I apologize if I offend but I have to ask….Is it just me?

[Xue Sheng]

I am hesitant to post this but I will jump in with both feet and post it just the same, wouldn’t be the first time I jumped into the pit, but I suppose it could be the last… I am not exactly sure if this is against the rules...

I am truly sorry MT but I just have to ask

I have been wondering about this for a while and I even took a sabbatical in hopes that it was just me needing a break but the feeling came back rather quickly and of late due in part to the number of “good” and “knowledgeable” poster that use to post on MT that no longer appear to be posting (there are still some good people here by the way) or good and knowledgeable posters that have been banned (not that all banned posters are good and knowledgeable some most certainly were not either and banning was to good fer em’ :D), and in part to the number of repeat topics I see popping up (mainly MMA for or against in its copious incarnations some veiled…some not, but there are other that seem to make the rounds way to often) and of course the never ending argument known as the study (some of which IMO is just arguing for the sake of arguing :D. But then avoiding the study is easy, all that need be said (or thought) every time one thinks about going to the study when one does not truly wish to jump into the arena is “On second thought, let's not go there. It's a silly place” :D And it simply could be that my last sabbatical was not long enough too but….

Is it just me or is MT becoming repetitive, predictable and somewhat boring?

Could it be my chosen style that is the reason I feel this way?
There is not a whole lot going on in the CMA area these days and to be honest I am tired of posting in CMA for various reasons I do not plan on going into.

Could it be I have just been here to long?

Could it be I am just a dinosaur and in need of facing that fact and moving on?

Could it be the newness of it wore off and I need to stop?

And if it is not just me, what is it and what can be done to change it?

Or is it all just that I am too old and longing for the good ole days of MA (which brought to MT in the first place by the way) that MT for a little bit seemed to, at least in part, help with? :idunno:

My sincere apologies to Bob and the crew but I just had to ask.

[Andrew Green]

It's not you, the style, or the site. It's the Internet, every 'community' site is the same, things get repetitive as new people join and they weren't here the last 27 times something came up, so they do it again.

This is likely even more of a problem if you look at some of the traditional sections... nothing 'new' really happens with regard to those sections. New techniques, televised events, new training methods, etc. Not really something that is going to happen. Which is probably why areas like the Study, which are more current event based get more traffic, there is always a "new" story. (the comments on the other hand...)

Now all that said, this site is huge, and has a very large collective knowledge base spanning just about every style you can name. That is its strength, not highly specialized discussion amongst experts in a single style, but a wide range of experts and novices across a huge range of styles. I often find the most interesting 'technical' discussions are not in the sections I have the greatest knowledge or most to contribute, but on styles that I have very little or know experience. Often its something that I, personally, would never use or don't think would fit into what I do, but being able to see things from a completely different perspective is a nice benefit ;)

[Bob Hubbard]

Something I had to consider years ago was how to keep things fresh. Some sites archive a few topics and flush regularly. Problem with that for me is, you lose alot of history and end up reanswering the same questions alot. Flip side is, you can run out of new things to add to a topic. Take kenpo for example. After the 3rd or 4th in depth examination on a basic technique, how much more can you add in this format? Hell, I ran out of new art contributions in 2005. That's why I spent alot of time in the politics area, until I burnt out there. Now, I mostly stick to running things, and adding in some bits as I can. I mostly add web and photo stuff now, because that's what I can contribute and folks seem to enjoy it. Plus, I keep meeting new people through the site, people that I wouldn't ever have met if I wasn't here. I've met artists, models, photographers, gamers and more, through here, and KT and FMAT.

[Rich Parsons]

I am hesitant to post this but I will jump in with both feet and post it just the same, wouldn’t be the first time I jumped into the pit, but I suppose it could be the last… I am not exactly sure if this is against the rules...

I am truly sorry MT but I just have to ask

I have been wondering about this for a while and I even took a sabbatical in hopes that it was just me needing a break but the feeling came back rather quickly and of late due in part to the number of “good” and “knowledgeable” poster that use to post on MT that no longer appear to be posting (there are still some good people here by the way) or good and knowledgeable posters that have been banned (not that all banned posters are good and knowledgeable some most certainly were not either and banning was to good fer em’ :D), and in part to the number of repeat topics I see popping up (mainly MMA for or against in its copious incarnations some veiled…some not, but there are other that seem to make the rounds way to often) and of course the never ending argument known as the study (some of which IMO is just arguing for the sake of arguing :D. But then avoiding the study is easy, all that need be said (or thought) every time one thinks about going to the study when one does not truly wish to jump into the arena is “On second thought, let's not go there. It's a silly place” :D And it simply could be that my last sabbatical was not long enough too but….



Xue, I am glad you were able to get this off your chest.



Is it just me or is MT becoming repetitive, predictable and somewhat boring?




Yes. But if one looks from a high enough level we are only repeating what was down in gentlemen's clubs and ale houses before or even afternoon tea parties where people would get together with one or two things in common (* knowing someone or a topic such as a craft or idea or politics *) and discussing what you think.

At lower levels the technology has changed, but we are used to it. We have been around long enough that when someone new shows up and asks something that we may have asked ourselves in 2004 or posting on from 2001 we fell like we are repeating ourselves to post again.

Repitition is boring.

Predictable is what somethign comes when you have enough data and or experience with a given subject or group to know how things are likely to play out.




Could it be my chosen style that is the reason I feel this way?


Yes it is part of the issue. But I also feel it from time to time for the FMA and in general the whole internet not just this site.




There is not a whole lot going on in the CMA area these days and to be honest I am tired of posting in CMA for various reasons I do not plan on going into.


Some will tell you to then go bring that forum up and post things.

The problem is that if you ask beginner questions then people will wonder your real understanding. (* Our egos are at play here *)

If we just post and answer the questions ourselves we can look arrogant or it drives away others opinion as they just read and move on and do nto comment.

It is a difficult line to walk for those who have years of training and knowledge to share.



Could it be I have just been here to long?


Yes, if you move from site to site you get new players which react differently and or will challenge your points. But no you have not been here too long as someone needs to be here to answer for when others come here from other sites. ;)




Could it be I am just a dinosaur and in need of facing that fact and moving on?


Yes you are a dinosaur and so am I. You knock down trees with your body and then practice how to heal your inner energy. (* my words not yours sorry for any confusion *). I train hard and have very few students, but I like it that way. But I can also train for what people want, and I enjoy that teaching as well.

But no matter what we experss here, we cannot see the persons reaction and see that grasping a new idea or concept or technique. I know that feedback is imporatant to me as well.



Could it be the newness of it wore off and I need to stop?


It could be only you (* can stop forest fires *) can know when it is time to leave. If ti is a newness factor for you, then keep your account active here, and go someplace else or off the net all togehter and then come back from time to time and check the areas that interest you and give you enjoyment in reading or posting. Taking multiple vacation or checking in once a week or month maybe what is best for you.

I know I can go 2 to 5 days from checking if I am busy or just do not feel like it. Other times I check daily.



And if it is not just me, what is it and what can be done to change it?


The big question. As I think it is both sides, the site and the user in general.

Maybe, Bob should promote you to Advisor (* possible temporary if you are concerned abotu the commitment *) so you can discuss some ideas you might have in a forum designed for that with the staff.



Or is it all just that I am too old and longing for the good ole days of MA (which brought to MT in the first place by the way) that MT for a little bit seemed to, at least in part, help with? :idunno:

My sincere apologies to Bob and the crew but I just had to ask.




Can you point at what from the "Ole Days" that brought you here or made you feel that way?


And thanks for posting this to get all of us thinking. :D

[arnisador]

"I've already explained this once, but repetition is the very soul of the net." -A famous quote from an alt.config Usenet post of the early 1990s.

[MarkBarlow]

My primary complaint with just about any discussion board is that the anonymity allows posters to be rude, petty or just plain obnoxious with no fear of repercussions. It's much easier to take potshots from the shadows.

I appreciate MTs efforts to prevent, for want of a better word, bullying.

[Ken Morgan]

My primary complaint with just about any discussion board is that the anonymity allows posters to be rude, petty or just plain obnoxious with no fear of repercussions. It's much easier to take potshots from the shadows.

I appreciate MTs efforts to prevent, for want of a better word, bullying.

I agree.

Question though, why do so many people not use their real names on these boards? Is it just to have the anonymity to be able to say what they want with no consequences? Or when you look at “about me”, there is no information about them, why? Are they that embarrassed about what they write? Are they that insecure? Do they fear someone coming to stalk them?

[Brian R. VanCise]

Xue everyone I think goes through these things when posting on a forum. I am in a bit of a rut myself. http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon9.gif

Mark I think you hit the nail on the head in that anonymous pot shots are very, very cowardly. http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon13.gif

[blindsage]

I agree.

Question though, why do so many people not use their real names on these boards? Is it just to have the anonymity to be able to say what they want with no consequences? Or when you look at “about me”, there is no information about them, why? Are they that embarrassed about what they write? Are they that insecure? Do they fear someone coming to stalk them?
For some it's about anonymity, but for many it just a 'net' thing, especially younger people. For a lot of younger people, using nicknames on internet sites is just a normal, expected practice. I have no problem with anyone knowing my real name (Alek Swanson), but I use the nickname I've been using for years (actually it's a stage name I used when I was doing hip hop). For most it has nothing to do with hiding their identity, it's a way of expressing personality.

[Em MacIntosh]

A lot of it could be that they want to use the chance to pick a cool name like 2Dux4U or Shinkicker Bootstav. The only reason I use my real name is so that someone who recognizes me can say hi otherwise I would've called myself something like Lord of the Dance. Some definitely hide behind their anonymity but I haven't come accross any posts that made me feel it would be worth it to stomp them if I could. Consider it an exercise in patience. The hazard is to new posters picking up bad ideas. I've seen polar opinions where people get disrespectful but nothing where it's "you're lucky I don't know where you live, buddy!".

[Jenna]

Xue everyone I think goes through these things when posting on a forum. I am in a bit of a rut myself. http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon9.gif

Mark I think you hit the nail on the head in that anonymous pot shots are very, very cowardly. http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon13.gif

No, all you guys do not be in a rut, just post up some new thoughts as they come to you. I would be glib and say that if you are in a rut with your posts then are you also in a rut with your art? I would hope you are always evolving your art yes? Then will you not all tell us bout it?? I am always interested to learn what people are doing in their art. You know you might do a tech the one way for ages and then just try it a little different and suddenly open up a whole new unexplored avenue of movement perhaps see? So I do not want anybody to be in a rut no more unless you have totally stopped thinking bout your arts and which I do not believe is the case!! So do not follow those who are in their loops of repetitiveness and instead, lead the discussions with examples of your innovations and then we will have a virtuous circle instead of a negative one if that is what we have [and I do not believe that].

So, to Xue and to Brian and all of you all, my sage advice is to change your avatars then you will feel like somebody altogether different and post anew see? And you would forgive me for being glib I just do not want all of you to go away because I am selfish and I would lose too much martial learning if there was nothing left but people arguing over nothing of any relevance to MA.. so! I love you all Yr most obdt hmble srvt, Jenna xo

[Steve]

Xue Sheng, I can really empathize with you. I have been thinking about the same things. This frustration led to my being a lot less patient for a time, and I ended up losing my cool a little (although some of that was the pain meds I was on for back spasms... but still).

While I'm in much better spirits overall, I post less often and my posts are often much shorter and more terse than in the past.

I've always posted more to my blog than to the boards, choosing, where I have something related to BJJ or martial arts in general, to write it up there. Some of my articles have been inspired by threads here, while others have been things I wanted to write here but thought might be more apropos to the largely BJJ/MMA audience who read my blog. While we may have 10 or so guys who regularly read the BJJ board here I have about 400 or so on my blog and who participate in that larger community.

So, sorry... no answers from me, but I can definitely identify with you (even though I might be one of the "usuals" you're talking about). :)

[Xinglu]

For some it's about anonymity, but for many it just a 'net' thing, especially younger people. For a lot of younger people, using nicknames on internet sites is just a normal, expected practice. I have no problem with anyone knowing my real name (Alek Swanson), but I use the nickname I've been using for years (actually it's a stage name I used when I was doing hip hop). For most it has nothing to do with hiding their identity, it's a way of expressing personality.

Well said. My real name is on my profile page for anyone to read an know. My handle is a way to express myself;

Xue, brother, web communities are a funny thing. From time to time it can be very frustrating. My recommendation? Put a flower in your hair and eat some tofu! LOL okay, seriously - You are not alone. I enjoy this forum greatly, but I have been a part of forums where I just couldn't see the point anymore. I think that when that happens it is good to mix up the postings with something like Steve did hating all our MA styles ;)

Maybe explore blogging, and post here every few days or once a week. Something that works for you to keep it fresh :)

[shesulsa]

I agree.

Question though, why do so many people not use their real names on these boards? Is it just to have the anonymity to be able to say what they want with no consequences? Or when you look at “about me”, there is no information about them, why? Are they that embarrassed about what they write? Are they that insecure? Do they fear someone coming to stalk them?

I make no pretense of greatness. I think I stand a much, much better chance than the average Joe or Jane against a personal attack, but that doesn't mean I want to make it easy for people to find me. I've already put that at risk with some postings here on MT and when I served as an Admin, I signed correspondence with my real name. I don't think it's a long reach to the possibility of somebody losing their cool over something I said or did, justified or not. Whether I could "take" that person is really moot - I have a family and I really *don't* need the extra hassle of having to fight someone over something I said on the internet.

I wasn't too worried about it at first until I read KenpoTess's account of being stalked by an internet psycho. Her account of the face-to-face encounter with this guy influenced me to take better care of not only what I said but who had my private information.

Even if I were the best fighter out there, there would always be someone better than me. To my mind, if I don't remain mindful of that in everyday dealings, I would go against much of what I trained for.

Do I live my life in fear? No. Will I exercise rudimentary caution? Yes.

:asian:

[Xue Sheng]

Thanks

And DAMN!!!! That was a lot of typing


It's not you, the style, or the site. It's the Internet, every 'community' site is the same, things get repetitive as new people join and they weren't here the last 27 times something came up, so they do it again.

This is likely even more of a problem if you look at some of the traditional sections... nothing 'new' really happens with regard to those sections. New techniques, televised events, new training methods, etc. Not really something that is going to happen. Which is probably why areas like the Study, which are more current event based get more traffic, there is always a "new" story. (the comments on the other hand...)

Now all that said, this site is huge, and has a very large collective knowledge base spanning just about every style you can name. That is its strength, not highly specialized discussion amongst experts in a single style, but a wide range of experts and novices across a huge range of styles. I often find the most interesting 'technical' discussions are not in the sections I have the greatest knowledge or most to contribute, but on styles that I have very little or know experience. Often its something that I, personally, would never use or don't think would fit into what I do, but being able to see things from a completely different perspective is a nice benefit

Thanks and I have used the site to ask questions about styles I know little about and I generally get my questions answered (I tend to tread lightly in some however do to the politics) And I have learned a lot over the few years I have been here about many styles that I find interesting but I find, of late, even in my own area, I post much less than I use to and more often than not I come to MT to see what is going on or learn something these days ad I leave generally bored and wondering why I went at all. But it is that feeling of how it was before and a hope that maybe it will go back that keeps brining me back for the moment. And without naming names I have had PM discussions with some on MT about this and I know it is not me per say but I wanted to bring this to a wider group discussion to possible figure out what, if anything, can be done.


Something I had to consider years ago was how to keep things fresh. Some sites archive a few topics and flush regularly. Problem with that for me is, you lose alot of history and end up reanswering the same questions alot. Flip side is, you can run out of new things to add to a topic. Take kenpo for example. After the 3rd or 4th in depth examination on a basic technique, how much more can you add in this format? Hell, I ran out of new art contributions in 2005. That's why I spent alot of time in the politics area, until I burnt out there. Now, I mostly stick to running things, and adding in some bits as I can. I mostly add web and photo stuff now, because that's what I can contribute and folks seem to enjoy it. Plus, I keep meeting new people through the site, people that I wouldn't ever have met if I wasn't here. I've met artists, models, photographers, gamers and more, through here, and KT and FMAT.

That is one of the things that does keep me here is meeting new people of various styles that I would not have had the chance to meet previously. Also I have never managed a thing like MT, I did manage a Web page for a Govt office and a list serve and although a list serve is NOTHING like what you are dealing with I got sick of it real fast. And I appreciate the history, I am going to start referring people to it more



Yes it is part of the issue. But I also feel it from time to time for the FMA and in general the whole internet not just this site.

I use to post on 3 other sites and I have stopped on 2 all together for various reasons and the one that was absolutely great for CMAIMA went down do to a legal struggle I believe and that was painful to see go because with replaced it was rather sad



Some will tell you to then go bring that forum up and post things.

The problem is that if you ask beginner questions then people will wonder your real understanding. (* Our egos are at play here *)

If we just post and answer the questions ourselves we can look arrogant or it drives away others opinion as they just read and move on and do nto comment.

It is a difficult line to walk for those who have years of training and knowledge to share.
This I will not go into here but I might give you a short PM to explain… I promise not to RANT



Yes you are a dinosaur and so am I. You knock down trees with your body and then practice how to heal your inner energy. (* my words not yours sorry for any confusion *). I train hard and have very few students, but I like it that way. But I can also train for what people want, and I enjoy that teaching as well.

But no matter what we experss here, we cannot see the persons reaction and see that grasping a new idea or concept or technique. I know that feedback is imporatant to me as well.

never trust a tree

Could also be if late I have not been able to train as much as I like due to this damn heel that is healing just not as fast as I want it to and I was recently told I am looking at another couple months before it is back to 100% and that is also frustrating.



It could be only you (* can stop forest fires *) can know when it is time to leave. If ti is a newness factor for you, then keep your account active here, and go someplace else or off the net all togehter and then come back from time to time and check the areas that interest you and give you enjoyment in reading or posting. Taking multiple vacation or checking in once a week or month maybe what is best for you.

I know I can go 2 to 5 days from checking if I am busy or just do not feel like it. Other times I check daily.

No place else to go actually, like I said I stopped the other 3 and now that I think about it actually it was 4. Two were just silly 1 was great and died and the other was Chen style and I no longer do Chen style so I stopped, but I would recommend that page to any Chen stylist.



The big question. As I think it is both sides, the site and the user in general.

Maybe, Bob should promote you to Advisor (* possible temporary if you are concerned abotu the commitment *) so you can discuss some ideas you might have in a forum designed for that with the staff.

Thank you, no. I have enough to do right now actually. I sign for the new house tomorrow



Can you point at what from the "Ole Days" that brought you here or made you feel that way?

And thanks for posting this to get all of us thinking.


A comradery that use to exist that is now gone, I talked about it here (http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40540/#9)


"I've already explained this once, but repetition is the very soul of the net." -A famous quote from an alt.config Usenet post of the early 1990s.

The happiness of most people we know is not ruined by great catastrophes or fatal errors, but by the repetition of slowly destructive little things - Ernest Dimnet

Like warmed-up cabbage served at each repast, The repetition kills the wretch at last – Juvenal


My primary complaint with just about any discussion board is that the anonymity allows posters to be rude, petty or just plain obnoxious with no fear of repercussions. It's much easier to take potshots from the shadows.

I appreciate MTs efforts to prevent, for want of a better word, bullying.

Agreed but as one that will not post his name I do see a reason for anonymity, see next response


I agree.

Question though, why do so many people not use their real names on these boards? Is it just to have the anonymity to be able to say what they want with no consequences? Or when you look at “about me”, there is no information about them, why? Are they that embarrassed about what they write? Are they that insecure? Do they fear someone coming to stalk them?

To answer your questions in my case, I most certainly cannot answer for all. I have sat through waaaaaaaay to many network security, identify theft and social engineering training programs to post my real name for all to see. So to answer your questions

Question though, why do so many people not use their real names on these boards? In my case it is all because of my previous training

Or when you look at “about me”, there is no information about them, why? Same reason as above

Are they that embarrassed about what they write? No

Are they that insecure? No

Do they fear someone coming to stalk them? No

But I do fear identity theft. There are a few on the boards that know my real name but beyond that on an open web page I have no control of who sees any of this and there is enough info on this page (more than I ever really wanted to put there), about me that if I threw in my real name it would be all to easy for someone to figure out who I am and do some serious damage should they desire.


Xue everyone I think goes through these things when posting on a forum. I am in a bit of a rut myself.

Mark I think you hit the nail on the head in that anonymous pot shots are very, very cowardly.

I seem to be hitting them rather regularly of late.

And I do agree with Mark on the anonymous pot shots but I still will not change Xue Sheng to my real name due to my above reasons.


For some it's about anonymity, but for many it just a 'net' thing, especially younger people. For a lot of younger people, using nicknames on internet sites is just a normal, expected practice. I have no problem with anyone knowing my real name (Alek Swanson), but I use the nickname I've been using for years (actually it's a stage name I used when I was doing hip hop). For most it has nothing to do with hiding their identity, it's a way of expressing personality.

Or they have been required to sit through to many damn classes on PC and network security and social engineering


A lot of it could be that they want to use the chance to pick a cool name like 2Dux4U or Shinkicker Bootstav. The only reason I use my real name is so that someone who recognizes me can say hi otherwise I would've called myself something like Lord of the Dance. Some definitely hide behind their anonymity but I haven't come accross any posts that made me feel it would be worth it to stomp them if I could. Consider it an exercise in patience. The hazard is to new posters picking up bad ideas. I've seen polar opinions where people get disrespectful but nothing where it's "you're lucky I don't know where you live, buddy!".

Xue Sheng = student

And a student is what I always want to be

And do you mind if we call you Bruce…it cuts down on the confusion

Signed Bruce


No, all you guys do not be in a rut, just post up some new thoughts as they come to you. I would be glib and say that if you are in a rut with your posts then are you also in a rut with your art? I would hope you are always evolving your art yes? Then will you not all tell us bout it?? I am always interested to learn what people are doing in their art. You know you might do a tech the one way for ages and then just try it a little different and suddenly open up a whole new unexplored avenue of movement perhaps see? So I do not want anybody to be in a rut no more unless you have totally stopped thinking bout your arts and which I do not believe is the case!! So do not follow those who are in their loops of repetitiveness and instead, lead the discussions with examples of your innovations and then we will have a virtuous circle instead of a negative one if that is what we have [and I do not believe that].

So, to Xue and to Brian and all of you all, my sage advice is to change your avatars then you will feel like somebody altogether different and post anew see? And you would forgive me for being glib I just do not want all of you to go away because I am selfish and I would lose too much martial learning if there was nothing left but people arguing over nothing of any relevance to MA.. so! I love you all Yr most obdt hmble srvt, Jenna xo

What a glib answer

Actually I am in a rut with my training, not that I don’t want to do it but my DAMN FOOT won’t allow it at the moment. The “oh it will take a month to heal (believe me no pun intended) was just that “HEAL” now I find if you are talking back to normal…oh that’s another 2 months or so…..

I can’t do ANY of the fast forms and I can’t do either Dao form properly but I am back working on Sil Lum Tao to fill in the space where the fast forms should be.

As to posting more, nope it is just not in me these days

As to changing my avatar, I may, but that just generally means I am getting more evil

And on that note the return of my old Avatar


Xue Sheng, I can really empathize with you. I have been thinking about the same things. This frustration led to my being a lot less patient for a time, and I ended up losing my cool a little (although some of that was the pain meds I was on for back spasms... but still).

While I'm in much better spirits overall, I post less often and my posts are often much shorter and more terse than in the past.

I've always posted more to my blog than to the boards, choosing, where I have something related to BJJ or martial arts in general, to write it up there. Some of my articles have been inspired by threads here, while others have been things I wanted to write here but thought might be more apropos to the largely BJJ/MMA audience who read my blog. While we may have 10 or so guys who regularly read the BJJ board here I have about 400 or so on my blog and who participate in that larger community.

So, sorry... no answers from me, but I can definitely identify with you (even though I might be one of the "usuals" you're talking about).

You can’t help it if you think all styles are no good

Usuals meaning a bad thing…no

One of the good ones still here… yes.

We do not always see eye to but that is fine eye (see my melt down in progress prior to my last sabbatical) you know what you are talking about as far as BJJ and the MA posts you make and that is all I need.


Well said. My real name is on my profile page for anyone to read an know. My handle is a way to express myself;

Xue, brother, web communities are a funny thing. From time to time it can be very frustrating. My recommendation? Put a flower in your hair and eat some tofu! LOL okay, seriously - You are not alone. I enjoy this forum greatly, but I have been a part of forums where I just couldn't see the point anymore. I think that when that happens it is good to mix up the postings with something like Steve did hating all our MA styles

Maybe explore blogging, and post here every few days or once a week. Something that works for you to keep it fresh

HIPPIES AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Actually I have been looking at a couple of blogs and I rather like Brians (http://brianvancise.wordpress.com/) even though it is not CMA

And it was StevenBJJ’s post that kept me here at all but don’t tell him or we’ll never hear the end of it :D)

[zDom]

Religious or not, sounds like you would enjoy reading Ecclesiastes :)

Solomon (wisest man ever?) put his finger on it pretty well.


Or, if you prefer something a bit shorter, a Terza Rima form poem I wrote for an advanced poetry composition class last semester :)



Ecclesiastic Despair

My poems are lost amongst the din
of thousands of poet voices.
So where do I even begin?

Looking over all the choices
of the great poets of the past:
revive a classic like Joyce's

Ulysses? Or perhaps recast
failed attempts to procreate —
it certainly won't be the last

about attempts to copulate.
Whatever I decide to do
my poems won’t join the ones deemed great.

I’ve wracked my brain and thought this through
There is no unshared point of view
And nothing left to say that's new.

[shesulsa]

Boring repetition happens.

[shesulsa]

Boring repetition happens.

;)

[BLACK LION]

It happens in every forum... its the way of the errornet aka dramanet aka....

[blindsage]

Really Xue, you're just an old fogey and it's the Alzheimer's and rheumatism gettin' to ya.

But really, a site like this does get repetitive, it's just the nature of it. There will be new topics, but a lot of the same topics will get revisited because some topics people just like or tend to be in the popular mind set, and some topics are perpetual questions for newbies. Maybe you do need a longer break, or maybe you just need to be more creative to make it fun again. Either way it'd be a shame to lose you here. Especially as I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions for you as I grow in my IMA practice.

[Xue Sheng]

And why the Hell can't I get these damn quote stuff out of the middle of the damn quotes I'm using

[Xue Sheng]

I make no pretense of greatness. I think I stand a much, much better chance than the average Joe or Jane against a personal attack, but that doesn't mean I want to make it easy for people to find me. I've already put that at risk with some postings here on MT and when I served as an Admin, I signed correspondence with my real name. I don't think it's a long reach to the possibility of somebody losing their cool over something I said or did, justified or not. Whether I could "take" that person is really moot - I have a family and I really *don't* need the extra hassle of having to fight someone over something I said on the internet.

I wasn't too worried about it at first until I read KenpoTess's account of being stalked by an internet psycho. Her account of the face-to-face encounter with this guy influenced me to take better care of not only what I said but who had my private information.

Even if I were the best fighter out there, there would always be someone better than me. To my mind, if I don't remain mindful of that in everyday dealings, I would go against much of what I trained for.

Do I live my life in fear? No. Will I exercise rudimentary caution? Yes.

:asian:

From now on EVERYONES name should be Bruce, it WILL cut down on the confusion...that is unless of course your name is already Bruce then we will call you Bruce

[Bob Hubbard]

On the subject of anonymity, I'm an old school BBS guy. Used to use a handle for years. Still do on a few other sites where I prefer the anonymity. But here, I'm going professional and I'd rather I'm known and not my alias.

But....anonymity has it's pluses. I've lost count of how many people we've banned who have issued threats. Some live in my town. Some know -exactly- where I live and let me know it, complete with Google Images of my house, and a photo of me taken from down the street. Yeah, it's unnerving, but I won't be bullied. But I can understand why some folks are cautious of letting too much info out.

[jks9199]

I agree.

Question though, why do so many people not use their real names on these boards? Is it just to have the anonymity to be able to say what they want with no consequences? Or when you look at “about me”, there is no information about them, why? Are they that embarrassed about what they write? Are they that insecure? Do they fear someone coming to stalk them?
I use a pseudonym because I occasionally post things that might be seen to reflect official opinions of my employer -- and they are not meant to. My name is not public, nor is my employer. Yes, if a person were to try, they might put enough pieces together. But this puts a remove in.

Regarding the issue of lack of "new" stuff... POST UP! :D Tell about something in your training. I'm also guilty of not starting a lot of new threads on topics; I've got a few things I'm working on that I'll be posting in the near future.

[blindsage]

I use to post on 3 other sites and I have stopped on 2 all together for various reasons and the one that was absolutely great for CMAIMA went down do to a legal struggle I believe and that was painful to see go because with replaced it was rather sad

I think I know what you're talking about, check the PM.

[Xue Sheng]

Boring repetition happens.

True but it should at least not be predictable and happen so often.

I can pretty much tell you, as can just about anyone else, yourself included the way certain threads are going to go and they are just old re-hashed repeats of some other long worn out over done topic.

As much as I have avoided it in the past because due to the use of it as an attack on other sites I am going to start telling people to stop wasting everyone’s time, including theirs and use the search function

True but it should at least not be predictable and happen so often.

I can pretty much tell you, as can just about anyone else, yourself included the way certain threads are going to go and they are just old re-hashed repeats of some other long worn out over done topic.

As much as I have avoided it in the past because due to the use of it as an attack on other sites I am going to start telling people to stop wasting everyone’s time, including theirs and use the search function

True but it should at least not be predictable and happen so often.

I can pretty much tell you, as can just about anyone else, yourself included the way certain threads are going to go and they are just old re-hashed repeats of some other long worn out over done topic.

As much as I have avoided it in the past because due to the use of it as an attack on other sites I am going to start telling people to stop wasting everyone’s time, including theirs and use the search function

True but it should at least not be predictable and happen so often.

I can pretty much tell you, as can just about anyone else, yourself included the way certain threads are going to go and they are just old re-hashed repeats of some other long worn out over done topic.

As much as I have avoided it in the past because due to the use of it as an attack on other sites I am going to start telling people to stop wasting everyone’s time, including theirs and use the search function

True but it should at least not be predictable and happen so often.

I can pretty much tell you, as can just about anyone else, yourself included the way certain threads are going to go and they are just old re-hashed repeats of some other long worn out over done topic.

As much as I have avoided it in the past because due to the use of it as an attack on other sites I am going to start telling people to stop wasting everyone’s time, including theirs and use the search function

[myusername]

I agree.

Question though, why do so many people not use their real names on these boards? Is it just to have the anonymity to be able to say what they want with no consequences? Or when you look at “about me”, there is no information about them, why? Are they that embarrassed about what they write? Are they that insecure? Do they fear someone coming to stalk them?

From my perspective, when I first joined this site I had recently been working as a mental health nurse in a secure unit. I decided against using my full name and giving personal details for that reason. One needs to recognise that people on these boards come from a variety of backgrounds and professions and not all of them would be wise to post personal details online. For example, a police officer talking freely about what they would do to an intruder in their home would be best to use a nickname. I admit that since working away from secure mental health units my confidentiality guard has dropped a little but I will still be cautious about giving away too much. So I would say that for some on these boards there are very valid reasons for using nicknames or usernames instead of full names.

[Bruno@MT]

It is just the way communities work.
In my other community, I am an admin, and I have seen many changes of the guard. People come, become senior, interact, and leave. Only the occasional person stays for good. Even mods , supermods and admins come and go.

It is also interesting that every now and again, something silly happens which triggers a major flamefest / falling out. People leave or get banned, get villified or martyred. The community is in a state of unrest for a couple of days, things settle down, and normal business resumes for another turn the the wheel.

And every forum has its controversy. With martial arts it is no different. For ninjutsu, the controversy is with fraudulent lineage claims. For CMA it is probably something similar, or internal vs external. On my other forum, I have dealt with flamewars stemming from the argument about the bevavior of grit particles of a certain type of stone, and how that impacts the honing progression. These are all topics over which holy wars are fought. And outsiders will think 'get a life'. So these controverses are not specific to MT either.

These things work in cycles. It is just the way of the world.
It is normal for you to have these feelings. How you deal with them depends on you. This is different for everybody. Some people conclude they've seen it all and leave, others take a leave of absence and find other ways off spending their time, and then come back. Others embrace the repetitveness, and yet others find other ways to interact with the site (become a mod for example).

What you do is up to you. Choose what feels right to you, and it will be a good choice, no matter which you choose.

[celtic_crippler]

Bore
Bore, Bored
Bore, Bored, Boredom
Bore, Bored, Boredom, Boring
I Always Seem To
Wind Up
Snoring

......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Take a break, explore something new...then come back and tell us all about it. :)

[Steve]

Well said. My real name is on my profile page for anyone to read an know. My handle is a way to express myself;

Xue, brother, web communities are a funny thing. From time to time it can be very frustrating. My recommendation? Put a flower in your hair and eat some tofu! LOL okay, seriously - You are not alone. I enjoy this forum greatly, but I have been a part of forums where I just couldn't see the point anymore. I think that when that happens it is good to mix up the postings with something like Steve did hating all our MA styles ;)

Maybe explore blogging, and post here every few days or once a week. Something that works for you to keep it fresh :)It was a coping mechanism! :D

[jks9199]

True but it should at least not be predictable and happen so often.

I can pretty much tell you, as can just about anyone else, yourself included the way certain threads are going to go and they are just old re-hashed repeats of some other long worn out over done topic.

As much as I have avoided it in the past because due to the use of it as an attack on other sites I am going to start telling people to stop wasting everyone’s time, including theirs and use the search function

True but it should at least not be predictable and happen so often.

I can pretty much tell you, as can just about anyone else, yourself included the way certain threads are going to go and they are just old re-hashed repeats of some other long worn out over done topic.

As much as I have avoided it in the past because due to the use of it as an attack on other sites I am going to start telling people to stop wasting everyone’s time, including theirs and use the search function

True but it should at least not be predictable and happen so often.

I can pretty much tell you, as can just about anyone else, yourself included the way certain threads are going to go and they are just old re-hashed repeats of some other long worn out over done topic.

As much as I have avoided it in the past because due to the use of it as an attack on other sites I am going to start telling people to stop wasting everyone’s time, including theirs and use the search function

True but it should at least not be predictable and happen so often.

I can pretty much tell you, as can just about anyone else, yourself included the way certain threads are going to go and they are just old re-hashed repeats of some other long worn out over done topic.

As much as I have avoided it in the past because due to the use of it as an attack on other sites I am going to start telling people to stop wasting everyone’s time, including theirs and use the search function

True but it should at least not be predictable and happen so often.

I can pretty much tell you, as can just about anyone else, yourself included the way certain threads are going to go and they are just old re-hashed repeats of some other long worn out over done topic.

As much as I have avoided it in the past because due to the use of it as an attack on other sites I am going to start telling people to stop wasting everyone’s time, including theirs and use the search function

Some topics are like that, whether on a board or in person. We all know someone who, given half an opening, will regale any and all with their high school glories in football or "what they did in the war" or whatever...

[Archangel M]

I think that discussion boards and their admins have to juggle many competing issues.

While there is the necessity for "policing" bad behavior, in this medium it's controversy that "puts people in the seats" and keeps them coming back. Like soap opera and car wrecks, people in this sort of media are REALLY looking more for entertainment, discussion and debate than they are for "information". If you were to look at the busiest threads in this boards Im willing to bet that a large percentage of them contain argument, personal shots and "bad behavior". A balance between entertainment and civility needs to be maintained. Going too far in either direction can kill a board.

[shesulsa]

I think that discussion boards and their admins have to juggle many competing issues.

While there is the necessity for "policing" bad behavior, in this medium it's controversy that "puts people in the seats" and keeps them coming back. Like soap opera and car wrecks, people in this sort of media are REALLY looking more for entertainment, discussion and debate than they are for "information". If you were to look at the busiest threads in this boards Im willing to bet that a large percentage of them contain argument, personal shots and "bad behavior". A balance between entertainment and civility needs to be maintained. Going too far in either direction can kill a board.

While that is most definitely true, it is imperative for a board which takes such an outward stand against fraudbusting and purports polite and respectful conversation is its hallmark to carefully (not always stringently, but *carefully) enforce the rules which make it what it is. When that is neglected, membership often withdraws itself.

Those of us who have seen the ebb and flow more than a handful of times can call it pretty well, methinks.

Ride it out, post it up.

[bekkilyn]

You're probably just run into the "you can't go home again" aspect of this forum. When you first joined, everything was new and exciting because you were experiencing the forum for the first time. As time passes, you start seeing the same things over and over and become more and more jaded. It's normal for an internet forum.

I'm pretty new to this particular forum, but not new to the internet and various internet activities. For example, I used to play various MMORPG (mass multiplayer roleplaying games) and there's a big difference between a true newbie and someone who has been playing the game for a few months or years.

The true newbie has a whole new world to explore and everything is fresh. The experience player can never again have that experience in that particular game, even if the experienced player makes a brand new character. The character will be brand new and there will be some new things to do, but the previous months of experience still "ruins" the true newbie experience.

While you may never again be "true newbie" to this forum and be able to see and experience the forum in the same way as the first time, you still have the power of how you decide to choose how you will continue (or if you will continue) to experience the forum.

Perhaps you are bored merely because you choose to be bored?

Perhaps you just need a bit of a break. Maybe you're just in the midst of some stress and it wouldn't matter what the forum was like.

Also, just because you've seen something 1000 times, it doesn't mean there still might not be something to learn, so maybe there is a new perspective there somewhere.

Or it might just be that I'm just being delusional and rambling due to the 2.5 hour accounting exam I had tonight. :)

Even so, I don't think your feelings are abnormal.

[Xue Sheng]

Bore
Bore, Bored
Bore, Bored, Boredom
Bore, Bored, Boredom, Boring
I Always Seem To
Wind Up
Snoring

......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Take a break, explore something new...then come back and tell us all about it.

Hmmmm….wha???? sorry were you saying something…. I was napping :D

But…but…. I just came back from a break :D

Hey you never know what I will do, I am the Grand Master evil wizard and grand poobah of Xuefu after all. :mst: :EG:


Some topics are like that, whether on a board or in person. We all know someone who, given half an opening, will regale any and all with their high school glories in football or "what they did in the war" or whatever...

That is really not that big an issue. The issue would be, in that case, someone regales us with their football glory days and then someone else regales us with the same exact story with only slightly different wording about their football glory days and that is followed bt 15 other people doing the same exact thing.

And of course those that wouldn’t dream of doing anything in person that wait in the shadows of web anonymity to attack topics they know little about or just attacking for the sake of attacking because they find it to be fun.


I think that discussion boards and their admins have to juggle many competing issues.

While there is the necessity for "policing" bad behavior, in this medium it's controversy that "puts people in the seats" and keeps them coming back. Like soap opera and car wrecks, people in this sort of media are REALLY looking more for entertainment, discussion and debate than they are for "information". If you were to look at the busiest threads in this boards Im willing to bet that a large percentage of them contain argument, personal shots and "bad behavior". A balance between entertainment and civility needs to be maintained. Going too far in either direction can kill a board.

Nothing against the admins and mods, it is a rather thankless and difficult job that I do not want. and I know where the busiest section of the board is and there is nothing wrong with it but it has little to do with “Martial Arts Talk” other than it is in most cases Martial Artists talking and when I say Martial Arts Talk I am referring to MT not the website with that URL and please please don’t go there, it’s a VERY silly place. But to each his own and I tend to stay out of there beyond the occasional interjection of fact or humor, which by the way I have noticed that facts in the face of absurdity generally get completely ignored in order to maintain the absurdity... Apparently much like calling everone Bruce, it cuts down on teh confusion :D


While that is most definitely true, it is imperative for a board which takes such an outward stand against fraudbusting and purports polite and respectful conversation is its hallmark to carefully (not always stringently, but *carefully) enforce the rules which make it what it is. When that is neglected, membership often withdraws itself.

Those of us who have seen the ebb and flow more than a handful of times can call it pretty well, methinks.

Ride it out, post it up.

To a point I agree but there should come a point when you look around at your community and start to ask why do many of the real good people leave or post so little and not just chalk it up to that is just how it is. Otherwise sooner or later your site dies or worse ends up mundane.


You're probably just run into the "you can't go home again" aspect of this forum. When you first joined, everything was new and exciting because you were experiencing the forum for the first time. As time passes, you start seeing the same things over and over and become more and more jaded. It's normal for an internet forum.

I'm pretty new to this particular forum, but not new to the internet and various internet activities. For example, I used to play various MMORPG (mass multiplayer roleplaying games) and there's a big difference between a true newbie and someone who has been playing the game for a few months or years.

The true newbie has a whole new world to explore and everything is fresh. The experience player can never again have that experience in that particular game, even if the experienced player makes a brand new character. The character will be brand new and there will be some new things to do, but the previous months of experience still "ruins" the true newbie experience.

While you may never again be "true newbie" to this forum and be able to see and experience the forum in the same way as the first time, you still have the power of how you decide to choose how you will continue (or if you will continue) to experience the forum.

Perhaps you are bored merely because you choose to be bored?

Perhaps you just need a bit of a break. Maybe you're just in the midst of some stress and it wouldn't matter what the forum was like.

Also, just because you've seen something 1000 times, it doesn't mean there still might not be something to learn, so maybe there is a new perspective there somewhere.

Or it might just be that I'm just being delusional and rambling due to the 2.5 hour accounting exam I had tonight.

Even so, I don't think your feelings are abnormal.

You’re not delusional but a 2.5 hour accounting exam is most certainly enough to drive anyone over the edge :D

I took one once and that went a long way to helping me decide I never ever wanted to do anything even remotely associated with accounting ever again :D

Thank you but I do not think it is “I can’t go home again” and to be honest I couldn’t have been more Jaded that I was when I got here (I’m old) and I was on EF before I got here. And as for seeing something 1000 times in some cases you are right but what I am mainly referring to is the MMA vs. TMA vs. RSBD stuff in all its many incarnations and veils that are all exactly the same and all end up exactly the same way and the OP is convinced they have a new topic that has never been done before or a no w slant that will help them win the argument and to be honest it is all the same ole same ole... oh and don't forget the "all fights go the ground stuff" :rolleyes:

And I was seriously missing EF due to the amount of Info that use to be there and the amount of real IMA people and its substitute of a similar name got incredibly silly with online training and the such but I was recently told the old page is still there under an entirely different name and I am going to see what it is like for a bit.

But here’s the thing, and this might be the answer as to why many (not all) very good people don’t post much or stop posting and my quick look at the new page that was formally known as EF (not the one that still exists as EF) there is not much activity and I use to post on a sanshou page as well that is still in existence but virtually dead and the reason why is training.

The Sanshou page was full of guys training for fights, traveling to Thailand to train Muay Thai so they could be better fighters and such and they simply do not have time to post. I suspect the same might be happening on the new version of the page formally known as EF and I suspect that is why some of the real hard core (not all) MA people on MT vanish or simply post little. And if this is the case there is really nothing you can do about it at all except watch them come and go.

As for me I am getting over a broken foot and have time so I am at MT and that is pretty much why I came back (I was bored, I did not choose to be). Soon I will have no time which has more to do with getting a new house than anything else but once the foot is better I too will need to train a lot to get back where I was, not that I am as good as those that left but I want to try and get there if at all possible and my Taiji Sifu wants to beat on me to get me there so there will then be less time so who knows what the future holds for me on MT at this point.

I have had this discussion with a few that I consider some of the great old school posters on MT via PM, not that there are not other great old school posters, there are, I just did not PM them about this nor they me so I have not talked with them. But from those PMs I know I am not the only one that feels this way but I wanted to bring it out to the general population of MT to see what others thought and to see if there was anything that could be done. And IMO I do think there is one thing (not the only thing) that has changed things but to be honest I have no idea how you could change that nor am I willing to open that door (Pandoras box) to discussion.

Thank you all for the responses I do greatly appreciate them and they are helping me learn a few things and understand things a bit :asian:

[Xue Sheng]

my sage advice is to change your avatars

OK, I did, back to the old one :EG:

But it is just not fitting in the space right at the moment

[still learning]

Hello, As the years go by, as we get older...times do change us..our thoughts and priorties also change too... (goals in life).

We all go thru changes as we grow older...seeking "happeness" in our lives...one must look at the present times...and see what one wants to achieve in the future life or (tomorrow).

Just to live in the here and now (today)..effects the future too... the past is gone..nothing can change that..

Seek what you want to do today and the tomorrows....may mean to stop training or seek other styles...to excite the blood in you..

Sit down and feel what you truely is seeking in life "today" ...find your new goals, life is very short and getting shorter with age....

To find your NEW "happeness" ...is to truly find your "wants"....and needs...for the here and now.

Aloha, Study this further.....life does change us in as we age...

PS: just like a seed, that grow into a tree, can branch into many OTHER areas... sometimes to reseed....

[Jenna]

OK, I did, back to the old one :EG:

But it is just not fitting in the space right at the moment

Nope it fits just lovely so stop complaining mister!! I am not giving you no more excuses to bugger off again you are staying right here and I am going to lock this door on you until you have posted something truly momentous from your vault of wisdom.. so! The clock is ticking! There is only enough air in this little rooom of this here forum for another 12 hours.. 11:59, 11:58.. mwah..

[Live True]

I can only speak as someone who has only been on these forums for...oh wow...almost two years...doesn't seem that long.

I moderate a forum on another site, and I can appreciate the work that can sometimes be involved and also a lot of they "c'mon guys, use the friggin search function! We've been over that upteen million times already!", but.....

I've brought up some subjects here and there to see how people's concepts have changed over time...because they have a funny way of doing that. It's like Celtic Crippler's challenge to me on another post...take some ideas I'm playing with and look at them again in the months and years ahead. It's interesting to see where you are compared to where you've been. I don't know if you are interested in looking at it from that perspective or not. But it might be interesting to look at your posts here (all 10,000 + of them!) and any notes or thoughts you have from when you started out. Sometimes, seeing the changes over time can trigger some new ideas as well, and sometimes it's just interesting to do a little retrospective. I try to

You talk like you are as old as dirt, and while I'm sure we all feel that way at times, I doubt you're that dusty %-}! It is clear, however, from what you post that you've trained for many years and have a lot of knowledge. I, like Jenna, very selfishly would not like you and several others who post to leave as I learn so much from what you have to say..and sometimes what you don't.

I agree and will not repeat what others have said about the internet, but I would hope that you will find some things to keep you coming back, even if only occasionally....as many of us would miss your voice.

That said, you need to do what is best for you...regardless of what us selfish types say....either way, I hope you find something to bring you happiness and continued growth.

[Xue Sheng]

Nope it fits just lovely so stop complaining mister!! I am not giving you no more excuses to bugger off again you are staying right here and I am going to lock this door on you until you have posted something truly momentous from your vault of wisdom.. so! The clock is ticking! There is only enough air in this little rooom of this here forum for another 12 hours.. 11:59, 11:58.. mwah..

I'm guessing that with Qigong I can extend that to 18 to 24 hours :EG:


I can only speak as someone who has only been on these forums for...oh wow...almost two years...doesn't seem that long.

I moderate a forum on another site, and I can appreciate the work that can sometimes be involved and also a lot of they "c'mon guys, use the friggin search function! We've been over that upteen million times already!", but.....

I've brought up some subjects here and there to see how people's concepts have changed over time...because they have a funny way of doing that. It's like Celtic Crippler's challenge to me on another post...take some ideas I'm playing with and look at them again in the months and years ahead. It's interesting to see where you are compared to where you've been. I don't know if you are interested in looking at it from that perspective or not. But it might be interesting to look at your posts here (all 10,000 + of them!) and any notes or thoughts you have from when you started out. Sometimes, seeing the changes over time can trigger some new ideas as well, and sometimes it's just interesting to do a little retrospective. I try to

You talk like you are as old as dirt, and while I'm sure we all feel that way at times, I doubt you're that dusty %-}! It is clear, however, from what you post that you've trained for many years and have a lot of knowledge. I, like Jenna, very selfishly would not like you and several others who post to leave as I learn so much from what you have to say..and sometimes what you don't.

I agree and will not repeat what others have said about the internet, but I would hope that you will find some things to keep you coming back, even if only occasionally....as many of us would miss your voice.

That said, you need to do what is best for you...regardless of what us selfish types say....either way, I hope you find something to bring you happiness and continued growth.

I need to clarify something; at this point I am not planning on going anywhere I am just noticing a lot have gone and things have changed; not all for the better, IMO, but then not all for the worse either. However I am going to have much less time in my offline life starting tomorrow so it is likely I will be here less and when the foot heals I will need to do a whole lot of training just to be semi-happy with me so again I will likely have less time to post but I am not, at this point, going anywhere.

As to old as dirt...dirt’s a WHIPPER SNAPPER compared to me and it needs to get the HELL of my LAWN...damn kids :D

Actually I am older than many on MT and younger than a few too so I am far from old (unless you ask a teenager :D), But it is just a nice excuse to act cranky and tell the younger people that complain that they are old that I have leather jackets older than they are :EG:

But I will say Kung Fu (the first show) was new as was Enter the Dragon when I started this stuff so I am not all that young, but there are a few of us here that can say that :D

[Joab]

I agree.

Question though, why do so many people not use their real names on these boards? Is it just to have the anonymity to be able to say what they want with no consequences? Or when you look at “about me”, there is no information about them, why? Are they that embarrassed about what they write? Are they that insecure? Do they fear someone coming to stalk them?

I'm amazed anybody puts their real name in these forums. I have had second thoughts about even putting down my primary art, as the founder doesn't like forums like this. There are a lot of strange people who websurf, I think anonymity helps keep everyone safe. Nobody I work with knows I've taken even a day of martial arts training, including a security job, and I like to keep it that way. It would be safer if absolutely nobody knew about it, but hey, my wife has to know, she sees me practice for one thing.

The reasons for this are many, but primarily martial artists have done very poorly in self defense situations in court. In other words, their martial arts training has worked against them. One black belt in one school I went to really hurt a guy (The black belt was a power lifter as well and worked as a bouncer) and a lot of attention was spent on his martial art training in court. I have been to court, seen people prosecuted for using force, its a good idea to keep your background private in these regards.

But I agree its not good to take potshots at people anonymously, like the posts about Bruce Tegner awhile ago. Many did give their real names, still its not good to use your anonymity to help you abuse your first amendment rights. I wouldn't post here at all if I had to reveal my real name.

[Steve]

Nope it fits just lovely so stop complaining mister!! I am not giving you no more excuses to bugger off again you are staying right here and I am going to lock this door on you until you have posted something truly momentous from your vault of wisdom.. so! The clock is ticking! There is only enough air in this little rooom of this here forum for another 12 hours.. 11:59, 11:58.. mwah..Better hurry. The canary just bit the dust.

[Damon1698]

I think maybe if the site were a little more condensed it would give the illusion of more activity and would not seem as repetitive, also maybe if people were to get to know each other more it would create a reason for you to get on the forums and post more.

[Milt G.]

I am hesitant to post this but I will jump in with both feet and post it just the same, wouldn’t be the first time I jumped into the pit, but I suppose it could be the last… I am not exactly sure if this is against the rules...

I am truly sorry MT but I just have to ask

I have been wondering about this for a while and I even took a sabbatical in hopes that it was just me needing a break but the feeling came back rather quickly and of late due in part to the number of “good” and “knowledgeable” poster that use to post on MT that no longer appear to be posting (there are still some good people here by the way) or good and knowledgeable posters that have been banned (not that all banned posters are good and knowledgeable some most certainly were not either and banning was to good fer em’ :D), and in part to the number of repeat topics I see popping up (mainly MMA for or against in its copious incarnations some veiled…some not, but there are other that seem to make the rounds way to often) and of course the never ending argument known as the study (some of which IMO is just arguing for the sake of arguing :D. But then avoiding the study is easy, all that need be said (or thought) every time one thinks about going to the study when one does not truly wish to jump into the arena is “On second thought, let's not go there. It's a silly place” :D And it simply could be that my last sabbatical was not long enough too but….

Is it just me or is MT becoming repetitive, predictable and somewhat boring?

Could it be my chosen style that is the reason I feel this way?
There is not a whole lot going on in the CMA area these days and to be honest I am tired of posting in CMA for various reasons I do not plan on going into.

Could it be I have just been here to long?

Could it be I am just a dinosaur and in need of facing that fact and moving on?

Could it be the newness of it wore off and I need to stop?

And if it is not just me, what is it and what can be done to change it?

Or is it all just that I am too old and longing for the good ole days of MA (which brought to MT in the first place by the way) that MT for a little bit seemed to, at least in part, help with? :idunno:

My sincere apologies to Bob and the crew but I just had to ask.




Hello,
I think it is, perhaps, the way of the forum...

Especially one this vast, covering so many aspects and topics. Not bad to keep up to date, though. I do not always feel just the same about things years, or sometimes months, down the road. Sometimes good to catch up, huh?

Thank you,
Milt G.

[Xue Sheng]

I have had second thoughts about even putting down my primary art, as the founder doesn't like forums like this.

Actually posting here may have contributed to a fall out with a Sifu of mine. He never said anything and he never asked me about but there were a few comments that made me thing and he is rather web savvy and it would not be hard, if you know me, to figure out who I am, particularly if you are my sifu.

[Xue Sheng]

Better hurry. The canary just bit the dust.

CANARY...No one said anything about a canary using my air...DAMN my whole Qigong thing just got shot down...GASP!!!!!

[shesulsa]

Actually posting here may have contributed to a fall out with a Sifu of mine. He never said anything and he never asked me about but there were a few comments that made me thing and he is rather web savvy and it would not be hard, if you know me, to figure out who I am, particularly if you are my sifu.

Apparently, when I put up an avatar of the Constitutional Distress symbol - which is, incidentally, the national flag displayed upside down - I drove my teacher (staunchly Republican and ex-military) off the site in protest. When a soldier displays this, it means he and/or his detail are in trouble and need extrication. When a citizen or a country displays this, it means they feel the constitution is no longer being upheld in their country.

He made no bones to me about why he left.

Just posted that so you don't feel alone, I guess. :idunno:

[Bob Hubbard]

I've had people leave because they felt I was too critical of Bush, not critical enough of Clinton, and too stupid to see the brilliance of Palin. *shrug*
Also had people tell me they left because I was too soft on Bush, too hard on Clinton, and too blind to see how dumb Palin is. *shrug*

Can't please everyone.

[Rich Parsons]

Apparently, when I put up an avatar of the Constitutional Distress symbol - which is, incidentally, the national flag displayed upside down - I drove my teacher (staunchly Republican and ex-military) off the site in protest. When a soldier displays this, it means he and/or his detail are in trouble and need extrication. When a citizen or a country displays this, it means they feel the constitution is no longer being upheld in their country.

He made no bones to me about why he left.

Just posted that so you don't feel alone, I guess. :idunno:

Off Topic but ...,

There was a local school a couple of years ago where the local police department drove through the parking lot and noticed that no lawn crews were outside and that the Flag was upside down. So, he called in back up and they "stormed" the school in riot gear. All staff not involved with direct education of the children were in a meeting and boy was everyone surprised including the police when nothing was wrong. Someone had just hung the flag upside down and did not look at it after they raised it.

[Xinglu]

Apparently, when I put up an avatar of the Constitutional Distress symbol - which is, incidentally, the national flag displayed upside down - I drove my teacher (staunchly Republican and ex-military) off the site in protest. When a soldier displays this, it means he and/or his detail are in trouble and need extrication. When a citizen or a country displays this, it means they feel the constitution is no longer being upheld in their country.

He made no bones to me about why he left.

Just posted that so you don't feel alone, I guess. :idunno:

OMG, a real live person who GETS this! More obscure (sadly so) American trivia: Do you also know the difference between the American flag of war and flag of peace?

[shesulsa]

OMG, a real live person who GETS this! More obscure (sadly so) American trivia: Do you also know the difference between the American flag of war and flag of peace?

Yes! The Civil Flag! I thought I was the only one who knew about that! LOL!

The Civil Flag or Peacetime Flag actually had a blue eagle and an arc of stars on a white field where most people are familiar with the Blue field with white stars is. The stripes are red on a white field and are VERTICAL rather than horizontal.

Here's some info on that (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barefootsworld.net%2Fuscivilf lag.html&ei=-ui6SqnyI5DasQPng_HoCA&usg=AFQjCNGzmckY4dZnHkArottEd2z2EIGOxw).

Wartime display is how our flag is currently hung as standard. Sad, but true.

[Xinglu]

Yes! The Civil Flag! I thought I was the only one who knew about that! LOL!

The Civil Flag or Peacetime Flag actually had a blue eagle and an arc of stars on a white field where most people are familiar with the Blue field with white stars is. The stripes are red on a white field and are VERTICAL rather than horizontal.

Here's some info on that (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barefootsworld.net%2Fuscivilf lag.html&ei=-ui6SqnyI5DasQPng_HoCA&usg=AFQjCNGzmckY4dZnHkArottEd2z2EIGOxw).

Wartime display is how our flag is currently hung as standard. Sad, but true.

We have a winner folks! :ultracool

And I must say, I'm impressed. I know 2 people now other than myself that know that!

[jks9199]

I've had people leave because they felt I was too critical of Bush, not critical enough of Clinton, and too stupid to see the brilliance of Palin. *shrug*
Also had people tell me they left because I was too soft on Bush, too hard on Clinton, and too blind to see how dumb Palin is. *shrug*

Can't please everyone.
So go play a garden party... :D

There's an ebb and flow in every site. As my time on MT picked up, my time on another site dropped off.

But, as I've said, the site's only as good as the members. We've got mostly good to great members here, I think. But we need you all to post up!

[Touch Of Death]

I am hesitant to post this but I will jump in with both feet and post it just the same, wouldn’t be the first time I jumped into the pit, but I suppose it could be the last… I am not exactly sure if this is against the rules...

I am truly sorry MT but I just have to ask

I have been wondering about this for a while and I even took a sabbatical in hopes that it was just me needing a break but the feeling came back rather quickly and of late due in part to the number of “good” and “knowledgeable” poster that use to post on MT that no longer appear to be posting (there are still some good people here by the way) or good and knowledgeable posters that have been banned (not that all banned posters are good and knowledgeable some most certainly were not either and banning was to good fer em’ :D), and in part to the number of repeat topics I see popping up (mainly MMA for or against in its copious incarnations some veiled…some not, but there are other that seem to make the rounds way to often) and of course the never ending argument known as the study (some of which IMO is just arguing for the sake of arguing :D. But then avoiding the study is easy, all that need be said (or thought) every time one thinks about going to the study when one does not truly wish to jump into the arena is “On second thought, let's not go there. It's a silly place” :D And it simply could be that my last sabbatical was not long enough too but….

Is it just me or is MT becoming repetitive, predictable and somewhat boring?

Could it be my chosen style that is the reason I feel this way?
There is not a whole lot going on in the CMA area these days and to be honest I am tired of posting in CMA for various reasons I do not plan on going into.

Could it be I have just been here to long?

Could it be I am just a dinosaur and in need of facing that fact and moving on?

Could it be the newness of it wore off and I need to stop?

And if it is not just me, what is it and what can be done to change it?

Or is it all just that I am too old and longing for the good ole days of MA (which brought to MT in the first place by the way) that MT for a little bit seemed to, at least in part, help with? :idunno:

My sincere apologies to Bob and the crew but I just had to ask.



Be the change you want to see.
Sean

[marlon]

XS I missed this thread until now because I have seen a reduction in interesting posts for a while( I had chalked it up to summer vactions) and so just skimmed through mostly. I have told you several times of how much I value you input here and others as well. This place has made me a better martial artist and teacher as thinking is required to excel at either and not just blind practice. I have tried to start thread lately that must seem boring because they are .... quiet. I certanly ask less questions as I am full of them and seem impatient to some, which I truly understand so I patiently wait for intersting topics and read books. Honestly though, I kind of expect the site to be quiet from time to time and I like the newbie rehashing of questions bcause in teaching I learn a great deal from beginners questions and can look at my development through the responses I give. Have you found an art that is prefect and is taught perfectly by perfect instructors? Probably not, certanly many of my intersting questions come from a place of wanting to be better in my chosen art through contact with others such as yourself. Although I love my art it is not perfect and my nderstanding of it is muh much less than perfect so I have many questions. Anoher point for repetition and predictablility is that unless you are posting specfically technical thoughts then what is true in practice is true here... most answers are n the basics. Cool flashy comments on technque X572 are cute but less fruitful in terms of advancng knowledge. I am babbling a bit but I will start some more threads just for fun and maybe you could also and see what happens. Perhaps the old Danjo will show up and flame us and the fun can begin again:) perhaps some seniors will step up and test us with a question we can be put on the spot to respond instead of them! Like a pop quiz. I lime MT and the people here are exceptional or on there way to being exceptional, hopefully I can learn from the examples here
be well
respectfully
um...er...Bruce. :)

[Xue Sheng]

Apparently, when I put up an avatar of the Constitutional Distress symbol - which is, incidentally, the national flag displayed upside down - I drove my teacher (staunchly Republican and ex-military) off the site in protest. When a soldier displays this, it means he and/or his detail are in trouble and need extrication. When a citizen or a country displays this, it means they feel the constitution is no longer being upheld in their country.

He made no bones to me about why he left.

Just posted that so you don't feel alone, I guess.

Actually in my case it is a Mainland Chinese Sifu who has rather traditional thinking (as I do to off of MT) and he does not tell anyone what he does and teaches only those he feels he can trust and me talking about it (or mentioning it) on MT would not have made him happy and from my POV this is my bad, I knew better but still yakked when I should not have.


Off Topic but ...,

There was a local school a couple of years ago where the local police department drove through the parking lot and noticed that no lawn crews were outside and that the Flag was upside down. So, he called in back up and they "stormed" the school in riot gear. All staff not involved with direct education of the children were in a meeting and boy was everyone surprised including the police when nothing was wrong. Someone had just hung the flag upside down and did not look at it after they raised it.

At a hospital I worked at a very sleepy security guard put up the flag one morning and did not realize that he put it up upside down until 3 Local LEO cars, 2 County Sheriff’s cars and 2 State Police cars showed up……and…. there was nothing wrong other than the 3rd shift guy (ex-military by the way) was working a double shift and incredibly tired and not paying attention. After that he was MUCH more awake, very apologetic and incredibly embarrassed


I've had people leave because they felt I was too critical of Bush, not critical enough of Clinton, and too stupid to see the brilliance of Palin. *shrug*
Also had people tell me they left because I was too soft on Bush, too hard on Clinton, and too blind to see how dumb Palin is. *shrug*

Can't please everyone.

Well I’m considering leaving due to your complete LACK of acknowledgment of the Republicrat and Democan parties :D


Be the change you want to see.
Sean

Actually that is a thought but still equates to, in my mind, to posting much less.


XS I missed this thread until now because I have seen a reduction in interesting posts for a while( I had chalked it up to summer vactions) and so just skimmed through mostly. I have told you several times of how much I value you input here and others as well. This place has made me a better martial artist and teacher as thinking is required to excel at either and not just blind practice. I have tried to start thread lately that must seem boring because they are .... quiet. I certanly ask less questions as I am full of them and seem impatient to some, which I truly understand so I patiently wait for intersting topics and read books. Honestly though, I kind of expect the site to be quiet from time to time and I like the newbie rehashing of questions bcause in teaching I learn a great deal from beginners questions and can look at my development through the responses I give. Have you found an art that is prefect and is taught perfectly by perfect instructors? Probably not, certanly many of my intersting questions come from a place of wanting to be better in my chosen art through contact with others such as yourself. Although I love my art it is not perfect and my nderstanding of it is muh much less than perfect so I have many questions. Anoher point for repetition and predictablility is that unless you are posting specfically technical thoughts then what is true in practice is true here... most answers are n the basics. Cool flashy comments on technque X572 are cute but less fruitful in terms of advancng knowledge. I am babbling a bit but I will start some more threads just for fun and maybe you could also and see what happens. Perhaps the old Danjo will show up and flame us and the fun can begin again perhaps some seniors will step up and test us with a question we can be put on the spot to respond instead of them! Like a pop quiz. I lime MT and the people here are exceptional or on there way to being exceptional, hopefully I can learn from the examples here
be well
respectfully
um...er...Bruce.

FINALLY…. At least now I know who I’m talking to…well you see Bruce :D

Thank You