So I've been a MacRumors Forum member for 20 years

[eyoungren]

I remember Yahoo Chat was pretty popular back in the early 2000s.

I got my Yahoo email account in 1999 (still have it, still use it) but that's the only service I've ever used from Yahoo. Interestingly enough, while I have two Gmail email accounts, I don't use them. But I do use many of Google's services.

That may be down to Google coming later I suppose.

 

[eyoungren]

I hung out on Usenet for a while, which was my introduction to forums -- like IRC, which I had heard of but never actually participated in -- another offshoot of the Wild West, since there were no moderators. Longer-time members quickly indoctrinated newbies into the mysteries of "Netiquette" and chided those who didn't follow "the rules." Nonetheless flamewars erupted anyway and people let loose with whatever was on their minds. Interesting times.....

I think that's probably one of the reasons I stayed away from IRC. That was also one of the reasons it took me several years to register an account on Reddit.

Bad as some mods can be (I am speaking in general), at least there was some form of social norms being enforced in forums.

 

[Zmmyt]

it's pretty crazy. I remember joining with my half baked English in 2005. it was great. so much questions answered. I even joined one of the picnics in London, which was spoiled by my granny's first serious trip to hospital. it's a wonderful site.

 

[MacNut]

This site sure has changed since I joined 20 years ago. Some would argue not for the better.

 

[philippe2014]

Congratulations 20 years on a forum these days it's not obvious.

 

[Queen6]

14 Years in, close to 10K posts and still good with it. Been on the right & wrong side of the community & mods over the years LOL. Always had a Mac, likely always will...

Q-6

 

[eyoungren]

This site sure has changed since I joined 20 years ago. Some would argue not for the better.

I remember when they had the upvote and downvote buttons (like Reddit). OMG, the wars!

Then they got rid of the downvote button to solve that problem. Eventually we got the FB 'Like' button.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I remember when they had the upvote and downvote buttons (like Reddit). OMG, the wars!

Then they got rid of the downvote button to solve that problem. Eventually we got the FB 'Like' button.

I remember that. Truth is likes or upvotes/downvotes never really bothered me.
Just over 10 years for me and 43k odd posts. I’ve learnt a lot on here and met some wonderful people.
I wonder what the next ten years will bring. The new iPhone 22!

 

[dmr727]

I remember that. Truth is likes or upvotes/downvotes never really bothered me.

Oh wow - the upvote/downvote thing must have happened while I was taking a bit of a break from message boards. I'm pretty happy with the way things are around here now. MR is generally non-toxic compared to a lot of places around the 'net.

 

[eyoungren]

Oh wow - the upvote/downvote thing must have happened while I was taking a bit of a break from message boards. I'm pretty happy with the way things are around here now. MR is generally non-toxic compared to a lot of places around the 'net.

The iPhone forum used to have its fair share of users who only valued those who had the latest model iPhone.

With regards to the upvote/downvote buttons that was often used to bolster arguments (see how many upvotes I got and how many downvotes you got?! I WIN!). It was used against people by the same type of user I mention above. That is until Arn removed the downvote button.

 

[xraydoc]

17 years for me. Crazy.

At the time, I believe I was using a 12" PowerBook G4 and a PowerMac G5.

 

[StayWhatYouAre]

Madness ! Will be 20 for me officially next April . Sure i was around before that though without signing up.
Started out on my ibook G3 800 i recall - loved that thing (first computer i ever purchased with my own $$$).
Heres to another 20 !

 

[belvdr]

17 years for me. Crazy.

At the time, I believe I was using a 12" PowerBook G4 and a PowerMac G5.

You joined when I did. I had to give up my 17" PowerBook when I switched employment, but had a 17" iMac at home. I loved that iMac.

 

[belvdr]

Oh wow - the upvote/downvote thing must have happened while I was taking a bit of a break from message boards. I'm pretty happy with the way things are around here now. MR is generally non-toxic compared to a lot of places around the 'net.

Agreed. I took a reprieve for a few years myself, and I'm happy with things too. Maybe I just needed time to collect myself. lol

 

[belvdr]

14 Years in, close to 10K posts and still good with it. Been on the right & wrong side of the community & mods over the years LOL. Always had a Mac, likely always will...

Q-6

Back in the day, it was easy to do that; I've done it myself. Honestly, I am not impressed with the person I was back then and tried to make amends with those I may have offended.

To that point, if there are folks I have offended, PM me and I'll try to make it right.