Why are people in here so mean?

[grahamperrin]

Part of my online personality – in media such as this – has its origin in online troubles elsewhere. In as few words as possible: the short and very positive book Dealing With Disrespect is my ideal guide, but I sometimes pay the price of wilfully ignoring some of its ideals.

… moderators here do a pretty good job keeping things civil.

Yeah. That was a key reason for me choosing to spend more time in MacRumors Forums than elsewhere.

… I believe that the primary reason for the poor behavior of people, not only here on MacRumors, but the Internet as a whole, stems, primarily, from the fact of online anonymity.

Agreed.

… If you were to meet me in person, I'd be just like you'd expect me to be as you've come to know me online here. …

An example. In the IT support context, online, it's often appropriate to correct another person's mistake or misunderstanding. No matter how gently it's done, highlighting one person's error – in front of a group – can be misconstrued as mean-mindedness.

And so on … my true (face-to-face) personality is probably very different from my online IT support personality. In person, things are nearly always easier

Rude threads or posts deserve a rude reply …

No, that's what makes threads devolve into a 4th grade recess shouting match and makes the site worse. Just ignore them and move on.

… You are right in a lot of cases but sometimes something needs to be said. I tend to block them afterwards.

On one hand, best to simply report a post if it appears troublesome.

On the other … yes, sometimes something needs to be said.

If someone (or some group of people) is offensive, I might slowly give them enough rope to realise that ultimately, being openly offensive is likely to result in the opposite of what the offender wished to achieve.

… the ignore list, which can be found in your User CP settings.

It's surprisingly effective, but maybe not an obvious (easily found) feature. It's an option in the User Lists menu for the user to be ignored.

Best to use the feature discreetly.

However, on a handful of occasions I have indiscreetly made it known that I ignore someone. This falls under the umbrella of 'wilfully ignoring ideals' – I know that it's potentially inflammatory, but hopefully a lesson is learned.

… Some of the posts I've read in response to others' questions are unbelievably sarcastic and penurious. Among the handful of other forums that I peruse, I've never encountered such disdain for new members or those that may not have as much knowledge of the topics being discussed.

… I haven't felt welcome to post my own threads or respond to others' threads because the number of times I've seen someone get completely flamed is off-putting. …

Mods: You all do a great job. …

… I'm a member of a few other highly populated forums and none of them come with the condescending tone that this one has. …

Thanks for the insightful responses, everyone. You've all given me hope! …

… The Big Sleep (1946)

+1 to drama that's truly entertaining! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDrXJILTVek&t=1m47s

… "I'm sorry, sir. I make many mistakes."​

 

[Kissaragi]

So are you clarifying what you wrote earlier and saying that there is a difference in replying to a rude person by challenging their position as opposed to replying to a rude person with more rude comments?

I was paraphrasing rather than writing a 15 page essay on the subject. I also try to challenge them in as rude a manner as possible.

My point was this.

being rude to rude people, i don't care and some have it coming.
being rude to nice people, i do care and its not good.

 

[S.B.G]

I was paraphrasing rather than writing a 15 page essay on the subject. I also try to challenge them in as rude a manner as possible.

My point was this.

being rude to rude people, i don't care and some have it coming.
being rude to nice people, i do care and its not good.

Alrighty. I was just wanting to gain some perspective on your point of view.

For me, I find it better to not stoop to the level of the rude people, though many times I desire to. Should I choose to answer someone who is acting rude or foolish, I try my best to be on the upper road and stick to some facts or merely state my own opinion on the topic.

I'm not perfect, nor claim to even be close, and we all have lapses in judgment at times, whereas I am no exception. But when I remember, I try to keep in mind an old Proverb.

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit

Many times, I'll think about replying to someone and then think better of it and just walk away.

 

[MarkCollette]

Just as much, I will now begin to refer to the iPhone 6 as iPhone 6 Minus. Childish, yes, but there is a saying in German, I don't know if there is an English equivalent, it kinda goes like "The echo you hear equals the sound you made" (something with a forest but that's about the point of it).

I don't know, without any context, I might think iPhone 6 Minus was a jab at the Plus, not a jab at the iPhone 6.

 

[Cheffy Dave]

I have come to the conclusion that the majority of the membership is 12 years old.

You are correct, most are children, in either age or mindset

 

[TechGod]

I went to the iPhone subform due to the excitement around the 6...never again.

The Mac subforms, the Community discussion and...actually come to think of it, besides the iPhone and iPad subforms this board is very friendly and nice.

 

[loby]

Yeah, but you have to admit that it has gotten a lot worse over the years. I remember when you could come on the web and ask questions and get solid advice. Now, it is just a flame fest of crap that you have to sift through to find what you are looking for. It is a little sad that it has all come to this.

Agree...

What made this site a great resource is that you could dialog about topics to improve your Apple experience with others and gather valuable information about how to use your product to its fullest. If you had issues with something, someone in the forum was glad to assist those that we're new to the Apple experience.

Now..you have to spend unnecessary time sorting through the "crap" to find what you want. Sort through "Child" posts who just want to add up their posting to reach "Demi-god" status...

Now I search for other forums/sites to find where the members who "use" to post valuable information for others live who have abandon this forum/site and allowed children and Facebook minions to occupy this once good "land".

Still have not found where they have gone yet, but will continue to look...

 

[WinstonRumfoord]

because internet, that's why



But seriously, most subforums are pretty good, its the main page news items and iphone sections that are snarkier

 

[K00LJerk]

Usually the post count is a dead give away that a person is a troll or a new poster. New posters tend to post redundant questions ignoring the FAQ's and I think they deserve smartass answers. Troll I don't give any reply too, its too bad others take the bait because they win when they get people upset.

 

[daflake]

Usually the post count is a dead give away that a person is a troll or a new poster. New posters tend to post redundant questions ignoring the FAQ's and I think they deserve smartass answers. Troll I don't give any reply too, its too bad others take the bait because they win when they get people upset.

Did you think that maybe a new poster may not know there is a FAQ? Perhaps try to remember when you were new and didn't know where things were at and point them in the right direction. There is also a possibility that the person may not understand English very well and may be translating it. No, they don't deserve smartass answers, they deserve help or just stay quiet. Then again, your post here is a little trollish..

 

[S.B.G]

New posters tend to post redundant questions ignoring the FAQ's and I think they deserve smartass answers.

I don't believe that to be a very wise or nice approach to new members, or life at all.

Why do new members deserve that, in your opinion? We were all new at one time and most of us didn't go right out and read every rule and FAQ before posting something.

Most new members come here to ask for help with a problem with their computer or phone and if they're treated poorly because they've asked a question that was asked a dozen times before them, they won't feel very welcome or wish to come back or stay on the forums.

I say treat others the way you'd like to be treated, especially if you're new and seeking assistance.

 

[dejo]

Sort through "Child" posts who just want to add up their posting to reach "Demi-god" status...

Actually, Demi-god status has nothing to do with your post count but rather whether you're a contributor or not.

 

[pocketpenguin]

Thanks for the insightful responses, everyone. You've all given me hope! Haha. I didn't think about the influx of band wagoners from the release. I'll definitely be sticking around, especially knowing there will be a "clearing out" of the trolls.

Don't forget that "Apple" and everything it makes or does is like a true religion to some folks. People get mad when you go against their religion. (Excuse me while I put on flame proof trousers).

Welcome to the forums and don't forget to look up how to filter posts by userids.

 

[grahamperrin]

Cross reference

Related, recent:

Everybody on here is a smartass

 

[sanke1]

I dont think so. People are trying to defend Apple and people get mean when trying to be defensive.

 

[AlliFlowers]

I think for the most part, the members here are helpful and nice. There are a few smartarses. I fled iMore (where I used to be a moderator), because it was the mod team who were being rude to the users.

 

[S.B.G]

I think for the most part, the members here are helpful and nice. There are a few smartarses. I fled iMore (where I used to be a moderator), because it was the mod team who were being rude to the users.

Here, we strive to be as cordial and helpful as possible as a mod team.

 

[0xyMoron]

It depends on how the thread starter or thread poster express themselves i guess. People on here are usually on guard because of many 1 time posters that come here to bash Apple and disappear, and of course you have those who think it matters to let the world know they switched to Android, i mean who the ******* cares? No one is gonna lose sleep over your choice of phone or tablet. Sarcasm is internets first language, not just on MR, but on every forum out there, the best way to deal with it is to be sarcastic too or just ignore it because if you take it seriously then you are inviting others to join in and take a shot at you too.
The deeper you scroll down on the main Forum page you'll find more friendly posts, like the setup pictures section, latest purchases and so on, if you meet 5 - 10 even 20 rude people on MacRumors it doesn't reflect the entire users base, just like real world the more people you are exposed to the bigger the chances you have of meeting bullies.

 

[Renzatic]

I think for the most part, the members here are helpful and nice. There are a few smartarses. I fled iMore (where I used to be a moderator), because it was the mod team who were being rude to the users.

Really? That's kind of a shame. I always thought of iMore as being the other sane Mac site.

 

[Meister]

Internet is not for socializing, is a data base to find and share information. Use it just for that.

The Internet has always been used for socializing, trolling, info-sharing, and whatever else even since usenet times. Your comment is a bit weird.

 

[JamesMike]

I try to stay as positive as I can.

 

[Mr. McMac]

I try to stay as positive as I can.

Ditto.. I'm never mean to anyone even if they don't agree with me, or mean to me with a nasty comment. I just let it go. I have more important things in my life I need to worry about...

 

[SusanK]

Most of the people on the forums are very nice IMHO. The mods do an extraordinary job of maintaining a good place for us. I really appreciate all the mods do. This job can't be easy.

I think that sometimes when people are very passionate the words come over the screen as harsher than the writer intended.

Overall MacRumors is a pleasant place to visit. Gets intense at times but not so much that I don't want to return.

We share one strong bond. Love our Apple goodness

 

[grahamperrin]

Passion, crushes and anger

… I think that sometimes when people are very passionate the words come over the screen as harsher than the writer intended. …

A few minutes ago:

"… When I review feedback and recall that I was desperately, politely trying to sound alarms within Apple – long before release – the feeling now is crushing. …"​

Not only crushed (and disappointed and gobsmacked and so on). In all honesty: reviewing my own feedback sometimes reminds me of the anger that was felt when given, by Apple, such a ridiculous product. So when I read for the umpteenth time that Yosemite looks great on Retina, I want to tell that umpteenth person that Retina is not a fix – and I do not feel kindly about it. Misdirected anger. I usually restrain myself.

 

[SusanK]

A few minutes ago:

"… When I review feedback and recall that I was desperately, politely trying to sound alarms within Apple – long before release – the feeling now is crushing. …"​

Not only crushed (and disappointed and gobsmacked and so on). In all honesty: reviewing my own feedback sometimes reminds me of the anger that was felt when given, by Apple, such a ridiculous product. So when I read for the umpteenth time that Yosemite looks great on Retina, I want to tell that umpteenth person that Retina is not a fix – and I do not feel kindly about it. Misdirected anger. I usually restrain myself.

I have noticed that some posters can be harsh in their comments. I've been insulted (if I took the person seriously), told to "get out of Apple" whatever that means. Been told to sell my shares etc.

Some of the poster are definitely an acquired taste. Some have an animosity toward Steve and Forstall. I like their work and get yelled at all the time for it. Actually when I see a quote notification I wonder what i am being yelled at about now.

There are several posters who are respectful of the community. I chose to concentrate on those. The kooks, crackpots and raging types I disregard.

There is more anger here than any other forum I use. I guess I disregard the crazies and people who have a vested interest in the entire world purchasing and using Apple's latest offering no matter how half baked it is.

I'm not using Yosemite so I can't comment there. The aesthetics are not to my liking.