Talk of The Villages Florida

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-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Far Too Much Misinformation (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/far-too-much-misinformation-49610/)

downeaster 03-01-2012 11:02 AM

Far Too Much Misinformation
 
It appears the activity on this forum has increased in the past few months. Many more viewing, more threads and more responses. That's the good news.

There also seems to be an increase in the amount of erroneous information. That is the bad news.

A lot of this can have serious consequences. People asking for information may rely on the answers they get here. However, those answers may be from self styled experts who are wrong. There are even cases of others correcting the error only to replace it with another error.

I am not referring to questions such as electric cart vs. gas cart or new vs. resale. Anyone asking about subjects such as those will expect opinions. However, much more serious questions are asked. They include bond issues, taxes, our form of government, IRS issue and more. People deserve correct answers as they may be making a big decision and that decision could depend on the answer they get here.

This problem is out of the hands of the Admins. They cannot be expected to check the accuracy of every post. It is in our hands. Let's get our facts right before responding.

My comments are not meant to include the political forum or any sub forum or question requesting an opinion.

JohnN 03-01-2012 11:10 AM

point taken, however on any forum
if you ask for free advice or input, you get what you pay for.

It's best to double check on your own, anything that you ask in life.

JoeC1947 03-01-2012 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by downeaster (Post 461037)
It appears the activity on this forum has increased in the past few months. Many more viewing, more threads and more responses. That's the good news.

There also seems to be an increase in the amount of erroneous information. That is the bad news.

A lot of this can have serious consequences. People asking for information may rely on the answers they get here. However, those answers may be from self styled experts who are wrong. There are even cases of others correcting the error only to replace it with another error.

I am not referring to questions such as electric cart vs. gas cart or new vs. resale. Anyone asking about subjects such as those will expect opinions. However, much more serious questions are asked. They include bond issues, taxes, our form of government, IRS issue and more. People deserve correct answers as they may be making a big decision and that decision could depend on the answer they get here.

This problem is out of the hands of the Admins. They cannot be expected to check the accuracy of every post. It is in our hands. Let's get our facts right before responding.

My comments are not meant to include the political forum or any sub forum or question requesting an opinion.

This board is not made up of a group of experts but I find that most of the information is correct. Anyone with a serious, life changing question should seek the advice of an expert.

But to think that it's a problem that deserves attention is wrong. Maybe you should check your "facts".

graciegirl 03-01-2012 11:28 AM

I am NOT a Morse. Don't know the Morses and I just love TV.
 
To try to quell rumors and correct misinformation just because we care about the new folks who read what is written here and really don't know what to believe, to try to give them truthful answers is a very good thing.

I still don't understand just sometimes blatant fibs on here by first time posters. You have to wonder what the agenda is for that.

You are right. Everyone has to do their "due diligence" but some of us really care that folks who have NEVER been here get the right information.

And sometimes some of us act like "know it alls". :o

That would be me. I'm sorry.

Happinow 03-01-2012 11:34 AM

Most posts are very helpful
 
I think that if people are going to ask for advice on anything of critical importance on this forum, they should always follow up with checking on things themselves. The information people give, is from their own experience or information they may have been given. It is not gospel.

In general, the information on this forum is invaluable and if nothing else it points you in a direction. What I may have experienced with a person or place or thing does not necessarily mean you will experience the same. We tell from our experience and hope that helps others. I say keep the posts coming!

CaptJohn 03-01-2012 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happinow (Post 461059)
I think that if people are going to ask for advice on anything of critical importance on this forum, they should always follow up with checking on things themselves. The information people give, is from their own experience or information they may have been given. It is not gospel.

In general, the information on this forum is invaluable and if nothing else it points you in a direction. What I may have experienced with a person or place or thing does not necessarily mean you will experience the same. We tell from our experience and hope that helps others. I say keep the posts coming!

:agree: Very well stated. Do your own homework for backup.

kentucky blue 03-01-2012 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by downeaster (Post 461037)
It appears the activity on this forum has increased in the past few months. Many more viewing, more threads and more responses. That's the good news.

There also seems to be an increase in the amount of erroneous information. That is the bad news.

A lot of this can have serious consequences. People asking for information may rely on the answers they get here. However, those answers may be from self styled experts who are wrong. There are even cases of others correcting the error only to replace it with another error.

I am not referring to questions such as electric cart vs. gas cart or new vs. resale. Anyone asking about subjects such as those will expect opinions. However, much more serious questions are asked. They include bond issues, taxes, our form of government, IRS issue and more. People deserve correct answers as they may be making a big decision and that decision could depend on the answer they get here.

This problem is out of the hands of the Admins. They cannot be expected to check the accuracy of every post. It is in our hands. Let's get our facts right before responding.

My comments are not meant to include the political forum or any sub forum or question requesting an opinion.

The problem is that most of the intellectually perceptive and inquisitive posters, that would thoroughly research the thought provoking topics about TV future issues ,no longer post.They obviously became extremely exasperated with the negativity they received on this board, about their message(don't kill the messenger) on controversial and significant issues on the future of TV. I miss their invaluable contributions and hope someday that some of them will return and enlighten us again on TV and it's long term future.:read:

graciegirl 03-01-2012 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentucky blue (Post 461069)
The problem is that most of the intellectually perceptive and inquisitive posters, that would thoroughly research the thought provoking topics about TV future issues ,no longer post.They obviously became extremely exasperated with the negativity they received on this board, on their message(don't kill the messenger) on controversial and significant issues on the future of TV. I miss their invaluable contributions and hope someday that some of them will return and enlighten us again on TV and it's long term future.:read:

Who do you miss the most?

Challenger 03-01-2012 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentucky blue (Post 461069)
The problem is that most of the intellectually perceptive and inquisitive posters, that would thoroughly research the thought provoking topics about TV future issues ,no longer post.They obviously became extremely exasperated with the negativity they received on this board, on their message(don't kill the messenger) on controversial and significant issues on the future of TV. I miss their invaluable contributions and hope someday that some of them will return and enlighten us again on TV and it's long term future.:read:

I also am somewhat dissapointed by those who are quick to spread illogical statements( from someone that they just met) ,conspiricy theories and issues that can bring real harm to individuals and organizations without the minimal use of basic research or common sense. But, this is what happens on many public forums.

Posh 08 03-01-2012 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by downeaster (Post 461037)
It appears the activity on this forum has increased in the past few months. Many more viewing, more threads and more responses. That's the good news.

There also seems to be an increase in the amount of erroneous information. That is the bad news.

A lot of this can have serious consequences. People asking for information may rely on the answers they get here. However, those answers may be from self styled experts who are wrong. There are even cases of others correcting the error only to replace it with another error.

I am not referring to questions such as electric cart vs. gas cart or new vs. resale. Anyone asking about subjects such as those will expect opinions. However, much more serious questions are asked. They include bond issues, taxes, our form of government, IRS issue and more. People deserve correct answers as they may be making a big decision and that decision could depend on the answer they get here.

This problem is out of the hands of the Admins. They cannot be expected to check the accuracy of every post. It is in our hands. Let's get our facts right before responding.

My comments are not meant to include the political forum or any sub forum or question requesting an opinion.

Can you be more specific? Any particular issues you care to offer the correct answer?

downeaster 03-01-2012 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posh 08 (Post 461101)
Can you be more specific? Any particular issues you care to offer the correct answer?

A recent example is "When the build out ends" thread. Then there are the bond threads, IRS threads, traffic threads, roundabout threads, taxes threads, etc.

I have in the past researched comments and posted corrected information. There are others who have done the same.

downeaster 03-01-2012 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeC1947 (Post 461047)
This board is not made up of a group of experts but I find that most of the information is correct. Anyone with a serious, life changing question should seek the advice of an expert.

But to think that it's a problem that deserves attention is wrong. Maybe you should check your "facts".

Well, Joe, I did check my facts. In fact I gave it a lot of thought before posting because I knew there would be flack. I absolutely think it is a problem that deserves attention and if you don't recognize it, so be it.

I am perfectly aware this forum is not made up of a group of experts. However a Newbie looking for information deserves correct answers and there are people here who provide them with those correct answers. But, there are those who appear to be experts who give wrong answers. How is Newbie to know the difference? If he /she thinks we are going to provide a wrong answer, why would they bother to ask?

pqrstar 03-01-2012 04:57 PM

Another example of false information was about "free amenities" for Village employees.

Pathel 03-01-2012 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by downeaster (Post 461199)
well, joe, i did check my facts. In fact i gave it a lot of thought before posting because i knew there would be flack. I absolutely think it is a problem that deserves attention and if you don't recognize it, so be it.

I am perfectly aware this forum is not made up of a group of experts. However a newbie looking for information deserves correct answers and there are people here who provide them with those correct answers. But, there are those who appear to be experts who give wrong answers. How is newbie to know the difference? If he /she thinks we are going to provide a wrong answer, why would they bother to ask?

Bingo!

l2ridehd 03-01-2012 05:14 PM

I think you are all over reacting a bit. Example is the amenities thread, the OP said he heard it from an employee and was asking the question, didn't state it as fact. Part of the problem is people ask something without complete information or enough background to provide an accurate answer. Three people read the question, interpret it a little different and answer to the best of their ability. And each answer is different.

Two key points.

1. I don't believe anyone is doing it intentionally, they all do the best they can and sometimes make mistakes. Sometimes it's lack of background information and others it's lack of knowledge.

2. If you make a major decision on anything based on something you read on the internet, hear on the news, read in a paper, hear in a conversation without doing proper verification and diligence then you are a little dumb and own the results. I believe less then 20% of anything I see, hear, read or find out from other sources.


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