Lurkers

[BadBeast]

I agree. I think maybe some people get put off by some of the hostility that we play with on the intros thread, but that is an
exception, rather than a rule, and when it does happen, it's usually stoppable at any time, simply by listening to what is being said. The whole point of this is, is to get people to consider what they post objectively, and not to be complete dicks.

And if people decide to try and Troll this board, they had better be fucking good at it, or at least funny, because as far as Trolls go, we have people here who pretty much wrote the book. Obviously there are going to be people who just cannot get it, and continue with either lameass low level trolling attempts, stupid pointless posts, or generally being a dickhead. Some combine all three, (eg Weltberger) and suffer relentless mockery, scorn, and butthurt, until they give up, and leave.

But don't let this put you off posting, the point is to, . . .well, I forget what the point is, but I do know it's not about scaring people off, more of a refining process, to ensure at least some worthy new blood trickles through the door.

And I don't really care who is watching, or monitoring us, I'm just trying to get some of you lurkers to start posting. (Unless you are WB, in which case, GTFO) 

[Dysfunctional Cunt]

   I AM NO TEDDY BEAR!  I am evil and mean and small children run in fear from just my shadow!  I am the tickle on the back of your neck before you lose your head, the tingle in your spine before lightning strikes.  And all the other terrible stuff you can think of dammit! 

[Scribbly]

I enjoy reading the creative output of PD.com. I just don't feel like I can contribute all that much to it myself.

I don't like talking about my own life, because it always feels vaguely self indulgent and weird. I very rarely have anything relevant to add to any discussions, but I like reading them, so I lurk and don't post very much.

That, and I introduced Wolfpoet to the board way back when, and that seems to be the contribution which has had the most staying power. I keep quiet now as a form of penance. 

[BadBeast]

I enjoy reading the creative output of PD.com. I just don't feel like I can contribute all that much to it myself.

I don't like talking about my own life, because it always feels vaguely self indulgent and weird. I very rarely have anything relevant to add to any discussions, but I like reading them, so I lurk and don't post very much.

That, and I introduced Wolfpoet to the board way back when, and that seems to be the contribution which has had the most staying power. I keep quiet now as a form of penance. 

But most of the posters here ARE self indulgent and weird! So you should fit right in. And you must have a point of view, how can that be irrelevant?

"Have you ever looked into the eyes of a Wolf? It's a life changing experience."        Penance over. 

[Eater of Clowns]

I'm the fucking Lurker to end all Lurkers.  My logged in time in comparison to my actual number of posts is asinine.

To other lurkers - establishing a presence here without a lot of posting just takes longer.  It's the only difference I can tell.  With such a large user base, it's impossible to get a grasp on what people are all about.  There are regular posters that to this day I don't think I've directly interacted with really at all (as in, we'll be in the same thread but haven't yet responded to one another, etc).  It's alright though because it's only a matter of time.

When it comes down to it, the into thread and a lot of unlimited threads look like we have some kind of code of conduct around here.  I don't think that's the case.  I think there's a strong resistance to bullshit that will come between an actual conversation, whether it be an ego or a forced personality.  If you actually get a feel for the MO of a lot of posters here they're staggeringly diverse.

Jump in.  If you get shat on, buck up and move on.  It happens to everyone.  It's nothing personal.

[Damiel]

Well, I wanted to write about this subject for a while, instead I've lurked the thread until now...  

Anyway, seen that I wrote the first line, I would like to share my thoughts about it, from my own point of view (as a newbie of PD.com, and as someone not so used to forum board). I think it's not so easy to "join" a situation like this one. And this, because of many reasons.
First of all, every board hosts a community, no matter how it's open to new people. To not seem a troll - or an idiot - then many people prefer to lurk, because there are subjects of their interest, but they don't want to disrupt the "mood" the community share. It's a mix between shyness and good sense, if you want... and maybe a day, these people will find the good "hook", and will start posting.
A second reason is this: the PD.com board is a WIDE one. It's running since 2005, if I have read correctly, so it's more difficult to post something that wasn't posted yet. And yes, we come back to the whole "I don't want to seem a troll/an idiot" thing...

That's the point, IMHO.
(And sorry for the poor language   probably, I seemed an idiot)

[BadBeast]

Well, I wanted to write about this subject for a while, instead I've lurked the thread until now... 

Anyway, seen that I wrote the first line, I would like to share my thoughts about it, from my own point of view (as a newbie of PD.com, and as someone not so used to forum board). I think it's not so easy to "join" a situation like this one. And this, because of many reasons.
First of all, every board hosts a community, no matter how it's open to new people. To not seem a troll - or an idiot - then many people prefer to lurk, because there are subjects of their interest, but they don't want to disrupt the "mood" the community share. It's a mix between shyness and good sense, if you want... and maybe a day, these people will find the good "hook", and will start posting.
A second reason is this: the PD.com board is a WIDE one. It's running since 2005, if I have read correctly, so it's more difficult to post something that wasn't posted yet. And yes, we come back to the whole "I don't want to seem a troll/an idiot" thing...

That's the point, IMHO.
(And sorry for the poor language  probably, I seemed an idiot)

You make perfectly valid points here, Damiel, (And welcome to PD, btw) that's why we always say it's best to lurk for a while. We have an unwritten "50 posts" rule, to give n00bs a chance to find their feet anyway.
As for not wanting to disrupt the "mood" of the community, that's all very well, but sometimes that mood needs a rocket up it's arse, just to stop people from getting too complacent, or the boards from getting stagnant.

The shyness thing I can understand, but as long as you have your own well thought out opinions on a subject, that you are able to validate, then post away. You may get people disagreeing with you, but that's life. No-one is going to tear you a new one, just for voicing your opinion. We're (mostly, anyway) not fucking monsters.

As for posting something that's been covered before, don't sweat it, someone will let you know if it's been done to death already, of that you can be sure. And there's always the search function, so you can check before you post.
And there isn't one person here who hasn't posted something idiotic at some time. (Except me, of course)

So find a thread you like, dip your toe in, and if it doesn't get bitten off, then you're probably going to be ok. Probably.

[Stelpa]

At least 3 of these guys are working for Scientology, that I promise you 

[BadBeast]

Scientology has no effective weapon against people who can think for themselves. So bring it on, Xenon, or whatever your stupid Sci-Fi numbnuts call you. Your bones will be bleaching in the noonday sun if you try any of your cheap, Carny tricks here, of that you can be assured.

[BadBeast]

  I AM NO TEDDY BEAR!  I am evil and mean and small children run in fear from just my shadow!  I am the tickle on the back of your neck before you lose your head, the tingle in your spine before lightning strikes.  And all the other terrible stuff you can think of dammit! 

Oh, and watch out for Khara. If you go down in the woods today, be sure of a big surprise!

[Faust]

At least 3 of these guys are working for Scientology, that I promise you 

Well duhhhhh I've been taking kickbacks from the CoS for as long as I can remember

[BadBeast]

At least 3 of these guys are working for Scientology, that I promise you 

Well duhhhhh I've been taking kickbacks from the CoS for as long as I can remember

You too? So who's dirty secret do you have? Travolta's? Cruise's?  I have details of Oprah's depraved "fluffy" period. (I know she's not a Scientologist, but many of her "Circle of fluff" enablers and procurers are) She produced her seminal "Down on the Farm" fluff flick using many famous Hollywood Scientologists. And of course, Dr Phil.  

[rong]

i generally don't post here for reasons i don't feel like getting into.  i usually
just come here to check out the PICs thread and see what's going on in O:MF
but this thread compelled me to post this and this

[Ob_Portu]

I lurk...for the cars and the money.

[BadBeast]

i generally don't post here for reasons i don't feel like getting into.  i usually
just come here to check out the PICs thread and see what's going on in O:MF
but this thread compelled me to post this and this

Hahahah! Way to kill a fread dude!