he/she uses a different type of glue on cue repairs, sets his/her prices too high or too low. When I came on this forum originally, there was tons, I mean TONS of quality posts to read and educate yourself on various billiard related subject matter. I have been a very active participant on this board and rarely, rarely post negative comments about things, I just keep them to myself. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it.

However, on the flip side of that last sentence, I do like the threads that warn us of bad dealers, repairman, players, tournament directors, etc. But, that's information that needs to be out there to the public.

If you're going to post, it should be able to help the readers in a positive way, not just be some BS post that is 100% a negative PERSONAL opinion about someone.

Enough said, I feel better,
Zim

 

[Chris Byrne]

Hey Zim. Wrong section LOL. Just kidding
I agree there are a few of people who are looking for trouble but, don't let it get you down. The great people on here far outweigh them. Chris.

 

[pharaoh68]

I've been and active member on this forum since 2003 and have seen alot of great posts and a lot of rediculous posts.

Moderators are trying to keep things on the up and up and flowing well on here, but some people are just asses! There are dedicated sections for various types of posts, this I personally like. It helps with clutter and organization.

Recently in the Main Forum a thread was started by another senior member about a cancer survivor and what happens... he's criticized by a relatively new poster because it's in the wrong or inappropriate section!!! This is outright BS!!!

If we are going to jump down someones throat for this type of post, yet still let others continue to bash others because they don't spell well, build cues the same way, teach a different system, charge more for this/that, have 1/2 naked avatars, etc...what has this forum coming to?

Who gives a crap if the person can't type perfectly, who cares if he/she uses a different type of glue on cue repairs, sets his/her prices too high or too low. When I came on this forum originally, there was tons, I mean TONS of quality posts to read and educate yourself on various billiard related subject matter. I have been a very active participant on this board and rarely, rarely post negative comments about things, I just keep them to myself. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it.

However, on the flip side of that last sentence, I do like the threads that warn us of bad dealers, repairman, players, tournament directors, etc. But, that's information that needs to be out there to the public.

If you're going to post, it should be able to help the readers in a positive way, not just be some BS post that is 100% a negative PERSONAL opinion about someone.

Enough said, I feel better,
Zim

This belongs in NPR.


Oh, and the word "asses" isn't really kid-safe. Afterall, this is a family place ya know!

 

[Zims Rack]

CB- I agree that there a lot more quality people on here than not! You are one of the ones I really enjoy reading about. Thank you!

Pharoah- sarcastic or not, I'm not sure! But this is exactly what I'm referring to. Is AZBilliards forum billiard related???? Wasn't my topic about AZBilliards forum????

For those of you that continue to scream "censorship" in regards to your children and what they read on a computer, you need to grow a set of balls and become a better, more aware parent of what you're children are doing. There are far worse things in this world than what they will read on this forum and I'd bet a paycheck that they have been to websites that would embarass you, the parent! Like me, if you allow your child to read over your shoulder, then they need to be aware of what an "ass" is, what "shit" is and all the other words that you'll find on here and the appropriate place and time to use them. For those of you that don't know, I have 4 kids, 14 year old son, 3 year old son and twin 16 month old girls... ALL of my kids know or will know and hear cuss words in my house and they know or will know right from wrong, when it's appropriate and not.

There are so many good people that are members of this forum that do not participate 1/2 as much as they did a few years ago, just because of some of the other members reactions and lack of respect.

I sincrely apologize if a few of the words in here does offend anyone, but you get my point!

Again, just venting!
Zim

 

[d_flash]

Zim, it's hard to open your doors without letting in the bad (loons) with the good.

One thing that I learned years ago: any endeavor attracts those who would do no good. A new business always gets the check kiters and deadbeats. That's why you have to always be vigilant.

Unfortunately, some who should be banned aren't & some of the good guys get frustrated, make one false step and are immediately booted.
The difference being, the banned idiots reappear with a new name and the good guys never bother to come back.
.
.
.
.
.....d

 

[ridewiththewind]

Wow, Michael...something or someone must have really got you twisted...as I have NEVER seen you go off before...LoL. It's okay tho....you are just voicing what many here have been feeling for quite some time. And it has gotten particularly bad as of late.

Up until recently...I NEVER got nasty little PM's in response to my posts...but I have gotten several in the last month or two...all from 'newbies' who felt that they knew better than I, or that my opinion means nothing, or that I have nothing to add. One guy even complained publicly that my posts were too 'wordy', and to shorten them or not post...LoL. I'll admit, that I can be a bit 'long-winded' at times, but that is just the journalist/writer part of me...but I always try to stay on point.

I agree that at times recently, AZ has become tiresome, or even sometimes a down-right bore. As far as doing business here...not that I am a big buyer or seller, but I have to admit, it is not the 'safe haven' for transactions that it used to be. There are actually a very few that I would enter into a transaction with here these days.

Avatars have never been a big bother for me, afterall, there is the option to turn off avatars, if one should find them offensive. As to any foul language one's children may encounter here...I have seen some things said without the use of foul language that can be just as equally offensive..so to me, those arguments are moot.

AZ has a few 'features' that those who are easily offended can use...turning off avatars is one, using the Ignore feature is another option for others...running Invisible is yet another option.

I agree....the content here over the last couple of years has deteriorated to the point that many of the 'older' members have fled to other forums to find some intelligent content. That's not to say that intelligent content does not happen here...but it's becoming more and more like trying to find a needle in a haystack to find it...which is a down-right shame.

It's really very simple for those who constantly complain here......the Forum is really no differnt than one's TV set, if you do not like what you are seeing, just change the channel...or turn it off altogether and go play some pool!

Lisa

 

[Island Drive]

I've been and active member on this forum since 2003 and have seen alot of great posts and a lot of rediculous posts.

Moderators are trying to keep things on the up and up and flowing well on here, but some people are just asses! There are dedicated sections for various types of posts, this I personally like. It helps with clutter and organization.

Recently in the Main Forum a thread was started by another senior member about a cancer survivor and what happens... he's criticized by a relatively new poster because it's in the wrong or inappropriate section!!! This is outright BS!!!

If we are going to jump down someones throat for this type of post, yet still let others continue to bash others because they don't spell well, build cues the same way, teach a different system, charge more for this/that, have 1/2 naked avatars, etc...what has this forum coming to?

Who gives a crap if the person can't type perfectly, who cares if he/she uses a different type of glue on cue repairs, sets his/her prices too high or too low. When I came on this forum originally, there was tons, I mean TONS of quality posts to read and educate yourself on various billiard related subject matter. I have been a very active participant on this board and rarely, rarely post negative comments about things, I just keep them to myself. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it.

However, on the flip side of that last sentence, I do like the threads that warn us of bad dealers, repairman, players, tournament directors, etc. But, that's information that needs to be out there to the public.

If you're going to post, it should be able to help the readers in a positive way, not just be some BS post that is 100% a negative PERSONAL opinion about someone.

Enough said, I feel better,
Zim

I'm with ya on your above points of view, allot of times posting here "IS" EXACLTY the opposite of real life. No one NO one would get in a conversation with another they don't know ( 90%+++) of the time, and go for the throat. I've said before we need a Point/Counter Point forum so this politically correct Krap can find its own place in whatever functional society they belong in.

 

[JoeyInCali]

I don't think AZB is out of control yet.
But, if one person is ALWAYS involved in a pissing contest, why even tolerate him/her?

 

[Tristan]

This forum is extremely tame. People who think it's not don't spend time on other forums.

 

[Zims Rack]

if one person is ALWAYS involved in a pissing contest, why even tolerate him/her?

Nothing good comes from that ONE person! I feel that is the person that should be banned, IP traced and not let back on as a member (if possible).

If anyone, ANYONE, felt that the word "ONE" is referring to you, then you need to set back and decide if you're going to contribute to the good of this forum or quick responding at all.

Zim

 

[Poolplaya9]

I've been and active member on this forum since 2003 and have seen alot of great posts and a lot of rediculous posts.

Moderators are trying to keep things on the up and up and flowing well on here, but some people are just asses! There are dedicated sections for various types of posts, this I personally like. It helps with clutter and organization.

Recently in the Main Forum a thread was started by another senior member about a cancer survivor and what happens... he's criticized by a relatively new poster because it's in the wrong or inappropriate section!!! This is outright BS!!!

If we are going to jump down someones throat for this type of post, yet still let others continue to bash others because they don't spell well, build cues the same way, teach a different system, charge more for this/that, have 1/2 naked avatars, etc...what has this forum coming to?

Who gives a crap if the person can't type perfectly, who cares if he/she uses a different type of glue on cue repairs, sets his/her prices too high or too low. When I came on this forum originally, there was tons, I mean TONS of quality posts to read and educate yourself on various billiard related subject matter. I have been a very active participant on this board and rarely, rarely post negative comments about things, I just keep them to myself. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it.

However, on the flip side of that last sentence, I do like the threads that warn us of bad dealers, repairman, players, tournament directors, etc. But, that's information that needs to be out there to the public.

If you're going to post, it should be able to help the readers in a positive way, not just be some BS post that is 100% a negative PERSONAL opinion about someone.

Enough said, I feel better,
Zim

First, I have to address the complete inaccuracy of part of your post. I was the poster that supposedly "criticized" the "cancer survivor." I have been a member here for two years making good contributions to this site, and am near the very top in reputation points. I hardly think that makes me new as you said. I have only recently decided to be more vocal about my concerns with the off topic threads and the decline of the board in general. Furthermore, I have been lurking on this site almost daily for another 8 years or so before that, so I have probably been around here longer than 95+% of people. Not that I think any of this is all that relevant, but it seems to be a big deal to you.

He made a post saying that he just found out that a recent medical concern he had was confirmed to not be cancer. He also said that he really doesn't care what anybody thinks about him making the post even though he knows it is against the forum rules. My response was to simply express my genuine happiness for his good news, and then politely point out that it was indeed in the wrong section and that while he may not care what anybody thought, the moderator had recently emphasized that the rule needed to be followed. I provided the link to the sticky thread about it. That was it. The only thing that could even be considered anywhere close to "outright BS" would be his blatant disregard of the moderator's directive--not my response.

I agree with most of the rest of your post. This site has gone downhill in content and quality over the years. It used to be that it was almost impossible to keep up with the main forum because there were so many threads, and almost all of them were very informative, interesting, and relevant. Now the quality as well as the amount of content is down.

I truely believe that a lot of the reason that the forum is no longer full of quality posts is because they let things get too out of hand and did not enforce against things like the off topic posts, as well as all the posts that had no real purpose other than to be mean spirited. As a result a lot of good posters have left completely, some of the other good posters are still here but now rarely post, and some of the others are still posting but their own posting standards went down along with the board in general. I miss the AzBilliards of old.

For the record, I disagee with the poster who thought this thread was off topic. Any post that primarily intends to inform, or to provoke thought and discussion about pool, or the forum in general, is on topic.

 

[Scott Lee]

Mike...My sentiments exactly!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I have been a very active participant on this board and rarely, rarely post negative comments about things, I just keep them to myself. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it.

However, on the flip side of that last sentence, I do like the threads that warn us of bad dealers, repairman, players, tournament directors, etc. But, that's information that needs to be out there to the public.

If you're going to post, it should be able to help the readers in a positive way, not just be some BS post that is 100% a negative PERSONAL opinion about someone.

Enough said, I feel better,
Zim

 

[Zims Rack]

This forum is extremely tame. People who think it's not don't spend time on other forums.

I've been to other forums, that is why I'm only active here, the #1 billiards forum and website on the market, AZBilliards! It didn't become #1 just this year, it's taken several years, hundreds of visitors/posters to get where it's at. And it can take only a few visitors/posters to put us (AZB Forum) back to even with the other forums.

But, have been seeing a trend lately (year or so) and I'm not liking where it's going and obviously I'm not the only one!

Zim

 

[Zims Rack]

First, I have to address the complete inaccuracy of part of your post. I was the poster that supposedly "criticized" the "cancer survivor." I have been a member here for two years making good contributions to this site, and am near the very top in reputation points. I hardly think that makes me new as you said. I have only recently decided to be more vocal about my concerns with the off topic threads and the decline of the board in general. Furthermore, I have been lurking on this site almost daily for another 8 years or so before that, so I have probably been around here longer than 95+% of people. Not that I think any of this is all that relevant, but it seems to be a big deal to you.

He made a post saying that he just found out that a recent medical concern he had was confirmed to not be cancer. He also said that he really doesn't care what anybody thinks about him making the post even though he knows it is against the forum rules. My response was to simply express my genuine happiness for his good news, and then politely point out that it was indeed in the wrong section and that while he may not care what anybody thought, the moderator had recently emphasized that the rule needed to be followed. I provided the link to the sticky thread about it. That was it. The only thing that could even be considered anywhere close to "outright BS" would be his blatant disregard of the moderator's directive--not my response.

I agree with most of the rest of your post. This site has gone downhill in content and quality over the years. It used to be that it was almost impossible to keep up with the main forum because there were so many threads, and almost all of them were very informative, interesting, and relevant. Now the quality as well as the amount of content is down.

I truely believe that a lot of the reason that the forum is no longer full of quality posts is because they let things get too out of hand and did not enforce against things like the off topic posts, as well as all the posts that had no real purpose other than to be mean spirited. As a result a lot of good posters have left completely, some of the other good posters are still here but now rarely post, and some of the others are still posting but their own posting standards went down along with the board in general. I miss the AzBilliards of old.

For the record, I disagee with the poster who thought this thread was off topic. Any post that primarily intends to inform, or to provoke thought and discussion about pool, or the forum in general, is on topic.

I never directly said that it was you, just that a relatively new poster did. And with all do respect, if God himself READS the forum every minute of the day, but has never made a post, does that make him a good contributor (to the forum)? NO! You have around 360 posts, is 100% of them positivly contributing to the forum, NO! Neither is 100% of my 2,560 posts, but I'm an active poster and I'd say about 95-98% of my posts are positive contributions.

How many critics hammer away at all the "Happy Birthday" threads or the "Know anything about this cue" in the Cue Review section. The Cue Review section has such a great opportunity to genually help less educated buyers on making a cue purchase, yet some still feel the need to post NON REVIEWS in that section.

If Matt already stated that he didn't care what people say about that thread and he's aware of where he posted it, why or what gives you or anyone else (besides the moderators)the right to restate the obvious???

I've read some of your posts and yes, you do contribute, like hundreds of others. But don't single out a thread about a cancer success story or a happy birthday... how about the threads where someone is blatantly bashing someone and it has nothing to do with that someones thread. I wasn't trying to single you out, it just happened to be the thread that made me say "enough is enough". For that, to you I apologize!
Flip side, I see we do agree on the rest of my statement, for that my friend... post on!

Zim

 

[Matt_24]

First, I have to address the complete inaccuracy of part of your post. I was the poster that supposedly "criticized" the "cancer survivor." I have been a member here for two years making good contributions to this site, and am near the very top in reputation points. I hardly think that makes me new as you said. I have only recently decided to be more vocal about my concerns with the off topic threads and the decline of the board in general. Furthermore, I have been lurking on this site almost daily for another 8 years or so before that, so I have probably been around here longer than 95+% of people. Not that I think any of this is all that relevant, but it seems to be a big deal to you.

He made a post saying that he just found out that a recent medical concern he had was confirmed to not be cancer. He also said that he really doesn't care what anybody thinks about him making the post even though he knows it is against the forum rules. My response was to simply express my genuine happiness for his good news, and then politely point out that it was indeed in the wrong section and that while he may not care what anybody thought, the moderator had recently emphasized that the rule needed to be followed. I provided the link to the sticky thread about it. That was it. The only thing that could even be considered anywhere close to "outright BS" would be his blatant disregard of the moderator's directive--not my response.

I agree with most of the rest of your post. This site has gone downhill in content and quality over the years. It used to be that it was almost impossible to keep up with the main forum because there were so many threads, and almost all of them were very informative, interesting, and relevant. Now the quality as well as the amount of content is down.

I truely believe that a lot of the reason that the forum is no longer full of quality posts is because they let things get too out of hand and did not enforce against things like the off topic posts, as well as all the posts that had no real purpose other than to be mean spirited. As a result a lot of good posters have left completely, some of the other good posters are still here but now rarely post, and some of the others are still posting but their own posting standards went down along with the board in general. I miss the AzBilliards of old.

For the record, I disagee with the poster who thought this thread was off topic. Any post that primarily intends to inform, or to provoke thought and discussion about pool, or the forum in general, is on topic.

YOU WANNA PLAY SOME??????

 

[Pushout]

I personally see what's going on here a lot of the time as the same as what happened on rec.sport.billiard several years ago. rsb became a jungle, where anything goes became almost the norm, with people like fast larry and his multiple personalities. And, as Lisa mentioned, the newer people who began to tell the veteran posters what they should and should not post and how they should go about it. The so called "usenet police" were the final nail in the coffin for me and I abandoned rsb some years ago and haven't been back. I make no bones about the fact that I've used the ignore feature quite liberally, I try not to get into flame wars, and there have been a ton of posts recently that I just don't even bother opening because I've seen that particular topic ad nauseum. Or, the topic simply had no interest for me, pool related or not. Then there are the people who tell you they've been on bunch of other forums but act like it's their first time ever, with the 'net shortcuts, netspeak, etc.
I don't spell everything correctly and my punctuation may be off from time to time, but at least I try and that's more than some people do, and it makes it damn hard to read their posts.
I respect the moderators and what they are doing, but some people just don't seem to give a damn.
As far as rep points go, some of the biggest offenders have a lot of rep, so that don't mean crap.
Some times, I wonder.

 

[SpiderWebComm]

These people trip me out. For everyone who feels there are no longer quality posts here on AZB.... How about you enlighten all of us with your infinite wisdom and start some threads that give us all an epiphany with your "need to know" billiard knowledge?

If a respected long-time poster has a life scare - whether it be cancer or indigestion, I wanna read about it in the main forum because who the hell reads the other forums?

See a post that doesn't interest you? Don't read it. Now, that doesn't mean open it, analyze it to death, post about how it's a joke and in the wrong section, and then complain elsewhere. Simply skip it.

In conclusion, I can't remember when I enjoyed this forum more than I do now.

 

[corvette1340]

These people trip me out. For everyone who feels there are no longer quality posts here on AZB.... How about you enlighten all of us with your infinite wisdom and start some threads that give us all an epiphany with your "need to know" billiard knowledge?

If a respected long-time poster has a life scare - whether it be cancer or indigestion, I wanna read about it in the main forum because who the hell reads the other forums?

See a post that doesn't interest you? Don't read it. Now, that doesn't mean open it, analyze it to death, post about how it's a joke and in the wrong section, and then complain elsewhere. Simply skip it.

In conclusion, I can't remember when I enjoyed this forum more than I do now.

A++++. Would read again. This is it in a nutshell. Those that can't simply skip over a thread that they don't want to read have other issues. imo.

 

[Bastian]

Having only been here for just over a year, I can't say much about whether things have changed or not.. but I can say that AZB gets me through the day.. it's one of two message boards I frequent and the only one I would ever invest enough time in to actually post.

 

[Zims Rack]

I personally want to thank those that supported my post and actually posted as well (up to this point). I was in no way trying to single out a particular member, just stating in general about this forum.

I do my best to maintain a positive relationship with everyone on this forum and I too skip over the thread if it's of no interest to me.

Thanks,
Zim