The psychology of internet posting

by onacruse 37 Replies latest jw friends

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  onacruse

  Kate and I were having a discussion (with some differences of opinion ) about this:

  What if there were no "total posts" listed under your screen name? What if there were no such tags as "newbie, junior, senior, etc., etc., etc.," or "Forum Assistant, Administrator."

  Would it change how you reacted to a post? Would it alter your opinion of the poster?

  My position is: Yes, it would make a whole lot of difference! Not because it should, but because it does. Just a matter of human nature: survival instinct--in the sense of "look at me, I'm bigger than you are, and you better damn well listen to what I say, or I'll smash your ass!"

  She says it's a male thing.

  What do you think?
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  LtCmd.Lore

  It used to be important to me, at the very beginning.

  But later on, I noticed that some people, with only a hundred or so posts were very intelligent and interesting people, and they only had a few posts because they only talk when they have something intelligent to add to the conversation. Likewise some people who have thousands of posts can say some pretty stupid things, but they talk a lot.

  Now I don't judge a person untill I've seen them in an intelligent debate. I just hope that other people notice what I say and not the fact that I'm a 'junior member' or even that I'm only 17.

  LtCmd.Lore
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  Tyrone van leyen

  I think in cyber space, such labels are handy to figure out who's new, and how long they've been around. This gives a sense of order to things. It is a persons own words and attitudes towards others, that give credibility and due respect. Perhaps phychologically, deep down though, we all compete and vie for attention and love in our own way, even without labeling our time spent here.
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  stillajwexelder

  It used to matter but no longer
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  Alligator Wisdom

  Some read more than post.

  Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
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  OUTLAW

  Onacruse..Bud..Absolutly!!..If your a newbie and say something stupid,most of us don`t care,most of us have done that..If you have more than a few posts under your belt and like to mess with people on the board..You`ll probably meet me..LOL!!...OUTLAW
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  nvrgnbk

  Hello Lt.

  It would appear that you've got some mileage on you in your 17 years. Very insightful.

  Nvr
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  Frannie Banannie

  I noticed that some people, with only a hundred or so posts were very intelligent and interesting people, and they only had a few posts because they only talk when they have something intelligent to add to the conversation. Likewise some people who have thousands of posts can say some pretty stupid things, but they talk a lot.

  Lieut, yer hittin' tha nail on the head, chere!

  Frannie (of the "how many feet can I get in my mouth at one time" class)
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  onacruse

  Well, first of all, welcome to all you "newbies"

  One thing that got me to thinkin' on this was a thread that I started the other day, about "original sin," and a poster who 'only' had like 10 posts on JWD started off by saying something like "Mind if I jump in here?" Well, golly-geez for-sure, yes! If there's one thing equal about a good discussion board (and, I make no bones about my opinion that JWD is one of the very best JW/exJW discussion boards), it's that everyone's thoughts are valid. Even what might be considered the most "off-the-wall" posts can produce, and have produced, some of the most interesting directions for discussion.

  otoh, there're posters like OUTLAW, who, in 5 years and 5700 posts, have yet to say anything of earth-shaking value. roflmao

  Craig (who can shake the earth, if only by stomping my feet)
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  OUTLAW

  ..LOL!!..OUTLAW