Roy
And no criticisms…from me anyway.
Has the forum gone through a change? It has been more quiet than usual for over a week, maybe more. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?
Noticeably absent, almost that is, are the usual targeted posts intended to just provoke controversy. Their occurrence stirs activity, and conversely, their absence provides calm. Which is better?
When this forum is most active, it could be said to be akin to a shark feeding frenzy of unabated biting and wanton aggression, and sometimes without any justifiable provocation or fuse. Is it at those times that the forum is the best? In those situations, some of us find ourselves at our best, and our worst…but most always it’s really in between, as I see it.
During this latest “quiet” time, several new members have joined. It seems to me that new memberships are not at their highest levels during those periods when the forum is
most agitated…call it the spin cycle in a Maytag washing machine…which is not a good time to throw in more clothes.
Only Bert can answer this, but I have this feeling that new members only come on here…posting…once the dust has settled from whatever the last battle was about is over.
And that lends itself to another question. How many members are just readers? For me, I recall that often enough, first time posters readily acknowledge that they have been readers of the forum for a long time…and then, for one reason, or another, suddenly become participants. Well, the fact is, there is plenty of stuff to read on this forum, so maybe readers only shouldn’t surprise us?
So, how should we analyze this current “quiet time?”
Personally, I like it, and with the change of ownership of this forum from Bert to his brother in Holland, maybe this is the time that this forum ceases to be a parking lot of malcontents, misinformed, lonely hearts, or others with a predisposed agenda that has nothing to do with Bali…or living here as an expat. While their presence had unarguably presented constant entertainment, in the end, there are no insights about expatriate life in Bali to be found.
In my view, and I’ve often said this, a forum should never be valued by its activity, but rather, the content found within.
akucintabali
I think this forum is probably the best forum on Bali out there. Its very informative and definately gives an interesting view on Bali. I enjoy reading the arguments and the opposing points of view, it proves that Bali isnt really this fantasy land of milk and honey which alot of tourists view it as. I have never lived in Bali, I have just been there many times and I have seen on my short 2-3 week trips alot of the positives and negatives of the island. This forum encompasses alot of these positives and negatives! It goes beyond the 'where to shop/eat/stay'/which driver' sort of discussions that most bali forums have. The discussions/arguments/debates are all very entertaining and also quite educational, I think its sad that alot of regular members have decided to leave because they are fed up with other personalities. In my opinion the reason why alot of new members (like myself) dont contribute is because we actually arent educated in the Bali life that you guys lead, we're just regular bule tourists that dont have enough knowledge to contribute. I'm really happy that I have been able to come across this forum and read so much information because in 3 months I am off to bali for 6months and i am hoping this forum has prepared me for the reality check of living in Bali for longer than a 2week holiday.
lumumba
Hi Roy,
In my amble opinion this is something normal. This also does happen in every relation ship, business, sport and so on.
I DO BELIVE that we all need fresh ideas, fresh questions and fresh posts to invigorate our minds. Even if the forum gets quiet I think isn’t bad after all.
It is not possible to write new post every day. :(
Maybe, but I personally don’t think so, the forums have become a mine field, and that's what kills participation. Sorry for the expression I'm going to use, but if you have to count on the possibility that some smart ass might bark at you, not you personally, etc., how much desire would you have to participate?
Maybe the reason why the posting went down is do to the fact that the participants are doing something else than usual, and just need to concentrate on what they are doing. There's a lot of work involved in other aspect of life so they can't be much available for the usual support chats.
I think this forum is something unique and it should be preserved, nothing wrong with the forum.
Only time will tell.
Regards
