Somewhere to have a good moan

My moan of the day: I've noticed a degree of aggression these last few days -- on social media, on forums, whatever. People don't respond or respond with anger. Could be the combination of Easter holiday and covid, I don't know. But it's a weird "atmosphere" everywhere I turn.

Don't start with this!

If you look back at the number of topics there have been added to in the last 24 hours I'd say it's pretty good. Particularly when you consider it's really only 4-5 of us who have been posting regularly in that time.

Yeah! I've been working so hard on posting more!

But I know it makes you sad Thor that more people aren't active.

That's unfortunate Thor. Which James do you mean?

I wonder if the Zoom meeting evolve into something more the longer the go on? They start of being so novel that everyone who participates are filled with novelty of the whole technology and the weirdness of chatting with like-minded individuals. Then, once that initial 'honeymoon' period has worn off some of the traits seen on the messageboards begins to appear?

Not having been there it's difficult trying to fathom what the dynamic was. Maybe it will be mentioned on the FSM board by someone?

Thor, do you think it's something we need to keep an eye on on our chats? Ours are a lot more infrequent than Stephen's and so perhaps we haven't gone as far down that evolutionary path?

It's OK. I see from the FSM messageboard thread who James is. I don't think that I know who he is.

FSM always did have a bit of a reputation to assume to be a bit elitist (no offense to any FSM-i dwelling here. I am speaking in general). I remember well the almost angrily dismissive and patronising tone some of Thomas' reviews were met with, as if they didn't meet some completely arbitrary "professional" standard.

While FSM is brimming with enthusiasts and people of great knowledge on the topic, I do at times get the feeling they forget
1) it's a hobby, no one is getting paid
2) it's the nichest niche in Nichetown. No one else in the world [I]cares[i].
3) it. Is. Supposed. To. Be. FUN.

I mean, I can understand the irritation of being around drunk people when you're cold sober, but I was really just in a good, spirited mood (no pun intended) -- like any and all chats we've had over here. Rambled a bit, sure, but it's not like I called people names or anything. There was no malice involved. So I think the criticism was WAY out of proportion with the "transgression". Lots of alcohol shaming going on. It's not often that I get hurt by comments, but this was one such case, as it wasn't really a criticism of anything I said, but of my personality (inebriated personality, but still). I've sorta decided not to partake in any of Stephen's dry meetings ever again, but we'll see.

In any case....thank God for the Maintitles/Cheers meetings, I say.

Ah, so we did. Sorry about that. Isn't it annoying when people start a topic when there's already a perfectly good one? Or when someone points out such a previous topic?