Happy Atheist Forum

Operations Desk => Forum Suggestions & Announcements => Topic started by: Claireliontamer on June 14, 2016, 12:03:52 PM

Title: The future of the forum
Post by: Claireliontamer on June 14, 2016, 12:03:52 PM
Since the last high profile member 'retired' I have been doing a lot of thinking.  Well, to be honest I was thinking about a lot of these things before he left but him leaving has re-energised the thoughts.  I too have been thinking of leaving/retiring whatever the correct term is, for a while now and I have come incredibly close to.  However, I have a kind of sentimental nostalgic streak about me and so I thought instead of just going I would open a thread that hopefully will be an honest an open area for people to discuss the forum and it's future.  Maybe others don't think there is a problem, in which case that too can be said here.  What I hope doesn't happen is it just turns into a moan about individuals or people take things too personally.  I would like it to be constructively critical rather than just critical if that makes sense.

I have actually been in touch with Crow and if he allows me to, I can share some of his thoughts too but this really is about the bigger picture.

Anyway.......my thoughts and opinions.

1. We have lost too many regular members that created the content that kept this place going.  Now, each may have their own reasons for leaving and yes people on forums do change but that isn't always the case and shouldn't necessarily be the norm.  When I now look at the regular contributors on here, most of them I have on another form of network too so I no longer feel like I need to be here to keep in touch with people.

2. We're not getting many new active members.  The ones who do join and start posting don't seem to be sticking around for very long.  Part of the fun of forums for me is meeting new people, not just the ones I already know and getting to hear different points of view.  It's almost become too cliquey for want of a better word and I think that is quit intimidating to new members.  Maybe we could start spreading the message out and about a little more?  It's certainly not the case that all atheist forums are low activity, I did a quick search and there are plenty of very active ones with lots of interesting topics and debates going on.  What are they doing differently?

3.  Recently I think it has been too heavily moderated for content.  Anyone who seems to spark a little bit of debate seems to be got rid of very easily.  Which I think also links back to number 2 also.  Perhaps we do need some more argumentative characters once more to kick the debates into action.  BTW I'm not equating uncivil with argumentative.  I'm thinking more of the Stevil type character who was perfectly civil but often gave a different perspective.

4.  Perhaps we need a discussion on what a forum like this is actually for?  At the moment I feel like there isn't a difference between this and my facebook feed. 

I appreciate any thoughts.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 14, 2016, 03:19:08 PM
I agree, it would be nice to have some new active members to replenish our numbers and inject some new ideas and perspectives. :smilenod:

We are a small forum but that does have its advantages. Our community might be tighter knit than those of other larger forums, with hundreds or thousands of active members, but IMO being smaller can be a double-edged sword and really can be intimidating to some new members who might feel slightly marginalised at first. Not that new members are excluded from conversations here, I'm basing this on how I feel when trying to join formed groups where people know each other well, it can be a bit difficult to get started.

Quote3.  Recently I think it has been too heavily moderated for content.  Anyone who seems to spark a little bit of debate seems to be got rid of very easily.  Which I think also links back to number 2 also.  Perhaps we do need some more argumentative characters once more to kick the debates into action.  BTW I'm not equating uncivil with argumentative.  I'm thinking more of the Stevil type character who was perfectly civil but often gave a different perspective.

Being a small forum and community, we are protective of our regular members. Maybe overly so, I don't know, it's when mistakes are made that we can tell. It's something that we need to keep in mind. 

There's no problem whatsoever with people being argumentative but civil and one does not exclude the other. I think, if you want to be argumentative then go for it!  :thumbsup:  :P

QuotePerhaps we need a discussion on what a forum like this is actually for?  At the moment I feel like there isn't a difference between this and my facebook feed.

Personally I prefer HAF to FB. :P

The most active subforum is the Laid Back Lounge, and not Religion or Life as an Atheist which might be expected from a platform that calls itself an atheist forum. I'm assuming that it's one more characteristic of small forums of any kind with small communities that preference for topics drifts into something that looks more like Facebook feeds. To me at least, it seems like most religious or irreligious topics are preaching to the choir, we've all heard it all before. Again, the solution might be to get some new active members.

What kind of member do you think is better suited to this forum? Someone who wants to talk about religion and atheism or someone who wants community and wants to talk about whatever?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: OldGit on June 14, 2016, 05:45:49 PM
Quote from: FernandaWhat kind of member do you think is better suited to this forum? Someone who wants to talk about religion and atheism or someone who wants community and wants to talk about whatever?

We used to have plenty of both, which was our strength, but as often happens it began to split into two groups.

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 14, 2016, 06:54:48 PM
Quote from: OldGit on June 14, 2016, 05:45:49 PM
Quote from: FernandaWhat kind of member do you think is better suited to this forum? Someone who wants to talk about religion and atheism or someone who wants community and wants to talk about whatever?

We used to have plenty of both, which was our strength, but as often happens it began to split into two groups.

:chin:

Is the tendency to split into groups necessarily a problem? As Claire pointed out one way to remedy this would be to have new members join in. How we'd go about to achieve this I don't know, if I knew any other English-speaking atheists in my area I would invite them. 
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Buddy on June 14, 2016, 07:40:57 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on June 14, 2016, 06:54:48 PM
How we'd go about to achieve this I don't know, if I knew any other English-speaking atheists in my area I would invite them.

Yep. It was the lack of atheists around me that drove me to seek out a forum.

Personally, I love the close knit group on HAF. It's what differentiates itself from other forums. New members are great, but I don't find it stale just because we do t get very many of them.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 14, 2016, 09:36:32 PM
Hm... Well... Yes.

Thing is, pretty much everything that can be said at this point in the atheism versus religion debate has been said. On both sides, I might add.

Yes, we can seem an appealing place for an occasional theist or new atheist looking for answers or atheist, new or old, looking for a community of like-minded people, but for my part, that's not why I'm here. And yes, I realize that I'm a bad example of member reliability as I do tend to disappear for months at a time with no to little warning, but...

It's no longer about the debate, it's not about meeting new people... It's the all-you-can-eat buffet. That's why I keep coming back. (No, there is not some profound metaphor behind the buffet reference; in actuality, it is all about maintaining the existing online relationships, which in my case are mostly unique to this forum as I frequent no other)

Me being me, I'm not at all discouraged by good contributors leaving. That's life. Things change and people change and sometimes they [things and people both] come to an end. If that is to happen to HAF, well... We've had a good run. If not, then the run continues. That's not to say that I do not have an opinion or a preference in the matter, however, in this case, my agenda is irrelevant. I'll keep popping in and out for as long as there is a HAF and as long as I have the ability and the inclanation to do so.

...Re-reading my post, I'm somewhat surprised that my opinion on this matter isn't stronger... Or at least more strongly worded. But then again, that's my trademark stark fatalism without the fate part for you, I suppose.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on June 14, 2016, 10:38:15 PM
I can take on a different persona and be a total jerk/contrarian about everything, if that will spice things up.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Sandra Craft on June 15, 2016, 12:14:31 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on June 14, 2016, 10:38:15 PM
I can take on a different persona and be a total jerk/contrarian about everything, if that will spice things up.

Only if you call your second persona Professor Fancy Pants.

I also like the forum the way it is (tho in my case it's not at all like my FB page), but I wouldn't mind more diverse or contrary opinions either.  On the other hand, I also wouldn't care for a parade of Pahus who don't contribute anything but copy pasta, or people who just seem to want to put the cat among the pigeons.  I don't mind arguments, but I do mind pointless name calling and insults, which lately all arguments have seemed to devolve into.  Maybe I'm asking too much, I don't know.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Firebird on June 15, 2016, 12:43:27 AM
This is the first and so far only atheist forum I've ever been a member of, so I don't have a lot to compare it to. But I have noticed what Claire is talking about.

So I joined 4.5 years ago and liked the small size and general feel of the place at the time. It was welcoming and sane but also interesting, and I didn't feel like an outsider at all. I think we're still pretty welcoming and sane, but I have found things stale lately. Well, maybe not today's argument with Davin :) Sure, sometimes I just want to talk about Game of Thrones or movies, but then there were the discussions/arguments I had with En_Route and Stevil about morality, which were fun and really made me think, even if I thought they were nuts most of the time. That's the kind of thing I don't see here anymore. A little arguing and conflict is healthy and rejuvenating as long as it doesn't become personal, and I think that's also what attracts new members.
And concerning the over-moderating, I agree that at times it's been excessive, and I wonder if that's one reason why I feel the way I do. I haven't seen anything recently that I haven't brought up before, thankfully, but I wouldn't be surprised if that's a factor. I definitely don't notice nearly as many new members joining as I used to when I first started here.

Also, the fact that we're such a small forum likely means that every time a member leaves, it's felt much more so than it would be on a larger one. I wonder if it would be worth asking some of the people who don't post lately why they don't? I might run that by Ali since I'm FB friends with her, and I'd be curious to hear from others like Determined_Juliet, Amicale, and Crow if anyone's in touch with them.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 15, 2016, 02:30:54 AM
Well...there's the staff, and there's the members.

This post was made in 2012: 
What do you expect/want from the staff of the forum?
(http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=9933.0)
I don't know where the hell I was! I didn't contribute anything to it.  :scratch:

This caught my eye:
Quote from: Crow on May 24, 2012, 05:11:27 PM
Quote from: Tank on May 24, 2012, 12:03:20 PM
Quote from: Crow on May 24, 2012, 01:05:49 AM
My only criticism would be the same as what Scissorlegs has suggested. There have been times when mods have just put there foot down before people have had the opportunity to argue or support it because it was controversial or caused conflict between a lay member or mod. Though I don't remember reading anything that got scissorlegs warned with mod font.
It's a fine line and I do tend to stomp very close to the edge. Mainly because I've seen what goes on at other places if arseholes get the upper hand. They don't just do direct damage by insulting people they can bring down the whole tone of the place and then, for want of a better term, 'the gentler souls', leave and don't come back and then it becomes a fight between the arseholes and the remaining thicker skinned members which can end up in a downward spiral leading to the demise of the forum.

Very true. To be honest I would be the worst mod in the world and do not think or would want to try and do better as I know I couldn't. It is only a very small comment on a largely very good job, which you do not get paid for and must take up vast amounts of time.

I can understand Tank. He must maintain our motto: We are: The Happy Atheist Forum. Anyone who insults another, "Can bring down the whole tone of the place and then, for want of a better term, 'the gentler souls', leave and don't come back and then it becomes a fight between the arseholes and the remaining thicker skinned members which can end up in a downward spiral leading to the demise of the forum."

I can also understand Crow. Maybe there's not enough consistency, but being a moderator doesn't look as if it's an easy job to have, either.

This is the first thing new members see when they come here:
The Happy Atheist Forum Mission Statement.

http://happyatheistforum.com/
Quote...It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints...
If that's the case, why is it that only one Christian has stuck around this long? :eyebrow:
Why is it that new members don't stick around?  Is it because they can't stand the "heat" from the members, or because most of them have been banned? :eyebrow:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Claireliontamer on June 15, 2016, 08:40:03 AM
Thank you to everyone who has replied.  I was actually a little worried about posting as I didn't want to come across as overly critical, so I'm pleased people have seen it in the spirit it was intended.

Just a few comments on things people have said:

xSP  I do agree that new members would be great.  We do seem to get people signing up but then a) never post at all or b) post one or two times and then disappear.  I do agree that it is sometimes harder to join and get involved in a small forum, it's like walking into a party alone where everyone else already knows each other.  Even for the most extrovert of people that can be difficult.  I'm purely hypothesising here but I wonder if there is a critical membership level where this doesn't happen?  I feel perhaps at the moment we are below that level.


Quote from: xSilverPhinx on June 14, 2016, 03:19:08 PM
What kind of member do you think is better suited to this forum? Someone who wants to talk about religion and atheism or someone who wants community and wants to talk about whatever?

To answer this directly.  I don't see why it can't be both, like OG said we used to have people who were part of both camps, gradually we've evolved more into a general forum.  Maybe there is no problem with that, in that case maybe the whole forum needs rebranding?  This might help with the new members, if people sign up thinking it's an atheist forum (I imagine most people find us by googling 'atheist forum' after all) but then see very little discussion on atheism itself but more on what movies people have seen it may put them off joining in.  On a personal level I wish we'd go back to more of an atheist forum, I genuinely don't mind all the small talk too as an extra but I miss the intellectual debates.  Perhaps I personally need to find a different forum.

Asmo maybe you think Atheism as a topic is dead and all there is to say has been said.  It makes me wonder why so many other atheist forums are flourishing though?  Again, maybe I just need to join one of these.

Ecurb  I don't think people have to be uncivil or act as jerks to spice things up.  That's really not what I was suggesting.  Although as an aside, when looking around at other forums I did find an ex-members (well someone using the same username anyway) who were considered ban worthy here but they are actually making positive contributions on other forums. 

Buddy I don't think there is anything wrong at all with having a close knit group of online friends.  I just don't know why that would need to be threatened by having more active people here.  I find meeting new people from different ways of life interesting but maybe that's again a personal thing to me.

Firebird I think it would be interesting to hear from ex-members.  Of course people are entitled to leave, they have lives outside the forum and people do change and drift away.  Could be worth seeing if there's a theme though.

Magdalena  I too find it interesting that only one Christian has stuck around.  Maybe a change in goal is required to meet the new style forum.

I don't know what the answers are.  I didn't post this with all the answers in mind and I didn't know if others felt the same way or not. 
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 15, 2016, 01:10:08 PM
Quote from: Claireliontamer on June 15, 2016, 08:40:03 AM
Asmo maybe you think Atheism as a topic is dead and all there is to say has been said.  It makes me wonder why so many other atheist forums are flourishing though?  Again, maybe I just need to join one of these.
Not dead - not at all, just dormant in its core questions. Until something new and exciting comes along, it's mostly just reactionary to the foolishness of religions.

My comment was more about why I think people come here (We are, by the way, fourth on Google search for Atheist forum) and went on to ramblings about my own reasons for being here. Once, when I was young and far less cynical, I did come for the debate. That reason no longer applies. For instance, I would not join another atheist forum with the intention of parroting tired old arguments about how unnecessary and unlikely gods are or shooting down the equally tired and equally old apologist nonsense.

As far as our understanding of gods and their existence goes, we are at a stalemate. I leave enlightening those who still haven't arrived at that conclusion to better teachers and better debaters on both sides.

All that being said, I welcome the idea of evolving HAF further, but I have no clue as to the exact mechanisms needed to facilitate such an evolution.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on June 15, 2016, 02:35:50 PM
Prior to joining HAF I belong to the forum "Atheism Plus" which several years ago was an extremely vibrant and active forum. When I logged onto it a month or so ago there hadn't been a new comment posted in some 4-5 weeks, and now the forum itself isn't even available online as I assume they have allowed it to go dormant rather than spend money keeping a dead forum active.

Atheism isn't the hot, new topic it once was. Like Asmo posted below, and at this point in my life I have no interest in continuing with the same old arguments about god or gods, creationism vs. evolution, etc...I enjoy this forum not because I want to continually rehash these tired-old arguments about gods and religion, but rather because I know that members won't' evoke god when discussing current events or politics.

Although I consider myself extremely liberal with regards to my political ideology, I do have some conservative views on certain issues, but what annoys and bothers me more than anything is folks wrapping up god, country and flag into one single political ideology which they believe represents this countries values, the so called "Patriots".

I took part during the Memorial Weekend as part of Color Guard to honor veterans and was in my Army Uniform. I don't know if I will do so again, as the number of people coming up to me and wanting to "God Bless Me" for my service.
I could possibly stomach those comments alone, as I know they are sincere, but further discussions ultimately reveal an extremist bent to their thinking with regards to "Those Immigrants", "Guns", "God" and the "Devil Obama".

I don't have to hear that here at HAF...

Anyway I think forums and those who participate in them are changing, different outlets are available to express views such as FB and Twitter.

Again like the Asmo I would welcome the idea of evolving HAF further, but this change may not be seen or even received by those long term members who were accustom to the way HAF used to be.

That said I would personally like to extend my apologies not only to Claire, but to Siz, JJ, Crow, Bad Penny, Recusant and any others here at HAF for having ruined such a bastion of intellectual discussion and debate.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on June 15, 2016, 05:58:36 PM
Quote from: Bruno de la Pole on June 15, 2016, 02:35:50 PM
Prior to joining HAF I belong to the forum "Atheism Plus" which several years ago was an extremely vibrant and active forum. When I logged onto it a month or so ago there hadn't been a new comment posted in some 4-5 weeks, and now the forum itself isn't even available online as I assume they have allowed it to go dormant rather than spend money keeping a dead forum active.

Hmm, Atheism+ only came into existence in the latter part of 2012. I didn't know you were part of that forum, and to tell you the truth I'm amazed that you were able to get along with their oppression olympics ideology.

Quote from: Bruno de la Pole on June 15, 2016, 02:35:50 PMThat said I would personally like to extend my apologies not only to Claire, but to Siz, JJ, Crow, Bad Penny, Recusant and any others here at HAF for having ruined such a bastion of intellectual discussion and debate.

:grin:  :nanana: :thumbsup:

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: joeactor on June 15, 2016, 08:14:26 PM
Time for a membership drive?  ;D

I dunno... it's a bit calm here now, but it's nice.

Wouldn't want it to get *too* quiet though.

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on June 15, 2016, 11:08:10 PM
You could borrow a method from Christianity and try to "make disciples."  Each person bring someone else and introduce them to the forum.

Nah, sounds like too much work.

You could change the name of the forum to "Lazy Atheists" or "Comfortably Numb Atheists" or "Apathetic Atheists" or some such.

You could hire a marketing firm. 

We could contribute money to a fund and sponsor a child in a third-world country, then let the media know about it.  That would attract attention.  No such thing as bad publicity.

I'm done.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Guardian85 on June 16, 2016, 12:33:23 AM
Maybe we could try reaching out to someone with a bit of an audience in the online community for a shout out?
Maybe try to get Tank on with The Thinking Atheist?  :P
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Siz on June 16, 2016, 01:11:08 AM
I'm only here for my 3000-post commemorative spork. If Bad Pudding leaves before I get there I'll be really cross.
And where else am I going to find a Davin?  Crows are ten-a-penny but Davins are hard to find.

No, you're right, I don't have much relevant to add either... but I am one post closer...
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on June 16, 2016, 03:04:20 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on June 15, 2016, 11:08:10 PM


You could change the name of the forum to "Lazy Atheists" or "Comfortably Numb Atheists" or "Apathetic Atheists" or some such.



A name change could be in order, how about the "Prudish Proud Preppy Atheist Forum"?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 16, 2016, 05:15:40 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on June 15, 2016, 11:08:10 PM
You could borrow a method from Christianity ...
(https://drnorth.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/vlcsnap-2009-12-01-00h51m38s230.png)
"We're gonna make a fortune!"
:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on June 16, 2016, 07:06:35 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 16, 2016, 05:15:40 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on June 15, 2016, 11:08:10 PM
You could borrow a method from Christianity ...
(https://drnorth.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/vlcsnap-2009-12-01-00h51m38s230.png)
"We're gonna make a fortune!"
:grin:
:D

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages-cdn.9gag.com%2Fphoto%2F211982_700b.jpg&hash=9d987a3e6fca68fe5ab361df0d477542a4d924b6)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 16, 2016, 10:17:30 PM
Quote from: Bruno de la Pole on June 16, 2016, 03:04:20 PM
A name change could be in order, how about the "Prudish Proud Preppy Atheist Forum"?
I think I can be a prudish, proud, and preppy atheist.  :notsure:
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on June 17, 2016, 12:09:38 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 16, 2016, 10:17:30 PM
Quote from: Bruno de la Pole on June 16, 2016, 03:04:20 PM
A name change could be in order, how about the "Prudish Proud Preppy Atheist Forum"?
I think I can be a prudish, proud, and preppy atheist.  :notsure:
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.



Would that be Lysergic acid diethylamide?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 17, 2016, 02:53:58 AM
Quote from: No one on June 17, 2016, 12:09:38 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 16, 2016, 10:17:30 PM
Quote from: Bruno de la Pole on June 16, 2016, 03:04:20 PM
A name change could be in order, how about the "Prudish Proud Preppy Atheist Forum"?
I think I can be a prudish, proud, and preppy atheist.  :notsure:
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.



Would that be Lysergic acid diethylamide?

No!
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xttM7GYKnxY%2FUo0gv9CFWgI%2FAAAAAAAAERU%2FCwaiOHa--Bo%2Fs1600%2FDDnapkin.gif&hash=caa6344fe3138641653e3c621f188cdc80aa4908)
I've never tried that!

...Even after such unpleasant suggestion, No one is "Alright."
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.pandawhale.com%2Fpost-43069-Im-totally-glad-I-dipped-in-yo-VZf0.gif&hash=9d97ffca94adf3c4e373b22a5b3bd4ebfba9bfc0)
I mean it.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on June 17, 2016, 02:14:29 PM
By the way my favorite pie is "Apple".
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ali on June 17, 2016, 06:45:31 PM
I blame all the gifs. (I KID, I KID! I just remember that was once a source of controversy.)

Hi all,
Xoxoxox Alex asked me to come back and give my thoughts on why I don't visit the forum much any more. First of all, I don't consider myself an ex-member. HAF4Lyfe! And it's really nothing to do with the forum. I've always loved this forum and how it was a virtual hang out for an international group of friends. I met G85. Buddy, G85, Tank, and Siz met up. Claire and JJ found love! This place is awesome.

I think the problem for me is just that I'm kind of in a different place in my life right now. When I found this place, I was still pretty "into" my atheism. And I wanted to talk about it!!! These days, I'm still an atheist, but a pretty apathetic one to be honest. I just don't have much else to say on the topic at the moment. I also don't have a ton of time for the Internet any more. I used to work a job that necessitated about 2 hours of work and about 6 hours of Internet surfing a day, so that made it easy to keep up. Now I have a job that works me to the bone most days, and then for years I would go home and be a single parent to two small boys, and have to take care of them and dinner and all of the housework, and by the time that was done, I just wanted to fall asleep watching a movie or something, and not have to interact with anyone.

But! Good news! I think most of you are my FB friends, so you probably already know, but I'm engaged and living with my fiancé. So that part of my life has changed again. Not saying I have a ton more time now, as we have 4 boys between the two of us (3 year old, 8 year old, 11 year old, and a 13 year old, Asmo help us) but at least I have someone to share a stressed out crazy smile with when things are hectic.

Anyway, I guess that's an explanation and an update all at once. I do miss you heathens, and want to be a better HAFer. I'll definitely try.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 17, 2016, 10:41:08 PM
Quote from: Ali on June 17, 2016, 06:45:31 PM
I blame all the gifs. (I KID, I KID! I just remember that was once a source of controversy.)
In threads like this one, for instance, I do blame them - or at least see them as potentially destructive to the serious nature of the argument.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on June 17, 2016, 10:52:09 PM
I must admit to being very desensitised to the plight of a poster who claims destructiveness of an argument on a simple graphic interchange format; I mean if you can't take it I guess stay off the internets,maybe go someplace where it's safe?

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 17, 2016, 10:57:52 PM
Quote from: Bruno de la Pole on June 17, 2016, 10:52:09 PM
I must admit to being very desensitised to the plight of a poster who claims destructiveness of an argument on a simple graphic interchange format; I mean if you can't take it I guess stay off the internets,maybe go someplace where it's safe?
What plight would that be, I wonder?

Are you perhaps reading stuff into my comment that isn't there? If so, I can clarify. Free use of graphics adds to the mess. Mess makes it more difficult to follow the threads of the discussion. That leads to the discussion being dropped or derailed - perhaps before it reaches some actual goal/conclusion/resolution. Off-topic half-liner comments in serious discussion threads often serve the same purpose. My opinion? It sucks, but not enough for a response beyond "fuck it" or, in this case, these few words on the subject.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Buddy on June 17, 2016, 11:40:35 PM
Quote from: Ali on June 17, 2016, 06:45:31 PM
I blame all the gifs. (I KID, I KID! I just remember that was once a source of controversy.)

Hi all,
Xoxoxox Alex asked me to come back and give my thoughts on why I don't visit the forum much any more. First of all, I don't consider myself an ex-member. HAF4Lyfe! And it's really nothing to do with the forum. I've always loved this forum and how it was a virtual hang out for an international group of friends. I met G85. Buddy, G85, Tank, and Siz met up. Claire and John found love! This place is awesome.

I think the problem for me is just that I'm kind of in a different place in my life right now. When I found this place, I was still pretty "into" my atheism. And I wanted to talk about it!!! These days, I'm still an atheist, but a pretty apathetic one to be honest. I just don't have much else to say on the topic at the moment. I also don't have a ton of time for the Internet any more. I used to work a job that necessitated about 2 hours of work and about 6 hours of Internet surfing a day, so that made it easy to keep up. Now I have a job that works me to the bone most days, and then for years I would go home and be a single parent to two small boys, and have to take care of them and dinner and all of the housework, and by the time that was done, I just wanted to fall asleep watching a movie or something, and not have to interact with anyone.

But! Good news! I think most of you are my FB friends, so you probably already know, but I'm engaged and living with my fiancé. So that part of my life has changed again. Not saying I have a ton more time now, as we have 4 boys between the two of us (3 year old, 8 year old, 11 year old, and a 13 year old, Asmo help us) but at least I have someone to share a stressed out crazy smile with when things are hectic.

Anyway, I guess that's an explanation and an update all at once. I do miss you heathens, and want to be a better HAFer. I'll definitely try.

I'm the same way Ali. When I first joined I was all about the atheism and now it's really not that big of a deal.

And I keep forgetting that G85 came out your way. Wow G85, you've really been around the block.  ;)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on June 17, 2016, 11:43:07 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 17, 2016, 10:57:52 PM
Quote from: Bruno de la Pole on June 17, 2016, 10:52:09 PM
I must admit to being very desensitised to the plight of a poster who claims destructiveness of an argument on a simple graphic interchange format; I mean if you can't take it I guess stay off the internets,maybe go someplace where it's safe?
What plight would that be, I wonder?

Are you perhaps reading stuff into my comment that isn't there? If so, I can clarify. Free use of graphics adds to the mess. Mess makes it more difficult to follow the threads of the discussion. That leads to the discussion being dropped or derailed - perhaps before it reaches some actual goal/conclusion/resolution. Off-topic half-liner comments in serious discussion threads often serve the same purpose. My opinion? It sucks, but not enough for a response beyond "fuck it" or, in this case, these few words on the subject.

What distinguishes a serious thread from one that isn't serious?

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 17, 2016, 11:55:43 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 17, 2016, 10:41:08 PM
Quote from: Ali on June 17, 2016, 06:45:31 PM
I blame all the gifs. (I KID, I KID! I just remember that was once a source of controversy.)
In threads like this one, for instance, I do blame them - or at least see them as potentially destructive to the serious nature of the argument.
**Ahem***
I would like to apologize for having the power to destroy the serious nature of an argument with a silly dancing hippie GIF.
:(
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 17, 2016, 11:57:16 PM
...I'm sorry, what are we arguing about, again?  :(
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on June 18, 2016, 12:39:02 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 17, 2016, 11:57:16 PM
...I'm sorry, what are we arguing about, again?  :(

Ahem, we were having a serious discussion here Magdalena not an argument.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 18, 2016, 12:43:29 AM
Quote from: Bruno de la Pole on June 18, 2016, 12:39:02 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 17, 2016, 11:57:16 PM
...I'm sorry, what are we arguing about, again?  :(

Ahem, we were having a serious discussion here Magdalena not an argument.
Oh!  :-X

I just remembered...Sorry, it takes me a while. ::)

It's about:
Not getting new members.
Not being able to retain new members.
Banning new members.
Not wanting the "silly ones" we have, doing silly things.
High profile members 'retiring'.

...and the future of this place.

I "see" things, and...The sky looks "gray," in the future.  :sad sigh:

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Guardian85 on June 18, 2016, 12:45:07 AM
Quote from: Buddy on June 17, 2016, 11:40:35 PM
I'm the same way Ali. When I first joined I was all about the atheism and now it's really not that big of a deal.

And I keep forgetting that G85 came out your way. Wow G85, you've really been around the block.  ;)

I also don't engage as much with atheist subjects anymore. I still keep an ear to the ground, but the goings on in the atheist movement are less interesting then when I got in.


And yeah, Buddy.
I've been around a fair few blocks.  8)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 18, 2016, 02:47:48 AM
Quote from: Guardian85 on June 18, 2016, 12:45:07 AM
Quote from: Buddy on June 17, 2016, 11:40:35 PM
I'm the same way Ali. When I first joined I was all about the atheism and now it's really not that big of a deal.

And I keep forgetting that G85 came out your way. Wow G85, you've really been around the block.  ;)

I also don't engage as much with atheist subjects anymore. I still keep an ear to the ground, but the goings on in the atheist movement are less interesting then when I got in.

Me too. That initial zeal has seemed to wear off. I'm still interested in atheism and religion but not nearly as much as I used to be.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 18, 2016, 05:35:49 AM
Quote from: Bruno de la Pole on June 17, 2016, 11:43:07 PM
What distinguishes a serious thread from one that isn't serious?
Those squiggly things inside.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Firebird on June 18, 2016, 06:33:56 AM
Quote from: Ali on June 17, 2016, 06:45:31 PM
I blame all the gifs. (I KID, I KID! I just remember that was once a source of controversy.)

Hi all,
Xoxoxox Alex asked me to come back and give my thoughts on why I don't visit the forum much any more. First of all, I don't consider myself an ex-member. HAF4Lyfe! And it's really nothing to do with the forum. I've always loved this forum and how it was a virtual hang out for an international group of friends. I met G85. Buddy, G85, Tank, and Siz met up. Claire and John found love! This place is awesome.

I think the problem for me is just that I'm kind of in a different place in my life right now. When I found this place, I was still pretty "into" my atheism. And I wanted to talk about it!!! These days, I'm still an atheist, but a pretty apathetic one to be honest. I just don't have much else to say on the topic at the moment. I also don't have a ton of time for the Internet any more. I used to work a job that necessitated about 2 hours of work and about 6 hours of Internet surfing a day, so that made it easy to keep up. Now I have a job that works me to the bone most days, and then for years I would go home and be a single parent to two small boys, and have to take care of them and dinner and all of the housework, and by the time that was done, I just wanted to fall asleep watching a movie or something, and not have to interact with anyone.

But! Good news! I think most of you are my FB friends, so you probably already know, but I'm engaged and living with my fiancé. So that part of my life has changed again. Not saying I have a ton more time now, as we have 4 boys between the two of us (3 year old, 8 year old, 11 year old, and a 13 year old, Asmo help us) but at least I have someone to share a stressed out crazy smile with when things are hectic.

Anyway, I guess that's an explanation and an update all at once. I do miss you heathens, and want to be a better HAFer. I'll definitely try.

Well, congrats! At least you're busy for a good cause.

Quote from: Magdalena on June 18, 2016, 12:43:29 AM
Quote from: Bruno de la Pole on June 18, 2016, 12:39:02 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 17, 2016, 11:57:16 PM
...I'm sorry, what are we arguing about, again?  :(

Ahem, we were having a serious discussion here Magdalena not an argument.
Oh!  :-X

I just remembered...Sorry, it takes me a while. ::)

It's about:
Not getting new members.
Not being able to retain new members.
Banning new members.
Not wanting the "silly ones" we have, doing silly things.
High profile members 'retiring'.

...and the future of this place.

I don't know that we've totally figured it out either. FWIW,  this one is 8th on the list of Google sites for "atheist forums" for me, so maybe it's lower in the US. Maybe getting that higher would help? More use of metatags, perhaps.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Buddy on June 18, 2016, 02:54:07 PM
HAF was the first link to show up when I searched for atheist forums back in 2011.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 18, 2016, 04:19:51 PM
Quote from: Firebird on June 18, 2016, 06:33:56 AM
I don't know that we've totally figured it out either. FWIW,  this one is 8th on the list of Google sites for "atheist forums" for me, so maybe it's lower in the US. Maybe getting that higher would help? More use of metatags, perhaps.

It's fourth for me.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Bad Penny II on June 18, 2016, 04:32:42 PM
Sixth here, I don't know if google is weighting for my preferences though, if there were more threads featuring goats it might have been higher.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Essie Mae on June 19, 2016, 01:36:15 AM
I like the forum as is and enjoy both the atheistic and general comments, although I have no experience of other forums.  Here in the UK, atheism is no big deal so there's not much to kick against; not like the big deal it appears to be in the US as reported by Patheos Friendly Atheist daily.

I do find it a bit intimidating at times that everyone else is either very witty/extremely knowlegeable/ intelligent or all three but then you all need someone to appreciate that - we can't all be sparklingly funny, butyou need someone to laugh at/wonder at/respond to your posts.  I'm the sort of person who thinks of the deadly riposte about 6 months too late, but I'm OK with that. I feel a bit out of the loop because I can't join the meets, but I'm never around on my own to be able to do that, but I'm glad for those of you who can take part.  HAF is entertaining, frivolous, serious, cross, and many other things. I don't have to read the car thread so I don't, but it's good that there is one.

As for moderation, people can argue what they like as long as they do it cogently; personal insults using bad language (I'm not talking about the casual expletives that some HAFers pepper their posts with - not bothered by that), are just unintelligent and boring. Do I really mean that though? The idea of censorship is repugnant, but just what do you do about someone who puts forward racist/homophobic/sexist ideas/ opinions? I don't mind people being severely critical of me or others, as long as they back their criticisms up with reasonable arguments.

Yes, it would be good to have new members, and I'll try to think if there is anyone I could introduce.  So, HAF is good as it is, and I hope it continues. (And I love the jokes).

As for bloody FB, that has caused me a big problem just yesterday when one of my athiest relations commented on a post by one of my DIL's friends in which my DIL was tagged, in a way that upset her so  much she removed the original post and my DIL unfriended my relation. I respond to very little because of not wanting to reveal my true belief, or lack thereof.  With HAF, WYSIWYG, and it feels good.   FB and HAF are just different things altogether.

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AM
I may be relatively new and more than likely the least liked member of the community , but I would like to interject an issue that I see.
This forum is incredibly slow. Now I realize that we all have lives outside of this place.  Jobs,  errands, loved ones that take up our time. People don't have the time to consistently wait around for someone to reply to their reply, only to reply to that reply.
But,  there will be a topic that generates some traffic, there will 3, 4, 5 comments,  then nothing for hours. This can be a serious turn off to those who hover around contemplating becoming a member.

A lot of of other forums I have visited, have a games section,  something to keep members entertained in between the serious discussions. That doesn't seem to exist here. Also something that I just don't understand is how people get upset at comments that veer off the main discussion "derailing"  the thread.  That's how conversation works in the real world. If you are hanging out with your friends, buddies, pals, guys, chum, co-conspirators discussing something the conversation twists and turns and often covers several subjects. I agree that if someone is being blatantly ignorant, or just plain mean,  there is a problem. However, if one says something that opens the door to sarcasm or even an innuendo, again that's how it works in the real world.  If you say something that your friends can pounce on,  true friends normally do.

The beautiful thing is,  you don't have to reply.  But we are not very good at keeping our opinions to ourselves. We want to through in our two cents.  To make sure our voices are heard.  While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that,  people shouldn't take offense to what is said here in cyberspace.

I am completely rambling now,  lost focus of where I was going. I could be wrong (it's been known to happen) but I believe that most of us here are nonbelievers of all all powerful judgemental creator. Honestly though, how long can a talk of what is the main thought we all share on the subject maintain momentum before it becomes stale.

Back to my original point, if there was a bit more liveliness, maybe a section of the forum that would allow for new members to become comfortable, before they jump into the thick of things,  it may attract fresh blood. But, I'm an idiot, so why would anyone listen to me?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on June 20, 2016, 02:39:13 AM
Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AM
I may be relatively new and more than likely the least liked member of the community , but I would like to interject an issue that I see.

OK, I don't know that you're the "least liked member," but your comment on this topic is very welcome.


Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AMThis forum is incredibly slow. Now I realize that we all have lives outside of this place.  Jobs,  errands, loved ones that take up our time. People don't have the time to consistently wait around for someone to reply to their reply, only to reply to that reply.
But,  there will be a topic that generates some traffic, there will 3, 4, 5 comments,  then nothing for hours. This can be a serious turn off to those who hover around contemplating becoming a member.

Yep, that's an issue, but it's the result of having few active members, and even the chattiest members have, as you say, lives outside the internet.

Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AMA lot of of other forums I have visited, have a games section,  something to keep members entertained in between the serious discussions. That doesn't seem to exist here.

That's a worthwhile idea, thank you. We can look into that.

Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AMAlso something that I just don't understand is how people get upset at comments that veer off the main discussion "derailing"  the thread.  That's how conversation works in the real world. If you are hanging out with your friends, buddies, pals, guys, chum, co-conspirators discussing something the conversation twists and turns and often covers several subjects. I agree that if someone is being blatantly ignorant, or just plain mean,  there is a problem. However, if one says something that opens the door to sarcasm or even an innuendo, again that's how it works in the real world.  If you say something that your friends can pounce on,  true friends normally do.

Maybe I've missed it, but I hadn't noticed anybody complaining that much about derails, though it was mentioned in this thread. 

Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AMThe beautiful thing is,  you don't have to reply.  But we are not very good at keeping our opinions to ourselves. We want to through in our two cents.  To make sure our voices are heard.  While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that,  people shouldn't take offense to what is said here in cyberspace.

As long as comments don't violate the rules of this site, offense that might be taken "shouldn't" be a huge problem. 

Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AMI am completely rambling now,  lost focus of where I was going. I could be wrong (it's been known to happen) but I believe that most of us here are nonbelievers of all all powerful judgemental creator. Honestly though, how long can a talk of what is the main thought we all share on the subject maintain momentum before it becomes stale.

Back to my original point, if there was a bit more liveliness, maybe a section of the forum that would allow for new members to become comfortable, before they jump into the thick of things,  it may attract fresh blood. But, I'm an idiot, so why would anyone listen to me?

I actually do appreciate your contribution to this thread, thanks again. Not going to bite on the "I'm an idiot" thing.  :)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on June 20, 2016, 02:40:48 AM
Quote from: Essie Mae on June 19, 2016, 01:36:15 AM
I like the forum as is and enjoy both the atheistic and general comments, although I have no experience of other forums.  Here in the UK, atheism is no big deal so there's not much to kick against; not like the big deal it appears to be in the US as reported by Patheos Friendly Atheist daily.

I do find it a bit intimidating at times that everyone else is either very witty/extremely knowlegeable/ intelligent or all three but then you all need someone to appreciate that - we can't all be sparklingly funny, butyou need someone to laugh at/wonder at/respond to your posts.  I'm the sort of person who thinks of the deadly riposte about 6 months too late, but I'm OK with that. I feel a bit out of the loop because I can't join the meets, but I'm never around on my own to be able to do that, but I'm glad for those of you who can take part.  HAF is entertaining, frivolous, serious, cross, and many other things. I don't have to read the car thread so I don't, but it's good that there is one.

As for moderation, people can argue what they like as long as they do it cogently; personal insults using bad language (I'm not talking about the casual expletives that some HAFers pepper their posts with - not bothered by that), are just unintelligent and boring. Do I really mean that though? The idea of censorship is repugnant, but just what do you do about someone who puts forward racist/homophobic/sexist ideas/ opinions? I don't mind people being severely critical of me or others, as long as they back their criticisms up with reasonable arguments.

Yes, it would be good to have new members, and I'll try to think if there is anyone I could introduce.  So, HAF is good as it is, and I hope it continues. (And I love the jokes).

As for bloody FB, that has caused me a big problem just yesterday when one of my athiest relations commented on a post by one of my DIL's friends in which my DIL was tagged, in a way that upset her so  much she removed the original post and my DIL unfriended my relation. I respond to very little because of not wanting to reveal my true belief, or lack thereof.  With HAF, WYSIWYG, and it feels good.   FB and HAF are just different things altogether.

I appreciate your thoughts on this site very much, Essie Mae. Thank you! :)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 20, 2016, 03:03:57 AM
Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AM
...and more than likely the least liked member of the community
Why would you think that?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 20, 2016, 03:07:43 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 20, 2016, 03:03:57 AM
Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AM
...and more than likely the least liked member of the community
Why would you think that?

:scratch:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 20, 2016, 03:19:43 AM
Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AM
Also something that I just don't understand is how people get upset at comments that veer off the main discussion "derailing"  the thread.  That's how conversation works in the real world. If you are hanging out with your friends, buddies, pals, guys, chum, co-conspirators discussing something the conversation twists and turns and often covers several subjects. I agree that if someone is being blatantly ignorant, or just plain mean,  there is a problem. However, if one says something that opens the door to sarcasm or even an innuendo, again that's how it works in the real world.  If you say something that your friends can pounce on,  true friends normally do.

:couchhide: Maybe it's because I'm guilty of derailing many threads myself (even my own heh), but I also don't quite understand why this would upset people. As you said, that's how conversations work IRL, they're dynamic, and hardly ever so sanitised that they don't veer off topic, subtly or not. If a conversation has been turned into something else completely it can always be slip into its own topic, it's no big deal.

If people think that this forum is slow then it would be much more slower if this didn't happen. :tapemouth: 

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on June 20, 2016, 03:37:42 AM
A few things I must commend this forum for:

1) The allowance of the free exchange of thought. Censorship is at a bare minimum*. 

B) Those that watch over the forum have not let the power corrupt them.  Kudos to you for that.






*- While I appreciate the fact that sometimes even though we may have no intention of personal attacks, or saying something just to provoke a heated argument,  occasionally our emotions get the best of us.  In these times nipping the perpetrator in the bud is not only acceptable it is also welcomed.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: jumbojak on June 20, 2016, 04:32:58 AM
Quote from: Ali on June 17, 2016, 06:45:31 PMHi all,
Xoxoxox Alex asked me to come back and give my thoughts on why I don't visit the forum much any more. First of all, I don't consider myself an ex-member. HAF4Lyfe! And it's really nothing to do with the forum. I've always loved this forum and how it was a virtual hang out for an international group of friends. I met G85. Buddy, G85, Tank, and Siz met up. Claire and John found love! This place is awesome.

That all sound well and good but.... who the fuck is John, or are you referring to a different Claire?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on June 20, 2016, 06:43:49 AM
Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AM
I may be relatively new and more than likely the least liked member of the community , ...
Rubbish. You've added a nice little tang to the place  :)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ali on June 20, 2016, 07:24:33 AM
Quote from: jumbojak on June 20, 2016, 04:32:58 AM
Quote from: Ali on June 17, 2016, 06:45:31 PMHi all,
Xoxoxox Alex asked me to come back and give my thoughts on why I don't visit the forum much any more. First of all, I don't consider myself an ex-member. HAF4Lyfe! And it's really nothing to do with the forum. I've always loved this forum and how it was a virtual hang out for an international group of friends. I met G85. Buddy, G85, Tank, and Siz met up. Claire and JJ found love! This place is awesome.

That all sound well and good but.... who the fuck is John, or are you referring to a different Claire?

He plays a doctor on the Internet. But I'm sorry, I will edit, that was thoughtless of me to use you name when you might not want me to.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on June 20, 2016, 10:28:13 AM
Quote from: Tank on June 20, 2016, 06:43:49 AM
Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AM
I may be relatively new and more than likely the least liked member of the community , ...
Rubbish. You've added a nice little tang to the place  :)

So you're saying I leave a bad taste in your mouth?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Jimmy on June 20, 2016, 10:36:13 AM

:dance: :rimshot: :drink: :daddance: :cheerful dance 2: :clapping: :frolic: :zombie: :badger: :headbang: :guitar:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: jumbojak on June 20, 2016, 03:37:10 PM
I was joking Ali. Almost nobody calls me John.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on June 20, 2016, 04:38:13 PM
Quote from: Jimmy on June 20, 2016, 10:36:13 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqH21LEmfbQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqH21LEmfbQ)
:dance: :rimshot: :drink: :daddance: :cheerful dance 2: :clapping: :frolic: :zombie: :badger: :headbang: :guitar:

Quote from: jumbojak on June 20, 2016, 03:37:10 PM
I was joking Ali. Almost nobody calls me John.

Be careful, According to Asmo, all this non-serious discussion is destructive to the serious nature of the argument... unless that's only for gifs, because that makes sense somehow. :lol:

I've only been coming to this forum for just over six years, it's changed a lot since then. So far it hasn't changed so much that I no longer want to participate here. Things change and it can be sad, but I think that change is the only way to keep moving along. We'll never be able to go back to way things were, but maybe we can figure out a way to keep the forum going.

Right now, even google is modifying their algorithms to accommodate consumption, which benefits more rapid content no matter how shitty, and hurts thoughtful, well written content. Maybe not hurting so much. Hopefully in the future everything will be fixed to support quality over quantity, but that's mostly up to the consumers.

If you want more visibility, then more content visible to google (and I guess other search engines), provides that. Also, other places linking to here, helps increase search rankings. So if users that also have twitter or other "social media"accounts link back to the forums through those, that will help. Increasing search rankings increases the potential user pool, which increases the chances of a new person becoming a user.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on June 20, 2016, 07:14:45 PM
Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 10:28:13 AM
Quote from: Tank on June 20, 2016, 06:43:49 AM
Quote from: No one on June 20, 2016, 01:29:54 AM
I may be relatively new and more than likely the least liked member of the community , ...
Rubbish. You've added a nice little tang to the place  :)

So you're saying I leave a bad taste in your mouth?
LOL! More of a zesty curry stench.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ali on June 20, 2016, 09:23:43 PM
Quote from: jumbojak on June 20, 2016, 03:37:10 PM
I was joking Ali. Almost nobody calls me John.

What if it was Dr John, Smock Maker Extrordinairre?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: jumbojak on June 20, 2016, 09:48:41 PM
Quote from: Ali on June 20, 2016, 09:23:43 PM
Quote from: jumbojak on June 20, 2016, 03:37:10 PM
I was joking Ali. Almost nobody calls me John.

What if it was Dr John, Smock Maker Extrordinairre?

Needs a bit of mustard....
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Bad Penny II on June 21, 2016, 10:59:16 AM
Do we have a consensus on the .gif issue?  No?
Well never mind the bothersome dialogue, I'll unilaterally declare one.
Some people like .gifs and they are free to post them, preferably in their quarantine zone.
Other members, aesthetes and lumps don't like .gifs and are free to complain about them.
I don't like Gifs but I do enjoy whingeing about them, it doesn't compensate entirely for the assault to my senses, yet it is a small recompense.  And no I don't think anti .gif posts should be quarantined, a dedicated denunciation thread in the philosophy section would be appropriate though.  Probably one in science as well,,,, probably a thread in all the sections, they're just so wrong in so many ways.

Social issue: I think they are a gateway to gateway drugs,
Science: myopia is a growing problem - gifs
Philosophy: .gifism is a particularly ugly bastard child of hedonism and the stoic, combining the worst of both.   Followers eschew natural colour music and self movement whilst embracing a pitifully diminished pallet, simpleton captioning and repetition, and repetition and repetition and it is a waste, such a waste.
A .jpg with millions of colours is so frugal with its bytes, the wastrel .gifest won't appreciate it though.
.png is a virtuous thing, the stationary .gif an anachronism, a shim at best.
Perhaps rehabilitation is possible but that would be for more patient souls than mine.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 09:53:27 PM
Quote from: Bad Penny II on June 21, 2016, 10:59:16 AM
Do we have a consensus on the .gif issue?  No?
Well never mind the bothersome dialogue, I'll unilaterally declare one.
Some people like .gifs and they are free to post them, preferably in their quarantine zone.
Other members, aesthetes and lumps don't like .gifs and are free to complain about them.
I don't like Gifs but I do enjoy whingeing about them, it doesn't compensate entirely for the assault to my senses, yet it is a small recompense.  And no I don't think anti .gif posts should be quarantined, a dedicated denunciation thread in the philosophy section would be appropriate though.  Probably one in science as well,,,, probably a thread in all the sections, they're just so wrong in so many ways.

Social issue: I think they are a gateway to gateway drugs,
Science: myopia is a growing problem - gifs
Philosophy: .gifism is a particularly ugly bastard child of hedonism and the stoic, combining the worst of both.   Followers eschew natural colour music and self movement whilst embracing a pitifully diminished pallet, simpleton captioning and repetition, and repetition and repetition and it is a waste, such a waste.
A .jpg with millions of colours is so frugal with its bytes, the wastrel .gifest won't appreciate it though.
.png is a virtuous thing, the stationary .gif an anachronism, a shim at best.
Perhaps rehabilitation is possible but that would be for more patient souls than mine.
There's no need to do this, anymore. I'll just take my shit somewhere else.
Our mission statement begins with: "...It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints..." and it ends with something like this: "...The complete freedom to simply be the person you want to be..." I just don't feel that, right now, here.

I've been lurking the "hippie" forums. Maybe it's time I join my kind.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on June 21, 2016, 10:25:32 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 09:53:27 PM
There's no need to do this, anymore. I'll just take my shit somewhere else.
Our mission statement begins with: "...It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints..." and it ends with something like this: "...The complete freedom to simply be the person you want to be..." I just don't feel that, right now, here.

I've been lurking the "hippie" forums. Maybe it's time I join my kind.

You have complete freedom here.  You be yourself by posting .gifs and casting spells, and others are themselves by being grumpy about stuff.  Watch out for them there hippies.  They were cool in the 60's but now they are all cultists.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Jimmy on June 21, 2016, 10:25:56 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 09:53:27 PM

There's no need to do this, anymore. I'll just take my shit somewhere else.
Our mission statement begins with: "...It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints..." and it ends with something like this: "...The complete freedom to simply be the person you want to be..." I just don't feel that, right now, here.

I've been lurking the "hippie" forums. Maybe it's time I join my kind.

This is the Happy Atheist forum, other atheists will be persecuted for trespassing.  ;)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 21, 2016, 10:38:42 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on June 21, 2016, 10:25:32 PM
Watch out for them there hippies.  They were cool in the 60's but now they are all cultists.
Ha!  ;D

...although I can't see how this was ever cool:
(https://sharingthehippielove.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/hippiebus.jpg)

It was an abomination from the moment it rolled out of the factory that made it.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on June 21, 2016, 10:51:13 PM
Well,  it's got Jimi on it, so that makes it awesome!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 21, 2016, 10:53:34 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 21, 2016, 10:38:42 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on June 21, 2016, 10:25:32 PM
Watch out for them there hippies.  They were cool in the 60's but now they are all cultists.
Ha!  ;D

...although I can't see how this was ever cool:
(https://sharingthehippielove.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/hippiebus.jpg)

It was an abomination from the moment it rolled out of the factory that made it.

It's... :chin:...I don't know...kind of cute.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 11:20:03 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on June 21, 2016, 10:25:32 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 09:53:27 PM
There's no need to do this, anymore. I'll just take my shit somewhere else.
Our mission statement begins with: "...It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints..." and it ends with something like this: "...The complete freedom to simply be the person you want to be..." I just don't feel that, right now, here.

I've been lurking the "hippie" forums. Maybe it's time I join my kind.

You have complete freedom here.  You be yourself by posting .gifs and casting spells, and others are themselves by being grumpy about stuff.  Watch out for them there hippies.  They were cool in the 60's but now they are all cultists.
Yeah, well...those of us who post gifs and cast spells are not constantly harassing those who are grumpy about stuff. We don't write paragraphs after paragraphs about how much we dislike their grumpiness. Heck! We haven't even turned them into a newt!  >:( They're not even thankful about that! ...So ungrateful!  >:(

Anyways, when I saw "cultists" I thought you meant, "culturists" or "horticulturists." I thought, and what's wrong with that!? (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fccforumsimg.cccdn.netdna-cdn.com%2Fforums%2Fpublic%2Fstyle_emoticons%2Fdefault%2Fwatchplant.gif&hash=f957119ec02b280b93f954432db150f24d68c102)
NOTHING!  >:(
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 21, 2016, 11:21:40 PM
Quote from: Bad Penny II on June 21, 2016, 10:59:16 AM
Probably one in science as well,,,,

Hmm... :thoughtful:

QuoteDo we have a consensus on the .gif issue?  No?
Well never mind the bothersome dialogue, I'll unilaterally declare one.
Some people like .gifs and they are free to post them, preferably in their quarantine zone.
Other members, aesthetes and lumps don't like .gifs and are free to complain about them.
I don't like Gifs but I do enjoy whingeing about them, it doesn't compensate entirely for the assault to my senses, yet it is a small recompense.  And no I don't think anti .gif posts should be quarantined, a dedicated denunciation thread in the philosophy section would be appropriate though.

It's not a gif invasion, they're basically (mostly  :P) restricted to their threads.

Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 09:53:27 PM
There's no need to do this, anymore. I'll just take my shit somewhere else.
Our mission statement begins with: "...It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints..." and it ends with something like this: "...The complete freedom to simply be the person you want to be..." I just don't feel that, right now, here.

I've been lurking the "hippie" forums. Maybe it's time I join my kind.

I started another gif thread, this time in the Science section (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=14518.0), because some things are better as gifs.  ;)

You're very welcome to post there! :grin:


Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 11:24:24 PM
Quote from: Jimmy on June 21, 2016, 10:25:56 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 09:53:27 PM

There's no need to do this, anymore. I'll just take my shit somewhere else.
Our mission statement begins with: "...It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints..." and it ends with something like this: "...The complete freedom to simply be the person you want to be..." I just don't feel that, right now, here.

I've been lurking the "hippie" forums. Maybe it's time I join my kind.

This is the Happy Atheist forum, other atheists will be persecuted for trespassing.  ;)
Hello, Jimmy, I don't think we've met. It's nice to meet you.  :)
I think I figured out I was a hippie AFTER I realized I was an atheist, by the time I figured it out, it was too late, I was addicted to this place, I couldn't leave....but now.  :sad sigh: I don't know, I don't like this gif-ers persecution.  >:( Six...yes! Six years fighting "the man" about it! I AM TIRED!  >:(
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Jimmy on June 21, 2016, 11:56:31 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 11:24:24 PM

Hello, Jimmy, I don't think we've met. It's nice to meet you.  :)
I think I figured out I was a hippie AFTER I realized I was an atheist, by the time I figured it out, it was too late, I was addicted to this place, I couldn't leave....but now.  :sad sigh: I don't know, I don't like this gif-ers persecution.  >:( Six...yes! Six years fighting "the man" about it! I AM TIRED!  >:(

Nice to meet you too!   :hug: 

I think I've missed out on the gif war. I've only recently begun to poke my head in here again, but I do enjoy me a good gif. :)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 22, 2016, 12:21:40 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 11:20:03 PM
We don't write paragraphs after paragraphs about how much we dislike their grumpiness.
Some people write paragraphs while others post .gifs. Some people prefer words, others prefer pictures. As long as it is at all relevant to the discussion (or the derail, for that matter) at hand, I'm pretty "oh, whatever" about it. Huge images to substitute or emphasize two-three written words though...

To illustrate my point; earlier, I used a photo of a nasty VW-bus in relation to the percieved coolness of the sixties' hippies. Yes, I could have written "a 1950s VW bus, badly painted in flowers and rainbow colors and singers and featuring the word 'dick.'" In this case, however, a picture was more descriptive.

This here though, is just space filler:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gurl.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F03%2Ftony-soprano.gif&hash=f9ba5b0e82194304cf0ebda4c677e1ca5e9036e3)
At least, that's the way I see it. Maybe there is more to that stuff, but if it requires an explanation rather than aiding the audience's understanding, then it sort of fails in a discussion/debate/argument setting, does it not?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 22, 2016, 02:08:59 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 22, 2016, 12:21:40 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 11:20:03 PM
We don't write paragraphs after paragraphs about how much we dislike their grumpiness.
Some people write paragraphs while others post .gifs. Some people prefer words, others prefer pictures. As long as it is at all relevant to the discussion (or the derail, for that matter) at hand, I'm pretty "oh, whatever" about it. Huge images to substitute or emphasize two-three written words though...

To illustrate my point; earlier, I used a photo of a nasty VW-bus in relation to the percieved coolness of the sixties' hippies. Yes, I could have written "a 1950s VW bus, badly painted in flowers and rainbow colors and singers and featuring the word 'dick.'" In this case, however, a picture was more descriptive.

This here though, is just space filler:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gurl.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F03%2Ftony-soprano.gif&hash=f9ba5b0e82194304cf0ebda4c677e1ca5e9036e3)
At least, that's the way I see it. Maybe there is more to that stuff, but if it requires an explanation rather than aiding the audience's understanding, then it sort of fails in a discussion/debate/argument setting, does it not?
What the hell are you talking about, Asmo?
Everyone here knows you're grumpy and no one has a problem with that! ---I don't mean No one, I mean, no one!

Quote from: Asmodean
Huge images to substitute or emphasize two-three written words though...
It's not the size that matters! No one is looking at how many "pixels" it takes to say something, we are looking at the "feeling" behind the image. Yes, you posted a photo of a nasty VW-bus, it said more than you ever could about that time, my point..."a picture is worth a thousand words." And what's wrong with that? Maybe the gif is irrelevant to the conversation, but only to some, not to all.

Maybe it requires an explanation from your side to understand how gifs becomes a problem when it comes to "computer stuff" that most of us don't understand. I understand it creates a problem to those with slow internet, but that's not my problem, it was for a while when I had dial-up internet, but I didn't resort to "aiding the audience's understanding," to solve it. I simply got faster internet, problem solved.


...Also, I don't want to debate you.
I don't want to see you cry.  >:(







:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ali on June 22, 2016, 02:10:39 AM
I'm sorry I started the .gif thing again, Mags. I genuinely wasn't trying to complain about .gifs, I thought I was being a little cheeky and funny, but as sometimes happens, when I think I'm giving someone an affectionate poke in the ribs, I may be blacking their eyes instead. I apologize.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ali on June 22, 2016, 02:16:52 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 22, 2016, 12:21:40 AM

To illustrate my point; earlier, I used a photo of a nasty VW-bus in relation to the percieved coolness of the sixties' hippies. Yes, I could have written "a 1950s VW bus, badly painted in flowers and rainbow colors and singers and featuring the word 'dick.'"
I didn't read properly and missed that it was the word "dick." Then I zoomed in really close and stuck my face all close to my phone looking for the dick. I don't know what this adds to the conversation, but stop promising dick and not delivering.  ;D
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Firebird on June 22, 2016, 03:49:53 AM
Quote from: Ali on June 22, 2016, 02:16:52 AM
I didn't read properly and missed that it was the word "dick." Then I zoomed in really close and stuck my face all close to my phone looking for the dick. I don't know what this adds to the conversation, but stop promising dick and not delivering.  ;D

Maybe he meant it metaphorically. As in,  "I promise you dick", so really you shouldn't be surprised you found nothing  ;D
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ali on June 22, 2016, 04:10:04 AM
Quote from: Firebird on June 22, 2016, 03:49:53 AM
Quote from: Ali on June 22, 2016, 02:16:52 AM
I didn't read properly and missed that it was the word "dick." Then I zoomed in really close and stuck my face all close to my phone looking for the dick. I don't know what this adds to the conversation, but stop promising dick and not delivering.  ;D

Maybe he meant it metaphorically. As in,  "I promise you dick", so really you shouldn't be surprised you found nothing  ;D
Haha hahahahaha ha.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 22, 2016, 04:12:21 AM
Quote from: Ali on June 22, 2016, 02:10:39 AM
I'm sorry I started the .gif thing again, Mags. I genuinely wasn't trying to complain about .gifs, I thought I was being a little cheeky and funny, but as sometimes happens, when I think I'm giving someone an affectionate poke in the ribs, I may be blacking their eyes instead. I apologize.
My dear, Ali, don't apologize!  :smileshake: :hug:  ;)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 22, 2016, 04:13:55 AM
Quote from: Jimmy on June 21, 2016, 11:56:31 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 11:24:24 PM

Hello, Jimmy, I don't think we've met. It's nice to meet you.  :)
I think I figured out I was a hippie AFTER I realized I was an atheist, by the time I figured it out, it was too late, I was addicted to this place, I couldn't leave....but now.  :sad sigh: I don't know, I don't like this gif-ers persecution.  >:( Six...yes! Six years fighting "the man" about it! I AM TIRED!  >:(

Nice to meet you too!   :hug: 

Hi!
Ooh! A hugger!  :hug:
:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 22, 2016, 04:22:33 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 22, 2016, 12:21:40 AM

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gurl.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F03%2Ftony-soprano.gif&hash=f9ba5b0e82194304cf0ebda4c677e1ca5e9036e3)

I forgot to mention...
Very nice use of a GIF, Asmo.
You're giving me the "feel" of..."A Mafia "Representative."
I never would've guess that "feeling" behind the words you wrote. I appreciate your honesty.

Professor Fancy Pants, can I apply to the "Witness Protection Program?" --Like, right now?  :shifty:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 22, 2016, 06:08:53 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on June 21, 2016, 11:21:40 PM
Quote from: Bad Penny II on June 21, 2016, 10:59:16 AM
Probably one in science as well,,,,

Hmm... :thoughtful:

QuoteDo we have a consensus on the .gif issue?  No?
Well never mind the bothersome dialogue, I'll unilaterally declare one.
Some people like .gifs and they are free to post them, preferably in their quarantine zone.
Other members, aesthetes and lumps don't like .gifs and are free to complain about them.
I don't like Gifs but I do enjoy whingeing about them, it doesn't compensate entirely for the assault to my senses, yet it is a small recompense.  And no I don't think anti .gif posts should be quarantined, a dedicated denunciation thread in the philosophy section would be appropriate though.

It's not a gif invasion, they're basically (mostly  :P) restricted to their threads.

Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 09:53:27 PM
There's no need to do this, anymore. I'll just take my shit somewhere else.
Our mission statement begins with: "...It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints..." and it ends with something like this: "...The complete freedom to simply be the person you want to be..." I just don't feel that, right now, here.

I've been lurking the "hippie" forums. Maybe it's time I join my kind.

I started another gif thread, this time in the Science section (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=14518.0), because some things are better as gifs.  ;)

You're very welcome to post there! :grin:

That's nice, xSilverPhinx, but I'm sure Bad Penny II is very passionate about this, and he will resort to the cuneiform translations of Hammurabi's Code—if necessary. He will find something there and use it to send, us—the peasants—back to the quarantine zone, from where we never should've escaped.  >:(
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on June 22, 2016, 06:56:43 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 09:53:27 PM
Quote from: Bad Penny II on June 21, 2016, 10:59:16 AM
Do we have a consensus on the .gif issue?  No?
Well never mind the bothersome dialogue, I'll unilaterally declare one.
Some people like .gifs and they are free to post them, preferably in their quarantine zone.
Other members, aesthetes and lumps don't like .gifs and are free to complain about them.
I don't like Gifs but I do enjoy whingeing about them, it doesn't compensate entirely for the assault to my senses, yet it is a small recompense.  And no I don't think anti .gif posts should be quarantined, a dedicated denunciation thread in the philosophy section would be appropriate though.  Probably one in science as well,,,, probably a thread in all the sections, they're just so wrong in so many ways.

Social issue: I think they are a gateway to gateway drugs,
Science: myopia is a growing problem - gifs
Philosophy: .gifism is a particularly ugly bastard child of hedonism and the stoic, combining the worst of both.   Followers eschew natural colour music and self movement whilst embracing a pitifully diminished pallet, simpleton captioning and repetition, and repetition and repetition and it is a waste, such a waste.
A .jpg with millions of colours is so frugal with its bytes, the wastrel .gifest won't appreciate it though.
.png is a virtuous thing, the stationary .gif an anachronism, a shim at best.
Perhaps rehabilitation is possible but that would be for more patient souls than mine.
There's no need to do this, anymore. I'll just take my shit somewhere else.
Our mission statement begins with: "...It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints..." and it ends with something like this: "...The complete freedom to simply be the person you want to be..." I just don't feel that, right now, here.

I've been lurking the "hippie" forums. Maybe it's time I join my kind.
Mags. BPII is joking. And if he isn't he's a grumpy old fart and should be treated as such. I love your .gifs. But they do have a technical impact on some users. So please do not take BPIIs comments seriously. Nobody else does  :lol:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 22, 2016, 07:38:22 AM
Quote from: Tank on June 22, 2016, 06:56:43 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 21, 2016, 09:53:27 PM
Quote from: Bad Penny II on June 21, 2016, 10:59:16 AM
Do we have a consensus on the .gif issue?  No?
Well never mind the bothersome dialogue, I'll unilaterally declare one.
Some people like .gifs and they are free to post them, preferably in their quarantine zone.
Other members, aesthetes and lumps don't like .gifs and are free to complain about them.
I don't like Gifs but I do enjoy whingeing about them, it doesn't compensate entirely for the assault to my senses, yet it is a small recompense.  And no I don't think anti .gif posts should be quarantined, a dedicated denunciation thread in the philosophy section would be appropriate though.  Probably one in science as well,,,, probably a thread in all the sections, they're just so wrong in so many ways.

Social issue: I think they are a gateway to gateway drugs,
Science: myopia is a growing problem - gifs
Philosophy: .gifism is a particularly ugly bastard child of hedonism and the stoic, combining the worst of both.   Followers eschew natural colour music and self movement whilst embracing a pitifully diminished pallet, simpleton captioning and repetition, and repetition and repetition and it is a waste, such a waste.
A .jpg with millions of colours is so frugal with its bytes, the wastrel .gifest won't appreciate it though.
.png is a virtuous thing, the stationary .gif an anachronism, a shim at best.
Perhaps rehabilitation is possible but that would be for more patient souls than mine.
There's no need to do this, anymore. I'll just take my shit somewhere else.
Our mission statement begins with: "...It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints..." and it ends with something like this: "...The complete freedom to simply be the person you want to be..." I just don't feel that, right now, here.

I've been lurking the "hippie" forums. Maybe it's time I join my kind.
Mags. BPII is joking. And if he isn't he's a grumpy old fart and should be treated as such. I love your .gifs. But they do have a technical impact on some users. So please do not take BPIIs comments seriously. Nobody else does  :lol:
:lol:
I didn't know this.

Well, in case you haven't noticed, I have a  :airquotes: thing :airquotes: for grumpy old farts, like BPII, Siz, and grumpy young men, like Asmo and Crow.  :snicker:


I take into considerations their comments. It matters a lot to me. They're also crazy people and someone needs to hear what they have to say, just like they take the time to "talk" to this crazy one, right here.  :computerwave:

I just don't know what to do with this gif topic, anymore.  :shrug:


:secrets1: I don't know, Tank. Maybe this whole thing, for me, it's about Crow leaving.

I'm sorry, everyone.  :(

Has anyone talked to him?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 22, 2016, 08:47:25 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 22, 2016, 02:08:59 AM
What the hell are you talking about, Asmo?
Am I being unclear?

Quote
Everyone here knows you're grumpy and no one has a problem with that! ---I don't mean No one, I mean, no one!
While like pretty much everyone else I do care about the others' opinion of me, ultimately, their problem with me is their problem. If they have one, they are welcome to raise it. I will respond as constructively as I am able and, if I agree with their point, alter my behaviour accordingly.

Quote from: Asmodean
It's not the size that matters!
When is that ever true? The number of pixels is relevant as it determines the amount of screen space used.

Quote
No one is looking at how many "pixels" it takes to say something, we are looking at the "feeling" behind the image.
I defer to my example. Whatever the "feeling" behind that .gif may be, its sentiment could have been said just as well without it.

Quote
Yes, you posted a photo of a nasty VW-bus, it said more than you ever could about that time, my point..."a picture is worth a thousand words." And what's wrong with that? Maybe the gif is irrelevant to the conversation, but only to some, not to all.
When ten words are called for, one thousand is nine hundred and ninety too many. (For an example, think politics. I won't go into detail unless it's less obvious than I percieve.) It has to be said that in a discussion setting, pictures rarely produce quite so many words and the saying is pretty much bullshit case-by-case, although it becomes somewhat more profound in the larger scheme of things.

When it comes to relevance, in the context of a dialogue, it's not a fully subjective construct.

Quote
Maybe it requires an explanation from your side to understand how gifs becomes a problem when it comes to "computer stuff" that most of us don't understand.
.gif is a compressed graphics format. It's irrelevant outside the context of computer stuff. As such, any and all problems with .gifs relate to computers.

Quote
I understand it creates a problem to those with slow internet, but that's not my problem
Not really. .gifs are of tiny file size compared to their frame size.

Quote
it was for a while when I had dial-up internet, but I didn't resort to "aiding the audience's understanding," to solve it. I simply got faster internet, problem solved.
Aiding the audience's understanding is something you do to avoid miscommunitcation and misunderstanding, not to download torrents faster. For instance, if we were discussing centripetal force and I wanted to illustrate my point, I could use an image or two to do that:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.s-cool.co.uk%2Fgifs%2Fa-phy-lincir-dia01.gif&hash=de72b908c52accd5b1fd072d4f56286a6c70db84)

This one makes it easier to visualise the direction of the force in question, thus "aiding my audience's understanding" of the point being made.

Quote
...Also, I don't want to debate you.
I don't want to see you cry.  >:(
I have a relatively high threshold for emotional distress due to external stimuli. If that is indeed what's stopping you, bring it on. I'll be OK. And even if I'm not, you won't see it.

Quote from: Firebird on June 22, 2016, 03:49:53 AM
Quote from: Ali on June 22, 2016, 02:16:52 AM
I didn't read properly and missed that it was the word "dick." Then I zoomed in really close and stuck my face all close to my phone looking for the dick. I don't know what this adds to the conversation, but stop promising dick and not delivering.  ;D

Maybe he meant it metaphorically. As in,  "I promise you dick", so really you shouldn't be surprised you found nothing  ;D
Ha!  ;D

...I meant exactly what I wrote, but... Ha.  ;D

Quote from: Ali on June 22, 2016, 02:10:39 AM
I'm sorry I started the .gif thing again, Mags. I genuinely wasn't trying to complain about .gifs, I thought I was being a little cheeky and funny, but as sometimes happens, when I think I'm giving someone an affectionate poke in the ribs, I may be blacking their eyes instead. I apologize.
Me, I think it's good. Apparently, it's a resurrected issue, but I can't seem to remember having joined the fray the last time(s).

EDIT: Merged responses.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 23, 2016, 03:54:35 AM
Excuse me!
:computerwave:
May I please be allowed to rant?
Thank you. :)

This is what we've said, so far:
1.   Some people are not interested in the atheist/religious debates, they're tired of them. They just want to talk to other people without someone "blessing" them; "praying" for them, or telling them "God loves them, or that "they're going to burn in hell—forever."

2.   The .gifs.

3.   The way we treat each other, and where this place is going.

I don't have anything to add to #1.

I want to talk about #2--.gifs.
Some see them as destructive to the serious nature of the argument. They make a "mess" and make it difficult to follow the threads. —Well, I don't agree with this. The. gifs lead to the discussion being dropped or derailed.—I also don't see this as a problem, because eventually we go back to the topic. The .gifs are disruptive—videos are not? What the... :eyebrow:?  Others think posting .gifs are a gateway to drugs. —I don't think this is true, some started waaayyyy before the gifs. And some enjoy the science .gifs.

".Gifs have a technical impact on some users." --I still don't know what this means. "A .gif is a compressed graphics format. It's irrelevant outside the context of computer stuff. As such, any and all problems with .gifs relate to computers." —This is good to know, I thought it was due to internet speed. ".gif is of tiny file size compared to their frame size." —I don't know what this means either, so it will not make me stop posting them. Asmo said, "Aiding the audience's understanding is something you do to avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding, not to download torrents faster. For instance, if we were discussing centripetal force and I wanted to illustrate my point, I could use an image or two to do that..."—Yeah, in His realm!...I'm sure a serious discussion about centripedal force would definitely need an illustration.  :eyeroll:

In my realm, however, some of us want to know how someone feels about something, why someone feels that way, and even if you don't want to know, we will tell people how we feel—Yes, with a .gif! I know, feelings, well...they "bother" some people. We also use .gifs to help the audience understand something, to avoid miscommunication and misunderstandings. —But then, again, sometimes .gifs do that—They "download torrents of emotions, and fast." In my realm, that's good. Some of us like reaction .gifs: sad, scared, serious, shocked, sigh, etc., because sometimes a smiley is not enough.  :smileshake:

Look, I wouldn't go to a "serious forum filled with intellectuals" and post a dancing hippie .gif. Well, maybe I would, but I'm sure they would ban me, and fast. This is a more relaxed forum that's why I do what I do with the .gifs. —If people hate my style, well, I'm sure it will be appreciated somewhere else.
This is what I'm talking about:
hackenslash posted: New Blog Post: Has Evolution Been Proven? In the Creationism/Intelligent Design area. I think 6 or 7 people commented on that post, and it has had over 800 views, so far--I don't know why. It's a funny, silly post. I don't think some of you enjoy silly things in serious topics and that's fine. I just like to make new people feel welcomed. If I wouldn't have said anything in that post, hackenslash might have felt a little bit, ignored? Maybe—I don't know? I don't know shit about what he said in his post, but we had a nice conversation with .gifs, and music videos, and other things. Look at Nam. No one wanted to play with him, because according to him, "He didn't play well with others." I played with him, until he got mad at me. I wanted to understand what made him mad, but he didn't get a chance to defend himself. Pahu, our dear crazy Pahu, he doesn't talk at all, but I tried talking with him also. Apathy, we met through our common love for .gifs.  :hug:

That's about .gifs, now, about #3: The way we treat each other and where this place is going.
Like Claire, I also think this place is cliquey and that can be intimidating to new members. When I came here, Asmo, Tank, OldGit and BCE were nice to me, and talked to me. I learned from them how to make people feel welcomed.  :secrets1:--I like Asmo, even if we disagree on things. He has unique way of communicating, and I like it.

I keep talking about Crow because him leaving us is the reason Claire started this thread. He made this place what it is—good or bad—and we just let him go. Someone said, "Our community might be tighter knit than those of other larger forums." If that's the case, how come only Claire and I have emailed him? Are these "fake" relationships? We come here every day, talk to each other, we get to know each other, and when someone says he/she is not happy here, do we listen? Or do we say, if you don't like it leave? I think Crow tried to tell us things, and we weren't listening.

Some are good at dividing and subtracting. Others are good at adding and multiplying. We've had a good balance of both that's why this place has lasted 10 years. Both are important, like salt and sugar. Too much sugar complicates your diabetes and too much salt complicates your hypertension. Let's try to keep it balanced so that everyone can be happy.

I haven't posted any .gifs, so far, it has been difficult, and I'm not happy, but sometimes we have to do things we don't like to make sure relationships last. And just look at how much I've had to write when I could've just said all this with maybe just 3 .gifs! >:( >:( >:(
I also appreciate the effort Asmo made by posting two of them!  ;D

:grin: I'm gonna go for a few day, so I will probably not respond to comments.
I don't think I have anything else to say. :scratch:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tom62 on June 23, 2016, 06:11:03 AM
I think that HAF is a nice cozy place for atheists and the occasional non-atheist. It is a bit conservative, in a sense that we like to keep the way things are and don't really appreciate members who "Rock the Boat". There i nothing against it, but it makes HAF perhaps a bit boring. Sure, there are the occasional interesting discussions, but our most active threads are limited to just a few and are most likely not very interesting for attracting new members (like "Ban the poster above you", "Games of Thrones",  the GIF warning thread, etc.). I don't want to sound pessimistic, because we have wonderful members at HAF ("No One" included). HAF will somehow survive, but might need some minor changes to remain popular (if we want that, of course ;)).
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 23, 2016, 10:01:47 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 23, 2016, 03:54:35 AM
The. gifs lead to the discussion being dropped or derailed.—I also don't see this as a problem, because eventually we go back to the topic.
Not speaking for any one else here, but I have dropped a discussion or two or just never entered into them due to the excessive use of images.

Quote
".gif is of tiny file size compared to their frame size." —I don't know what this means either, so it will not make me stop posting them.
This means that if you compare the on-screen size of a .gif (Its number og pixels) to its file size (The number of bytes), .gif yields a smaller file compared to, say, .jpeg.

In layman's terms, you can put more .gifs on a USB memory stick than you can .jpegs (can sometimes be different for multi-frame, or animated .gifs), .gifs generally load faster too, but suffer from degraded image quality.

Quote
In my realm, however, some of us want to know how someone feels about something, why someone feels that way, and even if you don't want to know, we will tell people how we feel—Yes, with a .gif!
I'm back to my point of it requiring an explanation being a sign that it fails at the intended task. How am I supposed to know how you feel from an out-of-context cutout of some B-actor, whos lips are often not moving in a way required to say whatever it says in the subtitles?

Some .gifs are just emoticons of varying sizes, like this one:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages4.fanpop.com%2Fimage%2Fphotos%2F23400000%2Fanimated-gifs-the-simpsons-23490891-160-160.gif&hash=81c9b884ed9172a001f4dfaf3d447833d6fbf601)
In proper context, they are OK, if a bit large and blinky-flashy. They rarely convey the actual state of the speaker's fight or flight reflex though, and as such, I can't see how they describe their feelings more accurately than words along the lines of "Gah! I'm outa here!"

Quote
I know, feelings, well...they "bother" some people. We also use .gifs to help the audience understand something, to avoid miscommunication and misunderstandings. —But then, again, sometimes .gifs do that—They "download torrents of emotions, and fast." In my realm, that's good. Some of us like reaction .gifs: sad, scared, serious, shocked, sigh, etc., because sometimes a smiley is not enough.  :smileshake:
My problem with those is that, as stated above, they fail to convey the poster's emotional state accurately more times than not.

Quote
Look, I wouldn't go to a "serious forum filled with intellectuals" and post a dancing hippie .gif. Well, maybe I would, but I'm sure they would ban me, and fast. This is a more relaxed forum that's why I do what I do with the .gifs. —If people hate my style, well, I'm sure it will be appreciated somewhere else.
Why not just take the "If they hate my style - fuck 'em" stance? Legislating taste, so to speak, even my own, is a concept I, for one, oppose. That doesn't mean, however, that any-one's style should be above reproach.

Quote
That's about .gifs, now, about #3: The way we treat each other and where this place is going.
Like Claire, I also think this place is cliquey and that can be intimidating to new members. When I came here, Asmo, Tank, OldGit and BCE were nice to me, and talked to me. I learned from them how to make people feel welcomed.  :secrets1:--I like Asmo, even if we disagree on things. He has unique way of communicating, and I like it.
Also, He's an equal opportunity Asmo. He's Asmo-ish to everyone He meets.

Quote
I keep talking about Crow because him leaving us is the reason Claire started this thread. He made this place what it is—good or bad—and we just let him go. Someone said, "Our community might be tighter knit than those of other larger forums." If that's the case, how come only Claire and I have emailed him? Are these "fake" relationships? We come here every day, talk to each other, we get to know each other, and when someone says he/she is not happy here, do we listen? Or do we say, if you don't like it leave? I think Crow tried to tell us things, and we weren't listening.
Well... If someone tells me they are done with me, I will respect that and stop trying to make contact. That does not mean that the relationship we had was fake or meant little, just that your freedom to walk away is not contingent on my agreeing with that decision or understanding it. (Yes, I'm a very easy person to break up with; there is no drama, just a wish of luck and a goodbye.)

Listening to people is important, and we don't suck at that in my honest opinion... However, acting, or at least considering action based on the information obtained... That, I think is an area in which we lack a certain something.

Quote
Some are good at dividing and subtracting. Others are good at adding and multiplying. We've had a good balance of both that's why this place has lasted 10 years. Both are important, like salt and sugar. Too much sugar complicates your diabetes and too much salt complicates your hypertension. Let's try to keep it balanced so that everyone can be happy.
Quoted for sensibility.

Quote
I haven't posted any .gifs, so far, it has been difficult, and I'm not happy, but sometimes we have to do things we don't like to make sure relationships last.
I must admit, that's a bit of a foreign concept to me. Making sure the relationships last, that is. Life is dynamic. Things change. People come and go. Sometimes we are sad to see them leave, saometimes happy. Other times still, we just don't care. That's... Life.

Quote
And just look at how much I've had to write when I could've just said all this with maybe just 3 .gifs! >:( >:( >:(
I also appreciate the effort Asmo made by posting two of them!  ;D
Well, if you did say it in three .gifs, we would not have had this conversation because I would not have understood what you wanted to say.

Quote from: Tom62 on June 23, 2016, 06:11:03 AM
I think that HAF is a nice cozy place for atheists and the occasional non-atheist. It is a bit conservative, in a sense that we like to keep the way things are and don't really appreciate members who "Rock the Boat". There i nothing against it, but it makes HAF perhaps a bit boring. Sure, there are the occasional interesting discussions, but our most active threads are limited to just a few and are most likely not very interesting for attracting new members (like "Ban the poster above you", "Games of Thrones",  the GIF warning thread, etc.). I don't want to sound pessimistic, because we have wonderful members at HAF ("No One" included). HAF will somehow survive, but might need some minor changes to remain popular (if we want that, of course ;)).
I agree.

When it comes to topics of conversation, I'm not a very good thread starter, but I do see a lack of threads I would normally take the time to respond constructively to. For example, I like quantum physics. One thing that fascinates me there above others is the "geometry" of elementary particles. Can they be seen as waves relating to the function of spacetime? In which case, when we split an electron into orbitons, holons and spinons, are we "just" looking at the different parts of its waveform? Or are the hypothesized strings they are supposedly made from something else?

Other things I like include highly controversial topics, such as should abortion be mandated for low-income parents with a fetus showing signs of severe disability, and somewhat esoteric topics like global politics and moral philosophy. I mention these just to illustrate that I fully understand why my kind of topics are rare and far between. They are difficult, they give people emotional ulcers and sometimes, they are very boring to the uninitiated.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on June 23, 2016, 03:21:36 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 23, 2016, 10:01:47 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 23, 2016, 03:54:35 AM
The. gifs lead to the discussion being dropped or derailed.—I also don't see this as a problem, because eventually we go back to the topic.
Not speaking for any one else here, but I have dropped a discussion or two or just never entered into them due to the excessive use of images.
Can't say I really care about that.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
".gif is of tiny file size compared to their frame size." —I don't know what this means either, so it will not make me stop posting them.
This means that if you compare the on-screen size of a .gif (Its number og pixels) to its file size (The number of bytes), .gif yields a smaller file compared to, say, .jpeg.

In layman's terms, you can put more .gifs on a USB memory stick than you can .jpegs (can sometimes be different for multi-frame, or animated .gifs), .gifs generally load faster too, but suffer from degraded image quality.
This is not correct. At least it's more likely to not be correct than correct. If we were to look at a one frame .gif and compare that to a .jpg of the same size, then usually, a gif could be smaller (depending on the color depth of the .jpg and the level of compression), but let's look at these two images:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FmWDs1LZ.gif&hash=1b1d668d230ba6262f70f29c4b894907af5f9d8c)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F2zjjsQc.jpg&hash=74d8c855b439d91d260da81279fcd6123171b880)

The .gif is 8.08 MB while the .jpg is 95.1 KB (at least they were before I uploaded them). This means, that I could put 80 of these .jpg's for every .gif. I.E.: I can fit more .jpg's on a USB memory stick than I can .gifs.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
In my realm, however, some of us want to know how someone feels about something, why someone feels that way, and even if you don't want to know, we will tell people how we feel—Yes, with a .gif!
I'm back to my point of it requiring an explanation being a sign that it fails at the intended task. How am I supposed to know how you feel from an out-of-context cutout of some B-actor, whos lips are often not moving in a way required to say whatever it says in the subtitles?

Some .gifs are just emoticons of varying sizes, like this one:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages4.fanpop.com%2Fimage%2Fphotos%2F23400000%2Fanimated-gifs-the-simpsons-23490891-160-160.gif&hash=81c9b884ed9172a001f4dfaf3d447833d6fbf601)
In proper context, they are OK, if a bit large and blinky-flashy. They rarely convey the actual state of the speaker's fight or flight reflex though, and as such, I can't see how they describe their feelings more accurately than words along the lines of "Gah! I'm outa here!"
I've noticed several times where you've missed the points of jokes in the jokes thread, I can't be sure if you were serious, being pedantic, or just stirring up shit, but I also have the example you gave of James Gandolfini in his role as Tony Soprano, and you acted like it meant far less than the image implied. There is a context with the .gif that is built up by more than just an animated guy with text on the image.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gurl.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F03%2Ftony-soprano.gif&hash=f9ba5b0e82194304cf0ebda4c677e1ca5e9036e3)
For instance, I could type out, "I am not to be messed with and I will defend myself if you really want to take up an issue, but it won't be a polite exchange because I will be volatile, violent, and vitriolic when I feel like I am being disrespected. I'm upset that you would even imply something like what you just said, so you better tread lightly or drop it immediately..." Which doesn't even convey all the meaning in the .gif, I just don't want to spend a bunch of time typing out what can more easily be said in an animated image. Or I could just post a .gif.

Given the choice, I would post the .gif, while I assume that you wouldn't. I think either is fine. Apparently you don't think either is fine, and so you keep expressing that you don't like .gifs except in specific and limited contexts and usages. And that is fine too, but it's wrong to say that what a .gif says can just as easily be said in a brief amount of text. Sure, some sentiments expressed in .gifs. can be expressed in a short sentence, but I think those cases are rarer.

Text is just text and tone and emotions are not accurately conveyed, this is a widely known problem with text communication. But some of the unspoken visual cues that can be expressed in .gifs, which don't fix the entire problem, but can help to clarify tone and emotion.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
I know, feelings, well...they "bother" some people. We also use .gifs to help the audience understand something, to avoid miscommunication and misunderstandings. —But then, again, sometimes .gifs do that—They "download torrents of emotions, and fast." In my realm, that's good. Some of us like reaction .gifs: sad, scared, serious, shocked, sigh, etc., because sometimes a smiley is not enough.  :smileshake:
My problem with those is that, as stated above, they fail to convey the poster's emotional state accurately more times than not.
I disagree a lot with that. You're failure to interpret what is being expressed is not the same thing as the .gif failing to convey the poster's emotional state. Have you considered that maybe you don't understand what is being conveyed rather that it not conveying it? If you ask me about each one of the .gifs I've used, I could explain each one to you. I know at least some people that have no problem understanding what is being conveyed. Maybe it's just a language you don't understand.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
And just look at how much I've had to write when I could've just said all this with maybe just 3 .gifs! >:( >:( >:(
I also appreciate the effort Asmo made by posting two of them!  ;D
Well, if you did say it in three .gifs, we would not have had this conversation because I would not have understood what you wanted to say.
I would have understood it.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 23, 2016, 05:22:47 PM
Quote from: Davin on June 23, 2016, 03:21:36 PM
Can't say I really care about that.
We are in agreement there.

Quote
This is not correct. At least it's more likely to not be correct than correct. If we were to look at a one frame .gif and compare that to a .jpg of the same size, then usually, a gif could be smaller (depending on the color depth of the .jpg and the level of compression), but let's look at these two images:
<Pics/>

The .gif is 8.08 MB while the .jpg is 95.1 KB (at least they were before I uploaded them). This means, that I could put 80 of these .jpg's for every .gif. I.E.: I can fit more .jpg's on a USB memory stick than I can .gifs.
I did say "multi-frame" there somewhere, did I not?

Quote
I've noticed several times where you've missed the points of jokes in the jokes thread, I can't be sure if you were serious, being pedantic, or just stirring up shit, but I also have the example you gave of James Gandolfini in his role as Tony Soprano, and you acted like it meant far less than the image implied.
The image does not imply much, especially to someone who first needs to ask "James who in the role as what?"

Quote
...Which doesn't even convey all the meaning in the .gif, I just don't want to spend a bunch of time typing out what can more easily be said in an animated image. Or I could just post a .gif.
I'm not saying that your point is invalid, but I don't see how it takes precedence over my point about a thousand words often being nine hundred and ninety more than needed. Why would you over-interprete some animated image like that?

Quote
Given the choice, I would post the .gif, while I assume that you wouldn't. I think either is fine. Apparently you don't think either is fine, and so you keep expressing that you don't like .gifs except in specific and limited contexts and usages. And that is fine too, but it's wrong to say that what a .gif says can just as easily be said in a brief amount of text. Sure, some sentiments expressed in .gifs. can be expressed in a short sentence, but I think those cases are rarer.
I do, in fact, think that expressing oneself through words or art or blinking your eyes in morse code is fine. What I am against, in a dialogue setting, is leaving more room for interpretation in your expression than absolutely necessary. Clarity has a high stock price in my portfolio, and I do try to be consistent in explaining or expanding the points I've conceyed too poorly to be understood. That can go both ways though; overstating is just as bad as understating.

Quote
Text is just text and tone and emotions are not accurately conveyed, this is a widely known problem with text communication. But some of the unspoken visual cues that can be expressed in .gifs, which don't fix the entire problem, but can help to clarify tone and emotion.
Unspoken visual cues..? In a long-distance message based delayed-response dialogue? Sure... Why not?

Quote
I disagree a lot with that. You're failure to interpret what is being expressed is not the same thing as the .gif failing to convey the poster's emotional state. Have you considered that maybe you don't understand what is being conveyed rather that it not conveying it? If you ask me about each one of the .gifs I've used, I could explain each one to you. I know at least some people that have no problem understanding what is being conveyed. Maybe it's just a language you don't understand.
No, me being a failure is not the same as a .gif being a failure. I'm a far more complex entity than it.

My not understanding what is being conveyed was actually made into a broader-context point, at least twice; if it requires an explanation, it fails at its intended task. The same is true of words, just not as often in my experience.

Quote
I would have understood it.
Would you, though? I'm tempted to make my next response in images to get this thing accuracy-measured.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on June 23, 2016, 07:11:33 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 23, 2016, 05:22:47 PM
Quote
This is not correct. At least it's more likely to not be correct than correct. If we were to look at a one frame .gif and compare that to a .jpg of the same size, then usually, a gif could be smaller (depending on the color depth of the .jpg and the level of compression), but let's look at these two images:
<Pics/>

The .gif is 8.08 MB while the .jpg is 95.1 KB (at least they were before I uploaded them). This means, that I could put 80 of these .jpg's for every .gif. I.E.: I can fit more .jpg's on a USB memory stick than I can .gifs.
I did say "multi-frame" there somewhere, did I not?
But it's still not often correct. In fact, it's nearly almost always the opposite of the way you presented it.

Quote from: Asmodean on June 23, 2016, 10:01:47 AMIn layman's terms, you can put more .gifs on a USB memory stick than you can .jpegs (can sometimes be different for multi-frame, or animated .gifs), .gifs generally load faster too, but suffer from degraded image quality.
The same image saved as .jpg is the 95.1 KB files size, but as a .gif it's 133 KB. So even in single frame files, with normal .jpg compression settings, .jps are almost always smaller than gifs at the same frame size. It's also not just sometimes different with multiframe .jpgs or .gifs. It's not really a big deal, but it is bad information to perpetuate.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
I've noticed several times where you've missed the points of jokes in the jokes thread, I can't be sure if you were serious, being pedantic, or just stirring up shit, but I also have the example you gave of James Gandolfini in his role as Tony Soprano, and you acted like it meant far less than the image implied.
The image does not imply much, especially to someone who first needs to ask "James who in the role as what?"
True, to someone who doesn't get it, it doesn't really offer much information. Just like if you tried talking to me French, but I wouldn't go around saying that speaking French doesn't really mean anything because I don't understand it.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
...Which doesn't even convey all the meaning in the .gif, I just don't want to spend a bunch of time typing out what can more easily be said in an animated image. Or I could just post a .gif.
I'm not saying that your point is invalid, but I don't see how it takes precedence over my point about a thousand words often being nine hundred and ninety more than needed. Why would you over-interprete some animated image like that?
I wouldn't consider it "over-interpreting" the animated image if it serves to convey to me what they meant by its usage.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
Given the choice, I would post the .gif, while I assume that you wouldn't. I think either is fine. Apparently you don't think either is fine, and so you keep expressing that you don't like .gifs except in specific and limited contexts and usages. And that is fine too, but it's wrong to say that what a .gif says can just as easily be said in a brief amount of text. Sure, some sentiments expressed in .gifs. can be expressed in a short sentence, but I think those cases are rarer.
I do, in fact, think that expressing oneself through words or art or blinking your eyes in morse code is fine. What I am against, in a dialogue setting, is leaving more room for interpretation in your expression than absolutely necessary. Clarity has a high stock price in my portfolio, and I do try to be consistent in explaining or expanding the points I've conceyed too poorly to be understood. That can go both ways though; overstating is just as bad as understating.
Yes, good communication takes both sides, and there is no magic bullet. The point I'm trying to make, is to stop trying to berate or brow beat those that choose to communicate in a way that you don't really like just because you don't like it. If you don't understand the usages of the animated .gifs, that's fine, I also don't understand a lot of things, that's a problem with communication in general, not just in the topic at hand.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
Text is just text and tone and emotions are not accurately conveyed, this is a widely known problem with text communication. But some of the unspoken visual cues that can be expressed in .gifs, which don't fix the entire problem, but can help to clarify tone and emotion.
Unspoken visual cues..? In a long-distance message based delayed-response dialogue? Sure... Why not?
Yep.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
I disagree a lot with that. You're failure to interpret what is being expressed is not the same thing as the .gif failing to convey the poster's emotional state. Have you considered that maybe you don't understand what is being conveyed rather that it not conveying it? If you ask me about each one of the .gifs I've used, I could explain each one to you. I know at least some people that have no problem understanding what is being conveyed. Maybe it's just a language you don't understand.
No, me being a failure is not the same as a .gif being a failure. I'm a far more complex entity than it.

My not understanding what is being conveyed was actually made into a broader-context point, at least twice; if it requires an explanation, it fails at its intended task. The same is true of words, just not as often in my experience.
I get it, it's not something that you understand. The point I'm trying to make is that just because you don't understand it, it doesn't mean that is doesn't mean something. You keep expressing that just because you personally do not understand something, that it's the failure of the thing and don't seem to consider that the failure could be on your end. Again, if people are speaking in French, I don't go around telling them their preferred form of communication is useless because I don't speak French.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
I would have understood it.
Would you, though? I'm tempted to make my next response in images to get this thing accuracy-measured.
But you don't seem to be good at it. I would and do understand Mags' usages. You can't just go and pick some random images and pretend like that's the same thing that we are doing. Because it's not what we are doing (at least not all the time).

I get it, some of the users here really don't like animated .gifs. That's great for them. I've cut back on my animated .gif usage and even often post in the properly quarantined area. I'm not going to stop completely or only post in the quarantined area, but I will keep my usages limited and try my best to respect other people's preferences while still expressing myself as I feel is best. See? In this discussion I've only posted images as examples and kept to your expressed communication preferences.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ali on June 23, 2016, 07:55:25 PM
I must not speak gif either because I never would have gotten all that out of that Tony Soprano gif. I think my "problem" is that I always think that gifs are relatively light hearted throwaway "comments." I find them hard to take seriously. Which is fine if they aren't meant seriously, but is a breakdown of communication if you're trying to say "I'm feeling volitle and will react negatively if you mess with me" and I see it as "oh, he's teasing me back with this light hearted little gif! I should keep teasing because here we are, the two of us, having fun and throwing around gifs!"

Which is not to say people shouldn't use them, just try not to take it to heart if I'm giflexic and think we're all kidding and having fun when you're not. Imma be honest, if you need me to know that I'm upsetting you, you're going to have to use words to tell me, because otherwise if I am going to start to try to interpret which gifs are silly and which ones are serious, well, I don't know how to tell.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on June 23, 2016, 08:47:13 PM
Quote from: Ali on June 23, 2016, 07:55:25 PM
I must not speak gif either because I never would have gotten all that out of that Tony Soprano gif. I think my "problem" is that I always think that gifs are relatively light hearted throwaway "comments." I find them hard to take seriously. Which is fine if they aren't meant seriously, but is a breakdown of communication if you're trying to say "I'm feeling volitle and will react negatively if you mess with me" and I see it as "oh, he's teasing me back with this light hearted little gif! I should keep teasing because here we are, the two of us, having fun and throwing around gifs!"

Which is not to say people shouldn't use them, just try not to take it to heart if I'm giflexic and think we're all kidding and having fun when you're not. Imma be honest, if you need me to know that I'm upsetting you, you're going to have to use words to tell me, because otherwise if I am going to start to try to interpret which gifs are silly and which ones are serious, well, I don't know how to tell.
I think even the Tony Soprano gif can be taken as a joke in most contexts. To me, most things are light hearted, no need to get upset over conversations. Sometimes I mock being upset about things I'm not really upset about, I think it's funny for people to get upset over some things, and I like to sometimes play like I am. Usually I try to be so extreme that it's obvious that I'm joking. If I were to ever use that .gif, it would be in the context of being fake upset for humor.

Most .gifs are silly by their nature, though. Like the example that I gave to Asmo that I got from a reddit forum called "wheredidthesodago" that makes .gifs from silly infomercials. As for communication problems, that's normal for all forms of communication. I think it's best for everyone to first make sure there is understanding before getting upset, because usually, people don't intend to upset others, when they do intend to upset others, it's best not to let them.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 23, 2016, 09:42:38 PM
Quote from: Davin on June 23, 2016, 07:11:33 PM
But it's still not often correct. In fact, it's nearly almost always the opposite of the way you presented it.

The same image saved as .jpg is the 95.1 KB files size, but as a .gif it's 133 KB. So even in single frame files, with normal .jpg compression settings, .jps are almost always smaller than gifs at the same frame size. It's also not just sometimes different with multiframe .jpgs or .gifs. It's not really a big deal, but it is bad information to perpetuate.
The point is yours.

Quote
True, to someone who doesn't get it, it doesn't really offer much information. Just like if you tried talking to me French, but I wouldn't go around saying that speaking French doesn't really mean anything because I don't understand it.
But it does. In a setting of you having a dialogue with me, it certainly does.

Quote
I wouldn't consider it "over-interpreting" the animated image if it serves to convey to me what they meant by its usage.
But what if it serves to convey more? Or less? You can't look an image up in a dictionary to clarify, can you?

Quote
Yes, good communication takes both sides, and there is no magic bullet. The point I'm trying to make, is to stop trying to berate or brow beat those that choose to communicate in a way that you don't really like just because you don't like it. If you don't understand the usages of the animated .gifs, that's fine, I also don't understand a lot of things, that's a problem with communication in general, not just in the topic at hand.
To clarify, I was neither berating nor brow beating any one; merely standing my ground on an issue I honestly don't even consider important.

Quote
Yep.
By the way, and in the spirit of clarification, there was no sarcasm or double/shadow meaning in my "Sure... Why not," in case any was percieved. If such things are important to you in a conversation like this, then sure [as in certainly], why not? [as in OK]

Quote
I get it, it's not something that you understand. The point I'm trying to make is that just because you don't understand it, it doesn't mean that is doesn't mean something. You keep expressing that just because you personally do not understand something, that it's the failure of the thing and don't seem to consider that the failure could be on your end. Again, if people are speaking in French, I don't go around telling them their preferred form of communication is useless because I don't speak French.
Not at all. I'm professing no absolute truths here, merely stating what applies to matters concerning my own sweet self. I assumed it was implicitly clear... Perhaps not. For the rest of it, and in light of the aforementioned, your point has been answered.

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But you don't seem to be good at it. I would and do understand Mags' usages. You can't just go and pick some random images and pretend like that's the same thing that we are doing. Because it's not what we are doing (at least not all the time).
Oh, my process in such cases (where evidence has to be measurable and completely without my own opinion bias) is far more expansive than a google search for "animated .gifs" It would likely take me a crew of at least three, myself included, and at least a day to compile such a response.

Here is how it woiuld work: I would write a response in words, as precisely as possible. I'd let one of my crew read it and interprete it back to me. In case of imprecisions, back to square zero. Then, I would have that person express what's been said in the form of images, then give them to the second (poreferably more than one) crew member to interprete. In case of them largely agreeing, we'd have a winner. If not, back to square one or square zero, depending on the gravity of the errors underway.

Quote
I get it, some of the users here really don't like animated .gifs. That's great for them. I've cut back on my animated .gif usage and even often post in the properly quarantined area. I'm not going to stop completely or only post in the quarantined area, but I will keep my usages limited and try my best to respect other people's preferences while still expressing myself as I feel is best. See? In this discussion I've only posted images as examples and kept to your expressed communication preferences.
I think this discussion has been great. The images used in it were also largely on toipic. Personally, I'd have used some creative tags on the two larger ones, such as widht= and height=, but since we actually seem to have accomplished something with the help of those, who the fuck cares?

Quote from: Davin on June 23, 2016, 08:47:13 PM
think even the Tony Soprano gif can be taken as a joke in most contexts. To me, most things are light hearted, no need to get upset over conversations. Sometimes I mock being upset about things I'm not really upset about, I think it's funny for people to get upset over some things, and I like to sometimes play like I am. Usually I try to be so extreme that it's obvious that I'm joking. If I were to ever use that .gif, it would be in the context of being fake upset for humor.
I just used it as an example. Honestly, I had no idea who this Soprano fellow was until I googled him like... Today. I think I might have seen a tail end of an episode or two of that series, but never bothered to learn the names.

Quote
Most .gifs are silly by their nature, though. Like the example that I gave to Asmo that I got from a reddit forum called "wheredidthesodago" that makes .gifs from silly infomercials. As for communication problems, that's normal for all forms of communication. I think it's best for everyone to first make sure there is understanding before getting upset, because usually, people don't intend to upset others, when they do intend to upset others, it's best not to let them.
Yes... I can't remember the last time I intended to upset someone, or even provoke with my words. The last time I did, however... In person? Earlier today. Refugee-related politics, you know...

I think mutual understanding of each other's ways of expression is indeed the key, and it's discussions like this one that can actually get us moving in the general direction thereof.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on June 23, 2016, 10:48:52 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 23, 2016, 09:42:38 PMBut it does. In a setting of you having a dialogue with me, it certainly does.
Aye, which is why in this conversation with you I have refrained from using them. I understand that position and am not arguing against it. I guess my point was just that the word choices you used made it look like a universal dislike. And I don't think even a .gif could have clarified that.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
I wouldn't consider it "over-interpreting" the animated image if it serves to convey to me what they meant by its usage.
But what if it serves to convey more? Or less? You can't look an image up in a dictionary to clarify, can you?
Because normal people often say things they don't mean to mean things they didn't say, I always have to thoroughly analyze all forms of communication in an attempt to make sure that I understand what they are saying. I don't see looking at a .gif and trying to interpret all its possible meanings any more work than what I do with text.

I imagine that soon there will be a site that will make not only looking up animated .gifs to use easier, but can also be used to look up what they mean. Maybe it will just be for fun, but really, entertainment is a big reason why I read and post here.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
Yes, good communication takes both sides, and there is no magic bullet. The point I'm trying to make, is to stop trying to berate or brow beat those that choose to communicate in a way that you don't really like just because you don't like it. If you don't understand the usages of the animated .gifs, that's fine, I also don't understand a lot of things, that's a problem with communication in general, not just in the topic at hand.
To clarify, I was neither berating nor brow beating any one; merely standing my ground on an issue I honestly don't even consider important.
I don't understand why it would be called standing your ground, not is attacking not using .gifs. You might see why seeing so many posters so often talking about hating/disliking .gifs can be seen and berating and/or brow beating. I accept that you don't intend to, but it's hard to see it as anything but.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
Yep.
By the way, and in the spirit of clarification, there was no sarcasm or double/shadow meaning in my "Sure... Why not," in case any was percieved. If such things are important to you in a conversation like this, then sure [as in certainly], why not? [as in OK]
Also, I was just answering your questions, no sarcasm either. I know that .gifs are not that big of an issue, but I happen to like .gifs and happen to dislike one or two posts a day of people posting about how they don't like them. I feel like if someone is going to put up one side (being against .gifs), then someone should present an alternative opinion on the issue.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
I get it, it's not something that you understand. The point I'm trying to make is that just because you don't understand it, it doesn't mean that is doesn't mean something. You keep expressing that just because you personally do not understand something, that it's the failure of the thing and don't seem to consider that the failure could be on your end. Again, if people are speaking in French, I don't go around telling them their preferred form of communication is useless because I don't speak French.
Not at all. I'm professing no absolute truths here, merely stating what applies to matters concerning my own sweet self. I assumed it was implicitly clear... Perhaps not. For the rest of it, and in light of the aforementioned, your point has been answered.
Fair enough.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
But you don't seem to be good at it. I would and do understand Mags' usages. You can't just go and pick some random images and pretend like that's the same thing that we are doing. Because it's not what we are doing (at least not all the time).
Oh, my process in such cases (where evidence has to be measurable and completely without my own opinion bias) is far more expansive than a google search for "animated .gifs" It would likely take me a crew of at least three, myself included, and at least a day to compile such a response.

Here is how it woiuld work: I would write a response in words, as precisely as possible. I'd let one of my crew read it and interprete it back to me. In case of imprecisions, back to square zero. Then, I would have that person express what's been said in the form of images, then give them to the second (poreferably more than one) crew member to interprete. In case of them largely agreeing, we'd have a winner. If not, back to square one or square zero, depending on the gravity of the errors underway.
:lol: Sounds like a lot of work. To be fair, I think .gifs are most useful when augmenting text communication.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
I get it, some of the users here really don't like animated .gifs. That's great for them. I've cut back on my animated .gif usage and even often post in the properly quarantined area. I'm not going to stop completely or only post in the quarantined area, but I will keep my usages limited and try my best to respect other people's preferences while still expressing myself as I feel is best. See? In this discussion I've only posted images as examples and kept to your expressed communication preferences.
I think this discussion has been great. The images used in it were also largely on toipic. Personally, I'd have used some creative tags on the two larger ones, such as widht= and height=, but since we actually seem to have accomplished something with the help of those, who the fuck cares?
Honestly, I care about it. Not much, but I do care about it. As I said earlier, I understand that it's not a big issue, but I'd be lying if I said that it doesn't bother me at all. It bothers me a little, but I don't think I'll ever get upset about it. It does make me feel uncomfortable to see so much of it, and to comfort myself, I try to provide a reasonable angle from my side of the issue.

I don't think I can properly analogize how such an unimportant thing can still end up being bothersome, and I can't really think of anything that doesn't make it seem more serious than it really is. So, it does bother me a bit to see anti-gif stuff so often, even if some of it is just jokes.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
Most .gifs are silly by their nature, though. Like the example that I gave to Asmo that I got from a reddit forum called "wheredidthesodago" that makes .gifs from silly infomercials. As for communication problems, that's normal for all forms of communication. I think it's best for everyone to first make sure there is understanding before getting upset, because usually, people don't intend to upset others, when they do intend to upset others, it's best not to let them.
Yes... I can't remember the last time I intended to upset someone, or even provoke with my words. The last time I did, however... In person? Earlier today. Refugee-related politics, you know...

I think mutual understanding of each other's ways of expression is indeed the key, and it's discussions like this one that can actually get us moving in the general direction thereof.
It is nice to have a conversation where it feels like I am being listened to, I just hope that I am listening properly.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 24, 2016, 12:47:15 AM
Quote
I guess my point was just that the word choices you used made it look like a universal dislike. And I don't think even a .gif could have clarified that.
Ah, yes. Impersonality implies universality, where using the word "I" too often implies self-centeredness... Implications, while useful, are a bitch.

Quote
I imagine that soon there will be a site that will make not only looking up animated .gifs to use easier, but can also be used to look up what they mean. Maybe it will just be for fun, but really, entertainment is a big reason why I read and post here.
Yes, please. We who lack any real point of reference on this matter would appreciate it. Even uncyclopedia is better than nocyclopedia as knowing something is bullshit is better than not knowing even that much.

Quote
I don't understand why it would be called standing your ground, not is attacking not using .gifs. You might see why seeing so many posters so often talking about hating/disliking .gifs can be seen and berating and/or brow beating. I accept that you don't intend to, but it's hard to see it as anything but.
In my world, it was much simpler; I raised a point, it got challenged, I defended it. For my part, I don't really see how I could have been percieved as berating any one as I named absolutely no names nor pointed any fingers. I did not even imply that mental finger pointing may have occurred... Because indeed it did not occur.

Quote
I feel like if someone is going to put up one side (being against .gifs), then someone should present an alternative opinion on the issue.
And you did a fine job at that. I found your replies informative in several areas.

Quote
:lol: Sounds like a lot of work. To be fair, I think .gifs are most useful when augmenting text communication.
A lot of work, yes. Which is why I rarely do such experiments for fun and pleasure. When I do, however, I'm nothing if not maniacally thorough.

Quote
Honestly, I care about it. Not much, but I do care about it. As I said earlier, I understand that it's not a big issue, but I'd be lying if I said that it doesn't bother me at all. It bothers me a little, but I don't think I'll ever get upset about it. It does make me feel uncomfortable to see so much of it, and to comfort myself, I try to provide a reasonable angle from my side of the issue.

I don't think I can properly analogize how such an unimportant thing can still end up being bothersome, and I can't really think of anything that doesn't make it seem more serious than it really is. So, it does bother me a bit to see anti-gif stuff so often, even if some of it is just jokes.
That's fair. I suppose I should have said "I don't care" in stead of "who cares?"

Quote
It is nice to have a conversation where it feels like I am being listened to, I just hope that I am listening properly.
I think so. You are not avoiding my points, nor are you prone to understanding them in a way that best suits your bias.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on June 24, 2016, 03:12:07 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 24, 2016, 12:47:15 AM
Ah, yes. Impersonality implies universality, where using the word "I" too often implies self-centeredness... Implications, while useful, are a bitch.
Well, I think that's resolved then.

Quote from: Asmodean
Quote
I imagine that soon there will be a site that will make not only looking up animated .gifs to use easier, but can also be used to look up what they mean. Maybe it will just be for fun, but really, entertainment is a big reason why I read and post here.
Yes, please. We who lack any real point of reference on this matter would appreciate it. Even uncyclopedia is better than nocyclopedia as knowing something is bullshit is better than not knowing even that much.
I suppose I could develop something, the underlying functionality wouldn't be that difficult. Getting content and traffic will be the tougher part.

Quote from: AsmodeanIn my world, it was much simpler; I raised a point, it got challenged, I defended it. For my part, I don't really see how I could have been percieved as berating any one as I named absolutely no names nor pointed any fingers. I did not even imply that mental finger pointing may have occurred... Because indeed it did not occur.
I think I understand that, perspectives being what they are.

Quote from: AsmodeanAnd you did a fine job at that. I found your replies informative in several areas.
Cool, it was informative for me as well.

Quote from: AsmodeanThat's fair. I suppose I should have said "I don't care" in stead of "who cares?"
That makes sense.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 24, 2016, 05:53:50 PM
Quote from: Asmodean
**Unspoken visual cues..? In a long-distance message based delayed-response dialogue? Sure... Why not?
**I think this discussion has been great.
**I think mutual understanding of each other's ways of expression is indeed the key, and it's discussions like this one that can actually get us moving in the general direction thereof.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/5bKjnaGGELQNa/giphy.gif)
Asmo, this is what I did and how I felt when I read His posts.  :grin:


Davin:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FjDBVx6b.gif&hash=ffe92c16bb0c8cd502a7cb40d13c1d440680c4b5)
No translation needed.  :grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on June 24, 2016, 06:08:39 PM
I'll have to say that the conversation between Asmo and Davin was one of the more remarkable ones I've witnessed on the Internet.  It exhibited, quite unexpectedly, lofty tones of civility.  It should be taught in schools.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 24, 2016, 06:10:40 PM
Quote from: Davin on June 23, 2016, 03:21:36 PM
"I am not to be messed with and I will defend myself if you really want to take up an issue, but it won't be a polite exchange because I will be volatile, violent, and vitriolic when I feel like I am being disrespected. I'm upset that you would even imply something like what you just said, so you better tread lightly or drop it immediately..."
That's the same "feeling" I got from the Tony Soprano gif.  :smilenod:
That's why my answer (before Davin translated,) was:
QuoteI forgot to mention...
Very nice use of a GIF, Asmo.
You're giving me the "feel" of..."A Mafia "Representative."
I never would've guessed that "feeling" behind the words you wrote. I appreciate your honesty.

Professor Fancy Pants, can I apply to the "Witness Protection Program?" --Like, right now?
In other words, it sounded as if something was escalating, and rapidly. It didn't sounds like a question, it sounded...something...like...between...a dangerous dare and a threat. :shifty:
 
I wasn't being sarcastic when I said:
"We don't write paragraphs after paragraphs about how much we dislike their grumpiness."
And...
"What the hell are you talking about, Asmo?
Everyone here knows you're grumpy and no one has a problem with that! ---I don't mean No one, I mean, no one!"

I wanted to make sure that I wasn't being misunderstood by saying:
"Well, in case you haven't noticed, I have a  "thing" for grumpy old farts, like BPII, Siz, and grumpy young men, like Asmo and Crow."
 
I also wanted to make sure you knew that I wasn't angry with you, (and that the mafia representative .gif response was not necessary) so I wrote:
"When I came here, Asmo, Tank, OldGit and BCE were nice to me, and talked to me. I learned from them how to make people feel welcomed.   --I likeAsmo, even if we disagree on things. He has unique way of communicating, and I like it."
--(You see, Davin? I wasn't wrong.) Asmo listens.  :smilenod:

This is so weird, my WORDS were probably misunderstood, and your .gif was probably misunderstood. (We definitely need a sarcasm font). Everything I said would not be in sarcasm font—If they would've been, I could've understood your —angry mafia representative .gif response. My tone was probably "frustration" about the whole thing, but not anger towards Asmo.

This was a good exercise for me, and maybe even for someone who is extremely wonderful in the art of communication—like you, Asmo. Transmitting "feelings" with words or .gifs is not easy. For me, even the language I'm using plays a role in how I transmit "feelings"—Spanish or English. But that's another story. ::)

I don't know how long this ".gif language" has been around; it's brand new to me. No one explained it to me; I simply, "got it right away," and I love it. I think today I learned from Asmo that it may not be appropriate in certain conversations; I will definitely consider this next time. —It's just so hard sometimes because in my realm the .gif is totally appropriate. But I learned that not everyone "gets it," so it can be confusing. —And not being understood and not understanding something causes frustration.

Happy Friday, everyone, I think it's gonna be a great weekend!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 24, 2016, 06:12:05 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on June 24, 2016, 06:08:39 PM
I'll have to say that the conversation between Asmo and Davin was one of the more remarkable ones I've witnessed on the Internet.  It exhibited, quite unexpectedly, lofty tones of civility.  It should be taught in schools.
Totally agree!  :clapping:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on June 24, 2016, 06:17:04 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on June 24, 2016, 06:08:39 PM
I'll have to say that the conversation between Asmo and Davin was one of the more remarkable ones I've witnessed on the Internet.  It exhibited, quite unexpectedly, lofty tones of civility.  It should be taught in schools.
I think we generally do manage to keep a civil tone in constructive disputes here on HAF. I like it that way.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on June 24, 2016, 06:30:16 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on June 24, 2016, 06:17:04 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on June 24, 2016, 06:08:39 PM
I'll have to say that the conversation between Asmo and Davin was one of the more remarkable ones I've witnessed on the Internet.  It exhibited, quite unexpectedly, lofty tones of civility.  It should be taught in schools.
I think we generally do manage to keep a civil tone in constructive disputes here on HAF. I like it that way.

Frankly, I expected Davin to latch on like a snapping turtle and not let go, and I expected you to smite him in some nasty way.  Instead, there was textbook cordiality.  Kudos!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Steeler on July 04, 2016, 05:36:46 PM
Quote from: Claireliontamer on June 14, 2016, 12:03:52 PM
Since the last high profile member 'retired' I have been doing a lot of thinking.  Well, to be honest I was thinking about a lot of these things before he left but him leaving has re-energised the thoughts.  I too have been thinking of leaving/retiring whatever the correct term is, for a while now and I have come incredibly close to.  However, I have a kind of sentimental nostalgic streak about me and so I thought instead of just going I would open a thread that hopefully will be an honest an open area for people to discuss the forum and it's future.  Maybe others don't think there is a problem, in which case that too can be said here.  What I hope doesn't happen is it just turns into a moan about individuals or people take things too personally.  I would like it to be constructively critical rather than just critical if that makes sense.

I have actually been in touch with Crow and if he allows me to, I can share some of his thoughts too but this really is about the bigger picture.

Anyway.......my thoughts and opinions.

1. We have lost too many regular members that created the content that kept this place going.  Now, each may have their own reasons for leaving and yes people on forums do change but that isn't always the case and shouldn't necessarily be the norm.  When I now look at the regular contributors on here, most of them I have on another form of network too so I no longer feel like I need to be here to keep in touch with people.

2. We're not getting many new active members.  The ones who do join and start posting don't seem to be sticking around for very long.  Part of the fun of forums for me is meeting new people, not just the ones I already know and getting to hear different points of view.  It's almost become too cliquey for want of a better word and I think that is quit intimidating to new members.  Maybe we could start spreading the message out and about a little more?  It's certainly not the case that all atheist forums are low activity, I did a quick search and there are plenty of very active ones with lots of interesting topics and debates going on.  What are they doing differently?

3.  Recently I think it has been too heavily moderated for content.  Anyone who seems to spark a little bit of debate seems to be got rid of very easily.  Which I think also links back to number 2 also.  Perhaps we do need some more argumentative characters once more to kick the debates into action.  BTW I'm not equating uncivil with argumentative.  I'm thinking more of the Stevil type character who was perfectly civil but often gave a different perspective.

4.  Perhaps we need a discussion on what a forum like this is actually for?  At the moment I feel like there isn't a difference between this and my facebook feed. 

I appreciate any thoughts.

First off, this is the most spot on post I've read on this forum.
I haven't read past post number one in this thread yet, I'll do that in a minute.
Over moderated? Yes
Nitpicky? Hell yes.
Intimidating to new members? Yes, I can see that.

I came here to talk to differing people in a civil manner and felt that if I didn't agree with the regulars I should leave. I've seen it towards others as well.
There have been many topics I would like to chime in on but it's not worth the nitpicking of words or demanding I justify my opinion like there has to be a winner at the end.
I've been accused of trolling by a mod.
Until that mindset changes I'll just stick to the lounge until I just get bored enough and don't return.

Ok now I'll go read the rest of the topic.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 10, 2016, 03:03:41 AM
Quote from: Steeler on July 04, 2016, 05:36:46 PM
Over moderated? Yes
Yes/No/Maybe/I don't know.
I'm not a moderator, maybe they can say something about that.

Quote from: Steeler
Nitpicky? Hell yes.
Yes. Some people enjoy that sort of thing. I don't.

Quote from: Steeler on July 04, 2016, 05:36:46 PM
Intimidating to new members? Yes, I can see that.
This place was intimidating to me when I came here 6 years ago, but I really wanted to be here so I stuck with it.

Quote from: Steeler
I came here to talk to differing people in a civil manner and felt that if I didn't agree with the regulars I should leave. I've seen it towards others as well.
Been there, done that.
No one really said it, but for some reason, I felt that if I didn't agree with "them" or the "majority" I was going to lose the argument--big time! So I left for a few months....But then I came back, because someone, (Asmo, :hug:) said something like this: "You can leave, or come back and maybe persuade a few.  ;)

Quote from: Steeler
There have been many topics I would like to chime in on but it's not worth the nitpicking of words or demanding I justify my opinion like there has to be a winner at the end.
Me too, I don't like all this "nitpicking" so I don't participate in those discussions.

Quote from: Steeler
I've been accused of trolling by a mod.
That's not right.  :eyebrow:
I've been accused of being a witch by a mod.
One of them called me 'dumb', one time.
And a member accuse me of being an asshole.
Another member called me the 'nuthouse resident'
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.

Edit: I must add the latest name: The resident hippie
...I like it. Not my favorite, but I like it. ;)

Quote from: Steeler
Until that mindset changes I'll just stick to the lounge until I just get bored enough and don't return.
Please don't leave us. Too many have left this place already.  :(

I'll just be floating around....Everywhere.   :far out:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Steeler on July 11, 2016, 04:33:20 AM
Thanks Mag, glad I'm not the only one who feels that way.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: gentle_dissident on July 11, 2016, 06:25:41 AM
I came here to find like minded people. I'm not interested in arguing. I like the slow meandering pace of this forum. It's about all I have time for. This is it for my social media. Even if I found tons of people to share interests with, I'd stick with email, voice, and text for plan making.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on July 11, 2016, 06:26:10 AM
This is my fourth forum, counting the old BBC ones, and - so far - feel quite comfirtabke.

The BBC forums were divisive and bitchy, invaded by those with opposing views in an antagonistic way, only very heavy moderation cut bad language but overt personal insults were allowed.

Another was also a bit mixed, lightish moderation but one evidently mentally ill person (if you picked her up on an unwarrented insult to someone who could not answer back it would be twisted so that it was yourself who offered that insult and the subsequent pursuit could last weeks). Another was mostly a personal blogging site for the owner. He was a good blogger offering value to the rational argument against woo therapies.

This forum seems to have a good mix to me. What disagreements there are seem reasonable so far and I had not noticed a heavy hand in moderation so far (perhaps I am naive in this  :D)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: OldGit on July 11, 2016, 09:52:11 AM
I agree with Glos that the moderation is not particularly heavy here.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on July 11, 2016, 03:42:43 PM
I don't know what you're all talking about this place is heavily

DFG%$#GRSGFDvbgs
sdagsfg dfs
M)(U)UJ*(HN<
<>_)_J)PM⌠
t8
╥~

This place is great, the mods are wonderful!

--Edited by: The Supreme Moderator - on: 2016-07-41, 13:30:16
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: gentle_dissident on July 11, 2016, 04:56:49 PM
Your word sculpture suggests a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on July 11, 2016, 05:08:17 PM
Quote from: OldGit on July 11, 2016, 09:52:11 AM
I agree with Glos that the moderation is not particularly heavy here.
Thats "Gloucs" OG. "Glos" is an abbreviation for the family name.

So I am, Gloucs Glos. Got a cousin down the road, Stroud Glos and Tewks Glos lives a bit northish. Uncle Bristol went his own way years ago.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: OldGit on July 12, 2016, 09:48:02 AM
I'm Salop now; until recently I was Hfds.  Salop iseasier to say.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on July 12, 2016, 11:12:32 AM
Quote from: OldGit on July 12, 2016, 09:48:02 AM
I'm Salop now; until recently I was Hfds.  Salop iseasier to say.
"Hfds"? Did you live in an Ikea or domething?

Or was it our neighbour Heref?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: OldGit on July 12, 2016, 04:20:31 PM
Herefordshire.  Typical of a Gloucestershire yokel not to recognise the county next door.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on July 12, 2016, 05:16:53 PM
Quote from: OldGit on July 12, 2016, 04:20:31 PM
Herefordshire.  Typical of a Gloucestershire yokel not to recognise the county next door.
I'm an immigrant actually, but it is contagious. Glad I didn't move to The Forest, might have grown an extra finger and webs between my toes.

"Heref" is a quite acceptable abbreviation for Herefordshire, better than "Here", 'cos tain't, tiz there ennit?

Got a book of funny poems in Forestese, can't find one written in Glawster.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: OldGit on July 12, 2016, 08:50:14 PM
Quote from: GloucesterGlad I didn't move to The Forest, might have grown an extra finger and webs between my toes.

And that would be a mild case.  I know Herefordshire people who, on hearing a mention of the Forest, automatically pull one ear up and the other ear down by way of illustration.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on July 13, 2016, 05:39:10 AM
Googled he forest and herefordshire - didn't get much.  What are you 2 talking about?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on July 13, 2016, 05:59:46 AM
"The Forest" is the Forest of Dean, just over the River Severn from Gloucester.

It is one of the best examples of old forests in Britain, not primeval, it has been "managed" since the Stone Age, but it is beautiful. Has a wildish river section, caves, cliffs, legends . . . The people were hunters,  woodsmen, miners (coal and, in very ancient times, iron in the form of ochres, for smelting and pigments) herdsmen etc.

Amongst the legends are the tales of the, once reclusive, forest dwellers. Deep and dark valleys bred deep and dark people who, it is said, never went far for their mates. Hence recessive genetic features tended to proliferate.

Common theme for lots of places, the Appalachian hillbillies?

Drinking in a very local local pub there about 50 years ago. Sitting at a common table the whole place jumped. Pause in conversation, then, "I told young George ten pounds o' dynamite were too much",

"Arr," was the only reply before conversation resumed,

Seems they were opening a new seam in a mine under the village!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Bad Penny II on July 13, 2016, 01:29:27 PM
If there's one thing I can't abide it's the old people of today's ignorance of the classics.  >:(

Quoten 1928, Rubeus Hagrid was born in or near the Forest of Dean, where he developed his strong West Country accent.[3][4] The Forest of Dean once played host to Hermione and her parents during a camping trip for the summer holidays

QuoteA few days after Christmas in 1997, Hermione Granger would return to this location with Harry Potter and would camp in the forest during their Horcrux search, trying to avoid captivity and staying in one place for too long. Hermione and Harry would take it in turns to watch the tent for trouble sharing one wand between them. Whilst there, the forest was snowy, and its lake was frozen
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on July 14, 2016, 03:19:37 AM
So the forest is sort of a setting for an English "Deliverance" story.  Instead of dueling banjos there would be dueling lutes, I suppose.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 14, 2016, 03:27:43 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on July 14, 2016, 03:19:37 AM
So the forest is sort of a setting for an English "Deliverance" story.  Instead of dueling banjos there would be dueling lutes, I suppose.
...Or the strongest moonshine dueling.  :smilenod: :headbang:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on July 14, 2016, 06:38:58 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on July 14, 2016, 03:19:37 AM
So the forest is sort of a setting for an English "Deliverance" story.  Instead of dueling banjos there would be dueling lutes, I suppose.
Thanks, was trying to remember that film title, Ecurb!

No, think our Foresters are a bit gentler these days, doubt that it was safe in the 1700s though. Maybe even 1800s. People get lost very easily in forests . . .

Anyway, the Sun is shining, the new washing machine works fine and I have a lunch date with my best friend. Will try to ignore the fact that she is moving to Devon soon.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 18, 2016, 07:11:40 PM
...So, going back to the topic of "The future of the forum."
I'm glad Tom62 is back. I noticed he wasn't posting and I worried that he had also left us. I'm glad Gloucester and gentle_dissident joined us and stayed. I "spoke" with Bruno de la Pole and Crow and they are definitely not coming back. I've noticed that JJ and Claire haven't been around, does anyone know if they left us also?  :(
~Just curious.
Edit:
I'm sorry, I forgot to include, No one.  :sad sigh:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Steeler on July 19, 2016, 03:37:51 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 18, 2016, 07:11:40 PM
...So, going back to the topic of "The future of the forum."
I'm glad Tom62 is back. I noticed he wasn't posting and I worried that he had also left us. I'm glad Gloucester and gentle_dissident joined us and stayed. I "spoke" with Bruno de la Pole and Crow and they are definitely not coming back. I've noticed that JJ and Claire haven't been around, does anyone know if they left us also?  :(
~Just curious.
Edit:
I'm sorry, I forgot to include, No one.  :sad sigh:

No one bailed also? I don't mean no one, but No one. (That never gets old)
He said some wild stuff at times, but I liked it!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 19, 2016, 05:59:05 AM
Quote from: Steeler on July 19, 2016, 03:37:51 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 18, 2016, 07:11:40 PM
...So, going back to the topic of "The future of the forum."
I'm glad Tom62 is back. I noticed he wasn't posting and I worried that he had also left us. I'm glad Gloucester and gentle_dissident joined us and stayed. I "spoke" with Bruno de la Pole and Crow and they are definitely not coming back. I've noticed that JJ and Claire haven't been around, does anyone know if they left us also?  :(
~Just curious.
Edit:
I'm sorry, I forgot to include, No one.  :sad sigh:

No one bailed also? I don't mean no one, but No one. (That never gets old)
He said some wild stuff at times, but I liked it!
(It never gets old!)  :smileshake:

I think I spoke too soon... ;)
He just said, "Hi" to me.  :grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tom62 on July 20, 2016, 08:35:09 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 18, 2016, 07:11:40 PM
...So, going back to the topic of "The future of the forum."
I'm glad Tom62 is back. I noticed he wasn't posting and I worried that he had also left us.

That is so sweet of you. But don't worry. I can't leave HAF, because I'm part of the furniture ;)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: OldGit on July 20, 2016, 08:37:43 PM
Which part?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 20, 2016, 08:40:56 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 20, 2016, 08:35:09 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 18, 2016, 07:11:40 PM
...So, going back to the topic of "The future of the forum."
I'm glad Tom62 is back. I noticed he wasn't posting and I worried that he had also left us.

That is so sweet of you. But don't worry. I can't leave HAF, because I'm part of the furniture ;)
Quote from: OldGit on July 20, 2016, 08:37:43 PM
Which part?
:lol:
This is why I find it difficult to leave this place.
You guys are so funny!  ;D
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: gentle_dissident on July 20, 2016, 10:09:42 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 18, 2016, 07:11:40 PM
I'm glad Gloucester and gentle_dissident joined us and stayed.
It's good to not be unwanted.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 21, 2016, 04:21:04 AM
Quote from: gentle_dissident on July 20, 2016, 10:09:42 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 18, 2016, 07:11:40 PM
I'm glad Gloucester and gentle_dissident joined us and stayed.
It's good to not be unwanted.
Awwww.  :hug:
It is nice, isn't it? The difficult part is keeping it like that for many years.  ;D
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tom62 on July 21, 2016, 06:17:30 AM
Quote from: OldGit on July 20, 2016, 08:37:43 PM
Which part?

It is a bit hard to find. If you enter the Laid Back Lounge then turn left after approx. 100 meters. Walk straight through the hall of "Memorable and Honorable Members" This brings you to a section called "HA[L]F Forgotten Heroes". At the end, you'll see some stairs going down to the cellar. Be careful when walking down the stairs, because these are the "Stairs of Eternal Doom". There are rumours that the stairs were build by M.C. Escher and are haunted by the lost souls of banned HAF members :o. Once you are down in the cellar, turn right. What ever you do, don't turn left, because you might find out whatever happened to Whitney. On the right side you should find a curtain hanging on the wall. Behind that curtain is a small door, with a warning sign on it that says "Enter at your own risk". Behind the door you'll find a very small room that mainly filled with long forgotten HAF memorabilia and stuff. I'm part of the cupboard that is hidden the darkest corner.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on July 21, 2016, 06:22:15 AM
It'd have to be a tallboy cupboard.   :D
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Guardian85 on July 29, 2016, 03:46:06 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 18, 2016, 07:11:40 PM
I've noticed that JJ and Claire haven't been around, does anyone know if they left us also?  :(
~Just curious.

I believe Claire went over to the States to visit JJ, so I guess they're.......busy?  ::)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 29, 2016, 07:13:25 PM
Quote from: Guardian85 on July 29, 2016, 03:46:06 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 18, 2016, 07:11:40 PM
I've noticed that JJ and Claire haven't been around, does anyone know if they left us also?  :(
~Just curious.

I believe Claire went over to the States to visit JJ, so I guess they're.......busy?  ::)

Yeah, they must be reading books, or something.  :-\

:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on August 01, 2016, 07:32:31 PM
This is one thing I see that deters me from talking so much. TOO MUCH READING! That's why I'm never here. I take an hour just to catch up on what I've missed. The threads are too long and that might be why new members don't show up. It takes time to integrate into a forum and nobody wants to jump right in when there is literally hundreds of pages to read before you can figure out what the heck is going on.

Maybe we can post more new threads and keep them short and sweet. Because the pages themselves are even long enough to read. I haven't even read page 1 of THIS thread because I just wanted to put my input out there since I'm one of those members that don't show their face.

EDIT: And this is just me, but the way we keep up with the forum by just looking at the "unread replies to your posts" section is just exclusionary. I constantly go to dead or almost dead threads because it's the most convenient way to connect with the forum. I think it causes me to leave out other active threads and make me feel excluded when people talk about things from other threads I had no idea were active.

Also it creates a competing set of functions where I could go to the "Show new replies to your posts" or manually search the forum where they show the most recent post anyway. I hope that's not just me but I find the two functions really competitive.

Maybe we could get rid of that feature and just get used to a regular way of searching a forum?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on August 01, 2016, 09:16:43 PM
Quote from: Recusant on July 21, 2016, 06:22:15 AM
It'd have to be a tallboy cupboard.   :D
The Asmo is probably the concrete floor or some such...  :???:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on August 01, 2016, 09:20:00 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on August 01, 2016, 09:16:43 PM
Quote from: Recusant on July 21, 2016, 06:22:15 AM
It'd have to be a tallboy cupboard.   :D
The Asmo is probably the concrete floor or some such...  :???:

If concrete - a pillar surely?

If a short, dumpy one

:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on August 01, 2016, 09:22:20 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on August 01, 2016, 09:16:43 PM
Quote from: Recusant on July 21, 2016, 06:22:15 AM
It'd have to be a tallboy cupboard.   :D
The Asmo is probably the concrete floor or some such...  :???:

Hmm...I always thought of Your Greyness as something more like...a paperweight. :grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on August 03, 2016, 01:13:23 AM
Quote from: Apathy on August 01, 2016, 07:32:31 PM
This is one thing I see that deters me from talking so much. TOO MUCH READING! That's why I'm never here. I take an hour just to catch up on what I've missed. The threads are too long and that might be why new members don't show up. It takes time to integrate into a forum and nobody wants to jump right in when there is literally hundreds of pages to read before you can figure out what the heck is going on.

Maybe we can post more new threads and keep them short and sweet. Because the pages themselves are even long enough to read. I haven't even read page 1 of THIS thread because I just wanted to put my input out there since I'm one of those members that don't show their face.

EDIT: And this is just me, but the way we keep up with the forum by just looking at the "unread replies to your posts" section is just exclusionary. I constantly go to dead or almost dead threads because it's the most convenient way to connect with the forum. I think it causes me to leave out other active threads and make me feel excluded when people talk about things from other threads I had no idea were active.

Also it creates a competing set of functions where I could go to the "Show new replies to your posts" or manually search the forum where they show the most recent post anyway. I hope that's not just me but I find the two functions really competitive.

Maybe we could get rid of that feature and just get used to a regular way of searching a forum?

So you complain about having to read too much by posting a long post? 😄
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on August 03, 2016, 03:13:57 AM
What's it matter?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on August 03, 2016, 06:39:03 AM
Quote from: Apathy on August 03, 2016, 03:13:57 AM
What's it matter?
Irony.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on August 03, 2016, 06:59:59 AM
Quote from: Tank on August 03, 2016, 06:39:03 AM
Quote from: Apathy on August 03, 2016, 03:13:57 AM
What's it matter?
Irony.

I guess nobody took it serious then.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on August 03, 2016, 09:12:35 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on August 01, 2016, 09:22:20 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on August 01, 2016, 09:16:43 PM
Quote from: Recusant on July 21, 2016, 06:22:15 AM
It'd have to be a tallboy cupboard.   :D
The Asmo is probably the concrete floor or some such...  :???:

Hmm...I always thought of Your Greyness as something more like...a paperweight. :grin:
Why, that too, of course. And various pottery type stuff. The urn containing the ashes of Mabus. He is that, also. Oh, the rigors of being Omni!  :(
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Firebird on August 07, 2016, 04:10:45 AM
Quote from: Apathy on August 03, 2016, 06:59:59 AM
Quote from: Tank on August 03, 2016, 06:39:03 AM
Quote from: Apathy on August 03, 2016, 03:13:57 AM
What's it matter?
Irony.

I guess nobody took it serious then.

I do, but I don't agree. If there aren't a lot of discussions going on, the forum would be just dying.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on August 07, 2016, 05:46:33 AM
Quote from: Firebird on August 07, 2016, 04:10:45 AM
Quote from: Apathy on August 03, 2016, 06:59:59 AM
Quote from: Tank on August 03, 2016, 06:39:03 AM
Quote from: Apathy on August 03, 2016, 03:13:57 AM
What's it matter?
Irony.

I guess nobody took it serious then.

I do, but I don't agree. If there aren't a lot of discussions going on, the forum would be just dying.

The forum is dying already from what I've read.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on August 07, 2016, 07:09:32 AM
Quote from: Apathy on August 07, 2016, 05:46:33 AM
Quote from: Firebird on August 07, 2016, 04:10:45 AM
Quote from: Apathy on August 03, 2016, 06:59:59 AM
Quote from: Tank on August 03, 2016, 06:39:03 AM
Quote from: Apathy on August 03, 2016, 03:13:57 AM
What's it matter?
Irony.

I guess nobody took it serious then.

I do, but I don't agree. If there aren't a lot of discussions going on, the forum would be just dying.

The forum is dying already from what I've read.
What should you be reading to make you think you otherwise?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 07, 2016, 07:16:55 AM
^^^
I also want to know. I think Apathy and Buddy are our youngest members, I want to know what "the kids" are into these days when it comes to forums. What do they like to talk about? How do they like to say it? With as few words as possible?  :shrug:
They are the future of this place.
<===OMG! I have a 666.   :smokin cool:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Firebird on August 07, 2016, 05:13:29 PM
It's not dying. Discussing how to move forward implies we think there is a future, not whether there will be one.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 14, 2016, 05:56:06 AM
Claireliontamer
Mischievous Munchkin
Guardian of Reason
*****
Posts: 6760
"Retired"
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPCyTzEDWT8/VyUVxNVjGEI/AAAAAAAADeo/yfobeGjctbsyShufqn7UGftS3UTcQeXrgCLcB/s1600/back%2Bit%2Bup.gif)
When did that happen?
Not another one!
Why!?
:cryandrun:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on August 14, 2016, 08:52:45 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on August 14, 2016, 05:56:06 AM
Claireliontamer
Mischievous Munchkin
Guardian of Reason
*****
Posts: 6760
"Retired"
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPCyTzEDWT8/VyUVxNVjGEI/AAAAAAAADeo/yfobeGjctbsyShufqn7UGftS3UTcQeXrgCLcB/s1600/back%2Bit%2Bup.gif)
When did that happen?
Not another one!
Why!?
:cryandrun:
People's priorities and values change with time.

Another forum I am on seems to be dying. There was a short time of crisis and the membership and "traffic" dropped dramatically.

There were reasons for this but that forum was a different type from this, less eclectic for a start.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Firebird on August 14, 2016, 04:08:55 PM
Woah really? She didn't say anything, did she?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on August 14, 2016, 04:56:35 PM
Not that I know of.  :scratch:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 14, 2016, 07:39:31 PM
Quote from: Firebird on August 14, 2016, 04:08:55 PM
Woah really? She didn't say anything, did she?
Well, looks like she just did.  :(

QuoteClaireliontamer
Mischievous Munchkin
Guardian of Reason
*****
Posts: 6760
"Retired"
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Sandra Craft on August 14, 2016, 09:02:11 PM
Claire still posts on FB, so you can keep up with her there if you like.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on August 14, 2016, 09:08:45 PM
I sent her an email regarding this about a month ago, but got no reply. I suspect that the email address available to staff here is one she no longer uses.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 15, 2016, 12:42:48 AM
Quote from: Gloucester on August 14, 2016, 08:52:45 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on August 14, 2016, 05:56:06 AM
Claireliontamer
Mischievous Munchkin
Guardian of Reason
*****
Posts: 6760
"Retired"
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPCyTzEDWT8/VyUVxNVjGEI/AAAAAAAADeo/yfobeGjctbsyShufqn7UGftS3UTcQeXrgCLcB/s1600/back%2Bit%2Bup.gif)
When did that happen?
Not another one!
Why!?
:cryandrun:
People's priorities and values change with time.
...
Yeah, I guess so.
It makes me wonder where I'm gonna go when my values and priorities change--if they change.
(https://lindadoty.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/sigh.gif)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Firebird on August 15, 2016, 01:36:34 AM
I PM'd Claire, and she confirmed that she and JJ are both taking a break from HAF. But she would be happy to hear from people on Facebook if they ever want to get in touch.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 15, 2016, 01:42:58 AM
Quote from: Firebird on August 15, 2016, 01:36:34 AM
I PM'd Claire, and she confirmed that she and JJ are both taking a break from HAF. But she would be happy to hear from people on Facebook if they ever want to get in touch.
Thank you for that, Firebird.
I have a feeling we won't see you around here as much as we would like to in the future, you know your priorities are going to change as well...
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.quickmeme.com%2Fimg%2Faa%2Faae186cb7fc930f4d1f5d90f24d0bc62019c9a19d0d815d2c957b45dc84afa4d.jpg&hash=a6b9d99de5422f0f1d4fb4e01ff1cfd24aa70232)

:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Firebird on August 15, 2016, 01:49:01 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on August 15, 2016, 01:42:58 AM
Thank you for that, Firebird.
I have a feeling we won't see you around here as much as we would like to in the future, you know your priorities are going to change as well...

Yeah,  I hear it all. "You'll never sleep again", "if you have any hobbies now get them done while there's time", etc etc. I'll do my best. Maybe at 4 am after the baby's stopped crying and I'm still wired and awake, so my posts may be a tad more bizarre. But fuck it, I'm looking forward to it anyway.

Ask me again in 2 months  ;D
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 15, 2016, 01:57:42 AM
Quote from: Firebird on August 15, 2016, 01:49:01 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on August 15, 2016, 01:42:58 AM
Thank you for that, Firebird.
I have a feeling we won't see you around here as much as we would like to in the future, you know your priorities are going to change as well...

Yeah,  I hear it all. "You'll never sleep again", "if you have any hobbies now get them done while there's time", etc etc. I'll do my best. Maybe at 4 am after the baby's stopped crying and I'm still wired and awake, so my posts may be a tad more bizarre. But fuck it, I'm looking forward to it anyway.

Ask me again in 2 months  ;D

:lol:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Old Seer on September 13, 2016, 09:30:03 PM
This sort of thing has got to be expected. I only post on a couple of forums, but most aren't worth taking the time to bother with. Most Atheist form that I've been on are caught in a daily routine of, slam the new guy, or anything they disagree with warrants an Ad Homien attack, and there's plenty of rude characters on most of the forums. But, subject matter is limited, so after a awhile all the subjects of interest get played out and most leave.
The site I'm on most has only about 6 main posters left and very seldom does anyone new post.
I think what happens on these forums is ---what's left at the end of the day are the ones most negative to other. Atheists I know are about 90% good guys, but after a while they are driven off the sites because the rudeness of a few becomes unbearable. Concerning this site. I show up here often as a guest and read the posts that most interest me, but seldom post.
This is the best site I've been on for tolerating different points of view and newbies. But of course--that's the general philosophy of the site. It just come about that sites wear out, that has to be understood. Anyone will get unattached over time, and just about every subject that can be discussed has been discussed with the exception of new things in the sciences. So over time, floks will loose interest. Most individuals will air their minds for a while and after they've said their piece they loose interest. I've been on Atheist sites for the last 5 years and have read about every subject and argument that can be heard.
The same with USMC forums I used to be on for 15 years,  nearly all the original sites are gone that were up and running at that time. After a while there's just nothing to say anymore. The battle of Iwo Jima can be told only so often when it comes time to move on or let it be.
   
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Kekerusey on September 13, 2016, 09:46:59 PM
Hi,

Didn't even know about this post :)

Quote from: Claireliontamer on June 14, 2016, 12:03:52 PM1. We have lost too many regular members that created the content that kept this place going.  Now, each may have their own reasons for leaving and yes people on forums do change but that isn't always the case and shouldn't necessarily be the norm.  When I now look at the regular contributors on here, most of them I have on another form of network too so I no longer feel like I need to be here to keep in touch with people.

I wonder if it is just because forums have had their time and social networks are now the thing?

Quote from: Claireliontamer on June 14, 2016, 12:03:52 PM2. We're not getting many new active members.  The ones who do join and start posting don't seem to be sticking around for very long. Part of the fun of forums for me is meeting new people, not just the ones I already know and getting to hear different points of view.  It's almost become too cliquey for want of a better word and I think that is quit intimidating to new members.  Maybe we could start spreading the message out and about a little more?  It's certainly not the case that all atheist forums are low activity, I did a quick search and there are plenty of very active ones with lots of interesting topics and debates going on.  What are they doing differently?

I have to admit I am likely to be of that type (highlighted) but that's probably because I am quick to judge, label those I don't like quickly and am often regarded as a troublemaker ... perhaps because I say what I think with little regard for, sometimes in spite of, the consequences. It doesn't help in my specific case that I actually did get banned from this forum back many years ago and that the punishment meted out was way, way too harsh for what I was supposed to have done, the forum boss (Latheos?) admitted that much to me in an email.

Quote from: Claireliontamer on June 14, 2016, 12:03:52 PM3.  Recently I think it has been too heavily moderated for content.  Anyone who seems to spark a little bit of debate seems to be got rid of very easily.  Which I think also links back to number 2 also.  Perhaps we do need some more argumentative characters once more to kick the debates into action.  BTW I'm not equating uncivil with argumentative.  I'm thinking more of the Stevil type character who was perfectly civil but often gave a different perspective.

For what it's worth, I think atheists, the fact that their views most times extend from an intelligent outlook, from the fact that they want change, will always be regarded as troublemakers ... as George Bernard Shaw said, "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."

4.  Perhaps we need a discussion on what a forum like this is actually for?  At the moment I fe
Quote from: Claireliontamer on June 14, 2016, 12:03:52 PMel like there isn't a difference between this and my facebook feed.

Haha ... I think that was what I was trying to achieve when I started my Angry Atheism forum a few years ago, I wanted a place where swearing didn't matter that much, where people could express their views with as much passion as they felt. It even worked for a while.

Keke
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Steeler on November 11, 2016, 04:24:25 AM
I don't see any way to fix the retention problem, if you believe there is one. Personally I do as there isn't much activity here as it seems there should be.
There is plenty of room for exciting convo, but the nature of the personalities I see, it just doesn't seem to work.

I'll use myself as an example. Now please don't take this as whining, I'm free to bail at any time.
I come in here thinking that this looks like a cool place to chat with folks from all over, politically different. I'm picturing light hearted discussions where we could laugh at our differences, and be able to understand that we may be vastly different in our opinions, but we can still discuss issues and LEARN from one another.
Boy was I wrong. What I have learned instead, in my opinion, is that HAF is a place where most posters are here to pat each other on the back, and vehemently defend their stances while not giving an inch of understanding to opposing views.
While here you better choose your use of words very carefully or you will be picked apart, non stop, until there is a "winner".

This place is unlike any I've visited, and I've been around. I sometimes wonder if some posters here are really like this in person. Ive never met anyone in my life that uses the logic I see around here. I may live in the country, but I do work in a decent sized city, so I'm around liberals quite a bit.

I've considered many times just deleting this bookmark and forgetting about it. A couple times today actually.

Id like to hang around and continue to learn, even share very personal stuff, but it's hard when you are met with strong resistance from all angles.

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on November 11, 2016, 05:11:08 AM
I have to admit that after the often personal cursing, bitching, vindictive, shouting, biased, subjective etc etc nature of some other forums this one is more like "friends talking in the pub" than "opponents shouting across the street".

I value its humour and reasonably polite discussion - can get serious, differences can be expressed, but rarely in a personally insulting manner.

Those that want shouting matches have their places to go to.

It has its place, pity that so many prefer the shouting and swearing at each other. But, that's human nature, or maybe national culture, for you.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on November 11, 2016, 05:14:21 AM
 :therethere:
I wouldn't want you to go, Steeler. I learn from you. I think you have the guts to say things that a lot of us don't like to hear. We talk about "stuff" people tell us, and we compare how things look from the other side. --That's all. It's thanks to this place that we are able to talk...without killing each other over stuff that we say.  :grin:

I understand what you're saying, when I came here, it was the opposite. I think most leaned to the right, and for those of us on the left...Well, I've never owned a gun, but if I had to use the right expression it would be: "There weren't enough bullets in the world!" I also wanted to leave, but Asmo...I never get tired of telling this story...He said to me, something like this..."You can leave, or stay and who knows, maybe you can persuade a few." But that's not easy either.  :smileshake:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Steeler on November 11, 2016, 06:12:25 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 11, 2016, 05:14:21 AM
:therethere:
I wouldn't want you to go, Steeler. I learn from you. I think you have the guts to say things that a lot of us don't like to hear. We talk about "stuff" people tell us, and we compare how things look from the other side. --That's all. It's thanks to this place that we are able to talk...without killing each other over stuff that we say.  :grin:

I understand what you're saying, when I came here, it was the opposite. I think most leaned to the right, and for those of us on the left...Well, I've never owned a gun, but if I had to use the right expression it would be: "There weren't enough bullets in the world!" I also wanted to leave, but Asmo...I never get tired of telling this story...He said to me, something like this..."You can leave, or stay and who knows, maybe you can persuade a few." But that's not easy either.  :smileshake:

I'm not here to persuade anyone. I just like to talk, and admittedly, I am horrible at getting out what I'm trying to say via text. Absolutely horrible.
It's frustrating as hell when we have discussions like the one in the political forum, I feel like we aren't getting to each other as we would in person.
I think I'm perceived here totally different than I really am in person, and that is my fault. I'm no dummy, but not nearly as articulate as most here.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on November 11, 2016, 06:27:47 AM
Quote from: Steeler on November 11, 2016, 06:12:25 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 11, 2016, 05:14:21 AM
:therethere:
I wouldn't want you to go, Steeler. I learn from you. I think you have the guts to say things that a lot of us don't like to hear. We talk about "stuff" people tell us, and we compare how things look from the other side. --That's all. It's thanks to this place that we are able to talk...without killing each other over stuff that we say.  :grin:

I understand what you're saying, when I came here, it was the opposite. I think most leaned to the right, and for those of us on the left...Well, I've never owned a gun, but if I had to use the right expression it would be: "There weren't enough bullets in the world!" I also wanted to leave, but Asmo...I never get tired of telling this story...He said to me, something like this..."You can leave, or stay and who knows, maybe you can persuade a few." But that's not easy either.  :smileshake:

I'm not here to persuade anyone. I just like to talk, and admittedly, I am horrible at getting out what I'm trying to say via text. Absolutely horrible.
It's frustrating as hell when we have discussions like the one in the political forum, I feel like we aren't getting to each other as we would in person.
I think I'm perceived here totally different than I really am in person, and that is my fault. I'm no dummy, but not nearly as articulate as most here.
We are talking, Steeler. I think we're doing a great job.

"Talking" or in this case, "typing" what we want to say and what we feel is not easy. A lot gets lost and that can be frustrating. I don't think you're a dummy at all, and when it comes to being articulate...who here is?  ::)

Please raise your hand...if you are articulate...
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.quickmeme.com%2Fimg%2F39%2F39cd99d531aeccd977a99d03a3e23db2de8b698c537fd7416c629d3ff4ec777e.jpg&hash=1291ff8ea181c73ea8f14f42b542f8463c3ba3d6)

This is the reason I use videos, and memes, and .GIFs, and whatever I can to add a little bit to what I'm saying, but it just ends up confusing some people even more.  :sad sigh: You're not the only one who has a difficult time with the internet and the way people communicate.  :-\
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on November 11, 2016, 06:39:21 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 11, 2016, 06:27:47 AM
Please raise your hand...if you are articulate...
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.quickmeme.com%2Fimg%2F39%2F39cd99d531aeccd977a99d03a3e23db2de8b698c537fd7416c629d3ff4ec777e.jpg&hash=1291ff8ea181c73ea8f14f42b542f8463c3ba3d6)
You obviously counted on The Asmo having no hands, but you may have underestimated His newfound Orange brilliance. You see, He kidnapped a small child in order to facilitate His hand-raising, so;

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi448.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq209%2FTejrinde%2FEmoticons%2FWave%2Fsmiley-raising-waving-hand.gif&hash=639ef4b81bf14bb41720550036951202008807e3)

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on November 11, 2016, 07:06:05 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on November 11, 2016, 06:39:21 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 11, 2016, 06:27:47 AM
Please raise your hand...if you are articulate...
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.quickmeme.com%2Fimg%2F39%2F39cd99d531aeccd977a99d03a3e23db2de8b698c537fd7416c629d3ff4ec777e.jpg&hash=1291ff8ea181c73ea8f14f42b542f8463c3ba3d6)
You obviously counted on The Asmo having no hands, but you may have underestimated His newfound Orange brilliance. You see, He kidnapped a small child in order to facilitate His hand-raising, so;

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi448.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq209%2FTejrinde%2FEmoticons%2FWave%2Fsmiley-raising-waving-hand.gif&hash=639ef4b81bf14bb41720550036951202008807e3)
:lol:
I knew you were gonna do something like that!
I knew it!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on November 11, 2016, 07:15:03 AM
For what it's worth, I think you're doing an excellent job keeping things civil, Steeler, even though you may feel under fire from the majority here, especially in recent conversations. :smilenod:

Understanding is essential, IMO. Especially in these emotionally charged times since people are not machines devoid of emotions that can colour their perceptions and beliefs. There is a type of bias called confirmation bias (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias) which is most likely at work on both political sides, to varying degrees. Especially check out 'attitude polarization', if you're interested.

QuoteConfirmation bias, also called confirmatory bias or myside bias, is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses, while giving disproportionately less consideration to alternative possibilities. It is a type of cognitive bias and a systematic error of inductive reasoning. People display this bias when they gather or remember information selectively, or when they interpret it in a biased way. The effect is stronger for emotionally charged issues and for deeply entrenched beliefs. People also tend to interpret ambiguous evidence as supporting their existing position. Biased search, interpretation and memory have been invoked to explain attitude polarization (when a disagreement becomes more extreme even though the different parties are exposed to the same evidence), belief perseverance (when beliefs persist after the evidence for them is shown to be false), the irrational primacy effect (a greater reliance on information encountered early in a series) and illusory correlation (when people falsely perceive an association between two events or situations.

Quote from: Magdalena on November 11, 2016, 06:27:47 AM
Please raise your hand...if you are articulate...
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.quickmeme.com%2Fimg%2F39%2F39cd99d531aeccd977a99d03a3e23db2de8b698c537fd7416c629d3ff4ec777e.jpg&hash=1291ff8ea181c73ea8f14f42b542f8463c3ba3d6)

Not me. I always wonder if I'm being understood the way I want to be, and communicating without the aid of nonverbal gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice can be difficult at times. :smilenod:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on November 11, 2016, 11:11:13 AM
QuoteNot me. I always wonder if I'm being understood the way I want to be, and communicating

Very, very, very  :smilenod:

I often fall back on the style of the technical, instructional and report writing I have done over the decades.  Trying to get stuff across as accurately as possible - but I do not do enough these days to to really keep the skill up. Also words can have different "emotional" values in difference language code systems. A white English person calling another a "bitch" can mean something very different from a "similar class" black person. Until, that is, the white people pick up the black context for the word (as is happening).

Language changes more rapidly every year it seems. I am so g lad that I think a lot about context in the use of words!

xSP your English is great and I appreciate and enjoy your style of clear writing.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on November 11, 2016, 11:47:48 AM
Thanks, Gloucester. That means a lot to me. :)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on November 11, 2016, 01:54:40 PM
On a serious note, I often do not express myself very clearly or unambiguously, but for me, it's a simple matter of being willing to define, explain, justify, define and explain again for as long as required or until interest is lost.

It can be difficult to make written words convey deep and complex emotions at times, yes, but then again... Paint a picture, then let the reader conjure up whatever emotions he/she/other will.

You see, in a discussion, how I feel about an issue is rarely relevant to my purpose, be it learning something new or trying to persuade others to walk my yellow brick road. At the end of the day, facts are facts, assumptions are assumptions and emotions are emotions. A and B can certainly provoke C, and in a way, C can provoke B, but C cannot provoke A in most meaningful contexts. How I feel has no bearing on what is.

This may have been covered, if from a different angle, in The GIF Debate™, so I'm not going to spend much more time on it now, but I do think it's worth pointing out that depending on your objectives, expressing yourself clearly and precisely may be helped along by also expressing yourself as dispassionately as you know how. For instance, the full range of human emotions will do little but muddy the waters when attempting to relay cold, hard facts or to persuade someone to subscribe to your point of view.

But then again, for all I know, this may well be completely different for emotion-driven individuals. That is not something I'm qualified to address, I think.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on November 11, 2016, 10:08:35 PM
Quote from: Steeler on November 11, 2016, 04:24:25 AM
...

Id like to hang around and continue to learn, even share very personal stuff, but it's hard when you are met with strong resistance from all angles.
The trick on a forum is to share the personal stuff and let people get to know you. Then when people have seen the non-controversial stuff you can bring the other stuff. People on-line are often a little primed to be trigger happy if they think their world is potentially being threatened.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on November 11, 2016, 10:11:36 PM
Quote from: Steeler on November 11, 2016, 06:12:25 AM
...
I'm not here to persuade anyone. I just like to talk, and admittedly, I am horrible at getting out what I'm trying to say via text. Absolutely horrible...
Same here. I type slower than most and my thoughts are a mile ahead of my fingers. Very frustrating. Those who have chatted with me on Skype will know what a machine gun mouth I have when I get going.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Essie Mae on November 11, 2016, 11:37:22 PM
Sometimes people may sound liberal on some issues, but it can be more that they are just logical. For instance, if a person works to support her/himself, pays their taxes, and obeys the laws of the land, why should their sexual orientation matter? (Or even if they're unfortunate enough to be unemployed).

On the other hand, if you listen to neuroscientists like Prof Susan Greenfield on the dangers of illegal drugs you may, like me, become a dyed-in-the-wool reactionary on the issue. It's bad enough that some permitted medications mess with the brain, without taking unnecessary drugs. I would be offended if I was trolled about my views, not because of the actual words they use but because they couldn't be bothered to articulate a cogent argument.  I think I remember someone else on the forum say that they were more interested in individual issues and I don't get impression that it is very left-leaning. There are some quite anarchic members which is a bit out of my comfort zone, which I like. I think there is a wide range of interesting people, here.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Steeler on November 12, 2016, 02:09:28 AM
Thanks for the input guy and gals. I think there are a few here that have seen some personal stuff of mine. I haven't posted any in a while though. I think more members understand me a little better now than a year ago, but there's a couple that I don't think there will ever be any "connect" with. That's cool though, you're never going to see eye to eye with everybody.
Y'all have a good nite, or day, depending on where you're at, I'm off to get my hunting gear ready for the am.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on November 12, 2016, 03:21:11 AM
Quote from: Essie Mae on November 11, 2016, 11:37:22 PM. . . if you listen to neuroscientists like Prof Susan Greenfield on the dangers of illegal drugs . . .

Greenfield seems to be willing to talk about things she really hasn't nailed down very well. For instance, she's asserted a link between the use of digital media and autism (http://deevybee.blogspot.com/2014/09/why-most-scientists-dont-take-susan.html). In that blog entry, the basis for her assertion is examined and found to be practically negligible.

Now, there are plenty of dangerous illegal drugs, but her stand against the legalization of cannabis (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2002/aug/18/drugs.drugsandalcohol) doesn't appear to be based on particularly sound evidence either, especially considering the very real harm that its continued criminalisation causes in societies around the world. In particular, I find it disgusting that she's willing to rhetorically equate cannabis use with murder, burglary and mugging.

QuoteIt is argued that we will never stamp out cannabis use, and therefore we should give up trying. But we will not stamp out murder or house break-ins or mugging, yet I've never heard an argument for freeing up police time by liberalising the law on these acts.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on November 12, 2016, 04:45:32 AM
Quote from: Recusant on November 12, 2016, 03:21:11 AM
Quote from: Essie Mae on November 11, 2016, 11:37:22 PM. . . if you listen to neuroscientists like Prof Susan Greenfield on the dangers of illegal drugs . . .

Greenfield seems to be willing to talk about things she really hasn't nailed down very well. For instance, she's asserted a link between the use of digital media and autism (http://deevybee.blogspot.com/2014/09/why-most-scientists-dont-take-susan.html). In that blog entry, the basis for her assertion is examined and found to be practically negligible.

Now, there are plenty of dangerous illegal drugs, but her stand against the legalization of cannabis (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2002/aug/18/drugs.drugsandalcohol) doesn't appear to be based on particularly sound evidence either, especially considering the very real harm that its continued criminalisation causes in societies around the world. In particular, I find it disgusting that she's willing to rhetorically equate cannabis use with murder, burglary and mugging.

QuoteIt is argued that we will never stamp out cannabis use, and therefore we should give up trying. But we will not stamp out murder or house break-ins or mugging, yet I've never heard an argument for freeing up police time by liberalising the law on these acts.

Compañero Recusant, you've been on a roll with your posts, lately!

:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on November 12, 2016, 04:56:32 AM
(https://cannasos.com/api/files/56cdf1684ff13e8de444badc?width=900)
:snicker:




(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apparelyzed.com%2Fforums%2Fuploads%2Fpost-32364-0-88077300-1424823744.png&hash=d5bc997fc26866b1b007aa1924891b006ea3079c)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Essie Mae on November 12, 2016, 11:49:03 PM
Maybe not deaths, though how that can be verified, I'm not sure, and I understand that marijuana smoke is as dangerous as tobacco. I taught a lad of 17 in my adult Literacy and Numeracy classes who was like a zombie from prescribed medication. The story was that he'd begun taking skunk just before his GCSEs and very quickly started having violent psychotic episodes where he would imagine being attacked and fight off anyone who tried to help. We were given written instructions to remove all the other students and a designated person was to stay with him if it happened. It never did happen, but he used to shake with fear a lot and after 3 years he still couldn't manage to pass the Level 2. Yes, the episodes might have happened anyway and maybe I was an ineffective tutor but I wouldn't risk it. My bro-in-law never married and is a recluse and has been smoking weed for 50 years and is now a maudlin wreck even tho he's five years younger than Mr M and yes, again, that might have happened anyway and if he's had 50 years of enjoyment, what do his current probs matter? But who knows? That's just my take; I don't seek to dictate to anyone else and I know lots of people smoke the waccy baccy for years with no ill effect and I even like them.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on November 13, 2016, 12:06:54 AM
I'm not arguing that cannabis is completely harmless. My point is that by keeping it criminalized, governments are helping support criminal organizations. They are also continuing to cause people--cannabis users--who have done no harm to anybody (except possibly some harm to themselves) to suffer by being branded as criminals. It's absurd, especially considering the fact that cannabis actually has medical uses aside from its recreational aspect. In that piece, Greenfield ignores or dismisses these things, and pushes a narrative based on evidence she herself admits is of questionable value. In my opinion, when all the relevant factors are weighed, there is no sensible case to be made for keeping cannabis illegal.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Pasta Chick on November 13, 2016, 01:24:22 AM
It's like anything... You use too much, you can hurt yourself. Responsible, casual use is highly unlikely to cause any problems at all. Just as drinking socially is unlikely to cause problems but drinking heavily on frequent basis severely impairs function and leads to serious health problems.

Hell, you can hurt yourself eating too much kale, or drinking too much water.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Steeler on November 13, 2016, 01:54:26 AM
I don't think it should be treated much different than alcohol. Hell, it's Damn near just a weed that grows in the dirt. No modification, just pluck it, dry it, smoke it. Too many people jailed for it, or the paraphernalia used to smoke it.
In the states where it is legal, can you grow a plant legally, or is it like alcohol where you can't make your own?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on November 13, 2016, 02:02:16 AM
Quote from: Steeler on November 13, 2016, 01:54:26 AMIn the states where it is legal, can you grow a plant legally, or is it like alcohol where you can't make your own?

I've only checked Colorado and Oregon, but they both allow a limited number of plants to be grown by citizens. Four in Oregon (http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/marijuana-laws-and-penalties/Oregon.htm#), six (only three of which can be mature plants) in Colorado (http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/can-i-grow-marijuana-my-personal-use-colorado.htm).

I don't think it would make much sense to try to keep it illegal to grow a limited amount for personal use once it's legalized. Anyway, you can brew your own beer or make your own wine pretty much anywhere except maybe some dry counties. Distilling booze for sale is a rather different operation.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Pasta Chick on November 13, 2016, 02:43:29 AM
I hadn't looked into growing because there's a 99% chance at least 2 of my 3 dogs will start eating it.

I assume it's going to be state by state with restrictions on selling.

You can make booze here, you just can't sell it.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Steeler on November 13, 2016, 02:53:50 AM
Quote from: Pasta Chick on November 13, 2016, 02:43:29 AM
I hadn't looked into growing because there's a 99% chance at least 2 of my 3 dogs will start eating it.

I assume it's going to be state by state with restrictions on selling.

You can make booze here, you just can't sell it.

Grow it indoors! ;D I grew a couple years ago before I had kids, just for fun. Had them in a closet. I was amazed at how easy it was. I didn't go high tech or anything, just 2 potters, a cheap florescent grow light, and a little fan to simulate wind (supposed to make them stronger). Oh and a timer for the light obviously.
They turned out pretty good, or so my buddy that smoked it says. But Damn did it ever make my house smell like a skunks ass! :lol:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Pasta Chick on November 13, 2016, 03:00:46 AM
Dogs are in the house. These two have already taken down an avocado sapling each. Maybe in the basement... Closets were apparently not a thing until about 80 years ago, so I don't have any.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on November 13, 2016, 03:06:24 AM
Quote from: Steeler on November 13, 2016, 02:53:50 AM
Quote from: Pasta Chick on November 13, 2016, 02:43:29 AM
I hadn't looked into growing because there's a 99% chance at least 2 of my 3 dogs will start eating it.

I assume it's going to be state by state with restrictions on selling.

You can make booze here, you just can't sell it.

Grow it indoors! ;D I grew a couple years ago before I had kids, just for fun. Had them in a closet. I was amazed at how easy it was. I didn't go high tech or anything, just 2 potters, a cheap florescent grow light, and a little fan to simulate wind (supposed to make them stronger). Oh and a timer for the light obviously.
They turned out pretty good, or so my buddy that smoked it says. But Damn did it ever make my house smell like a skunks ass! :lol:
I knew it! I knew it!  ;D

My witch powers are amazing!  :lol:
...
I mean, "Wow! What a lucky guess...huh!?" :worried:

:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Steeler on November 13, 2016, 03:56:41 AM
Oh Mags. If you only knew how much I used to love getting baked. I miss it so much too. It must be the after 40 mortality realization or something that kicks in when I'm stoned now. Bad thoughts, running out of air kind of feeling. Oh shit am I gonna die stoned?
Maybe I just need to get stoned with a different crowd. Lol
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on November 13, 2016, 04:17:09 AM
Quote from: Steeler on November 13, 2016, 03:56:41 AM
Oh Mags. If you only knew how much I used to love getting baked. I miss it so much too. It must be the after 40 mortality realization or something that kicks in when I'm stoned now. Bad thoughts, running out of air kind of feeling. Oh shit am I gonna die stoned?
Maybe I just need to get stoned with a different crowd. Lol
:worried:
Huh...I don't know what you're talking about...

I've heard...stories...
...I've heard that sometimes it's like this:

To be, or not to be?

...Wait...

What was the question?



:scratch:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Steeler on November 13, 2016, 05:06:13 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 13, 2016, 04:17:09 AM
Quote from: Steeler on November 13, 2016, 03:56:41 AM
Oh Mags. If you only knew how much I used to love getting baked. I miss it so much too. It must be the after 40 mortality realization or something that kicks in when I'm stoned now. Bad thoughts, running out of air kind of feeling. Oh shit am I gonna die stoned?
Maybe I just need to get stoned with a different crowd. Lol
:worried:
Huh...I don't know what you're talking about...

I've heard...stories...
...I've heard that sometimes it's like this:

To be, or not to be?

...Wait...

What was the question?



:scratch:

Yes. Lol.
One time long ago I....I mean somebody I knew, sat at a flashing red light in the middle of the night for who knows how long, waiting for it to turn green.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on November 13, 2016, 05:21:09 AM
Quote from: Steeler on November 13, 2016, 05:06:13 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 13, 2016, 04:17:09 AM
Quote from: Steeler on November 13, 2016, 03:56:41 AM
Oh Mags. If you only knew how much I used to love getting baked. I miss it so much too. It must be the after 40 mortality realization or something that kicks in when I'm stoned now. Bad thoughts, running out of air kind of feeling. Oh shit am I gonna die stoned?
Maybe I just need to get stoned with a different crowd. Lol
:worried:
Huh...I don't know what you're talking about...

I've heard...stories...
...I've heard that sometimes it's like this:

To be, or not to be?

...Wait...

What was the question?



:scratch:

Yes. Lol.
One time long ago I....I mean somebody I knew, sat at a flashing red light in the middle of the night for who knows how long, waiting for it to turn green.

:lol:
That was probably m......
...my friend, Maria. Yeah, that's it...that must have been my friend, last name Juana, first name Maria.

:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Essie Mae on November 13, 2016, 10:04:19 PM
Quote from: Recusant on November 13, 2016, 12:06:54 AM
I'm not arguing that cannabis is completely harmless. My point is that by keeping it criminalized, governments are helping support criminal organizations. They are also continuing to cause people--cannabis users--who have done no harm to anybody (except possibly some harm to themselves) to suffer by being branded as criminals. It's absurd, especially considering the fact that cannabis actually has medical uses aside from its recreational aspect. In that piece, Greenfield ignores or dismisses these things, and pushes a narrative based on evidence she herself admits is of questionable value. In my opinion, when all the relevant factors are weighed, there is no sensible case to be made for keeping cannabis illegal.

I don't think criminilisation is the answer either, just saying I wouldn't take any drug I didn't have to, and wouldn't want my family to either. When I was talking with some ex-uni friends about this, they said it brought out my inner Attila the Hun. I think in straying from straightforward reporting on her research to ill-thought out opinion, Greenfield diminishes all her work. I must say, I don't understand why cannabis can't be used medicinally for people who already have horrible conditions like MS when we use morphine with abandon in some cases.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on November 15, 2016, 10:43:27 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 12, 2016, 04:45:32 AM

Compañero Recusant, you've been on a roll with your posts, lately!

:grin:

Ah, thank you, Magdalena; just telling 'em like I see 'em, as always.  :)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on January 14, 2017, 02:24:13 AM
What this forum needs is more fucking "Kow Bell"!

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on January 14, 2017, 03:25:34 AM
Quote from: Father Bruno on January 14, 2017, 02:24:13 AM
What this forum needs is more fucking "Kow Bell"!


Yes!! Yes!!! Yes!!  :lol:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:22:23 PM
We haven't gotten an active new member in quite some time. :notsure:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on January 29, 2017, 10:23:44 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:22:23 PM
We haven't gotten an active new member in quite some time. :notsure:

Maybe it had something to do with those bots driving traffic away from our humble little website.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:27:10 PM
Quote from: Apathy on January 29, 2017, 10:23:44 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:22:23 PM
We haven't gotten an active new member in quite some time. :notsure:

Maybe it had something to do with those bots driving traffic away from our humble little website.

Could be. Hopefully now that our dear Asmo is going to get that fixed more people will join. :smilenod:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on January 29, 2017, 10:42:25 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:27:10 PM
Quote from: Apathy on January 29, 2017, 10:23:44 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:22:23 PM
We haven't gotten an active new member in quite some time. :notsure:

Maybe it had something to do with those bots driving traffic away from our humble little website.

Could be. Hopefully now that our dear Asmo is going to get that fixed more people will join. :smilenod:
One of us! One of us! One of us!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:54:08 PM
Quote from: Apathy on January 29, 2017, 10:42:25 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:27:10 PM
Quote from: Apathy on January 29, 2017, 10:23:44 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:22:23 PM
We haven't gotten an active new member in quite some time. :notsure:

Maybe it had something to do with those bots driving traffic away from our humble little website.

Could be. Hopefully now that our dear Asmo is going to get that fixed more people will join. :smilenod:
One of us! One of us! One of us!

:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on February 17, 2017, 01:42:48 PM
I think what this forum needs is a few more rednecks.

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on February 17, 2017, 05:01:01 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:22:23 PM
We haven't gotten an active new member in quite some time. :notsure:

Here are the current stats.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimagizer.imageshack.us%2Fv2%2Fxq90%2F923%2Fu9kBFS.jpg&hash=f6ec5ec13c8995b218c17258173f4f6d8797bf5d)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on February 17, 2017, 06:09:39 PM
There is a new member, "hebib-style", hasn't really said anything. Just signed up and never came back. I think people just sign up for the site once and leave as that is what I've observed.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on February 17, 2017, 11:34:23 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 17, 2017, 05:01:01 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 29, 2017, 10:22:23 PM
We haven't gotten an active new member in quite some time. :notsure:

Here are the current stats.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimagizer.imageshack.us%2Fv2%2Fxq90%2F923%2Fu9kBFS.jpg&hash=f6ec5ec13c8995b218c17258173f4f6d8797bf5d)

Ok, so there doesn't seem to be a significant drop or increase in the number of posts and topics for the same period last year. We have a lot more new members, but they don't seem to be particularly active.

Quote from: Arturo on February 17, 2017, 06:09:39 PM
There is a new member, "hebib-style", hasn't really said anything. Just signed up and never came back. I think people just sign up for the site once and leave as that is what I've observed.

Yeah, it happens. I remember when I signed up in 2010 (my god, has it been that long ago?!) I also signed up for a lot of other atheist forums as well but never returned.  :sadshake:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on February 18, 2017, 12:48:49 AM
I joined a few as well, however the wiggle room here is far superior to any other forum. This place can be woefully stagnant for extremely long periods, might be why the new comers tend to skedaddle without further ado.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on February 18, 2017, 08:05:00 AM
Quote from: No one on February 18, 2017, 12:48:49 AM
I joined a few as well, however the wiggle room here is far superior to any other forum. This place can be woefully stagnant for extremely long periods, might be why the new comers tend to skedaddle without further ado.

Hmm, a member from The Thinking Atheist joined a couple of months ago but did not last long. Think we were too tame for him - and he was one of the more moderate TTA members.

TTA has lots of members and a high volume of posting. It also has sone much more "contentious" threads, than HAF and a great deal more verbal aggression, even apparent hatred. And much, much more swearing.

The HAF memberdhip is mostly of the same mindset, arguments are usually mannered and about matters of detail. TTA has members from totally opposite political poles, very pro and very anti guns etc. They are usually fully united over sexual and racial prejudice however.

Think Humanism suffers a similar malaise to HAF, too well mannered for many argument seekers - thus a few long term members and a lot of lookers and drifters. But humanists tend to be less diverse in their mindsets than "ordinary" atheists - we have a, sort of, common "creed".

All suffer trolls, crestionalists and evangelists badly of course

So many people looking for verbally aggressive sites? Looking for a chance to voice their strong attitudes, rather than have a friendly chat?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on February 18, 2017, 08:59:28 AM
If you want to find idiot theists to argue with go to facebook.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on February 18, 2017, 09:27:50 AM
Quote from: Tank on February 18, 2017, 08:59:28 AM
If you want to find idiot theists to argue with go to facebook.

That's why I steer well clear of both Facebook and Twitter - although I am aware they can both be useful social and even scientific tools.

Apart from all the other crap attached to Facebook to keep their usage figures high - and thus fulfill their now prime objective, make more money.from ads.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dragonia on February 18, 2017, 11:48:03 AM
I am very happy here! But I did come from another forum where there was hatred being spewed, between regulars! There were a couple of instigators who actually tried to create angst and upset on a very regular basis, and they would twist anything you said out of your meaning, then attack you for not being more precise in your post. I was called names that I have never been called before. It got to be too much for me after I got in a fight defending someone else (new) who had been attacked for a very personal opinion.
I had had enough, and I said so, and haven't been back since.
Personally, I love the laid-back, friendly attitude around here, which is why I stayed! I guess I love tame.... in a forum.  8)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on February 18, 2017, 05:27:31 PM
From my experience in chat rooms, those with a large amount of regulars tend to argue a lot. And they tend to stay if the atmosphere is very peaceful at first. If it happens to go the other way some time later, then the new member ignores that and ends up a regular chatter.

I've only been to one small chat room but it was apart of a different website for anxiety. For a long time it was like HAF where we could have talks and not think anything about it. We even had a few romances going on but once a stubborn guy with no control over himself broke up with someone everything went down hill into taking sides and fights for months. I was even subject to personal attacks because I had it better than some people.

All in all is I'm saying that HAF has potential if any of this can be related to forums. Yeah the smaller chat had fights, but they all had anxiety which brings out aggression. I don't see that in anyone here.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on February 18, 2017, 08:28:41 PM
Quote from: Arturo on February 18, 2017, 05:27:31 PM
From my experience in chat rooms, those with a large amount of regulars tend to argue a lot. And they tend to stay if the atmosphere is very peaceful at first. If it happens to go the other way some time later, then the new member ignores that and ends up a regular chatter.

I've only been to one small chat room but it was apart of a different website for anxiety. For a long time it was like HAF where we could have talks and not think anything about it. We even had a few romances going on but once a stubborn guy with no control over himself broke up with someone everything went down hill into taking sides and fights for months. I was even subject to personal attacks because I had it better than some people.

All in all is I'm saying that HAF has potential if any of this can be related to forums. Yeah the smaller chat had fights, but they all had anxiety which brings out aggression. I don't see that in anyone here.
The thing  is with forums is survival. I've seen many implode. They implode mainly due to cliquism. We have avoided that in any significant form. It's why I joined as I'd put a lot of effort into other places only to see it flushed down the tube. That's why I detest the likes of Dredge who is just abusing the this place for his own pleasure.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on February 18, 2017, 08:32:26 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 18, 2017, 08:28:41 PM
Quote from: Arturo on February 18, 2017, 05:27:31 PM
From my experience in chat rooms, those with a large amount of regulars tend to argue a lot. And they tend to stay if the atmosphere is very peaceful at first. If it happens to go the other way some time later, then the new member ignores that and ends up a regular chatter.

I've only been to one small chat room but it was apart of a different website for anxiety. For a long time it was like HAF where we could have talks and not think anything about it. We even had a few romances going on but once a stubborn guy with no control over himself broke up with someone everything went down hill into taking sides and fights for months. I was even subject to personal attacks because I had it better than some people.

All in all is I'm saying that HAF has potential if any of this can be related to forums. Yeah the smaller chat had fights, but they all had anxiety which brings out aggression. I don't see that in anyone here.
The thing  is with forums is survival. I've seen many implode. They implode mainly due to cliquism. We have avoided that in any significant form. It's why I joined as I'd put a lot of effort into other places only to see it flushed down the tube. That's why I detest the likes of Dredge who is just abusing the this place for his own pleasure.

Well, I won't complain if you abuse Dredge all the way out of the forum!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on February 18, 2017, 08:37:10 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on February 18, 2017, 08:32:26 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 18, 2017, 08:28:41 PM
Quote from: Arturo on February 18, 2017, 05:27:31 PM
From my experience in chat rooms, those with a large amount of regulars tend to argue a lot. And they tend to stay if the atmosphere is very peaceful at first. If it happens to go the other way some time later, then the new member ignores that and ends up a regular chatter.

I've only been to one small chat room but it was apart of a different website for anxiety. For a long time it was like HAF where we could have talks and not think anything about it. We even had a few romances going on but once a stubborn guy with no control over himself broke up with someone everything went down hill into taking sides and fights for months. I was even subject to personal attacks because I had it better than some people.

All in all is I'm saying that HAF has potential if any of this can be related to forums. Yeah the smaller chat had fights, but they all had anxiety which brings out aggression. I don't see that in anyone here.
The thing  is with forums is survival. I've seen many implode. They implode mainly due to cliquism. We have avoided that in any significant form. It's why I joined as I'd put a lot of effort into other places only to see it flushed down the tube. That's why I detest the likes of Dredge who is just abusing the this place for his own pleasure.

Well, I won't complain if you abuse Dredge all the way out of the forum!
If you want him gone just ignore him. Cut off the air supply to his ego. As long as you keep giving him material to respond to he'll keep coming back.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on February 18, 2017, 09:03:25 PM
Or talk about him but not to him!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on February 18, 2017, 09:34:13 PM
Stooges lile dredge, they come and go
A Moe, Larry or Curly
is needed on every show.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on February 18, 2017, 09:37:18 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on February 18, 2017, 09:03:25 PM
Or talk about him but not to him!
Nope. That still gives him material to respond to. People like Dredge live for an audience, just don't give him one.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on February 18, 2017, 09:41:09 PM
Quote from: No one on February 18, 2017, 09:34:13 PM
Stooges lile dredge, they come and go
A Moe, Larry or Curly
is needed on every show.
Some truth in this.
But I was never keen on atheist forums that referred to theists as 'chew toys'.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on February 18, 2017, 09:44:09 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 18, 2017, 09:37:18 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on February 18, 2017, 09:03:25 PM
Or talk about him but not to him!
Nope. That still gives him material to respond to. People like Dredge live for an audience, just don't give him one.

True.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Firebird on February 18, 2017, 10:19:02 PM
Honestly, I enjoy seeing how people point out Dredge's dumbfuckery to him, even if he doesn't listen. I even learn a thing or two along the way. But maybe I'm just masochistic.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on February 18, 2017, 10:30:38 PM
Quote from: Firebird on February 18, 2017, 10:19:02 PM
Honestly, I enjoy seeing how people point out Dredge's dumbfuckery to him, even if he doesn't listen. I even learn a thing or two along the way. But maybe I'm just masochistic.
Demonstrating the abject stupidity of his ideas to lurkers is the silver lining of members like Dredge.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on February 19, 2017, 02:02:05 AM
There was something I read last night called "mystic psychosis". I think it describes Dredge perfectly but I will let you decide.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystical_psychosis
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on February 19, 2017, 03:42:13 AM
Quote from: Arturo on February 19, 2017, 02:02:05 AM
There was something I read last night called "mystic psychosis". I think it describes Dredge perfectly but I will let you decide.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystical_psychosis

Um...I'm not the smartest one here, please remember that.... OK? :notsure:
OK?
...but I don't think we should be making a "diagnosis" without a license.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on February 19, 2017, 08:30:50 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on February 19, 2017, 03:42:13 AM
Quote from: Arturo on February 19, 2017, 02:02:05 AM
There was something I read last night called "mystic psychosis". I think it describes Dredge perfectly but I will let you decide.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystical_psychosis

Um...I'm not the smartest one here, please remember that.... OK? :notsure:
OK?
...but I don't think we should be making a "diagnosis" without a license.

I guess you're right. I just wanted people here to know this guy is still human.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on February 19, 2017, 09:21:30 AM
Idiots make up roughly 98.99786545% of the human tribe.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on February 19, 2017, 01:17:38 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on February 19, 2017, 03:42:13 AM
Quote from: Arturo on February 19, 2017, 02:02:05 AM
There was something I read last night called "mystic psychosis". I think it describes Dredge perfectly but I will let you decide.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystical_psychosis

Um...I'm not the smartest one here, please remember that.... OK? :notsure:
OK?
...but I don't think we should be making a "diagnosis" without a license.

I think that's a very smart thought, Mags! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on February 19, 2017, 01:19:06 PM
Quote from: No one on February 19, 2017, 09:21:30 AM
Idiots make up roughly 98.99786545% of the human tribe.

Hmm...and here I was thinking it was a rounded 99%. :notsure:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on February 19, 2017, 02:10:42 PM
I think this is a great forum, and easy to moderate too because it requires almost no intervention besides ridding the place of people who register in order to spam. Conflicts are rare between regulars and even so they hardly ever escalate to the point when someone has to start issuing out warnings.

A typical "argument" might look something like: 

(https://media.giphy.com/media/l3q2EEI2fUXSAZF8k/giphy.gif)

:hammock:



Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on February 20, 2017, 02:47:36 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on February 19, 2017, 02:10:42 PM
I think this is a great forum, and easy to moderate too because it requires almost no intervention besides ridding the place of people who register in order to spam. Conflicts are rare between regulars and even so they hardly ever escalate to the point when someone has to start issuing out warnings.

A typical "argument" might look something like: 

(https://media.giphy.com/media/l3q2EEI2fUXSAZF8k/giphy.gif)

:hammock:

:lol:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on February 24, 2017, 09:15:32 PM
I just remembered that the homepage of the forum is the mission statement. This is just a wild guess here but maybe the site doesn't get many new members because that page is a deterrent in some way. As either people don't see the link to the forum or maybe people don't have the patience to go through the extra page to make a profile.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on February 24, 2017, 10:20:55 PM
Quote from: Arturo on February 24, 2017, 09:15:32 PM
I just remembered that the homepage of the forum is the mission statement. This is just a wild guess here but maybe the site doesn't get many new members because that page is a deterrent in some way. As either people don't see the link to the forum or maybe people don't have the patience to go through the extra page to make a profile.

Yes, that page needs updating, certainly. There is a security problem with it that will eventually be dealt with (it's not a problem for people that visit the page, rather a problem with a vulnerability that's being exploited to create spam pages using the domain name) and once that's done, one idea for it would be to have a "Latest Posts" area on it to show ongoing discussions.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on February 25, 2017, 07:00:17 AM
Quote from: Recusant on February 24, 2017, 10:20:55 PM
Quote from: Arturo on February 24, 2017, 09:15:32 PM
I just remembered that the homepage of the forum is the mission statement. This is just a wild guess here but maybe the site doesn't get many new members because that page is a deterrent in some way. As either people don't see the link to the forum or maybe people don't have the patience to go through the extra page to make a profile.

Yes, that page needs updating, certainly. There is a security problem with it that will eventually be dealt with (it's not a problem for people that visit the page, rather a problem with a vulnerability that's being exploited to create spam pages using the domain name) and once that's done, one idea for it would be to have a "Latest Posts" area on it to show ongoing discussions.
Looks like a good plan, Recusant.

Unless one is entirely new to forums of the theism/sthrism type the basic "mission" is predictable and rules sre similar. Personally I don't bother with looking at them first, I take the "tone" of the forum from the actual posts - whether or not I have to join to get access. Getting "read only" access without actually joining is a bonus.

When I had a personal website I advertised the forums that I was on with a feed from a selection of the threads, indicating the breadth of matters covered,  as a tempter.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on February 25, 2017, 08:22:16 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on February 25, 2017, 07:00:17 AM
Quote from: Recusant on February 24, 2017, 10:20:55 PM
Quote from: Arturo on February 24, 2017, 09:15:32 PM
I just remembered that the homepage of the forum is the mission statement. This is just a wild guess here but maybe the site doesn't get many new members because that page is a deterrent in some way. As either people don't see the link to the forum or maybe people don't have the patience to go through the extra page to make a profile.

Yes, that page needs updating, certainly. There is a security problem with it that will eventually be dealt with (it's not a problem for people that visit the page, rather a problem with a vulnerability that's being exploited to create spam pages using the domain name) and once that's done, one idea for it would be to have a "Latest Posts" area on it to show ongoing discussions.
Looks like a good plan, Recusant.

Unless one is entirely new to forums of the theism/sthrism type the basic "mission" is predictable and rules sre similar. Personally I don't bother with looking at them first, I take the "tone" of the forum from the actual posts - whether or not I have to join to get access. Getting "read only" access without actually joining is a bonus.

When I had a personal website I advertised the forums that I was on with a feed from a selection of the threads, indicating the breadth of matters covered,  as a tempter.

That' all well and good and thanks for the input, and please continue to keep up the good work here Recusant, butt I think what this forum needs is more members who walk into fountains while posting.

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on February 26, 2017, 05:16:18 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on February 25, 2017, 08:22:16 PM

That' all well and good and thanks for the input, and please continue to keep up the good work here Recusant, butt I think what this forum needs is more members who walk into fountains while posting.



Texting - the new drunk driving/walking.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on March 22, 2017, 03:12:27 PM
Just checking to make sure posts work. Don't mind this.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on March 28, 2017, 08:41:09 PM
What this place needs is more Franken-Hookers.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FUCaIE5x.gif&hash=c217b70103c3a6b9abc745bbc7a9391aee852348)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Pasta Chick on March 29, 2017, 12:58:00 AM
I disagree. Zombie strippers are where it's at.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/3ornkcsOMlNCDfkptC/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 29, 2017, 07:14:56 AM
If we want more people to join the forum, we need to learn to do some of this shit right here.

We should give Tank one of those powerful weapons.  :notsure:
He could spread atheism at a much faster rate.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on March 29, 2017, 08:18:46 AM
We are far, far too nice and civilised for many atheists-with-attitude!

I advise taking a look at the comparitively well populated "The Thinking Atheist" forum. There verbal violence, swearing, personal insult between members etc is commonplace. That, added to a scoring scheme involving "likes" and "reps", seems to be successful in recruiting.

But, unless you have the right genes for that atmosphere it palls and, perhaps, apalls.

But, for many who enjoy, er, vigorous discussion it seems to work.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: OldGit on March 29, 2017, 09:40:26 AM
I agree, Glos; I gave up that place a long time ago.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on March 29, 2017, 10:57:46 AM
I don't know many athiests but I was concerned with verbal assault when I came here for reasons. Reasons being I've heard of athiests being...opportunists in attacking one's weak spot(s). For obvious reasons I stayed. Mags especially gave me a warm welcome and I appreciate all of you. Our community is good the way it is. We don't need those other people who come to just troll do we? We have the best athiests right here already. Let's kick it up a notch, BAM! You are all enjoyable for certain reasons. You get along and have good discussion and bring something unique to the table. You're all independently cool and I enjoy your company. Look at how long the forum has lasted! You guys make the athiest happy at the happy athiest forum.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on March 29, 2017, 12:38:13 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 29, 2017, 07:14:56 AM
If we want more people to join the forum, we need to learn to do some of this shit right here.

We should give Tank one of those powerful weapons.  :notsure:
He could spread atheism at a much faster rate.
Possibly. But I have found a 120mm APFSDS round spreads pretty much anything everywhere  ;D
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on March 29, 2017, 11:01:48 PM
 :cheers: Arturo
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 30, 2017, 12:36:52 AM
Quote from: Arturo on March 29, 2017, 10:57:46 AM
I don't know many athiests but I was concerned with verbal assault when I came here for reasons. Reasons being I've heard of athiests being...opportunists in attacking one's weak spot(s). For obvious reasons I stayed. Mags especially gave me a warm welcome and I appreciate all of you. Our community is good the way it is. We don't need those other people who come to just troll do we? We have the best athiests right here already. Let's kick it up a notch, BAM! You are all enjoyable for certain reasons. You get along and have good discussion and bring something unique to the table. You're all independently cool and I enjoy your company. Look at how long the forum has lasted! You guys make the athiest happy at the happy athiest forum.
Awwww...Arturo... :hug:
I'm glad you stayed.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on March 30, 2017, 03:17:08 AM
I'm speaking from personal experience but, large internet communities tend to be on the chaotic evil side while small ones are more bearable and more pleasant. The last thing we need is some edge lords trying to debate without any actual peace of mind.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 06:51:03 AM
Quote from: Tank on March 29, 2017, 12:38:13 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 29, 2017, 07:14:56 AM
If we want more people to join the forum, we need to learn to do some of this shit right here.

We should give Tank one of those powerful weapons.  :notsure:
He could spread atheism at a much faster rate.
Possibly. But I have found a 120mm APFSDS round spreads pretty much anything everywhere  ;D
I don't know what that is.
Sounds powerful!
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 06:52:39 AM
...Speaking of powerful, where's THE Asmo?  :(
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on March 31, 2017, 02:00:23 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 06:52:39 AM
...Speaking of powerful, where's THE Asmo?  :(

The what?



Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on March 31, 2017, 05:25:23 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on March 31, 2017, 02:00:23 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 06:52:39 AM
...Speaking of powerful, where's THE Asmo?  :(

The what?

Blimey, has The Asmo been AWOL that long?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: OldGit on March 31, 2017, 06:21:14 PM
O Grey One, I humbly beseech thee to return unto these thy humble admirers.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 08:19:46 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on March 31, 2017, 02:00:23 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 06:52:39 AM
...Speaking of powerful, where's THE Asmo?  :(

The what?

El Asmojito, Father Bruno, El Asmojito.
Ooh, that reminds me, today is Friday, I should have one of those esta noche.  :grin:

Edit: Fixed grammar.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on March 31, 2017, 09:50:32 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 08:19:46 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on March 31, 2017, 02:00:23 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 06:52:39 AM
...Speaking of powerful, where's THE Asmo?  :(

The what?

El Asmojito, Father Bruno, El Asmojito.
Ooh, that reminds me, today is Friday, I should have one of those esta noche.  :grin:

Edit: Fixed grammar.

Name doesn't ring a bell "Madre Superiora Magdalena"...however. If you will be enjoying mojitos later this evening, please, please, please come back to the forum tonight and post some stuff. 8)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 09:59:54 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on March 31, 2017, 09:50:32 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 08:19:46 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on March 31, 2017, 02:00:23 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 31, 2017, 06:52:39 AM
...Speaking of powerful, where's THE Asmo?  :(

The what?

El Asmojito, Father Bruno, El Asmojito.
Ooh, that reminds me, today is Friday, I should have one of those esta noche.  :grin:

Edit: Fixed grammar.

Name doesn't ring a bell "Madre Superiora Magdalena"...however. If you will be enjoying mojitos later this evening, please, please, please come back to the forum tonight and post some stuff. 8)

I don't know if I should do that, the rules say that I shouldn't do that.  :notsure: ~And Tank's banning hammer is huge and powerful. Besides, I end up speaking like this:  :-\


One more thing...
"Madre Superiora Magdalena"
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on April 01, 2017, 02:52:32 AM
Mags,

So when you say enough of the sister stuff, how serious are you really?

We talking physical violence or what?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on April 01, 2017, 03:43:02 AM
Quote from: Father Bruno on April 01, 2017, 02:52:32 AM
Mags,

So when you say enough of the sister stuff, how serious are you really?

We talking physical violence or what?

No. No physical violence, well, if it's necessary...I'm in.

Mags, do not post when you're drunk...
Mags, remember, do not post when your'e drunk.
Mags, Please, watch your grammar.

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on April 01, 2017, 05:24:51 AM
OK. I think I am officially drunk. Well, as long as I can sp\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ I can spell correctly I can spell correctly, I am not drunkl. So. I am glad i did not post what I want ed to post earlier. I woul'd have ;made a food of myselft. so, i will send Father Bruno a PM. I will wait for her response. heree wer go..
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on April 01, 2017, 08:50:48 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on April 01, 2017, 05:24:51 AM
OK. I think I am officially drunk. Well, as long as I can sp\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ I can spell correctly I can spell correctly, I am not drunkl. So. I am glad i did not post what I want ed to post earlier. I woul'd have ;made a food of myselft. so, i will send Father Bruno a PM. I will wait for her response. heree wer go..

When did i become a her....and is your spell check drunk as well?

Lightweight...I never met anyone from El Salvador who could hold their liquor.

Thanks for the PM Mags, very interesting. I should share it with the forum, butt since I'm a gentleman ape I won't. 8)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on April 01, 2017, 09:19:43 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on April 01, 2017, 08:50:48 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on April 01, 2017, 05:24:51 AM
OK. I think I am officially drunk. Well, as long as I can sp\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ I can spell correctly I can spell correctly, I am not drunkl. So. I am glad i did not post what I want ed to post earlier. I woul'd have ;made a food of myselft. so, i will send Father Bruno a PM. I will wait for her response. heree wer go..

When did i become a her....and is your spell check drunk as well?

Lightweight...I never met anyone from El Salvador who could hold their liquor.

Thanks for the PM Mags, very interesting. I should share it with the forum, butt since I'm a gentleman ape I won't. 8)
Oh, boy.
:picard facepalm:

How much money is the Vatican asking for?
How much money do you guys want to keep that PM a secret? Forever.  :worried:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 01, 2017, 11:10:29 PM
Heh, is it worse to leave the contents of Mag's PM to Bruno up to people's imaginations? :P
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on April 01, 2017, 11:44:58 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 01, 2017, 11:10:29 PM
Heh, is it worse to leave the contents of Mag's PM to Bruno up to people's imaginations? :P
Leave the contents of Mag's PM to Bruno up to people's imaginations!
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FOfYGY.gif&hash=df14375826b273bb0499abfdfff7372ab327402b)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 01, 2017, 11:48:05 PM
:lol:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on April 02, 2017, 04:02:39 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on April 01, 2017, 11:44:58 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 01, 2017, 11:10:29 PM
Heh, is it worse to leave the contents of Mag's PM to Bruno up to people's imaginations? :P
Leave the contents of Mag's PM to Bruno up to people's imaginations!
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FOfYGY.gif&hash=df14375826b273bb0499abfdfff7372ab327402b)

Unfortunately the The Church of the Divine Atheist treats PM's under the Seal of Confession (or Seal of the Confessional), and it is the absolute duty of priests not to disclose anything that they learn from penitents during the course of the Sacrament of Confessing the shit they do or say. 8)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on April 02, 2017, 09:50:16 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on April 02, 2017, 04:02:39 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on April 01, 2017, 11:44:58 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 01, 2017, 11:10:29 PM
Heh, is it worse to leave the contents of Mag's PM to Bruno up to people's imaginations? :P
Leave the contents of Mag's PM to Bruno up to people's imaginations!
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FOfYGY.gif&hash=df14375826b273bb0499abfdfff7372ab327402b)

Unfortunately the The Church of the Divine Atheist treats PM's under the Seal of Confession (or Seal of the Confessional), and it is the absolute duty of priests not to disclose anything that they learn from penitents during the course of the Sacrament of Confessing the shit they do or say. 8)
(https://media.tenor.co/images/8562f85c31d721491a06158a5634b55f/raw)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on May 30, 2017, 06:03:19 PM
What this forum needs is more Salma Hayek.

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on May 30, 2017, 06:20:09 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 30, 2017, 06:03:19 PM
What this forum needs is more Salma Hayek.



Now, now, just you watch out for your blood pressure, FB!

Or is it those monkey glands?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on May 30, 2017, 08:20:09 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on May 30, 2017, 06:20:09 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 30, 2017, 06:03:19 PM
What this forum needs is more Salma Hayek.



Now, now, just you watch out for your blood pressure, FB!

Or is it those monkey glands?

Thanks for the concern Ole Boy, but this monkey can handle it... 8)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on June 05, 2017, 03:32:37 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 30, 2017, 06:03:19 PM
What this forum needs is more Salma Hayek.



...and more Helen Mirren!

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on June 05, 2017, 04:23:23 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on June 05, 2017, 03:32:37 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on May 30, 2017, 06:03:19 PM
What this forum needs is more Salma Hayek.



...and more Helen Mirren!



Yes! YES! YES!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 06, 2017, 06:21:23 AM
^^^
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F68.media.tumblr.com%2F28f9e7234cd7c70e66dede6607164ea4%2Ftumblr_inline_n8k3c8CJU91rl7g06.gif&hash=1973e8325bf025c689940b128e8b7543e025b13d)

Maybe we need people to introduce themselves this way when they join the forum:  :notsure:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on June 06, 2017, 06:48:59 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 06, 2017, 06:21:23 AM


Maybe they should do that....where there aren't straight males.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on June 06, 2017, 07:00:13 AM
Do the girls have to do the whole thing as well?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 06, 2017, 07:13:38 AM
Quote from: Gloucester on June 06, 2017, 07:00:13 AM
Do the girls have to do the whole thing as well?
No, only the men.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 06, 2017, 07:16:23 AM
Quote from: Arturo on June 06, 2017, 06:48:59 AM
Maybe they should do that....where there aren't straight males.
:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on July 12, 2017, 05:07:06 PM
WHAT THIS PLACE NEEDS IS MORE SURFERS! :-*

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 07:38:28 AM
OK...maybe this place needs more country music.  :notsure:

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on July 29, 2017, 08:45:01 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 07:38:28 AM
OK...maybe this place needs more country music.  :notsure:


NOOOOO!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on July 29, 2017, 09:49:51 AM
Speaking of country music, with self driving cars becoming more and more prevalent, it's only a matter of time before the truck leaves too.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on July 29, 2017, 09:55:47 AM
Quote from: No one on July 29, 2017, 09:49:51 AM
Speaking of country music, with self driving cars becoming more and more prevalent, it's only a matter of time before the truck leaves too.

:rofl:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on July 29, 2017, 05:21:47 PM
Self driving illegal immigrants.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: Arturo on July 29, 2017, 05:21:47 PM
Self driving illegal immigrants.
Arturo!  :foottap:
We are undocumented immigrants not illegal immigrants. No human being is "illegal."
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 06:37:24 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on July 29, 2017, 08:45:01 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 07:38:28 AM
OK...maybe this place needs more country music.  :notsure:


NOOOOO!
:lol:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on July 29, 2017, 07:30:54 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: Arturo on July 29, 2017, 05:21:47 PM
Self driving illegal immigrants.
Arturo!  :foottap:
We are undocumented immigrants not illegal immigrants. No human being is "illegal."

Oh no....they can speak :panic:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 10:30:11 PM
Quote from: Arturo on July 29, 2017, 07:30:54 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: Arturo on July 29, 2017, 05:21:47 PM
Self driving illegal immigrants.
Arturo!  :foottap:
We are undocumented immigrants not illegal immigrants. No human being is "illegal."

Oh no....they can speak :panic:
:lol:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on July 29, 2017, 10:50:49 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: Arturo on July 29, 2017, 05:21:47 PM
Self driving illegal immigrants.
Arturo!  :foottap:
We are undocumented immigrants not illegal immigrants. No human being is "illegal."

You aren't undocumented.  I've seen your photo in the Post Office. 
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tom62 on July 30, 2017, 06:55:09 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on July 29, 2017, 10:50:49 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: Arturo on July 29, 2017, 05:21:47 PM
Self driving illegal immigrants.
Arturo!  :foottap:
We are undocumented immigrants not illegal immigrants. No human being is "illegal."

You aren't undocumented.  I've seen your photo in the Post Office.

They are immigrants, who crossed the border illegally, because the didn't have documents with them to identify themselves.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Sandra Craft on July 30, 2017, 07:19:30 AM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 30, 2017, 06:55:09 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on July 29, 2017, 10:50:49 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: Arturo on July 29, 2017, 05:21:47 PM
Self driving illegal immigrants.
Arturo!  :foottap:
We are undocumented immigrants not illegal immigrants. No human being is "illegal."

You aren't undocumented.  I've seen your photo in the Post Office.

They are immigrants, who crossed the border illegally, because the didn't have documents with them to identify themselves.

Personally, I go with undocumented workers because, whether their stay is permanent or temporary, a big chunk of CA economy depends on them (esp. as field workers because Mexican workers are literally the only people willing to do that thankless job).  But in an effort to be fair, I acknowledge that those using "illegal immigrant" are saying that it's the immigration that's illegal, not the immigrant's humanity.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on July 30, 2017, 08:04:14 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on July 30, 2017, 07:19:30 AM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 30, 2017, 06:55:09 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on July 29, 2017, 10:50:49 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: Arturo on July 29, 2017, 05:21:47 PM
Self driving illegal immigrants.
Arturo!  :foottap:
We are undocumented immigrants not illegal immigrants. No human being is "illegal."

You aren't undocumented.  I've seen your photo in the Post Office.

They are immigrants, who crossed the border illegally, because the didn't have documents with them to identify themselves.

Personally, I go with undocumented workers because, whether their stay is permanent or temporary, a big chunk of CA economy depends on them (esp. as field workers because Mexican workers are literally the only people willing to do that thankless job).  But in an effort to be fair, I acknowledge that those using "illegal immigrant" are saying that it's the immigration that's illegal, not the immigrant's humanity.

Their legal status is ill?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on July 30, 2017, 11:32:56 AM
 :jaded rimshot:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on July 30, 2017, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on July 29, 2017, 10:50:49 PM
You aren't undocumented.  I've seen your photo in the Post Office.
Are you talking about that old FBI's Most Wanted Mugshot that they have of me with the fingerprints and everything?  >:(
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on August 05, 2017, 05:24:20 PM
I think Magdalena should be the mascot for Happy Athiest Forum for obvious reasons.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 06, 2017, 03:23:52 AM
Quote from: Arturo on August 05, 2017, 05:24:20 PM
I think Magdalena should be the mascot for Happy Athiest Forum for obvious reasons.
Urban Dictionary
mascot: A mascot is a teammate who is utterly useless, and is just around as fodder or moral support.

Urban Dictionary
fodder: One who's sole existence is to absorb projectiles.



(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rofkX14qGUA%2FUB04M3NJ2wI%2FAAAAAAAACEk%2Fw-BDMoI7sFU%2Fs280%2Fkanye-west-laugh.gif&hash=6c6a049de9aa4a4f82d415e35d269c45adda13ab)
No, thank you. >:(
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on August 06, 2017, 03:48:24 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on August 06, 2017, 03:23:52 AM
Quote from: Arturo on August 05, 2017, 05:24:20 PM
I think Magdalena should be the mascot for Happy Athiest Forum for obvious reasons.
Urban Dictionary
mascot: A mascot is a teammate who is utterly useless, and is just around as fodder or moral support.

Urban Dictionary
fodder: One who's sole existence is to absorb projectiles.



(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rofkX14qGUA%2FUB04M3NJ2wI%2FAAAAAAAACEk%2Fw-BDMoI7sFU%2Fs280%2Fkanye-west-laugh.gif&hash=6c6a049de9aa4a4f82d415e35d269c45adda13ab)
No, thank you. >:(

That's not what a mascot is! A mascot is like the leprechaun on the lucky charms box or a guy dressed as a sports team's animal. Nobody is going to be hurling things at you.

Why did you even look at urban dictionary for that lol
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 06, 2017, 04:20:02 AM
Quote from: Arturo on August 06, 2017, 03:48:24 AM
Nobody is going to be hurling things at you.
Oh...I don't know, I'm sure some people would love to do that.  :lol:
Mags, goddammit! Stop posting so many GIF's!
(https://media.giphy.com/media/9zee4FbNoYUus/giphy.gif)

Quote from: Arturo on August 06, 2017, 03:48:24 AM
Why did you even look at urban dictionary for that lol
It's what "cool" people read.  :fingertap:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on August 06, 2017, 05:11:44 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on August 06, 2017, 04:20:02 AM
Quote from: Arturo on August 06, 2017, 03:48:24 AM
Nobody is going to be hurling things at you.
Oh...I don't know, I'm sure some people would love to do that.  :lol:
Mags, goddammit! Stop posting so many GIF's!
(https://media.giphy.com/media/9zee4FbNoYUus/giphy.gif)

Quote from: Arturo on August 06, 2017, 03:48:24 AM
Why did you even look at urban dictionary for that lol
It's what "cool" people read.  :fingertap:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frs34.pbsrc.com%2Falbums%2Fd109%2Fgotanksdude5331%2Fsonictappinghisfoot.gif%7Ec200&hash=21467b78f87c1f46608bfe1b141abd07c5f0c9ce)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Essie Mae on August 06, 2017, 09:07:26 AM
Quote from: Gloucester on July 29, 2017, 08:45:01 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 07:38:28 AM
OK...maybe this place needs more country music.  :notsure:


NOOOOO!

I just heard it and I like it.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 06, 2017, 10:20:31 PM
Quote from: Essie Mae on August 06, 2017, 09:07:26 AM
Quote from: Gloucester on July 29, 2017, 08:45:01 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 29, 2017, 07:38:28 AM
OK...maybe this place needs more country music.  :notsure:


NOOOOO!

I just heard it and I like it.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reactiongifs.com%2Fr%2F2013%2F11%2FTHANK-YOU-ONE-PERSON.gif&hash=1e0acb74b0007b2d4bc1b99ff2c7ddd0f1e51961)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 07, 2017, 02:54:26 AM
^^^
If I created a temple for Dionysus--bless his plump Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, I'm sure Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton would be one of our favorite "church songs."  :dance1:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on August 07, 2017, 03:01:33 AM
Would Hymn UB40 resonate through the hallowed halls as well?
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on August 07, 2017, 03:41:25 AM
Quote from: No one on August 07, 2017, 03:01:33 AM
Would Hymn UB40 resonate through the hallowed halls as well?
Would this amuse Dionysus?:eyebrow:--bless his plump Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Arturo on August 07, 2017, 06:08:47 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on August 07, 2017, 03:41:25 AM
Quote from: No one on August 07, 2017, 03:01:33 AM
Would Hymn UB40 resonate through the hallowed halls as well?
Would this amuse Dionysus?:eyebrow:--bless his plump Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Idk who this dinosaur is but all I can imagine is someone squeezing his grapes until they burst. Ouch!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on September 16, 2017, 10:33:44 PM
What this place needs is more "Gorilla Butt Smacking"!

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on September 17, 2017, 03:20:54 AM
Quote from: Father Bruno on September 16, 2017, 10:33:44 PM
What this place needs is more "Gorilla Butt Smacking"!


O.K...
I just gave,  Harmonie, the, Post of the Day Award.
I wish I would've seen this one before that one.  :notsure:
Can I give the award twice?  :chin:
I don't see why not. :shrug:

"Gorilla Butt Smacking"
:postoday:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on September 17, 2017, 08:48:50 AM
And, because they seem to have a great sense of fun, can we recruit some of these guys?

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on October 05, 2017, 09:41:09 PM
What this place needs is more fake nuns!




Fixed!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on October 05, 2017, 09:49:33 PM
^
That don't work for me FrB. All I get is the Yt logo.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on October 05, 2017, 10:39:45 PM
I'm not going to edit Father Bruno's post to make it more accessible, but he certainly can. What you have to do is hit the quote button then copy the address of the video in the post, then strip off everything after FhaiP2tDdJo (quasi-pun intended). Then you have to log in to YouTube to confirm you're 'old enough' to view the video. Which gives you a clue. It's risque but that's all.  :grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on October 06, 2017, 07:46:15 AM
Quote from: Recusant on October 05, 2017, 10:39:45 PM
I'm not going to edit Father Bruno's post to make it more accessible, but he certainly can. What you have to do is hit the quote button then copy the address of the video in the post, then strip off everything after FhaiP2tDdJo (quasi-pun intended). Then you have to log in to YouTube to confirm you're 'old enough' to view the video. Which gives you a clue. It's risque but that's all.  :grin:

But, on my screen, FhaiP2tDdJo is the last part, nothing "after" it ti strip!

Ah! But, going to Youtube and putting FhaiP2tDdJo in as a search string does work!  :grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on October 06, 2017, 06:49:15 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on October 05, 2017, 09:41:09 PM
What this place needs is more fake nuns!




Fixed!

I fixed this...we need more fake nuns!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on October 06, 2017, 09:30:32 PM
Thank you for fixing it, Father.
The video doesn't say anything about it being, "fake."  :smileshake:
I did not know nuns were into smoking, drinking and leather. 
Very informative video. :shifty:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on November 14, 2017, 02:51:22 AM
What this forum needs is more primates! 8),...and the god damn YouTube button >:(

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6m-XlOxjbk
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean Prime on November 14, 2017, 09:18:32 AM
It can do better than a button now.  :smilenod:

Just paste your YT links.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on November 14, 2017, 07:51:34 PM
I noticed that there are shiny new buttons!  8)

*Laughs like a manic child while clicking all of them* :badger:

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 02, 2018, 07:40:45 PM
Tell me, P. Bruno...
What do you think this forum needs to survive?

Step one: Get rid of Mags.

Step two: ...

Step three:...

Help me, Bruno.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Sandra Craft on March 02, 2018, 09:58:29 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 02, 2018, 07:40:45 PM
Tell me, P. Bruno...
What do you think this forum needs to survive?

Step one: Get rid of Mags.

Step two: ...

Step three:...

Help me, Bruno.

Step two:  get Mags back

Step three:  give her champagne and brownies
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Recusant on March 02, 2018, 10:03:38 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 02, 2018, 09:58:29 PM
Step two:  get Mags back

Step three:  give her champagne and brownies

:postoday:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 02, 2018, 10:10:31 PM
Quote from: Recusant on March 02, 2018, 10:03:38 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 02, 2018, 09:58:29 PM
Step two:  get Mags back

Step three:  give her champagne and brownies

:postoday:
You are beautiful!  :hug: :love:
Both of you...Most of you.


Awwww...
I wanted to give her that!  :sadcheer:

Have another one.
:postoday:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on March 02, 2018, 11:31:20 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 02, 2018, 07:40:45 PM
Tell me, P. Bruno...
What do you think this forum needs to survive?

Step one: Get rid of Mags.

Step two: ...

Step three:...

Help me, Bruno.

Miss Mags...what this forum needs is wonderful and caring members like you. You're the best and easily the most loved member here...so please no talk about leaving us okay?

If you did leave who would I tease?

I mean I changed my name to Papasito for you cuz' I know how much you like it.

(https://i.imgur.com/L7elGrh.jpg)

Be good, your friend Bruno.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 03, 2018, 12:10:47 AM
Quote from: Papasito Bruno on March 02, 2018, 11:31:20 PM
Miss Mags...what this forum needs is wonderful and caring members like you. You're the best and easily the most loved member here...so please no talk about leaving us okay?

If you did leave who would I tease?

I mean I changed my name to Papasito for you cuz' I know how much you like it.

(https://i.imgur.com/L7elGrh.jpg)
Oh...My...Asmo...
That's so beautiful.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2Fd2lcHJTG5Tscg%2Fgiphy.gif&hash=dfdd15c0eef4a308a6796663418def8f651c0d3a)


Quote from: Papasito Bruno on March 02, 2018, 11:31:20 PM
Be good, your friend Bruno.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/wYyTHMm50f4Dm/200w.webp)
I can't promise you that I can do that. But I will try.

:grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Sandra Craft on March 03, 2018, 12:24:18 AM
I'm welling up, seriously.   :hug2:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Bluenose on March 03, 2018, 09:09:33 AM
Mags, if you did leave, we would just have to get a posse together to go and bring you back.  You are much admired here.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 03, 2018, 09:24:01 AM
Quote from: Bluenose on March 03, 2018, 09:09:33 AM
Mags, if you did leave, we would just have to get a posse together to go and bring you back.  You are much admired here.
Awwwww...Bluenose, what a nice thing to say.  :hug:
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/be/36/3b/be363b0b73201af6cc23e6b855b13324.jpg)

I remember when you came here....Many years ago...you said something like. " Hey, I'm from Australia and I like wine!"  :grin:
I thought, "Hello!, wine lover."

:cheersfortwo:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on March 03, 2018, 01:51:01 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 02, 2018, 09:58:29 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 02, 2018, 07:40:45 PM
Tell me, P. Bruno...
What do you think this forum needs to survive?

Step one: Get rid of Mags.

Step two: ...

Step three:...

Help me, Bruno.

Step two:  get Mags back

Step three:  give her champagne and brownies

THIS!

Sorry, was that too loud?  :tapemouth:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dragonia on March 03, 2018, 02:29:49 PM
We love you Magdalena,  this forum needs YOU. For real. You are kind, you are funny, you have the best gifs, you get feisty when necessary, you stand up for what you believe in, you are a good mama and a good person and we love you. You belong here, no matter who else comes along. This is your spot.  :hug2:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 03, 2018, 05:17:31 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on March 03, 2018, 01:51:01 PM
THIS!

Sorry, was that too loud?  :tapemouth:

Quote from: Dragonia on March 03, 2018, 02:29:49 PM
We love you Magdalena,  this forum needs YOU. For real. You are kind, you are funny, you have the best gifs, you get feisty when necessary, you stand up for what you believe in, you are a good mama and a good person and we love you. You belong here, no matter who else comes along. This is your spot.  :hug2:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1009.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf215%2Fbowierocks%2Fgroup%2520hug%2520smiley%2520%2520ani_bmp_zpsu0rlvt3b.gif&hash=af88cb1bdbfa0bc4cdee23859eb573579155c422)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Icarus on March 04, 2018, 01:23:11 AM
I want to be included in the group hug 'cause I'm  BIG Mags fan too. 
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: hermes2015 on March 04, 2018, 03:33:42 AM
Mags,

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 04, 2018, 05:21:35 AM
^^^
You guys....
(https://media.giphy.com/media/wlMTiVZc9j2Mw/giphy.gif)
Stop it.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Bluenose on March 04, 2018, 12:15:34 PM
OK Mags, we'll stop it if you stop talking about leaving us.  We just couldn't stand it!

Oh, and...

Quote from: Magdalena on March 03, 2018, 09:24:01 AM
I remember when you came here....Many years ago...you said something like. " Hey, I'm from Australia and I like wine!"  :grin:
I thought, "Hello!, wine lover."

:cheersfortwo:

Yup, I like wine, and gin and a good malt, I quite like bourbon and beer, don't mind a port now and then, or Stone's Green Ginger Wine on the rocks!  A Bloody Mary is nice (if made properly) and I've even been known to partake of the odd brandy Alexander.  And I like a certain member of HAF, known for entertaining and appropriate GIFs, as well as being a good mum!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 05, 2018, 04:25:53 AM
This place just needs more hippie music.

:dance1:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on March 12, 2018, 04:04:02 PM
The forum is better with you here, Mags.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 12, 2018, 06:23:56 PM
Quote from: Davin on March 12, 2018, 04:04:02 PM
The forum is better with you here, Mags.
:hanky:
That's such a nice thing to say. Thank you, Davin. Debatable, but still a nice thing to say.  :grin:

I think the world is better with you here, Davin.  :hug:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on March 12, 2018, 07:45:02 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 12, 2018, 06:23:56 PM
Quote from: Davin on March 12, 2018, 04:04:02 PM
The forum is better with you here, Mags.
:hanky:
That's such a nice thing to say. Thank you, Davin. Debatable, but still a nice thing to say.  :grin:

I think the world is better with you here, Davin.  :hug:

(https://i.imgur.com/ZHT7Kvn.gif)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on March 12, 2018, 07:50:44 PM
There are good people here.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8QbKEEJkby4/TsSo8shgOaI/AAAAAAAABv0/PoTfpCLhc7o/w426-h240/Labrador%2BPuppies.gif)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 13, 2018, 05:33:19 AM
Quote from: Papasito Bruno on March 12, 2018, 07:45:02 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/ZHT7Kvn.gif)
:eeew: dogs.

Cats are better.
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ff/27/90/ff27907aac5edfe93f355aca9456f6fb--siamese-kittens-kitty-cats.jpg)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Bluenose on March 13, 2018, 10:34:34 AM
Ive had a few dogs over the years and a lot of cats.  On the whole, I like cats better.   8)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on March 13, 2018, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: Bluenose on March 13, 2018, 10:34:34 AM
Ive had a few dogs over the years and a lot of cats.  On the whole, I like cats better.   8)
https://youtu.be/1t5H3az3Zqs
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on March 13, 2018, 01:44:03 PM
I like cats and dogs.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/Rh3C5O8eLkr04/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on April 03, 2018, 08:10:00 AM
Is it me or does the forum "feel" different when the "right side" takes over?  :notsure:

Here's a song to attract more Republicans to the forum:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Asmodean on April 03, 2018, 11:21:07 AM
The Asmo has been seen hanging around of late, spreading evil deeds and world domination. He's not a Republican, but in the US, them's who He would likely vote for more than the others... Until the political climate to the left of Hillary changes, at least. The Republicans are too traditionalist for His liking, you see. Also, too religious. But... Them's be weird times.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on May 12, 2018, 04:45:56 AM
I insist, the Happy Atheist Forum needs more drums.
:-\

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Bluenose on May 12, 2018, 01:22:55 PM
Yeah, more drums would be good.  More didgeridoos would be good too!

(BTW, the song is called "Drought", Terra Incognita is the name of the album, which incidentally was the very last vinyl LP I ever bought)

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Bluenose on May 12, 2018, 01:28:47 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 12, 2018, 06:23:56 PM
Quote from: Davin on March 12, 2018, 04:04:02 PM
The forum is better with you here, Mags.
:hanky:
That's such a nice thing to say. Thank you, Davin. Debatable, but still a nice thing to say.  :grin:

I think the world is better with you here, Davin.  :hug:

But we ALL love having you here Mags!   :love:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on May 12, 2018, 01:42:25 PM
How's about some bells and whistles?

https://youtu.be/qSdR4gFumps
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 12, 2018, 04:19:24 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 12, 2018, 04:45:56 AM
I insist, the Happy Atheist Forum needs more drums.
:-\



:rimshot:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on May 14, 2018, 07:38:17 AM
Quote from: Bluenose on May 12, 2018, 01:28:47 PM
But we ALL love having you here Mags!   :love:
:hug:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on May 14, 2018, 07:42:50 AM
More drums?
:dance1: :rimshot: :rimshot: :dance1:

Odolum:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on May 14, 2018, 08:30:19 AM
Try some Japwnese

https://youtu.be/C7HL5wYqAbU
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on May 14, 2018, 08:47:40 AM
Quote from: Dave on May 14, 2018, 08:30:19 AM
Try some Japwnese

https://youtu.be/C7HL5wYqAbU

(https://i.imgur.com/sXWDlzG.gif)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: hermes2015 on May 14, 2018, 08:55:49 AM
Quote from: Dave on May 14, 2018, 08:30:19 AM
Try some Japwnese

https://youtu.be/C7HL5wYqAbU

Don't mind if I do! That was an incredibly enjoyable performance. In my case, with the added visual delight of those male Asian torsos.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on May 14, 2018, 09:01:08 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on May 14, 2018, 08:55:49 AM
Quote from: Dave on May 14, 2018, 08:30:19 AM
Try some Japwnese

https://youtu.be/C7HL5wYqAbU

Don't mind if I do! That was an incredibly enjoyable performance. In my case, with the added visual delight of those male Asian torsos.

Though that might pop your cork, Hermes!

But, just to show that the girls can do it . . .

https://youtu.be/W9WCKTQnow8
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: hermes2015 on May 14, 2018, 09:34:26 AM
Quote from: Dave on May 14, 2018, 09:01:08 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on May 14, 2018, 08:55:49 AM
Quote from: Dave on May 14, 2018, 08:30:19 AM
Try some Japwnese

https://youtu.be/C7HL5wYqAbU

Don't mind if I do! That was an incredibly enjoyable performance. In my case, with the added visual delight of those male Asian torsos.

Though that might pop your cork, Hermes!

But, just to show that the girls can do it . . .

https://youtu.be/W9WCKTQnow8

Chacun son goût!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Dave on May 14, 2018, 09:49:50 AM
QuoteChacun son goût!

Indeed, Hermes!
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on March 22, 2019, 10:59:37 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on August 07, 2017, 02:54:26 AM
^^^
If I created a temple for Dionysus--bless his plump Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, I'm sure Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton would be one of our favorite "church songs."  :dance1:

Found this on the internet:
QuoteOfferings to Dionysus:

Wine/Mead (or any alcohol really)
Honeyed milk
Apples
Honey in general
Sweet meats or fruits
Olive oil
Dedicated sexual activities (if you are comfortable)
Grapes
Pine
Figs
Frankincense
Musk
Intoxicants of most varieties (though in saying this I do not condone illegal activity)
Ivy
Snake/Leopard/Bull shaped items
Wheat/Barley (things used to make alcoholic beverages)
Roses
...I got him a bottle of wine.  :notworthy:
(https://thefunnyplace.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/In-vino-veritas.jpg)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Michael1 on October 09, 2019, 05:25:28 AM
I don't know if other related forums/websites would cooperate to promote, but you could ask them to mention this forum. I also think the strength of this forum lies in few numbers, more personal approach. I've always liked this.

This is a forum with good people so I recommend trying to get a few members.

Have a nice day all!

Signed,

-God
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on October 09, 2019, 06:28:04 AM
Quote from: God on October 09, 2019, 05:25:28 AM
I don't know if other related forums/websites would cooperate to promote, but you could ask them to mention this forum. I also think the strength of this forum lies in few numbers, more personal approach. I've always liked this.

This is a forum with good people so I recommend trying to get a few members.

Have a nice day all!

Signed,

-God
(https://media.giphy.com/media/hYAvfvuj8xKxO/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Tank on October 09, 2019, 07:18:06 AM
One way to get more members would be for current members to invite friends or acquaintances to join in.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Biggus Dickus on January 22, 2020, 06:51:03 PM
I think what this forum needs is more sexy, bearded, "Mermen"!

(https://i.imgur.com/wG5BqvT.png)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Davin on January 22, 2020, 07:34:20 PM
What about not that sexy bearded men? Asking for a friend...
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on January 22, 2020, 07:45:58 PM
Quote from: Papasito Bruno on January 22, 2020, 06:51:03 PM
I think what this forum needs is more sexy, bearded, "Mermen"!

(https://i.imgur.com/wG5BqvT.png)
(https://media.giphy.com/media/1Z02vuppxP1Pa/giphy.gif)

(https://boygeniusreport.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/aquaman.jpg?quality=98&strip=all&w=782)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on January 22, 2020, 08:00:01 PM
Quote from: Davin on January 22, 2020, 07:34:20 PM
What about not that sexy bearded men? Asking for a friend...
If your friend can grow a goatee...That's also acceptable.
(https://media.tenor.com/images/8599601e72d0fac95cdbf6396094687f/tenor.gif)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: billy rubin on January 22, 2020, 08:19:15 PM
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on January 22, 2020, 09:02:24 PM
^^
(https://media2.giphy.com/media/l378rrt5tAawaCQ9i/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on January 31, 2020, 09:52:58 AM
Ask and ye shall receive:



Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 06:17:51 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on March 22, 2019, 10:59:37 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on August 07, 2017, 02:54:26 AM
^^^
If I created a temple for Dionysus--bless his plump Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, I'm sure Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton would be one of our favorite "church songs." 




Found this on the internet:
QuoteOfferings to Dionysus:

Wine/Mead (or any alcohol really)
Honeyed milk
Apples
Honey in general
Sweet meats or fruits
Olive oil
Dedicated sexual activities (if you are comfortable)
Grapes
Pine
Figs
Frankincense
Musk
Intoxicants of most varieties (though in saying this I do not condone illegal activity)
Ivy
Snake/Leopard/Bull shaped items
Wheat/Barley (things used to make alcoholic beverages)
Roses



...I got him a bottle of wine.  :notworthy:
(https://thefunnyplace.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/In-vino-veritas.jpg)

Here's another song we can sing at my Dionysus' Temple.
--Bless his plump Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Toby Keith--I Love This church bar.


:tellmemore:

:notsure:
I think I have too much time on my hands.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on June 20, 2020, 06:51:54 AM
https://youtu.be/J3AJUjtWTgc
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 07:49:38 AM
Quote from: No one on June 20, 2020, 06:51:54 AM
https://youtu.be/J3AJUjtWTgc

QuoteDIONYSUS BRINGER OF LOVE
'I bring love to give you solace
In the darkness of the night
In the Heart's eternal light
You need only trust your feelings
Only Love can steer you right'

'I bring laughter, I bring Music,
I bring joy and I bring Tears
I will soothe your primal fears
Throw off those chains of Reason
And your prison disappears'

The cities were abandoned
And the forests echoed song
They danced and lived as brothers
They knew Love could not be wrong

Food and wine they had aplenty
And they slept beneath the stars
The people were contented
And the Gods watched from afar

But the winter fell upon them
And it caught them unprepared
Bringing wolves and cold starvation
And the hearts of men despaired...
:notworthy:
Excellent song for my Dionysus' temple.
--I guess APOLLO BRINGER OF WISDOM can come too.  ::)
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 20, 2020, 02:06:55 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 07:49:38 AM
--I guess APOLLO BRINGER OF WISDOM can come too.  ::)

Wisdom and Love usually don't go hand in hand.  ;D Should be interesting! :sidesmile:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 08:29:29 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on June 20, 2020, 02:06:55 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 07:49:38 AM
--I guess APOLLO BRINGER OF WISDOM can come too.  ::)

Wisdom and Love usually don't go hand in hand.  ;D Should be interesting! :sidesmile:

Did you see my expression?
------------------------>  ::)


I didn't want him in my temple that much anyway.   :grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on June 20, 2020, 08:41:14 PM
The emotional and the intellectual angles of the human condition will never share clarity of vision.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 08:56:22 PM
Quote from: No one on June 20, 2020, 08:41:14 PM
The emotional and the intellectual angles of the human condition will never share clarity of vision.
Never.

:notsure:  But Dionysus can curb the angles and blur the clarity of vision making it a bit more amenable.  :grin:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 20, 2020, 08:59:33 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 08:29:29 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on June 20, 2020, 02:06:55 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 07:49:38 AM
--I guess APOLLO BRINGER OF WISDOM can come too.  ::)

Wisdom and Love usually don't go hand in hand.  ;D Should be interesting! :sidesmile:

Did you see my expression?
------------------------>  ::)


I didn't want him in my temple that much anyway.   :grin:

Yes I saw :lol:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 09:07:01 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on June 20, 2020, 08:59:33 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 08:29:29 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on June 20, 2020, 02:06:55 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 07:49:38 AM
--I guess APOLLO BRINGER OF WISDOM can come too.  ::)

Wisdom and Love usually don't go hand in hand.  ;D Should be interesting! :sidesmile:

Did you see my expression?
------------------------>  ::)


I didn't want him in my temple that much anyway.   :grin:

Yes I saw :lol:

(https://www.truthinsideofyou.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Follow-your-heart-but-take-your-brain-with-you.-1280x720.jpg)
Poor brain is being draged like a ball and chain, or a crippling encumbrance.  :lol:
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: xSilverPhinx on June 20, 2020, 09:44:13 PM
 >:( I do not approve of poor brain being treated like that!

;D

My mother showed me this cute short Disney animation a couple of days ago, called Inner Workings. It sort of has to do with the brain vs. heart "struggle".

Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: Magdalena on June 20, 2020, 09:59:02 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on June 20, 2020, 09:44:13 PM
>:( I do not approve of poor brain being treated like that!

;D

My mother showed me this cute short Disney animation a couple of days ago, called Inner Workings. It sort of has to do with the brain vs. heart "struggle".


That's great.  :lol: Love it.
Title: Re: The future of the forum
Post by: No one on June 20, 2020, 10:21:10 PM
I am defective by default. My "heart" is in cahoots with my other head.