what does everyone think about spam threads?

[sammie5]

I am a little frustrated by all of the spam threads. I know that we are all here to find a supportive community, and that means different things to different people. I have just found lately that there is a proliferation of threads with the sole purpose of getting people's posts over a certain magic number.

The problem with this is I have a lot of trouble wading through all of this empty chatter to find the gems - and there are still gems. Lots of new threads every day push the older ones down the list and onto subsequent pages.

And, what I have been finding, is that I am avoiding all of the threads by tbe "spammers", so I am probably missing some interesting things along with the spam.

So what do the rest of you think? If you want this lounge to become a home for spam, then I guess those of us who don't like it can just find somewhere else to go, but I would be disappointed if it came to that.

 

[rock&fluff'smom]

I think maybe you need to bring this up to a moderater or a person with higher levels....

 

[sammie5]

Well, I thought of that, but really, I want to know what other people think. I may be the only person who minds, and in that case, I will just go along with what you all think. Its not an infringement of any rules, and I am just curious.

 

[princess purr]

I don't mind them, they are clearly titled spam. If you don't want ot read them then you don't have to. I like having a place that we are free to chat on here. This is one of the most "ruley" boards I have ever been on. I find everything very easy to find on here, and the higher ups are very very quick.

 

[auroraviva]

I like them. Most threads have specific topics or purposes. On spam threads, if you're willing to read a little extra, you can just chat about anything that's on your mind. If you don't like them, you can just not read them, but there aren't a ton, maybe 5 or 6 right now. They just provide good places for "random" conversation, as there isn't really any other designated place for it.

 

[carrie640]

The "SPAM" threads aren't exactly SPAM like junk mail in your email. We do a lot of small talking amongst us, etc. If you don't want to go through them don't because chances are they aren't pertaining to you, anyway, if you haven't been involved in it.

 

[yola]

I have to say I find the thought of posting just to get the count up higher a little immature - after all, that is not the sole purpose of being here. I have avoided these threads, not because I think their content would be meaningless, but they are simply so big I don't have the time to read through them all.

I have to say that I like to be able to contribute to a thread that has a topic and a direction (although most do wander off-topic from time to time, and there's no realy prob with that). It may be that these are acceptable on other boards (this the only board I regulary contribute to), if that's the case I'll be quiet, but as someone has raised it as a question I thought it only right to respond.

 

[dragonlady]

I am one of those shamful spammers.... I guess it is the competitive nature in me! I just chat most of the time and try to keep it to the spam threads. I have found I have gotten to know other people better on the spam threads because only one or two of us are chatting to each other at a time. I'm sorry if they are getting in the way. I certainally won't start one. I hope you won't leave because of this "problem". We all get along most of the time here.

 

[rock&fluff'smom]

I agree that the spam threads are a way to get to know one another..noone says you have to read every single reply in each post..I know I don't...but do as you wish..I hope you wouldn't leave because of it.

 

[big kat]

In light of the recent Mods post maybe there can be a single SPAM thread for anyone who wants to spam, get their post numbers up, or talk about anything random? This way it's still there but not causing much clutter on the forum by having a handful of threads that are all for the same purpose.

Just an idea!

 

[kumbulu]

Perhaps the 'spam' threads could be merged into one thread and then anyone who is following the thread can still post bits and pieces or banter. I think it's a credit to Anne and the mods that people are so keen to get to a certain number of posts, although maybe those who feel they want to get their post count up can contribute to the alphabet game or one of the other threads like the 'answer the last question and ask the next' thread.

 

[kumbulu]

LOL Sunni Jean, I think we were writing our posts at the same time.

 

[sammie5]

I must admit that of all the boards I participate on, this is the only one that permits spam.

I like the chit chat, with personal stuff, it does let us know each other better. I am just referring to the threads that state their purpose is to reach a certain number of posts.

I do ignore them, but it does make it quite a task to find the substantive posts. And it pushes threads down the page quite quickly.

Could we compromise, and have the spam kept to one or two thread? Like, start one big thread for everyone who wants to get their post count to a certain level? And not have a whole bunch of "vanity" threads?

I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, and I understand why you like these. But I would also like to accomodate people like me who find them a nuisance. Unless I am the only person who doesn't like them, and in that case I will go off and play by myself in the corner over there......

I guess a few of us had the same idea at the same time. I am not saying that the informal chit chat is out of place. Its just the number of new threads that gets difficult to manage.

 

[luv those paws]

*laugh* That is just what I said in another thread. The spam threads wouldn't be so bad if they were all merged into one. I personally don't read them. No offense, but I find the spam threads annoying. Again, this is my own reaction to them, and is not meant to offend those that post them, or in them. Your peragative as far as I am concerned.

I would never ask them to stop, but merging them into one thread would take away the part that bothers me. If no one else is bothered by it, than so be it, I will just continue on as before.

 

[ldg]

Hi all! First of all, thanks everyone for being so polite about the conversation. Stuff like this can get heated sometimes, and it's really wonderful when everyone can talk things through and brainstorm together. :rainbow:

There is no rule against spamming, as you all know. It simply comes down to personal taste and goals.

Anne (website owner) really appreciates member thoughts and feedback. I think the best thing to do is to keep talking... the more feedback the better. After taking member feedback into consideration, the next step will be for Anne and the Mods to decide how best to handle the issue.

...and Val, I had to laugh!!! I don't participate on other chat forums, and I didn't know we have a lot of rules!!!

 

[princess purr]

glad i made ya laugh

 

[debby]

I think there should only be one spam thread. Then anyone who wants to "up" their posts can go there and do so. Actually I don't see the need for it at all, because there is so much here to post to on a daily basis anyway. Hey, I made it to over 9000 posts without ever having a spam thread. I think quality is more important than quantity. There are several members here who don't have a high post count, but when I see them start a thread I know it will be worth reading.

 

[dtolle]

I have to agree with the majority here. I think that the spam threads can get a bit out of control here, especially when there are several going at the same time. And I must say, that Debby hit it on the head when she said that quality is much more important than quantity. I know its important to some people to have a high post count, but in all reality, there are plenty of topics to post to without just having to post one or two word threads. There is no prize if you get to a certain number, nor any special recognition. But I can understand that a lot of members like these sort of threads so there will be no 'rule' against them.

We have discussed this in the mod lounge as well, and what we have decided on ( with Annes' approval ) is that we will merge all the spam threads into one, and anyone who wants to participate can still do so! That way they aren't cluttering up the forum, yet they are still there for anyone to use.

So, at some point tonight we will be merging, so keep your eyes open for the new and improved, and all inclusive, SPAM THREAD!!!

 

[debby]

Sounds good to me!! And thanks Daniela for taking the time to merge all these threads for us!

 

[lorie d.]

Originally posted by dtolle

We have discussed this in the mod lounge as well, and what we have decided on ( with Annes' approval ) is that we will merge all the spam threads into one, and anyone who wants to participate can still do so! That way they aren't cluttering up the forum, yet they are still there for anyone to use.

Daniala, a few months ago, we had The BundyLee Spam Thread and anyone who wanted to spam participated in that thread. It worked out really well.

My opinion...
I think spamming is ok but I agree with some of the others that it isn't necessary or have 4 or 5 spam threads going at the same time. One big spam thread is best, and you can still have a lot of fun. (Speaking from experience).