Never seen a community forum like MFP's!
gdbadass
Posts: 60
I am wndering why the culture here is so different.
People get on threads for no reason, it seems, other than to be rude to people, usually the person who started the thread.
Someone posts about a problem, concern, something important to them, if not to you - that's what the boards are for. Instead of people responding because they have something constructive to add - after all, no one is FORCED to respond to anything in a community forum space - there are inevitably comments that are purely trashing the poster!
Why do people bother?
Maybe I belong to particularly polite online communities - and I don't think so, because when people disagree, they are vocal and it does get heated - but troll behaviour like saying a person is stupid for making a post in the first place, or implying it with disdainful, sarcastic remarks - I've never seen it done like it is here, in a decade of belonging to several, completely open public message boards.
Why is this rudeness so common at MFP? People just cranky out of hunger?
It seems that many people trying to change their bodies, their diet, their lifestyle, are particularly in need of support, encouragement, and safe space. Does that vulnerability bring just out the bullies?
People get on threads for no reason, it seems, other than to be rude to people, usually the person who started the thread.
Someone posts about a problem, concern, something important to them, if not to you - that's what the boards are for. Instead of people responding because they have something constructive to add - after all, no one is FORCED to respond to anything in a community forum space - there are inevitably comments that are purely trashing the poster!
Why do people bother?
Maybe I belong to particularly polite online communities - and I don't think so, because when people disagree, they are vocal and it does get heated - but troll behaviour like saying a person is stupid for making a post in the first place, or implying it with disdainful, sarcastic remarks - I've never seen it done like it is here, in a decade of belonging to several, completely open public message boards.
Why is this rudeness so common at MFP? People just cranky out of hunger?
It seems that many people trying to change their bodies, their diet, their lifestyle, are particularly in need of support, encouragement, and safe space. Does that vulnerability bring just out the bullies?
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Replies
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Weight Watchers is the same.
I think most diet forums are the same.
But MFP does have a lot of support and good things too.0 -
People say mean and cruel things on websites that they would never say to a person face to face. Sad, isn't it? This is what's happening to society.0
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Ive never been on a msg board that wasnt like this. Why you asking so many questions?!?! UGH!
http://freew67.blogspot.com/0 -
LOL I have noticed the exact same thing!!0
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Check out the newsvine at MSNBC.COM. It makes this place look tame.0
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because nobody is moderating and it is a free for all. like sitting at a bar and hearing anyone and everyone's thoughts out loud..0
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I agree; I'm pretty tired of this site because of all the junk on the forums.0
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I've actually been thinking of leaving MFP for this very reason. It wasn't like this even a year ago. Now, it's just so snarky, I don't bother adding posts to the forum. There are still plenty of nice people on the site, just don't try to find them on the forums. Best of luck in your goals!0
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The world is evil these days.
Trolling is popular..and people think it is the "cool" thing to do. 
*shakes head*
I have found the best thing to do is to ignore the forums for most part. It helps a lot. I'm here for me and noone else.0 -
No. You're right. We're all very hungry, very stressed, and very cranky. 0
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I'm just going to sit back and watch this thread go to pieces, like the one posted two days ago on the same topic did. Let's see how long it will take for this thread to be locked and then deleted. Bet you a chocolate candy bar that it won't make two days!0
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I agree with you OP.0
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Ive never been on a msg board that wasnt like this.
Ditto.0 -
My theory. Heated threads generate repeat views. MFP makes money from ads. Having users return to see the flame fest thus generates more money.
Why close threads that have people coming back again and again when site hits makes yous $$.0 -
Some people are dilholes.0
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I have to say that I too have noticed this trend on almost every thread I've happened to read through when the headline caught me attention. I have been taken aback at times with the level of aggression some of the replies have reached and the attacks to people's characters. It does make one somewhat hesitant to post a comment or concern...0
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I'm just going to sit back and watch this thread go to pieces, like the one posted two days ago on the same topic did. Let's see how long it will take for this thread to be locked and then deleted. Bet you a chocolate candy bar that it won't make two days!
^^ I was thinking the exact same thing!0 -
Hi,
There is a certain level of angst on here, but I think the reason why it is a popular site is because people are realistic, yes it is nice to get positive responses but sometimes people are in need of a bit of tough love, change is hard in anything. But when it comes to the physical body, it is one of the single most difficult changes that can be undertaken, if we all just send each other fluff all day, perhaps we will be just that?
On the other hand blatant rudeness is never welcome!0 -
i generally dont use the community because i totally agree with you. Im sure 99% of people are lovely but i always seem to see the harsh nasty humans that thrive on belittling people and making people feel afraid to post any genuine concerns etc.... I just had to comment on this one as i agreed so strongly with you! xx0
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It's the internet?
This is actually not that bad when it comes to online forums. Heck, I belong to a DISNEY forum and people get mean over there.
Then again, when people stop crying when someone tells them something they don't want to hear that would help too. Don't start a thread if you are not willing to hear all sides. 99% of the "OMG people are mean" responses I see are from people who don't want to listen to the truth and who only want sunshine and rainbows. Especially with something like healthy weight loss, the truth is VERY important.0 -
I notice it all the time, elsewhere. Especially in the comments sections on articles, including fun articles like on Cracked.com. The only place I haven't really noticed it was on goosemoose.com, which is a pet forum. Other than that, I've been told on many other websites that I shouldn't post in the comments section because I'm out of the kitchen. (actually never heard that on MFP, though.)0
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Hi,
There is a certain level of angst on here, but I think the reason why it is a popular site is because people are realistic, yes it is nice to get positive responses but sometimes people are in need of a bit of tough love, change is hard in anything. But when it comes to the physical body, it is one of the single most difficult changes that can be undertaken, if we all just send each other fluff all day, perhaps we will be just that?
On the other hand blatant rudeness is never welcome!
I agree with the fluff bit. I don't want someone telling me I am doing great when I am not but there is also no need to be a complete a$$wipe either. I have just come to realize that manners have went out the door. Hardly anyone has them anymore. :P0 -
With something as emotional as body recomposition, I expect to see plenty of both good and evil.
I especially expect to see plenty of insecurity, projecting, pretentiousness, and gratuitous group hugs.0 -
For those people who will say - "this place is just like the rest of the internet" - no, it isn't.
YouTube comments or comments on a news story can't be compared to posts in a community forum.
This site's culture is particularly rude.
I suspect there are a lot of cowards and bullies out there who are miserable and want to bring down others.
For anyone wh ois truly struggling, has a sincere question and seeks advice and community support, or has something positive to offer, I hope you continue and wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Don't let the NFP trolls get you down.
In the meantime, there should be moderators here. Safe space is important.0 -
Why is this rudeness so common at MFP? People just cranky out of hunger?
HCG. /Thread0 -
For those people who will say - "this place is just like the rest of the internet" - no, it isn't.
YouTube comments or comments on a news story can't be compared to posts in a community forum.
This site's culture is particularly rude.
I suspect there are a lot of cowards and bullies out there who are miserable and want to bring down others.
For anyone wh ois truly struggling, has a sincere question and seeks advice and community support, or has something positive to offer, I hope you continue and wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Don't let the NFP trolls get you down.
In the meantime, there should be moderators here. Safe space is important.
I understand what you are saying, but I do want o point out there are PLENTY of mods on this website. If you are having too many issues, you may contact them via PM.0 -
Because: http://i.imgur.com/tdJ1M.jpg
(Not going to create an image since it has a ~BAD WORD in it!)0 -
Really? I belong to 3 other forums that are actually worse than mfp... And by worse I mean way worse. Mfp is mild honestly.
I figure it this way... You get a group of thousands together with conflicting views values and ideas and you are always going to have issues.
Rude people are every where, whiney babies are everywhere... Its the way the world is... Not everyone is going to vomit rainbows and crap glitter... It just doesn't happen.0 -
HEY WHY ARE YOU HARASSING US WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM, YOUR NAME OFFENDS ME, IT SAYS *kitten*0
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I belong to one other community forum. For figure skaters. I think we're all too tired to be snarky.
I spend about 90% of my internet time here. And rarely post there. Here is just more entertaining....0
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