Topic: I'm losing interest...

QUOTE:

I too am getting more and more disinterested in the forum. It has become more of a chat room and very few topics started are actually to do with cruising.

The off topic lounge is very popular, but what happens when it gets to the point that its overtaken the very meaning and purpose of this forum. This forum was set up for us to talk, debate and question aspects of cruising.

I have wanted to say something for a while, but not had the courage to speak up, well good on you Dave you've given me the push.
A lot of one liners, no point comments, are made now just to push up the number count on postings (I feel just in the hope that this will put them in the rank for invites to certain cruise events).

Just yesterday, I posted a topic myself to try and encourage some talk about ships and cruising. I dont want to talk about chocolate, chips or sausages. For those that do there must be other forums.

I have also noticed a lack of input lately from certain key long standing forum members, who usually have great knowledge and give some valuable input and insight. Like you I wonder too if they feel the same.

Word for word, I could have written this.

QUOTE:

Is 'off-topic' such a crime? At least people are interacting!;)

I thought so Malcolm . Some people are beginning to feel like friends and it would be pleasant to meet if ever we were on the same ship at the same time. :o

QUOTE:

The one liners and the chocolate jokes were funny but enough is enough.

Some days are unexciting or grey and to share a few remarks with regular posters is harmless.

They certainly are Christiaan. I love the jokes and try to ignore the rants. Other people's experiences can be valuable sometimes. This forum fills in a few boring moments at work, long may it continue. Judith

QUOTE:

Is 'off-topic' such a crime? At least people are interacting!;)

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I must say I am inclined to agree, we are not all experts able to converse on the topic of cruising and ships, and like another poster said, if that is what you want from this forum dont look at posts that dont meet your requirements.

I for one have gained a lot of useful knowledge from the members of this forum which I am thankful for, but as my knowledge is still limited I dont feel that I am able to contribute as much as I would like to on the subject of cruising, but why should I feel guilty (And I'm not suggesting that anyone is trying to make me feel guilty) for not following the main purpose of this cruise site when the options are there for me to enjoy all other aspect's
of it.

It has been a long hard winter this year for all of us that are
home most days of the week, and the forum for me, has helped me get through it, I have read almost all of the topics that have been posted and commented where possible, I too would like more informative posts on cruising from the experts. But until such time as they start to appear I will continue to frequent the 'off topic', and 'chat' topics, or any other non-cruise topics that appear.

The answer is, if you dont want to read about 'chocolate' or 'chips' dont look at the posts - what could be easier. Alternately let those that know cruising come back in and give us the benifit of their knowledge and expert advice and it will turn the forum around again, opting out is not the answer. Sorry, but thats my veiw on the subject.

Long live the 'Off Topic' forum.
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Try shipsnostalgia.com for old cruise liner pics ,thecruisingforum.com for cruising news.

QUOTE:

Is 'off-topic' such a crime? At least people are interacting!;)

I have tried since joining this forum to help where I could, started a few topics which I hoped were interesting to some. Learned a lot from others with superior knowledge. Loved the photos. (Still cant do them myself though) Found other cruise fanatics with the same sense of humour. Met some great people who I felt I already knew. As Christiaan says maybe one day we will meet others, there is the facillity on here 'The roll call' to perhaps make it happen. I would love to be more knowledgable about many other Lines and their ships and to post about those. But until we have done some more cruises I cant. In between cruises and they dont happen often enough ,I love this forum because be it off topic or not ALL share my love of cruising. Long may it continue! Carol :D

QUOTE:

I'm losing interest in this forum. ===> Ditto.

Why? Because (and this is purely a personal opinion)
I'm finding it increasingly bland. ===> You too, huh?

I visit several times daily and I always go straight to New Posts.
Usually about 20 topics have been added / updated since my last visit,
but I'm finding that very few grab my attention nowadays. ===> Yup.

And to get down to root causes, the ranking system is to blame.

But I got pooh-poohed,when I spoke about seriously-silly blather
so now (when the mood strikes me)
I post as much senseless blather as anyone, in order to keep my post-score up..
Real Content be damned: this is now a game about numbers of posts and being admitted to the bridge.
I can play the game better than anyone and I have the time to do it, too! :D

Twaddle on is this forum's motto. ;)

______________________________________
I've been bored now for at least a month
and find myself returning to good ole cruisecritic.com
for some intelligent worthwhile content and where I can contribute meaningfully
answering Amerikin-cruiser-questions about the Caribbean islands generally.
It's simply more rewarding!


I've just returned from two days over on the East Coast of the island
with several new pics for you,
so stand by for new posts under Barbados.
Gotta keep those numbers up: Spartan's getting much too close!
.

Well......that was interesting reading,I guess some of you will no doubt call me one of those "one liner's answer's" people....because sometimes that is all that is needed to be said.........
I have not been a member for too long either however when I joined I thought I was part of a community of cruisers helping each other out with the occasional bit of info to help someone.

I also thought that forums were just that........to advise,help and discuss topics of interest to everyone who joins.

Yes some do get shirty etc but its safe banter......meaning nobody is going to meet up with anyone,there will never be fisticuffs etc........I guess the answer is this,if someone isnt happy with how things are they have choices.....to be or not to be on here..........

I for 1 will continue to pop in now and then.......as I am 1 of those who actually like it here for many reasons........

QUOTE:

And to get down to root causes, the ranking system is to blame.

But I got pooh-poohed,when I spoke about seriously-silly blather
so now (when the mood strikes me)
I post as much senseless blather as anyone, in order to keep my post-score up..
Real Content be damned: this is now a game about numbers of posts and being admitted to the bridge.
I can play the game better than anyone and I have the time to do it, too! :D

Twaddle on is this forum's motto. ;)

______________________________________
I've been bored now for at least a month
and find myself returning to good ole cruisecritic.com
for some intelligent worthwhile content and where I can contribute meaningfully
answering Amerikin-cruiser-questions about the Caribbean islands generally.
It's simply more rewarding!


I've just returned from two days over on the East Coast of the island
with several new pics for you,
so stand by for new posts under Barbados.
Gotta keep those numbers up: Spartan's getting much too close!


.

Please don't think about leaving us David. We love your twaddle but most of all love your photos.
Jill

i have only done one cruise.
so i dont have a lot to share, i love the forum and read it nearly everyday.. well the posts that interest me...

i am not that interested in the ships, as i would only go anywhere for the destinations.. as long as i could eat and sleep on the ship, then thats good enough for me.

i like to read about what people thought of the ports of call.

at the end of the day not everyone is interested in everthing.