Forum Discussion
- clikrf8ExplorerI hang out here and on TC forum. Some posters on the TC forum can be negative and haughty. Otoh, this forum has been more positive and helpful. Since early September, we were exploring Eastern Washington, Idaho, Western Montana for four weeks, home for several weeks, then back on the road again for 3 weeks to rockhounding in Washington and Oregon arriving home a few weeks ago. Currently sorting through DSLR and iPhone images for website and blog, planning next years trips and planning garden. If anyone wants some ideas for boondocking in those areas, let me know. I am usually more active on forums in the winter months. Happy trails and holidays.
- RossAnabelExplorerAnabel and I are hunkered down for the winter here at the S&B in SW Michigan. The permacloud has been bestowing its lake effect on us. We are waiting until retirement when there is time and hopefully money to winter in the sunshine. Living vicariously through the forums for now.
- bcbouyExplorerup here,only the provincial campgrounds are locked up.even then a few remain open.everything else is open.ice fishing very soon.our forest service sites are open to anyone that can get to them.
- KBOnTheRoadExplorerdupe my apologies
- KBOnTheRoadExplorer
profdant139 wrote:
bcbouy, that is an interesting observation about the flaming phenomenon. This forum (boondocking) actually contains much less of that than on some other discussion groups (which I will not name). But I have noticed that there are a few very angry and rude people (who I will not name), which is so puzzling -- I come to this website for entertainment (and also to learn something), not to squabble.
I just don't understand what is going on, or why someone would take the time to hassle someone they have never even met in the real world.
Is it possible for us -- the "non-flamers" -- to somehow create a culture of civility? Maybe by gently pointing out the difference between a respectful difference of opinion and a personal attack? Differences of opinion are more than just acceptable -- they are tremendously useful, when properly handled by the participants. For example, think of carefully-reasoned discussions of tires, or weight issues, or battery care. Those are very enlightening, but they are so often poisoned by acrimony and bickering. The flamers don't even realize that their harsh tone undermines their own credibility.
And the consequence of flaming is that newbies with good questions are deterred from posting, and also folks who have useful ideas to contribute sometimes don't. The discussion often deteriorates because no one is left to post, other than the most aggressive and hostile people.
A very thoughtful post. I have been on this forum for a long time. (don't be fooled by the new handle) I have been very busy in the last few months also. So returning here after my absence is at once a pleasure and a puzzle.
I think there are a number of reasons for this problem, some of which you touch on. And I often wrote that people are losing the ability to disagree civilly and many just see ANY disagreement as an "attack" or "Flaming". Many people just cannot tolerate to be disagreed with. Many want to live in echo chambers or "silos" of their own ideas and only want to hear from those who agree with them.
But your comments on "tone" should include this: The "Tone" of a posting often exists in the head or "the mental ear" of the Reader. This media, like email is famous for tone deafness. Often people completely mistake the tome of a post by reading it through the lens of their own prejudices/beliefs. this leads to many misunderstandings and eventual conflict.
I reread posts often in different "tones" in my head just to be sure I am not mistaking someones intent. Unfortunately many do not do this.
I think the biggest improvement would come if posters would not assume they are being attacked simply by being disagreed with. I also think that there are reasons beyond this discussion for the apparent low turnout you describe. Reasons that GSE really dont want discussed.
But I truly believe that if those that believe in civility and open discussion, sharing of ideas and lively debate will call out those that truly are flamers and self police a thread things will improve. - BizmarksMomExplorerI'm still recovering from 2 weeks of boondocking, partying, and roaring around on various motorized toys in the CA desert.
No more camping for me for a few months. I need to get the slide on my trailer fixed and buckle down at work before the mountains thaw out and I can get out there again. - crosscheckExplorer IIGone Skiing for the winter.
The Crosschecks - profdant139Explorer IIIt just occurred to me why there are so few new posts (and especially trip reports) during the cold weather months -- in most national forests, the Forest Service closes the gates on the forest roads after the first significant snowfall. No more boondocking until spring thaw, except at lower elevations. (This is where I start fantasizing about equipping my truck with a portable snowplow. And then I lie down until the feeling passes and I come back to reality.)
- 4runnerguyExplorerStill more action here than the Tent Camping, Family Camping, or Folding Trailer forums.
- njtonyExplorerWork camping at a c.g. in nj. Cg is closed we are there with another couple to look after the place. 40 acres to roam and be with nature. And the snow. It's quiet. Closest town 27miles.should be an experience.
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