In a disjointed way this is sort of a response to some recent threads about flame wars, "ignore lists", negative posters, criticisms of unqualified advice, etc. Since I have no interest in pointless bickering, I thought I would share my perception of what this forum is.
This forum is like... no, this forum is exactly like my poolhall. It attracts all levels of players. All of the players feel free to offer their observations. I enjoy listening to the beginners opinions, I enjoy listening to the better players, and I am delighted when one of pro's comes to the hall and shares some tidbits of information (after which we immediately forget any contradictory opinions given before by lesser players). There is certainly a lot of woofing at my hall, that occasionally deteriorates into threats of violence or worse - but like here nothing usually comes of it (since we all know there is always somebody bigger OR badder). Everyone at my hall thinks they are a better player than they really are (except me of course). All advice given at my hall is worth exactly what I pay for it (though I tend to give more weight to the pro's since they spank me regularly). When someone who is not a pro speaks out, I listen - sometimes these opinions contain valuable insight, sometimes not - that's life.
There are players at my hall that are just interested in gambling. There are players who never gamble. There are players who used to play great, but have suffered the ravages of age or inactivity. There are players who are passionate about the aesthetics and history of the game. There are players with fancy cues, and others who prefer a cheap house cue. When discussions come up, players participate if they are interested in the subject, or just go back to playing pool if it's something in which they don't take an interest. Many people have strongly held opinions, even on things in which they are not expert (or opinions that are just wrong when they disagree with me). A lot of times I don't know very much about the background of the people that are there playing - I am often surprised when I find out about their accomplishments.
I could go on and on (oh wait, I already have) but the point is I would never criticize anyone for participating in discussions, or offering advice (yes, even unasked for advice) no matter their skill level or background. To me that's the whole point of the forum. If we are only here to receive the instruction of the pro's, then the whole main forum could be eliminated. This is just like my pool hall, if you don't like something you can choose to not participate. If you tick off enough people, there can be unpleasantness (though I haven't heard yet of anyone losing any teeth on the forum).
This forum is like... no, this forum is exactly like my poolhall. It attracts all levels of players. All of the players feel free to offer their observations. I enjoy listening to the beginners opinions, I enjoy listening to the better players, and I am delighted when one of pro's comes to the hall and shares some tidbits of information (after which we immediately forget any contradictory opinions given before by lesser players). There is certainly a lot of woofing at my hall, that occasionally deteriorates into threats of violence or worse - but like here nothing usually comes of it (since we all know there is always somebody bigger OR badder). Everyone at my hall thinks they are a better player than they really are (except me of course). All advice given at my hall is worth exactly what I pay for it (though I tend to give more weight to the pro's since they spank me regularly). When someone who is not a pro speaks out, I listen - sometimes these opinions contain valuable insight, sometimes not - that's life.
There are players at my hall that are just interested in gambling. There are players who never gamble. There are players who used to play great, but have suffered the ravages of age or inactivity. There are players who are passionate about the aesthetics and history of the game. There are players with fancy cues, and others who prefer a cheap house cue. When discussions come up, players participate if they are interested in the subject, or just go back to playing pool if it's something in which they don't take an interest. Many people have strongly held opinions, even on things in which they are not expert (or opinions that are just wrong when they disagree with me). A lot of times I don't know very much about the background of the people that are there playing - I am often surprised when I find out about their accomplishments.
I could go on and on (oh wait, I already have) but the point is I would never criticize anyone for participating in discussions, or offering advice (yes, even unasked for advice) no matter their skill level or background. To me that's the whole point of the forum. If we are only here to receive the instruction of the pro's, then the whole main forum could be eliminated. This is just like my pool hall, if you don't like something you can choose to not participate. If you tick off enough people, there can be unpleasantness (though I haven't heard yet of anyone losing any teeth on the forum).
