My Observation on TOTV

[Yorio]

I've been reading and posting for sometime and it seems like a trend emerging. When a new post appears and it's a newbie post, it's genuinely a question or excitement. But, when an individual post for the first time and if it is a grudge at a restaurant, contractors or something else, I do wonder whether the complaints are legit or there is a different motive behind. It would be a shame if the posts are being high jacked for one's own motive and not for the well being of the participants. As some one on the post would say "just saying". To believe or not to believe the post, that is the question.

[Barefoot]

I've been reading and posting for sometime and it seems like a trend emerging. When a new post appears and it's a newbie post, it's genuinely a question or excitement. But, when an individual post for the first time and if it is a grudge at a restaurant, contractors or something else, I do wonder whether the complaints are legit or there is a different motive behind. It would be a shame if the posts are being high jacked for one's own motive and not for the well being of the participants. As some one on the post would say "just saying". To believe or not to believe the post, that is the question.

I think there is a mix of genuine newbies who have a valid complaint. And "trolls" just trying to cause trouble and controversy. Some trolls make it very obvious that they're just trying to stir things up. My thought is that we should treat all new threads with due respect until we find out if the posters are genuine.

[ugotme]

I've been reading and posting for sometime and it seems like a trend emerging. When a new post appears and it's a newbie post, it's genuinely a question or excitement. But, when an individual post for the first time and if it is a grudge at a restaurant, contractors or something else, I do wonder whether the complaints are legit or there is a different motive behind. It would be a shame if the posts are being high jacked for one's own motive and not for the well being of the participants. As some one on the post would say "just saying". To believe or not to believe the post, that is the question.

As a relative newbie and someone who is coming up to TV to potentially move there, I hope that these posts are honest!

Obviously once we are there for our LSV we will make our own observations and decisions. However, it is nice to have input from people that are living up there via this forum.

Have we made any "definite decisions" based on this forum? Only one - that we want to come up there and see for ourselves.

Thank you to everyone for all of your posts.

:bigbow:

[asianthree]

you visit, you may or may not fall in love, and if you stay, somethings may not make you happy, but i have always thought if everything was perfect you must be dead, just my thoughts

[ugotme]

you visit, you may or may not fall in love, and if you stay, somethings may not make you happy, but i have always thought if everything was perfect you must be dead, just my thoughts

You are absolutely correct! Not looking for perfect.
Having these posts and being able to ask questions is a real help.

[2BNTV]

I think there is a mix of genuine newbies who have a valid complaint. My thought is that we should treat all new threads with due respect until we find out if the posters are genuine.

:agree:

[downeaster]

:agree:

Me too. :agree:

[coolkayaker1]

That's why the total number of posts is displayed: so a reader can judge for themselves.

[ssmith]

....."but i have always thought if everything was perfect you must be dead"

That explains it....lower paradise really is heaven cause it is perfect isn't it? hahahahahaha

[shcisamax]

I frankly think that TV is sooooooo much bigger than TOTV. There are some people who live in TV that are so busy they don't have time to go on. Some people here have never even heard of it. I was told about it by my realtor to get information and that is what I used it for. It was really quite helpful as people could answer my questions with factual information about how to build the house. Sometimes, of course, it is opinions and you have to sort through it but generally if you ask a real question you will get a real answer.

[redwitch]

Mostly I agree with what has been said, especially Barefoot's attitude.

I think the ones I have the most doubts about are first-time posters either praise or complain about a contractor or company. Those I usually take with a large grain of salt. Figure it is either a request by the contractor to the newbie requesting they post or the contractor itself.

As to a first-timer complaining, sorry, but it frequently seems to be someone who has a grudge against a company or entity or a competitor.

That doesn't mean that a newbie won't make this type of post without a legitimate reason, but it seems that the majority of time that is not the case. So, I don't entirely dismiss them, I just wait and see if others agree or disagree with the newbie.

[eweissenbach]

A lot of people may not realize it, but you are not compelled or required to respond to a post with which you disagree. Sorry, that was sarcastic, but it is true. On a message board the best thing you can do is ignore posts that are started by trolls or are in some way incendiary. If they are ignored, they quickly disappear, and if no one responds it tends to discourage the trolls. By responding to posts that you think are not fair or truthful, you keep the thread on the first page to be seen by more people! I know we want to "set the record straight", but you really often make the problem worse by keeping the thread alive. JMHO. Ed

[Posh 08]

Some folks have watched this board for a long time and finally feel compelled to come forward and post about something that, hmmmm irked then. So now they get pounced on by the cheer leaders, sour pusses and power posters. Hahahaha
ya'll funny.

[KeepingItReal]

Some folks have watched this board for a long time and finally feel compelled to come forward and post about something that, irked then. So now they get pounced on by the cheer leaders, sour pusses and power posters. ya'll funny.

:agree:

Or better yet they are told they were silly or even called names by some that post numerous times, mostly condescending, or confrontational, on almost anything that anyone posts..what was it you said, the POWERPOSTERS.

[Warren Kiefer]

I find it strange that a few individuals seems to have the time to reply to almost every posting with a personal comment.

[graciegirl]

sigh

[eweissenbach]

Illegitimi Non Carborundum

[graciegirl]

Illegitimi Non Carborundum

But how can you tell if their parents were married, Coach? ;)

[pooh]

One thing we all need to remember is that we are guests of the owners of TOTV and as guests, who don't have to pay to be a part of this forum. We either follow the rules or we don't. If we don't, we can lose our posting privileges. We're adults, the rules aren't difficult.....stay on topic, well, there are occasions when threads are sidetracked...;)....stay civil. Write as if the individual you're responding to is standing right in front of you.

[CFrance]

But how can you tell if there parents were married, Coach? ;)

Um, if you go by wikipedia's definition of that, they weren't.

[Pturner]

A lot of people may not realize it, but you are not compelled or required to respond to a post with which you disagree. Sorry, that was sarcastic, but it is true. On a message board the best thing you can do is ignore posts that are started by trolls or are in some way incendiary. If they are ignored, they quickly disappear, and if no one responds it tends to discourage the trolls. By responding to posts that you think are not fair or truthful, you keep the thread on the first page to be seen by more people! I know we want to "set the record straight", but you really often make the problem worse by keeping the thread alive. JMHO. Ed

Yup. Well said.

[Pturner]

I think there is a mix of genuine newbies who have a valid complaint. And "trolls" just trying to cause trouble and controversy. Some trolls make it very obvious that they're just trying to stir things up. My thought is that we should treat all new threads with due respect until we find out if the posters are genuine.

My sentiments exactly.

[graciegirl]

A lot of people may not realize it, but you are not compelled or required to respond to a post with which you disagree. Sorry, that was sarcastic, but it is true. On a message board the best thing you can do is ignore posts that are started by trolls or are in some way incendiary. If they are ignored, they quickly disappear, and if no one responds it tends to discourage the trolls. By responding to posts that you think are not fair or truthful, you keep the thread on the first page to be seen by more people! I know we want to "set the record straight", but you really often make the problem worse by keeping the thread alive. JMHO. Ed

I have taken this very good advice to heart and I am so guilty of doing just that. I am going to work hard to change. I respect your always wise posts and hope at the age of 72 to continue to learn from others who I respect.

Thank you. (AND hugs)

[CFrance]

A lot of people may not realize it, but you are not compelled or required to respond to a post with which you disagree. Sorry, that was sarcastic, but it is true. On a message board the best thing you can do is ignore posts that are started by trolls or are in some way incendiary. If they are ignored, they quickly disappear, and if no one responds it tends to discourage the trolls. By responding to posts that you think are not fair or truthful, you keep the thread on the first page to be seen by more people! I know we want to "set the record straight", but you really often make the problem worse by keeping the thread alive. JMHO. Ed

I know what you are saying, Coach Ed. Intellectually, I realize that and agree with it. Emotionally, it's a different story... When someone posts an incendiary comment, as has happened recently, it sometimes can leave me sputtering. If a well-reasoned, articulate, kindhearted responder posts back, it restores my faith in TOTV, not to mention in the basic goodness of people in general. They're speaking for me in a way I couldn't--one of those "You said it so well" responses.

What if someone came to TOTV for the first time and read some of these troll statements, with no one responding. What would they think, having no history with our forum?

Again, I know you're right. But, but, but... Guess I'll just have to learn to bite my my keyboard.

[red tail]

One thing we all need to remember is that we are guests of the owners of TOTV and as guests, who don't have to pay to be a part of this forum. We either follow the rules or we don't. If we don't, we can lose our posting privileges. We're adults, the rules aren't difficult.....stay on topic, well, there are occasions when threads are sidetracked...;)....stay civil. Write as if the individual you're responding to is standing right in front of you.

no guests then no advertisers....who needs who???

[PaPaLarry]

A lot of people may not realize it, but you are not compelled or required to respond to a post with which you disagree. Sorry, that was sarcastic, but it is true. On a message board the best thing you can do is ignore posts that are started by trolls or are in some way incendiary. If they are ignored, they quickly disappear, and if no one responds it tends to discourage the trolls. By responding to posts that you think are not fair or truthful, you keep the thread on the first page to be seen by more people! I know we want to "set the record straight", but you really often make the problem worse by keeping the thread alive. JMHO. Ed
I couldn't agree more. Many times I bite my tongue (hopefully it doesn't bleed hehe) and would like to respond, but I hold back. I still believe there are some kind and sincere people who really mean well, and try to post articles that are helpful and meaningful. Thank goodness for these people who also keep us smiling, with some of their "one liners" I try to avoid threads, that are business people who keep on coming in to promote just themselves, instead of being helpful for all of us. Still love the friendly people out there!!!! Enjoy your day everyone!!!

[paulandjean]

It also looks like a "pecking" order on this site.Certain people post,certain people must complement.Certain cheerleaders and certain followers. Very few would disagree with certain others.Lots of well-wishers even though they have never met a certain person.Lots of people agrue on a subject because that the popular thing to do. Lots of things similar to grade school and high school rules.

[Opulence]

It also looks like a "pecking" order on this site.Certain people post,certain people must complement.Certain cheerleaders and certain followers. Very few would disagree with certain others.Lots of well-wishers even though they have never met a certain person.Lots of people agrue on a subject because that the popular thing to do. Lots of things similar to grade school and high school rules.

I hear ya!

[Madelaine Amee]

It also looks like a "pecking" order on this site.Certain people post,certain people must complement.Certain cheerleaders and certain followers. Very few would disagree with certain others.Lots of well-wishers even though they have never met a certain person.Lots of people agrue on a subject because that the popular thing to do. Lots of things similar to grade school and high school rules.

It's a bit like the "in" group in school! Being a very independent free thinker, I was always on the outside looking in............

[Taltarzac725]

Illegitimi Non Carborundum

Like that thought.

As to trolls, believe it depends on the troll. Some if not most should be ignored. There are others though that should be taken to task if they give other posters the means to do it. Like saying in one post something that completely contradicts the next post they make. It highlights that this poster is just on TOTV to cause problems.

Graciegirl is great cheerleader for both TOTV and the Villages and she seems to greet anyone with wide open arms on TOTV. I seldom saw that kind of openness in grade school or high school. I am trained as a librarian and lawyer so I try to be fair, objective, and give people resources so that they can make up their own minds about whatever subject that comes up. This seems more collegial than something you would find in primary and secondary school.

I have probably met a couple score of the people who post on TOTV and see some others of them quite often in other parts of my life in the Villages. Many of the people I met though have moved to Facebook as a talk resource. I am obviously on both.

I certainly do not think of myself as a powerposter. Been on TOTV since July 2007 or so and have made a lot of internet friends during that period.

[stuckinparadise]

Though I am fairly new to TOTV I feel this site is great for us newbies. We can get information about different rules, regulations and facts about TV first hand from residents. Many of the posts are very subjective, so I basicly scan over those. If someone doesn't like a certain restaurant or business doesn't mean we would necessary feel the same way.

[pooh]

no guests then no advertisers....who needs who???

True, but there are always new posters,...here and on other boards....seems to be an addiction these days for many, and they're fun... ;) However, if it's free and we want to continue posting, we should follow the rules. No one is forced to post on any board....if the rules are not to one's liking, seek out another site to post on....and I'm sure there are plenty out there. Ever think that more might leave a board because of disharmony and not because of the rules?

[paulandjean]

Like that thought.

As to trolls, believe it depends on the troll. Some if not most should be ignored. There are others though that should be taken to task if they give other posters the means to do it. Like saying in one post something that completely contradicts the next post they make. It highlights that this poster is just on TOTV to cause problems.

Graciegirl is great cheerleader for both TOTV and the Villages and she seems to greet anyone with wide open arms on TOTV. I seldom saw that kind of openness in grade school or high school. I am trained as a librarian and lawyer so I try to be fair, objective, and give people resources so that they can make up their own minds about whatever subject that comes up. This seems more collegial than something you would find in primary and secondary school.

I have probably met a couple score of the people who post on TOTV and see some others of them quite often in other parts of my life in the Villages. Many of the people I met though have moved to Facebook as a talk resource. I am obviously on both.

I certainly do not think of myself as a powerposter. Been on TOTV since July 2007 or so and have made a lot of internet friends during that period.

I am a trained teacher and trained coach. I have worked with students my whole life.I have seen this in grade school and high school years in years out.

[jannd228]

One thing we all need to remember is that we are guests of the owners of TOTV and as guests, who don't have to pay to be a part of this forum. We either follow the rules or we don't. If we don't, we can lose our posting privileges. We're adults, the rules aren't difficult.....stay on topic, well, there are occasions when threads are sidetracked...;)....stay civil. Write as if the individual you're responding to is standing right in front of you.

:bigbow:

[paulandjean]

Interesting point. People talk about others as trolls,and yet could they be one themselves.Point: someone mentioned,someone by their screen name,I see no point listing another persons name. Just my opinion.

[Taltarzac725]

I am a trained teacher and trained coach. I have worked with students my whole life.I have seen this in grade school and high school years in years out.

You have seen what exactly??? I have 9214 posts. Big deal. I have had a lot of free time on my hands and do not golf and have lived in the Villages since June 2005 or so. Hardly makes me part of some clique like you find in grade, middle, or high school.

And, I do try to follow the rules of TOTV because they can boot anyone off who does not follow these rules. It is there party and I am happy to attend.

And, I am hardly a troll. I have tried very hard to get along with other posters except on the Forum that must not be named.

[perrjojo]

I am a trained teacher and trained coach. I have worked with students my whole life.I have seen this in grade school and high school years in years out.

I agree...something happens to our maturity level when we become anonymous

[Taltarzac725]

I agree...something happens to our maturity level when we become anonymous

Again, you have seen what? Be specific. And I would say a couple of hundred posters on TOTV know my identity so I am not anonymous. A lot more TOTVers know graciegirl's true identity as well.

I have no idea who you or the other poster that challenged me actually is.

[paulandjean]

Again, you have seen what? Be specific. And I would say a couple of hundred posters on TOTV know my identity so I am not anonymous. A lot more TOTVers know graciegirl's true identity as well.

I have no idea who you or the other poster that challenged me actually is.

Wow,I do not see where myself or the other poster :Challenged" you. Why do you keep bringing up that other person?No one said anything negative about that female poster.

[2BNTV]

I personally ascribe to the philosophy of, "I don't let anybody rent space on my head". I tend to agree to disagree politely.

I have many posts and I am probably guilty of keeping some threads alive that are posted by questionable posters. These type of posts are ususally figured out.

I enjoy this site immensely and it's friendly people. Guilty as charged. :smiley:

[Bogie Shooter]

What then is a power poster??

[eweissenbach]

What then is a power poster??

Anyone with more than 4,000 posts :a040:

[Moderator]

This thread seems to have run its course and become too personal.

Thread closed.