Am I the Only One That Feels This Way?

[DarthSegVator]

There are many that come here to share knowledge and experiences. I sincerely appreciate all that I have learned since I've been fortunate enough to be a part of this community.

I've always tried to add something of value with every post I make...either a question I have or a response to a question that I thought I could add something of value to.

But...there seems to be an increasing number of "posts" that are either "inside jokes" or "puns" that I just don't get. It just seems like noise to me. I am probably out-of-touch on the whole thing.

Am I the only one that feels this way?

[pam]

Darth, some people just don't "get" puns. I have a good friend, who is very intelligent, who doesn't care for puns at all. They tickle my funnybone, but I don't always catch them at first. (I'm pretty literal.)

Pam

[quade]

Originally Posted by pam

Darth, some people just don't "get" puns.

I believe he's referring to the game without rules that is played on most internet forums known as "one-upsmanship".

In some cases it's just a jest, in some it's sub-conscious and in others it's pathological and deliberate.

No. I don't think he's the only one that feels this way, but it is the inevitable consequence of a small tight group that almost prides itself in setting itself apart. Some people actually do feel as if they are superior simply because they got their foot in the door "first" (or at least before others did). Some people think that makes them "forward thinking". Meanwhile, other people might think the first group got in too quickly before the device was fully developed. So, just the moment this person versus that person plopped down the cash to buy the device can be a point of contention and resentment.

Most people like to think they're above average and unique as a snowflake. Human nature I guess. Everybody plays this game; whether or not they realize they're involved in it is another thing.

[mpupeza]

As a relative Newbie, I, too, felt this 'one upsmanship' and I am now VERY cautious about posting here!
In one of my postings, I asked for info on my newly purchased discontinued i167, as the Segway Sites that I tried had no Manual specific to my model, especially the cryptic 'magic window' handlebar electronic display!
I received several private emails advising me to use Google, and/or search the achives!
Why would they bother to advise me that? I had tried a few searches and found an overwhelming number of sites to look at. What I needed was some 'gentle' guidance or direct pointers!
I really didn't need that other 'advice'!
Watching some of the clashes between members leaves me cold! That business about the battery rebuilding thread, that I started, devolved into a discussion (argument?) about business practices and profit margins!
To what purpose?
However, I was also given good information that worked out fine!
Mike

[polo_pro]

Originally Posted by quade

Most people like to think they're above average and unique as a snowflake. Human nature I guess. Everybody plays this game; whether or not they realize they're involved in it is another thing.

I have a cute saying about this. Everyone wants to be "normal", but no one wants to be average. I realize that normal and average have different meanings (one involving acceptance vs an overall measurement), but I find the humor in the fact that in practice both labels tend to apply to the same people.

ps - And yes, if you're wondering, I do apply the "average" label to myself. Not so sure about the "normal" label though...8^) 8^) 8^)

[segsurfer]

Originally Posted by DarthSegVator

There are many that come here to share knowledge and experiences. I sincerely appreciate all that I have learned since I've been fortunate enough to be a part of this community.

I've always tried to add something of value with every post I make...either a question I have or a response to a question that I thought I could add something of value to.

But...there seems to be an increasing number of "posts" that are either "inside jokes" or "puns" that I just don't get. It just seems like noise to me. I am probably out-of-touch on the whole thing.

Am I the only one that feels this way?

You're not alone DSV, I've had my share of head scratching moments here on SC. The gravity of SC as a whole seems to alternate back and forth between technological and moderately personal issues. Rest assured, the tides of change shall come soon enough. (disclaimer: I am not advocating for change or representing a particular group, merely expounding upon my observations)
-segsurfer

[KSagal]

Originally Posted by DarthSegVator

There are many that come here to share knowledge and experiences. I sincerely appreciate all that I have learned since I've been fortunate enough to be a part of this community.

I've always tried to add something of value with every post I make...either a question I have or a response to a question that I thought I could add something of value to.

But...there seems to be an increasing number of "posts" that are either "inside jokes" or "puns" that I just don't get. It just seems like noise to me. I am probably out-of-touch on the whole thing.

Am I the only one that feels this way?

I read this post as we all do, and I understand it based on my own experiences. I read it as a comment about the inside jokes and puns as being private coded communication between some people on this forum, that was designed to only be understood amongst the 'insiders'

I see it as kind of a clique thing. At least that is how I read it, not as a comment that he does not understand puns or plays on words...

I too feel that there is a lot of posturing here. That, I have been told, is common on forums like this...

I have a big ego, and anyone who reads my posts will shortly get that I have a high opinion of myself and my conclusions. This may feed into the attitude expressed by the original poster, but I surely hope not. I also, or perhaps more specifically, pride myself as being very honest, and do not post coded messages, or postings intended to mean one thing to one reader, and another thing to a different reader. That may be inevitable, but not intentional.

So, finally, no, I do not feel you are alone. I do feel that it is often that someone feels themself able to post an inside joke on this public forum, in a way to send one message to their buddies, while clearly and intentionally leaving the rest of us out of the loop.

[pam]

Do we have a lot of that here? Boy, I must be oblivious. (don't all of you jump right in and agree with me - there's probably not enough room on the server LOL)

Now, I have seen those kinds of games when people are playing "raise my post counts" - and I have seen some punning here and there, where someone catches a play on words, but I haven't really seen it used to make others feel inferior, (which is what I consider one-upsmanship). I don't consider Crash's stuff in this category - but it's because I don't think he writes the way he writes to be one up.

I dunno.

Pam

Originally Posted by quade

I believe he's referring to the game without rules that is played on most internet forums known as "one-upsmanship".

In some cases it's just a jest, in some it's sub-conscious and in others it's pathological and deliberate.

No. I don't think he's the only one that feels this way, but it is the inevitable consequence of a small tight group that almost prides itself in setting itself apart. Some people actually do feel as if they are superior simply because they got their foot in the door "first" (or at least before others did). Some people think that makes them "forward thinking". Meanwhile, other people might think the first group got in too quickly before the device was fully developed. So, just the moment this person versus that person plopped down the cash to buy the device can be a point of contention and resentment.

Most people like to think they're above average and unique as a snowflake. Human nature I guess. Everybody plays this game; whether or not they realize they're involved in it is another thing.

[wwhopper]

Maybe as a group we can work on making this a more positive place, and one that encourages particiaption, and not the negative debates that leave people cold.

Talking on the interenet leaves a lot to be desired. And I am sure those people out there who post what comes across with negative vibes, would be shocked that their posts are taken that way. It is always good to go back and read your posts to make sure they convey what you want said. That edit button is a wonderful thing!

In society as a whole, there will always be those peacocks that want everyone to admire them, and then there are always the trolls that want to stick it to anyone they can to make themselves feel more in control.

As you participate in this forum more you will get to know the personalites of the members and know who is on here to be helpful to others, and those who are on here for their own self flattery.

I am always sorry to hear when people state that Segway people are this way.

Now like Polo Pro's push earlier this year to educate everyone on the rep point system and the use of the live chat feature, maybe we should work to encourage a more neighborly and welcoming feeling on Segway Chat.

[MzSegwayofHawaii]

I felt kind of silly, because I'm a Dealer... but Anytime I've needed, everyone has been more than helpful.

hang in there DSV...