I have noticed a number of threads recently where seldom seen or new posters appear on the board and make controversial statements, or are responded to harshly. These are my personal observations, not aimed at any one point of view, or at any group of people in particular (cliques, sides, whatever):

(1) Name calling: Name calling comes off as juvenile. Juvenile tactics make the poster seem less intelligent. Less intelligent discussions are less persuasive. If you are really trying to make a point, stay away from name calling. In addition, it can be extremely off-putting for those not directly involved in the discussion. Don't cry foul that people are ganging up on you if you don't even attempt to make friends on this board.

(2) Acting like a broken record on multiple threads about multiple topics. People try to carry on some meaningful discussions on this board on occasion, or just like to have some light entertainment. Breaking in on irrelevant threads to attack individuals or make unrelated points is rude and annoying. Once again, not persuasive either.

(3) Responding to a post trying to put forth intelligent points or questions by either mocking the poster, responding with weak and pointless jokes or simply ignoring the post. It makes the second poster appear to be unable to respond to the questions or points, and greatly weakens their arguments, even if they seemed valid before.

(4) Painting the Chip Board community with a broad brush. Making general comments about the beliefs or collections of the members of this Chip Board community is ridiculous. No one knows the community believes as a whole or has in their collections because this board is populated by a diverse and reasonably intelligent crowd. People will disagree on this board about just about anything. Broad brush statements appear ignorant and desparate to make a point. If you have a legitimate point to make, it is not necessary to incorrectly portray the board community in any way. Your assumptions are almost certainly wrong about a large number of people on the board.

(5) My collection is better than yours. This is a new phenomenom, but is starting to get pretty common. At least 4 posters have made comments about the value of their collections, and have at least implied that the chip board community collectors collect "junk" or "trash." If you like it, collect it. If you don't, don't. There is no need to pump up your own collection and put down others. You will lose support as fast this way as any way I can think of, no matter what proposition you are trying to advance. No one knows what chips you really have anyway. On the internet, it's absurdly easy to pretend you have expensive chips. Also, there is nothing wrong with collecting something because you love it, and not as an investment.

(6) Bad attitudes. Condescension, sarcasm, direct attacks, personal attacks, etc. are unnecessary. If you are an intelligent person, make your points, respond with well-reasoned answers, carry on discussions. If some people disagree with you, even vehemenently, accept it. Some people will agree with you, even if they choose not to get involved.

Intelligent discussions are the real value of this board. Disagreements are not only inevitable, they are valuable, if done intelligently and with respect. Some people have already done considerable damage to their credibility on this board. It can be rehabilitated, however, simply by acting like an intelligent adult. If you want to make a change, don't think you can bludgeon people into it. Act in a way that may really convince someone. Don't let your point get lost in the foolishness.

JMHO

Michael Siskin