Why don't you post?

[TraversNZ]

Hi All,

I've been a KWF member for about 18 months, but have only posted a few times - mainly prefer to lurk in the backround and listen/learn. New to kendo, so don't really feel like I have that much useful to add without confusing myself, let alone others. I check in every couple of days, and see only a few members joined in, with a large number of guests (not that there's anything wrong with that). Looks like there is a large member base, but only a relative few posting (Nothing wrong with that either). I know a lot of people log in from work, maybe this has something to do with it?

So, I was wondering:
If you do / don't post - why? / why not? Have your posting habits changed? If so, why? / why not? Could be interesting...

BTW - thanks for a great forum - get a lot out of it. Special thanks to those who have been doing this for a while, and are always ready to offer advice / support.

Cheers

[MikeW]

I post when I feel I can add something to a thread or help someone with info. Once in a while I have a post with info I want to get out I will very occasionally post just because. I've been a member for 5 years and I am averaging .6 per day so obviously I don't post all the time. I have started several threads but mostly I just comment on one started by someone else.

Lately I have been thinking about starting a thread with a question I have been wondering about... but don't know if I will or not. lol

[Django]

Hm... I just like to lurk.

Besides, I realize, if I have something to say, it's usually hardly important. Being new to kendo as well, I usually don't have anything constructive to say.

But, what I do notice about this forum, is when I make little comments, they're seen, and people reply to it. I've been to other forums where what I say is just skipped over and the topic moves on. For example, Twilightsucks... It has such a huge community, it's almost impossible for your post to be seen.

I like the community here. =D

[hunnysan]

i admit sometimes i'm scared to post because i'm scared i'm going to ask something that's already been asked and then i get everyone all pissed off.

And i also don't post because i know i don't have that much experience so i usually only post in the lounge section and stuff like that.

[pgsmith]

I post a lot because I get bored at work! :)

[b8amack]

Same here.

[Anime12478]

I've been posting here more often here recently because things have been slowing down at work for the moment. The reason why I wouldn't post usually falls into the following reasons:

1) The thread doesn't interest me

2) The question being asked has already been answered...a million times over...

3) If I can't contribute anything meaningful to add to the discussion with more than 2 words. That is, short posts like "+/- rep", "I agree", or "you *&(#)" seems like a waste of time and bandwidth.

[Alison2805]

I post while waiting for data to download at work, or waiting for meetings, that sort of thing. I generally try not to give advice on how to do kendo as I dont have enough experience, but I love reading advice from others on the forum.

I do however, have plenty of experience in being an opinionated, uncoordinated, and obnoxious pain-in-the-rear, so I am happy to give advice in that area.

[projecthikari]

I like reading all the advice n stuff. It helped me at my practice today, actually. I went ahead and DIDNT use baby powder on my feet (one example.)

But, hey, Might as well post, look like an idiot, and get it fixed, right? :D
Er... maybe not.

[atgm]

The topics right now...

A: Why don't you post?
B: Well, you see... Weapon injuries.
A: Excuses, excuses!

[Maro]

Because the Iaido forum is full of people with Swords! :eek:

I post when I can input something - which isn't often.

[Masahiro]

Looks like there is a large member base, but only a relative few posting

I am not sure what you mean, quite often times the same person can view a particular thread 3 or more times a day, which is why there can be many "views" but relatively low number in responses. If you are wondering why the majority of the KW registered members aren't posting, it's because (in my theory) 30% or more simply don't do kendo any more. And a percentage of the member feel that internet kendo is a mute effort and doesn't benefit them instrinsically.


If you do / don't post - why? / why not? Have your posting habits changed? If so, why? / why not?

I joined the forum several years back when i first started learning kendo. I posted a lot because. . .

a)I had a "strong" idea of what kendo should be like, and i guess in some ways my inferiority complex made me feel as if i have to prove something to the world. :confused2
b)dare i say, I genuinely found the discussion to be interesting and useful to me.
c)I was crazy for learning any and everything i can about kendo.

now, I refrain from commenting unless I want to help a particular person or further a valuable discussion. I don't post as much compare to before because. . .

a)most topics posted these days actually have very little to do with kendo,
b)i've come to dread posts that i once found as amusing, e.g. . .
1)Egotistical comments unnecessarily thrown against unsuspecting beginners.
2)senseless dry humor comments, that only he/she understands.
3)flame wars that run on for more than 2 days.
c)people mistaken privilege of opinion with self gratification.
d)a lot of comments made (now)are mere regurgitations of what one hears, and nothing wrong with that. It's just that when the commentator can not add any additional value or personal depth to the conversation. The purpose of an open discussion becomes quite blurred.
d)you can lead the horse to the water, but you can't make the horse drink.

having said all this, the KW forum and a few on here has served as paramount importance in my progress of kendo. I can only hope that the quality of its membership dilutes no further.

[bobdonny]

Great post, I agree with all of it.


I am not sure what you mean, quite often times the same person can view a particular thread 3 or more times a day, which is why there can be many "views" but relatively low number in responses. If you are wondering why the majority of the KW registered members aren't posting, it's because (in my theory) 30% or more simply don't do kendo any more. And a percentage of the member feel that internet kendo is a mute effort and doesn't benefit them instrinsically.



I joined the forum several years back when i first started learning kendo. I posted a lot because. . .

a)I had a "strong" idea of what kendo should be like, and i guess in some ways my inferiority complex made me feel as if i have to prove something to the world. :confused2
b)dare i say, I genuinely found the discussion to be interesting and useful to me.
c)I was crazy for learning any and everything i can about kendo.

now, I refrain from commenting unless I want to help a particular person or further a valuable discussion. I don't post as much compare to before because. . .

a)most topics posted these days actually have very little to do with kendo,
b)i've come to dread posts that i once found as amusing, e.g. . .
1)Egotistical comments unnecessarily thrown against unsuspecting beginners.
2)senseless dry humor comments, that only he/she understands.
3)flame wars that run on for more than 2 days.
c)people mistaken privilege of opinion with self gratification.
d)a lot of comments made (now)are mere regurgitations of what one hears, and nothing wrong with that. It's just that when the commentator can not add any additional value or personal depth to the conversation. The purpose of an open discussion becomes quite blurred.
d)you can lead the horse to the water, but you can't make the horse drink.

having said all this, the KW forum and a few on here has served as paramount importance in my progress of kendo. I can only hope that the quality of its membership dilutes no further.

[atgm]

d)a lot of comments made (now)are mere regurgitations of what one hears, and nothing wrong with that. It's just that when the commentator can not add any additional value or personal depth to the conversation. The purpose of an open discussion becomes quite blurred.


"Talk to your sensei." and "See a doctor." both come to mind here.

[mimaru]

I read the forums frequently but so far have never posted anything for much the reasons already mentioned here, having nothing useful to contribute being propably the most notable. But right now I'm at sitting at my desk at work at there's nothing useful to do here either, so... Hi all.

[Neil Gendzwill]

If you are wondering why the majority of the KW registered members aren't posting, it's because (in my theory) 30% or more simply don't do kendo any more.That may or may not be true, however in most forums the vast majority of members are lurkers.

For those who are scared to ask a question, I'm sorry that this place has become so intimidating. However as common netiquette, I suggest you simply do a search for the answer, and if you don't find anything ask away. I think if the question is sincere and coming from someone who practices or who wants to practice, it will get answered or referred to previous threads.

[Angel_Of_Music]

"Talk to your sensei." and "See a doctor." both come to mind here.

These two phrases are bandied around too often by the experienced ones here....


If we only cared for info from our sensei, why do we bother to ask our question here in the first place? :rolleyes:

If there is nothing else to add besides these words above, then don't add anything at all!

[Neil Gendzwill]

These two phrases are bandied around too often by the experienced ones here....Key word: experienced. Maybe you should listen?

If we only cared for info from our sensei, why do we bother to ask our question here in the first place? In many cases, people feel too intimidated to ask their sensei/seniors. We try to encourage them to do so. In other cases, they are asking for information that is only appropriate to obtain from their sensei, or for technical advice that is really only possible in person.

As for the doctor thing: in every forum I've been on, people ask for medical or legal advice from other forum members. Sometimes it's a question we can answer (" have X pain, anyone experienced it before from kendo?"), but mostly they just need to see a professional. I frankly don't understand why people are so reluctant to consult their doctor or lawyer.

[Angel_Of_Music]

Key word: experienced. Maybe you should listen?
In many cases, people feel too intimidated to ask their sensei/seniors. We try to encourage them to do so. In other cases, they are asking for information that is only appropriate to obtain from their sensei, or for technical advice that is really only possible in person.

As for the doctor thing: in every forum I've been on, people ask for medical or legal advice from other forum members. Sometimes it's a question we can answer (" have X pain, anyone experienced it before from kendo?"), but mostly they just need to see a professional. I frankly don't understand why people are so reluctant to consult their doctor or lawyer.

Of course we seek the sensei's/ sempai's word before anything else. And there are issues which are best left to the people outside of the forum (e.g. medical help).

Which is why a simple answer amounting to no more than to seek sensei's/professional help seems too convenient to put down as a response.

Even if there was no way us folks here could help with the question at hand, the least we could do is to explain why. Like why only sensei at the dōjō could help, for example.


In short, it just reeks of laziness in some quarters.

Of course, not everyone means it that way though. There just really isn't more to add in some cases.

[Masahiro]

That may or may not be true, however in most forums the vast majority of members are lurkers.

oh yeah i agree completely,

[Cutie_honey]

One trend i have noticed in regards to posting is that a lot posts are from new members (and kendo newbs).
I'm not just talking about the initial posts, but most of the replies come from these people too - and unfortunately a lot of these responses are from people are not qualified. There are a few people on this thread i could use as an example.
So I think this explains why the "ask your sensei" comment comes up so often.

I think the new posters hope to get the answers from many of the 3rd, 4th, 5th Dans and up, unfortunately they dont realise that they are getting advice from 20 year old hachidan wannabes who have been doing kendo for 1 year or less. (It seems most of these come from my country)

Thankfully, there are people like Neil and many others that will post often and give sound advice.

[Charles Lockhar]

Of course we seek the sensei's/ sempai's word before anything else.

I'm willing to bet that running some statistics against the KWF posts would prove you wrong.


Which is why a simple answer amounting to no more than to seek sensei's/professional help seems too convenient to put down as a response.

Even though it's the best answer? Maybe we need to dress it up a little? Put it in a skirt and high heels? Make it all touchy-feely, so it feels more special?


Even if there was no way us folks here could help with the question at hand, the least we could do is to explain why. Like why only sensei at the dōjō could help, for example.

See above.


In short, it just reeks of laziness in some quarters.

Yes, the laziness of folks who don't spoon feed us...

Hey, I am no great shakes at kendo, and am definitely so far down the food chain that anything I post is laughable, but I do have enough going on to see that a lot of questions posted here are best answered by three words.

-Charles

[MartialArtsGirl]

I post a lot because I get bored at work! :)

ditto, except I'm usually not at work when I post. I'm just kinda bored and want to think/talk about kendo.

[MartialArtsGirl]

However, I forgot to add....probably the most valuable question I ever asked here was the first one- about the dojos I was considering going to. That was obviously BEFORE I found a dojo to go to and a Sensei to ask. I almost went to a McDojo!! I am incredibly grateful to this board for steering me in the right direction and helping me find an awesome dojo. :) thanks everyone!

[ratdeau]

I don't post because writing in english is difficult for me and because Neil answer faster.
There are a few technical things I could say but I'm not sure it's needed.

[atgm]

I frankly don't understand why people are so reluctant to consult their doctor or lawyer.

If it's a kendo-related strain/injury/feeling, it's sort of comforting to know that other people went through it (i.e., you haven't done something terribly wrong and gotten a really weird injury nobody else gets in kendo) and what they did, as well. Sort of bonding, I suppose.

Also, the last time I went to a doctor in America -- probably three years ago or so, I paid around 180 dollars to get blood pressure, height, weight, and a quiz about my health habits. I shudder to think what it would cost for an actual problem.

[TheWanderingEye]

Why don't you post?
Because I am occupied with spending time on a certain imageboard :V

Well, because I usually forget about this place :V My club has it's own forum thingy, so most of my questions are answered there.

Like what atgm said (sorta), it's just cool reading up on people's experiences that you can relate to.

[chrisw]

As a noob, here are some of the reasons I post:
- to learn more about kendo
- to improve my kendo
- to understand other people's ways of thinking
- to practise self-restraint
- to engage my mind (because I'm lazy)
- to practise my writing skills (because they are crap)
- to release my emotions
- to relieve boredom
- to have fun
- to help others
- to learn more about other people
- to learn more about myself
- to learn more about the world

[Fonsz]

Because I can't be bothered since nearly everyone here is reading my mind and then post my thoughts exactly.
It's really weird and uncanning how many times I think " wow I wanted to say that".
I do like to post and try to lure backyard ninja/samurai and the like to the bright side. Not sure if that was succesful until now.

Oh and Neil is always faster when he's not on vacation. Does he ever sleep or off line? I always wonder.

[atgm]

He has a small LCD mounted on the inside of his men and a frogpad (http://www.frogpad.com/) on his tsuka...

[ThePoetWarrior]

either cause i don't know what to say or someone already said it before

[Abramo]

In my experience, regardless of the nature of the forum/list, about 10% of the total members contribute at all and only about <5% on a regular basis.

I bet a very large number of people just create an account and never come back or forget their passwords etc. So the number of members is a bit inflated.

When I don't contribute (here and elsewhere) it's because I can't add anything of worth (and know it! sometimes I don't realize it's the case and post anyway). Then like most people I just read and learn, and post on the funnies/off-topic sections.

Now it's obviously not the case that people ask their sensei/doctor/lawyer/S&M mistress before coming here. And some people of the more aloof variety don't take advice to heart and just keep asking the same type of question over and over, and now I see that's probably because they're bored or in want of moral support. I wish I could say "there's nothing wrong with that" but, alas, I can't say it. Advice or opinions given become worthless and the forums become a sort of venting hole instead of a source of information and friendship. I can relate to the overenthusiasm of begginers but eventually it has to cool off. It's unfortunate that, when it does, it's because they quit the art and not because they finally got the point.

ETA: "the point" being, 99% of what you learn in martial arts is by practicing and at the dojo and not by reading and talking about it.

[Angel_Of_Music]

One trend i have noticed in regards to posting is that a lot posts are from new members (and kendo newbs).
I'm not just talking about the initial posts, but most of the replies come from these people too - and unfortunately a lot of these responses are from people are not qualified. There are a few people on this thread i could use as an example.
So I think this explains why the "ask your sensei" comment comes up so often.

I think the new posters hope to get the answers from many of the 3rd, 4th, 5th Dans and up, unfortunately they dont realise that they are getting advice from 20 year old hachidan wannabes who have been doing kendo for 1 year or less. (It seems most of these come from my country)

Thankfully, there are people like Neil and many others that will post often and give sound advice.

No offence, but it's exactly that kind of fierceness or standoff-ishness (crap, sorry I'm running out of words in my vocab. I'm a non-native english speaker after all! :o ) that puts people off from posting. Not just in asking questions, but also in replying them, even when they are qualified to give an answer (e.g. a dan ranked kendōka and above). Some folks are naturally afraid of the nerves they may touch off.

No doubt though, I realise that perhaps us new ones need to "refrain" themselves a little in giving advice on stuff they are relatively new at.


So once again no offence! Don't hit me! :o

[Maku-san]

At the risk of sounding cheeky: "I Post... Therefore, I Am." :cheeky:

I do agree that only a few of the membership deign to post here. I must say that the quality of the humor has dropped considerably since His Royal Fuzziness, Kenzan-san (May He Continue to Collect His Nutz), has stopped gracing us with his witty (and wise, and sometimes wise-aSSed) presence. :(

[Angel_Of_Music]

I'm willing to bet that running some statistics against the KWF posts would prove you wrong.

Well, at least I didn't say all the guys here! :cheerful:


Even though it's the best answer? Maybe we need to dress it up a little? Put it in a skirt and high heels? Make it all touchy-feely, so it feels more special?

Of course no one expects a "nice", "soft" and "sensitive" response all of the time. We're not little kids or big babies here!

But I'm not expecting everyone to behave like my sergeants! I've served my time in the army and air force (a compulsory thing) for 2 years and had enough of them! :silly:

And the last thing I want is for someone to behave all-authoritarian like in the least expected of places. But that's not a problem here, as far as I have seen! :smiley:


Yes, the laziness of folks who don't spoon feed us...

Hey, I am no great shakes at kendo, and am definitely so far down the food chain that anything I post is laughable, but I do have enough going on to see that a lot of questions posted here are best answered by three words.

-Charles

To be fair, it's hard to tell who's being lazy, or who's simply being curt, or who's answering in those three words because there just isn't any better possible response.

But of course, in a faceless medium like this forum (and so many others), it could be easily any of the three!

Just my 2 cents on it. No offence guys! :silly::smiley:

[ratdeau]

At the risk of sounding cheeky: "I Post... Therefore, I Am." :cheeky:

I do agree that only a few of the membership deign to post here. I must say that the quality of the humor has dropped considerably since His Royal Fuzziness, Kenzan-san (May He Continue to Collect His Nutz), has stopped gracing us with his witty (and wise, and sometimes wise-aSSed) presence. :(
Don't forget Ignatz

[Gessho]

"Talk to your sensei." and "See a doctor." both come to mind here. "Practice more" is also a good one...

[Charles Lockhar]

But I'm not expecting everyone to behave like my sergeants! I've served my time in the army and air force (a compulsory thing) for 2 years and had enough of them!

I'm with you on that. My time was voluntary, but still, over and done with.


To be fair, it's hard to tell who's being lazy, or who's simply being curt, or who's answering in those three words because there just isn't any better possible response.

Well, my take is that it CAN'T be lazy. Because no one has an obligation to respond at all. If you do kendo, you have a responsibility to your seniors, your equals, and your juniors, within your dojo. You may choose to expand that out for yourself, but that's your choice.

There's no obligation to reply to a bunch of fellow web-crazies on an internut forum. While I really appreciate when someone responds to one of my questions, or to a question that someone else posts that I'm interested in, I don't think I can really expect anyone to.

In fact, I'm often amazed at how much work and thought people do put into their responses, particularly when my contributions are so often limited to comic relief.

As an aside, I find that if I put more effort into figuring out what I *should* be asking I get better results. Though, many times when I put that much effort into it, I figure out the answer and don't have to ask.

I'd be overvaluing my post if I implied 2 cents worth of value... :shocked:

-Charles

[Charles Lockhar]

I must say that the quality of the humor has dropped considerably since His Royal Fuzziness, Kenzan-san (May He Continue to Collect His Nutz), has stopped gracing us with his witty (and wise, and sometimes wise-aSSed) presence. :(

He's been gone?

-Charles

[Maku-san]

Don't forget Ignatz

Yes, thank you for reminding us of the late Ignatz. His presence is sorely missed. :(

[Maku-san]

He's been gone?

-Charles

Oooh... don't let him catch you saying this, Charles-san. :eek:

Remember how relentless he is when he doesn't gather his quota of nutz... :evil: