Do you give a shit here or is it just a playground now?

[MackemX]

I thought this board was a wealth of information and probably still is but the standard of members respect for others is well below par

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249296

not the best example thread but probably the latest of what I always come across regularly. Someone trying to give to the community no matter what little it was and they basically get why did you even bother thrown in their face by the know it alls etc. A couple of guys in their appreciated the guys efforts and hats of to stiltman as he said exactly what I would say but in a politer way

who gives a flying **** if it's a shit guide or not or number 1,000,001 of the same guide. I started out with simple pathetic guides like that but eventually progressed and have given to this and a few other communities one way or another so why can't he?. Who really gives a shit if someone comes onto the forum and posts that they have just discovered this new amazing free app called DVDShrink. I can just imagine the feeding frenzy. Why bother wasting the minute or so replying or is it the fact you have **** all else to do in your sad ******* life apart from look cool in 'cyberspace'?.

If nobody replies then the meaningless threads that piss the people off who post in them, it would disappear quicker than a blink of the eye and leave the worthy threads at the top. Instead some wise arse decides to reply with a totally ******* meaningless post and puts it back to the top. It's ironic that they moan about the newbs asking stupid or repeatitive questions and post their views etc. By posting you are part of the problem and can't actually realise your puny efforts will never stop it. You can show someone the error of their ways without upsetting them but some members just haven't got this skill

some people in here simply just haven't got a clue how to get respect from fellow members and I bet many would get some high votes on a no so popular contest poll. I know I would score also score highly but I know it's only the dickheads I've given sht to that would vote for me. These days most will know I never give shit to anyone unless they have been dishing it out to others and need a taste of their own crap. What's so funny is watching the pathetic twats try and worm out of being made to look like a pure arsehole by crying. I respect some guys here I've had heated debates with as some actually do realise that's it's pathetic

are these dickheads just going to jump on everyone so in the end nobody new ever comes back and they also force members who don't want shite like that away?. What will you all do, just start jumping on each other?

I'm not saying you have to kiss arse but get to know people a little more before winding them up in fun or giving them some sort of STFU. It's not that hard to do

this thread will probably die a quick death as those people who I'm griefing now ain't big enough to face the music. They will just resort to post meaningless shit instead as they can't actually post something constructive in a thread. If it does disappear then I guess the so called 'core' members here don't actually give a **** about the forums anymore or at least the treatment of the rest of the community. Do you just use it for ego boosting or just ******* about with the odd occasional helpful post.

why not make this forum the way it was a while back? It was only yesterday TGPO stated the forums ain't the same as they were 2 years ago and who is going to disagree with him? Do you want it to stay like this or even get worse then if so just **** off regardless of how much you know, how long you have been here or how many posts you have made!. That status shite means means **** all to me if you have a shit attitude to other members as you don't respect the forum rules or etiquette. You just drag this great resource down to lower levels and I would like to think you can take a look at yourself and your attitude and think about the community instead

Why is it some forums don't have a tenth of the shite you see here?. I would say 90% of people don't want to see the shite and it's annoying to read a thread with 50% info and 50% complete shite

apologies for the language but I am very interested to see what people actually think of the forums at the minute, but more interestingly what they would like them to be like in say 3-6 months

let's see who is the first dickhead to post something lame in this thread. I can think of a few things to say to myself just now as I'm laughing and I'm even visualising some of the replies from members I might just get. In fact anyone who does should walk away, if not and you feel the need to be childish I won't say what you do to yourself, I will leave it up to your imagination

My challenge here is to see if members can actually be mature in this thread and discuss the current and future state of these forums.

if everyone thinks the forums are just fine then seeing as this thread is pointed at nobody in particular nobody will think it applies to them :P

Hello listeners this is MackemX, I'm listening

[bazooka]

I care.

I enjoy this site and try to help out when I can.

[jimmalenko]

Do you think the Feedback forum might be a better place (more exposure), or are you aiming at predominantly OT regulars ?

Personally I'm on the fence. If someone writes something so ******* stupid, they deserve to be told about it - and I expect the same if I write something stupid. However there's a difference between writing something stupid and genuinely not knowing. I like to give a little push in the right direction, and if that push isn't enough, then they might receive some further instructions. If they want hand-holding and/or are lazy, then they'll receive some choice words.

FWIW, I'll happily stand up to any criticisms of my manner ... and I personally don't care too much for your mind games either, MackemX Have your opinion, no problem. But I don't take any of this " If there isn't a problem then no-one should reply" or "those who feel guilty ..." crap. I'll reply when and if I see fit

[MackemX]

oops, , oh no I've given them a chance to jump on me . Made a genuine mistake but I'm sure it will be moved. Postwhores feel free to report this thread

anyway, I agree with what you are saying but it all depends how you push don't you think? Some here think they have a high status that it justifies them to push people hard instead of gently I know how helpful you are and I've also seen the length some members take you so I can understand your feelings. I guess it's where do you get off before you blow decision time in the end. Looking at it, I guess I'm the same but at a higher level as I just push the pushers occasionally. What bazooka just posted in the poster above you thread was a classic as I guess I am a fireman in a way

I don't think it's mind games, cut out most of the shite above and I'm genuinely questioning what people think about the state of the forums and members behaviour to each other. I hope that anyone wishing to discuss it can also do it without any of the crap I'm moaning about

@bazooka, I think we all care or else we wouldn't keep coming back

[MackemX]

just read an interesting post by Capmaster HERE answering a question why OT is now member only?

It is felt that OT is a place primarily for regular members. It is our social area and at times the material there does not always provide the best image of Videohelp.com and its reason for being.

Many unregistered guests browse this site and they are from outside industry, sponsors, video professionals, trade groups, etc. The Off Topic Forum is more of an insider's social area and really doesn't directly contribute to the video-related value of this site. So it was decided that we would make it a "membership-required" social area instead of a "come one, come all" forum

looking at it, I'd rather this thread stayed in OT as the guys who frequent here are the guys who can do something about it

[jimmalenko]

anyway, I agree with what you are saying but it all depends how you push don't you think? Some here think they have a high status that it justifies them to push people hard instead of gently I know how helpful you are and I've also seen the length some members take you so I can understand your feelings. I guess it's where do you get off before you blow decision time in the end.

I feel a real case of pot-kettle-black (for myself), as no doubt I've dished up some steaming turds along the way ... however I'd like to think that I've mellowed a bit ... I'm back to two or three helpful posts (as helpful as I can get without posting an entire guide), referring to useful guides/threads etc, and then if the user still acts like it's a paid helpdesk, then they'll get told, firmly but strongly.

I must say though that at times I suffer a bit from compulsive posting disorder

[bazooka]

I must say though that at times I suffer a bit from compulsive posting disorder

That makes two of us.

For several months leading up to when I changed my username, I forgot why I was even here.

I now try to help as much as possible.

[MackemX]

@jimmalenko, like I said, I'm the same in a way as I do pick at people my own size . Mate, you have chilled a helluva a lot in recent months and you ain't even on my fires to put out list 8)

[jimmalenko]

@jimmalenko, like I said, I'm the same in a way as I do pick at people my own size . Mate, you have chilled a helluva a lot in recent months and you ain't even on my fires to put out list 8)

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the "newbie revolution" given the affordability of DVD burners/recorders these days. I think this has greatly contributed to the feel of the site due to DVD (for example) not being just for those who have a genuine interest in video any more. Nowadays, any and every man and his dog can buy a burner, download a couple of tmd.cam.dix.xvid.avi files and quite a few do not really care too much for going through the learning curve as compared to those with a genuine interest.

[bazooka]

Like I said in the other thread, I get aggravated with the people that cannot think for themselves and refuse to try something and make their own decision.

I have tried to back off considerably.

At times, I just use smileys.

[ViRaL1]

It's been a while since I've ventured out in the Video realm here, as I help mostly in the computer section. I don't know about anyone else, but I generally won't rip an ass until it's shown.

[offline]

These forums have changed and will continue to change.
VCDhelp started as an experimental hobbyist site. It then
became more and more mainstream as video
technologies became simpler, cheaper and more wide spread.

I recall taking part in some interesting debates, and I also
recall having to lock threads about which format was better + or -.
These days I can hardly recollect the last time I answered a
difficult "juicy" question. The nature of the questions have changed
as the nature of the user has changed.

If you feel frustrated, take a break and go elsewhere or join
Off topic. Many off topic regulars keep their hand in and help
out with the video forums on a regular basis. Those that
quit usually contribute zilch.

Sure re: your example the level of respect is declining but
look around you - it is declining elsewhere as well. Welcome
to the 21st Century.

[bugster]

@MackemX, I have just re-read that thread you linked to and I don't see the same problem as you. As you say

not the best example thread but probably the latest of what I always come across regularly

.
Reading that thread, I see no real flaming, just people trying to explain that there are other, easier and better ways of doing what the 'guide' supposedly covers. Most of it was constructive criticism (at least to my eyes) or alternative, simpler methods. Several people actually said things like

I'm happy it worked for you ...

or

good for you, you got it working

.

If there was any problem in that thread it was the OP that couldn't handle a little bit of critique. I got the feeling he was expecting thanks or praise. When this did not appear in the expected quantity he got upset and left videohelp. Thats his loss, not ours.

I would also like to say I agree with everything offline said in his post. Thats life, get used to it.

[Faustus]

Same here. Looked like people posting quick version of how they make the same thing happen. I didn't really detect that much attitude at all.

If anything the OP seemed frustraighted from the very begining.

[northcat_8]

While I admit I do spend most of my time in OT just screwing around...I do venture out to the newbie forums, capture, DVD to DVDR forums regularly.

I like helping people figure stuff out <job hazard> and some illogical steps are always going to take place when folks are just learning...but as LS said in your link...the guides work just fine.

I don't typically get too rude with noobs, unless they come back with the "that's not it" line

[Capmaster]

I completely agree with bugster and Flaystus. And my comment you quoted:

The Off Topic Forum is more of an insider's social area and really doesn't directly contribute to the video-related value of this site

refers to the Forum, not the people in OT. The OT forum, by definition, isn't supposed to contain video discussion except in rare cases.

I have gone on the record over and over in Feedback, the Mod forum, and other forums about the value OT regulars bring to the site. Not only in donations, but being here and venturing out to help noobs in other tech forums here.

[reboot]

Not speaking for anyone but myself...I have posted plenty, in various forums, based on what I considered to be "being helpful". I also have my share of posts in OT.
I have posted misleading information.
I have posted MY opinions.
I have made mistakes.
I have aplogised when I have been found wrong.
A slice of humble pie, along with the attitude of, "If you can't say anything nice/helpful, don't post at all", goes a VERY llong way to making this a better forum.
As a (previous) mod/supermod on other forums, I have had my share of disrespect, from noobs as well as other mods. I do not edit/lock posts by others, as I respect their opinions, good or bad, however, I do lock/delete posts that are not worth the time someone took to type them. Flaming/bashing of any sort is not productive, nor conducive to building a strong, supporting community.
If we are unable to police ourselves, let's get a supermod, who has the time to read each and every post, to unbiasedly lock/delete whatever he/she decides. In effect, "hire" a volunteer police force.
Is it worth that sort of drastic measure?
One of the most respected forums on the internet, is at pcmech.com. Why? Because absolutely NO bullshit is allowed. Period.
Take a page from their book, and see how this forum improves to an even greater wealth of knowledge. Yes, we will lose some members. We will (over time) gain back that number and more, as people come to realize how civilized we are. (Notice I said "we" including myself in this).
Treat each post as if you were talking to your mother/father/minister/priest (you just might be, and not know it!), and the respect this site get's from the rest of the internet community will grow exponentially.
[/rant]
got something productive to say, post here.
got something derogatory to say, email me. :P

[MackemX]

@jimmalenko, I know it isn't the hobbyists that frequent the boards and there will be many flyby postings of one question and never coming back again. My point is that should anyone be treated differently here?

@bazzooka, best way mate, just chill as they can't hurt you can they?

@ViRaL1, 'that's what I said about kicking an ass when it's shown

@offline, I know the boards changing and I would even like to think that one day the forums would expand to more than just a videohelp site. 'I think most regulars here have 'grown up' regarding the format war type threads and simply can't be arsed to walk into another one. I'm sure I can't be bothered to join another 'Nero sucks' debate for example

The level of respect is dropping but unlike the sad 'real' world, here the rules can be enforced and acted. I'm not frustrated at all, I'm just showing how the lack of respect for fellow members has dropped. I'm not talking about respect of the newbies to others as regualts should know better to just walk away from that. I'm talking about the respect of regulars I see in forums who say **** all about the topic apart from say something demeaning about the poster or fellow members.

@busgter, your reply is not surprising by you saying you see nothing wrong with it as this is the general impression I thought I would get. I do see things if I look at it from PATMANN's point of view, so did a few other regulars and more importantly so did the thread starter. You do see the good points but do you really not see the bad points? This is what I see and I'll try my best

A guy posts a huge but probably meaningless to most post but has obviously took the time to do it. he could be a windup merchant but would anyone take that amount of time to post a windup. If I replied it would be as if I would be swimming cautiously as he may just be looking for a bite. His next post raises my suspicions that he may be looking for a bite. Most regulars have seen it all before so most move on as I would probably would have. It was the fact the topic was actually locked that got me to read it

Bazooka, cool as a cucumber posts his method

dfisher, same again

tekkieman, same again

SLICK RICK, harmless but doesn't say why he thinks it's a waste of time

BobK, helpful by pointing out a simpler way to the guy

Capmaster, another method

SLICK RICK, harmless again but the poster may take it the wrong way even for now
lordsmurf, this is where it starts to go downhill and it ain't newbies posting the shite.It's a harmless to most regulars here but is it really harmless to that guy or is it another kick in the 'I hope this helps others' teeth?

SLICK RICK, harmless but again increasing the friction between him and the poster and it's actually now his sig

BobK, informative post but it's now turning into a discussion about the poster

lordsmurf, it is a funny post but is it nice to laugh at this guy's expense?

jimmalenko, seen it all before and posts something that the guy will take onboard without being feeling demoralised

stilman, one for the morale boosters

PATMANN, straight away you can see how he values stiltman's comment and how the others haven't really helped.

canadatek, knows the forum well and gives the guy some support to stick around

jimmalenko, his post was harmless but PATMANN has obviously rattled everyone's feathers by his last reply. Again though jimmalenko's post is harmless

canadatek, harmless

PATMANN, explaining his obvious lack of guide skills

Sifaga, hasn't even posted in this thread and just has a nibble instead at PATMANN expense which doesn't help matters

Ghosdstmaker, again fellow member being supportive the guy feeling demoralised

bugster, very supportive and what I'd expect from a veteran . One point of concern though. My question is why should he have to look around the forum to do a personal analysis on each replying poster. Didn't we try to get rid of all that status thing by posts/join date etc so that only post content should be taken into account. Even I struggle sometimes to judge members I haven't really come across. The one missing finishing touch is one of the reasons I started this thread though. I don't want to tell you your job and I'm sure you will respect this as a comment rather than take it the wrong way . Judging by PATMANN's obvious offended state, I would have just pointed a word of warning to others to be more considerate. This is probably how I have become a Fireman as I would have a go at the regulars. I sometimes feel I'm on a lonesome crusade here but maybe it's because I like these forums and would prefer a more friendlier enviroment

Gurm, most know Gurm and his post is harmless as his bark is worse than his bite. It doesn't help PATMANN's situation though

stiltman, defense lawyer for PATMANN, but obviously sees exactly what I see in the thread so I know I'm not the only one

fritzi93, another word for the defence

Capmaster, offers more support to PATMANN. Again no offence but why not a word of warning to the regulars to realise what effect their posts have had and it's not really welcomed ?

SLICK RICK, why not say that in the first place?

stiltman, having a laugh at the regulars expense , which is harmless to everybody.

tekkieman, knows the score around here and now it's regulars playtime which is harmless

fritzi93, I can't see the pic so don't really know

Italgreco, could it be that this guy is actually following PATMANN's guide?

Lordsmurf, deservedly locked it as it was an old thread dragged up again and may have opened old wounds. Again, not my job but I do like to see an explanation of a locked thread if I can't see why. Not really appropiate to this thread but an unexplained heated thread sometimes moves the problem onto the next thread. I have a feeling Italgreco probably didn't realise why it was locked

------

LMAO, what a sad **** I am posting all that shite in my thread analysis but I hope nobody takes it personally. This is just what I see regarding that thread and nothing more. It is not intended as a flame towards anyone at all but a weak example to show what I see around here. I know I'm not the only one seeing it judging by stiltman's contributions in that thread

does anyone still think that thread is harmless if you look at it from PATMANN's point of view and not your own? I don't want to have to link to other threads with better examples. I'm just saying it's critisism he gets alright but it's also deconstructive critisism as well as constructive. Not a perfect example in this thread but laughing at other members expense doesn't help some situations either

as I said that wasn't the best example thread but hopefully I have made my point as to what I see around here. I'm asking does anyone else actually give a shit or do we keep on going on like this and let this member demoralising shite continue?

I normally have my say when I see it and I would have said what stiltman said and probably a bit more as regulars know.

my initial post in this thread was an aggressive nature because if I posted it sensibly then I would have been ripped to bits myself . Instead I got what I wanted as I didn't want lame responses but constructive ones but had to work on it

@Flaystus, at first glance there isn't wrong but why did certain forum members offer support to PATMANN defending the replies of other members? Even Gurm posted that PATMANN got attitude . I know it wasn't attitude he got but he did get negativity in some way. It's harmless to the regulars but I'm asking is it harmless to PATMANN?

@northcat_8, I think I've put this across wrong. I'm not asking you to venture out and help the newbies, I'm just saying help bring the level of respect to fellow unknown members back up. You can badmouth someone, as you all do anyway which is hilarious but in OT most members know each other so it's all taken with a pinch of salt . It'sthe crap outside of OT I'm talking about

@Capmaster, I knew in a way what you meant by your comment I quoted, keep all the crap in OT. I'm saying is the shite we see on all forums apart from OT video-related though?

@all, again this is not directed at OT regulars but all regulars of videohelp who give a ****. I don't care is someone posts only in OT, that's their choice. It's also not a call for OT regulars to go out and help newbies, it's a call to respect fellow members more, especially those you regard inferior in any way such as newbie status, mentality status etc. People who are above this mentality will be able to do it and those who can't won't. It's up to the guys who can rise above it to kick the arse of those who can't. Are members scared that saying something to a fellow member about his attitude to other members is actually damaging for the forums reputation and morale? I'm not scared and I will say something and if I'm wrong in my conclusions when griefing another member then I will apologise

I'm the mod here that will never be I suppose (well the DVD-DVDR forum as I rarely venture out of there). I'm happy now being a Fireman unless it's against forum rules to point out I think members are being rude etc to others. I've turned down being a mod at a few forums not because I'm scared of the duties but because some see it as an alliance to that forum . I'm a big boy and independent and if regulars here venture to other forums then you will know I'm a little different at other forums but I always put on my Fireman's helmet just in case when I'm at videohelp

please note due to the vast post I will probably have made mistakes or whatever. I just hope most understand the points I'm making that's all 8)

cheers and thanks for listening 8)

[MackemX]

@reboot, excellent post mate and I agree with what you say and you actually said it better than what I could in a lot less words. As I've said I don't see most of the shite here that I see at videohelp. I say this because I give a **** and hope to see something done about it unlike some here who just see it as a playground where they can say what they want to who they want. You talk first hand about mod experience so you see what I see. I have also had mod experience myself but not just video related. I guess this is why I'm always acting like the forum police here but I've taken the role of voluntary Fireman instead

that's why I raised the question and asked why not make videohelp the way it should be and not some adolescent playground? I know the big guys here care as they tried to stamp out the post whoring and I'm sure they would love to stamp out the meaningless post content also

If people don't like being nice and civilised to each other and just want to post meaningless shite then let them **** off. There's always someone to fill their space. Those who want this place to be a knowledge base that people will find useful will stay and I'm pretty sure there's a few here

an attitude I've seen here is 'well he started it so he deserves it' is what I was like at kiddie school when I got into a fight. Teacher asks who started it and you both point the finger at each other. Yeah, what a cool attitude that is, you are basically saying if someone starts a fight you will fight back. It happens but it's regulars who are fighting when it should be newbies fighting newbies. What I'm saying here is that regulars shouldn't be fighting with anyone (if they give a shit about videohelp) but rather calming people down as some members here do. If they can't hack it then report the fuckers as many members here do also

I guess most of those who care about videohelp will agree, we don't need the shite that fouls the sweet taste of knowledge here. Also a sites status shouldn't be about how many members there are, it should be about the quality of the members who contribute to it.

[stiltman]

stilman, one for the morale boosters

That was me in the thread linked
I try to help when I can
I also love to have fun too

[reboot]

I don't see most of the shite here that I see at videohelp.

??? typo?

[MackemX]

same as me stiltman and you obviously see roughly what I see and don't really approve of what you saw

[MackemX]

I don't see most of the shite here that I see at videohelp.

??? typo?

what's your ******* problem, correcting my grammar?. Can you not obviously see what it means judging by my huge posts above?
































LMAO yeah cheers, obvious typo . You all know I'm being sarcastic about what does happen though

[MackemX]

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1177562#1177562

LMFAO, I go back to see what's in the DVDR forum and see Gurm and sapiendut at it

I won't call judgement (yet), as I don't want to upset people without reading the whole thread

I posted a little crappy post in fun to calm it down so I can get up to date but it will be interesting to see how it evolves

[smearbrick1]

These forums have changed and will continue to change.
VCDhelp started as an experimental hobbyist site. It then
became more and more mainstream as video
technologies became simpler, cheaper and more wide spread.

I recall taking part in some interesting debates, and I also
recall having to lock threads about which format was better + or -.
These days I can hardly recollect the last time I answered a
difficult "juicy" question. The nature of the questions have changed
as the nature of the user has changed.

If you feel frustrated, take a break and go elsewhere or join
Off topic. Many off topic regulars keep their hand in and help
out with the video forums on a regular basis. Those that
quit usually contribute zilch.

Sure re: your example the level of respect is declining but
look around you - it is declining elsewhere as well. Welcome
to the 21st Century.

DVDShrink and the like has changed this forum so much that, like Offline says above, the nature of the questions have changed. My earliest search topics/questions were concerning jitter when converting from DVD to SVCD or audio sync issues. Some of these problems required (what I thought at the time) really in depth solutions. Also, then conversion from DVD to something like SVCD took so much longer so you really tried to get it right the first time. Now, most of the questions seem to be about someone's computer system having a quirk that won't allow a dvd to be ripped, or "how do I split one dvd 9 into two discs?". Hell, sometimes I welcome the "I have downloaded.cam.ts.avi file and I want to convert it to DVD. How do I do this?" At least these questions (and answers) get back to the basics of Videohelp.com.

[Capmaster]

If there had been an internet, I'm sure you could go back far enough and find posts like "What's the best developer to use for my super-8 movies"

I think offline hit the nail on the head. Video is so mainstream now that it's no more exotic than VHS used to be.

Take heart ...as the new formats hit their stride we will probably see more purist-like discussions. Also, if a new MPEG iteration comes out we should see some new stuff.

In the meantime, we answer "click the 'Make DVD' button"

[MackemX]

@Cap, I can't wait to see what happens with the next format and look forward to it all again if I'm still interested in it.

I'm talking about the general behaviour of the forum regardless of post topic. We can all talk about crap if we want and people do but does it justify people giving crap to each other?

will these members who get shit in their face come back to videohelp when the new formats come about? Will they not just stay in whichever forum they have found that welcomes them with open arms regardless of their question or knowledge?

this is what I would like to see stamped out and it may be impossible but it can be improved 1000% from it's current state

[stiltman]

same as me stiltman and you obviously see roughly what I see and don't really approve of what you saw

It's funny...I thought about posting my own guide I was working on a few times, just to find out someone did a lot better job than I did

I was thinking about doing a Scanning/Photoshop/Epson printing guide, but it just seems so comman sense i'm wondering if it's really worth the time.....Like I don't have tons of time on my hands right now

[mattyboy]

Like I said in the other thread, I get aggravated with the people that cannot think for themselves and refuse to try something and make their own decision.

I have tried to back off considerably.

At times, I just use smileys.

Sometimes they need help here to make a decision.

[bazooka]

Like I said in the other thread, I get aggravated with the people that cannot think for themselves and refuse to try something and make their own decision.

I have tried to back off considerably.

At times, I just use smileys.

Sometimes they need help here to make a decision.