Exodus Part Two: Sandbox Poll

[Maybelline]

I've experienced this on more than one website, concerning more than just the Beach Boys community too.

I've seen this too. People lose interest for the band and/or discussion of the band but become attatched to the other members and so do not leave.

Do you think people should leave for this reason, H&V? I worry that I haven't really earned my stripes through not really contributing to 'On Topic', but I do love reading the threads there.

[Joel5001]

I think it's interesting sociologically how boards that are set-up to be topical, in this case it's a Beach Boys board, but add "off topic" sections end up developing a culture of people that basically end up only posting on the off-topic board...or at least care about it more, and become quite rabid about defending the existence of the off-topic board.

I've experienced this on more than one website, concerning more than just the Beach Boys community too.

Personally, I don't care either way.  I don't read this board much, and can't really relate to the prevailing culture, so I would be fine if it went away.  I certainly don't need relief from Beach Boys discussion, as I feel like I don't get enough Beach Boys discussion.

I guess Chuck, you can decide if you want to have a hardcore Beach Boys board, or have the Beach Boys section as a companion to the non-smiley section...  I think that ultimately the Beach Boys area would get less traffic and even less discussion if the Sandbox went away.  Which would suck because then I'd have absolutely nothing to do.  While I love the idea of an intense Beach Boys board discussing only intricate hardcore details, I don't think such a thing can exist without the "milk-at-the-back-of-the-store" lure.

People have made friends here. I know I have, and although I rarely post 'On Topic' (I don't posess even a smidgen of knowledge compared to the super-fans there) I feel part of the 'gang', whatever that means. It's fun, it's lighthearted - or should be. I love the fact that we all have one major thing in common (a love for BB/BW) and then come to discover that we have a whole lot more in common - through chatting here. Just recently the threads have been funnier than ever... looks like it's the end of an era, in a way. I've also seen this happen on other boards. A Teachers' Forum I post on recently had a HUGE row between posters, it got really nasty. People were banned, some went away and cooled off, then the vibe changed and new people came to the forefront.

I don't think its the end of an era.  This is nothing compared to the whole Professor/board-splitting drama of last year.  I should take this opportunity to thank Charles for keeping this place going.

I'm confident that everything will be back to normal soon.  Although I wish Jerry would come back.  WE WANT THE 'BOX!!!!!!

[Jason]

Do you think people should leave for this reason, H&V? I worry that I haven't really earned my stripes through not really contributing to 'On Topic', but I do love reading the threads there.

No one should leave over this, but the damage has already been done.

Why do you care about "earning your stripes", Maybelline? No one will chastise you because you don't know as much as them. If they do, then they're assholes. Post more in the on-topic sections. Or even start your own threads with stuff we can all talk about. That's something you could do. Knowing it all doesn't mean sh*t in the long run.

[Reverend Joshua Sloane]

Do you think people should leave for this reason, H&V? I worry that I haven't really earned my stripes through not really contributing to 'On Topic', but I do love reading the threads there.

I was commenting back to Josh's bit about people caring more for the Off Topic Discussion than the On Topic Stuff. The difference is that all the major people involved with this little boxing match this weekend were huge contributers to the On Topic and Off Topic.

Am I the only who finds this all to be a bit blown out of proportion?

[Joshilyn Hoisington]

some went away and cooled off, then the vibe changed and new people came to the forefront.

That kind of thing just happens.  Offline too.  Your group of friends will shift at times, certain people won't be called to hang out as much, then they come back, or go off.  It's normal.  Or at least that's what happened back in the early 90's when I still had friends...

I actually just read an article in the paper about the fluxuations and ebbs and flows of friendship.  After the Prof. situation, a lot of people were very angry and people left and new people came to the smiley board, some went only to the new Smile Shop, and here we are now.  That's life.  That's what all the people say, you're riding high in april, shot down in may.

[Joel5001]

Do you think people should leave for this reason, H&V? I worry that I haven't really earned my stripes through not really contributing to 'On Topic', but I do love reading the threads there.

I was commenting back to Josh's bit about people caring more for the Off Topic Discussion than the On Topic Stuff. The difference is that all the major people involved with this little boxing match this weekend were huge contributers to the On Topic and Off Topic.

Am I the only who finds this all to be a bit blown out of proportion?

From my perspective, I don't think things were blown out of proportion, but then again, the thread was wiped before I could read all of it.

[Joshilyn Hoisington]

Am I the only who finds this all to be a bit blown out of proportion?

No.  See my comments above.  That said, I did have a little hissy fit/breakdown in the weezer thread on the musical board and thought about leaving the board for a few months.  For about five minutes.

[Maybelline]

Yeah you're right. I don't think this is half as bad (or creepy) as the Prof stuff from last year. But it is sad to see valued people leave.

[Maybelline]

Do you think people should leave for this reason, H&V? I worry that I haven't really earned my stripes through not really contributing to 'On Topic', but I do love reading the threads there.

No one should leave over this, but the damage has already been done.

Why do you care about "earning your stripes", Maybelline? No one will chastise you because you don't know as much as them. If they do, then they're furos do burro . Post more in the on-topic sections. Or even start your own threads with stuff we can all talk about. That's something you could do. Knowing it all doesn't mean merda in the long run.

I need to get my Portugese dictionary out or something for 'furos do burro' - for some reason that cracks me up 

Erm, Jason, I have started many threads in 'General' in the past...

[Jason]

Then keep starting them! You can be a part of the on-topic section. I would hate to see this become a segregated board.

[donald]

I couldn't check any of the boxes.  

A few comments.

I think there is a place for the sandbox.  It adds spice and variety and an alternative to Beachboy and music discussion.

Sometimes people mess up and we ultimately forgive them if they show contrition.
My kids mess up and I don't permanently ban them.  I'd like to ban some of my coworkers and neighbors but I have to live with them.  

People should think twice, no three times, before going off on their cyber neighbors and friends and hurling insults and obscenities with no regard for how it impacts on the community.

Sometimes people can cross the line of bad taste and poor judgment repeatedly to the extent that it is not necessary to ban them.  They ostracize themselves.

A sort of natural selection sometimes takes place.

[Jason]

Well said, man. Besides, if this place was gone, how would you post all of those wonderful pictures?

[Maybelline]

 I'd like to ban some of my coworkers

Oooohh, me too! Imagine that!

[Charles LePage @ ComicList]

BTW, while I certainly don't try to make everyone happy (I think we can all agree on that), I believe when Ian is back, you'll find that those who desire his presence will be satisfied, while at the same time, Ian's pleadings concerning the fate of the Sandbox will also be answered.  I believe in the end it will be the closest thing to a win win situation for everyone concerned.

Just to be clear - does that mean that the Sandbox is on its way out...?

No.

[Charles LePage @ ComicList]

Chris has gone, he deleted his account. 

His choice-- I did not tell him to leave, or discuss his leaving at all with him or anyone else.  I'm sorry to see him go, too.

[jdavolt]

Why don't you remove your vote and vote again?

A little late now, but thanks, Chris. I never realized you could do that before.

I think it's interesting sociologically how boards that are set-up to be topical, in this case it's a Beach Boys board, but add "off topic" sections end up developing a culture of people that basically end up only posting on the off-topic board...or at least care about it more, and become quite rabid about defending the existence of the off-topic board.

[Beckner]

Alright, well this is what I refer to as "balls." My two cronies are currently gone from this site.

And yes, I'm a Sandbox regular only these days. Though I have the knowledge, vinyl, books, and cds to prove my BBs/ BW worth, it doesn't matter too much to me. I love the BBs but don't talk about them 24/7? Is that cool with you guys? Seriously. I pop into what ever forum I need at the moment. And usually I need to be offtopic!

[Susan]

Donald, you put it very well: Sometimes natural selection takes place.

If Chris isn't comfortable or happy being here, then he *should* leave.  Anyone should for whom it doesn't feel right.  And we hope that in a few hours, or a few days, he changes his mind and comes back.  But if he wanted to leave, well...that's his choice.

Here's another thing i'll share from my experience: The kind of intelligent discussion that's happening here is the best thing that could be happening.  When this episode has died down and made its way to the back of our brains, the community will be better for it.  We learn about ourselves and each other in times of crisis, and while this doesn't compare to a real crisis, it has been unpleasant.

The good news is that it kind of feels like the top of the hill has been gotten to.  It's gotten as bad as it's gonna get [this time...for these things DO tend to happen occasionally], and the healing has begun. 

Just remember, kids, that if you pick at a scab you'll end up with a scar.

[Charles LePage @ ComicList]

Just remember, kids, that if you pick at a scab you'll end up with a scar.

Thanks, mom.

[wind chime]

I have no idea what was said or who was offended but like Susan said...this is a phase that we have always managed to survive...people come and go...that's life...its sad to see dedicated posters leave but somehow they might come back...I dunno...forgiveness can do wonders...but it takes time...

[Boxer Monkey]

This sucks. Ian and Chris were my two favorite contributors to this site; they were the main reason I come here at all. Whatever differences I or anybody else might have had with Ian over some dumb thread (mine with him are resolved, by the way), he should not have been banned. His was the most vital voice here.

[Charles LePage @ ComicList]

This sucks. Ian and Chris were my two favorite contributors to this site; they were the main reason I come here at all. Whatever differences I or anybody else might have had with Ian over some dumb thread (mine with him are resolved, by the way), he should not have been banned. His was the most vital voice here.

The ban is temporary.  Chris was not banned, he left by his own decision.  He and Ian are welcome back anytime.

Being a "most vital voice" does not make one immune from punishment when necessary.

[theCOD]

Hatchi matchi! 

I must have missed something big, as usual.

[Andrew G. Doe]

I love the BBs but don't talk about them 24/7? Is that cool with you guys?

Nor do I, nor does any sane person.There's such a thing as "having a life".

[Rerun]

This all really messed up my bastard list...