I read and contribute (constructively I hope) to many of the discussions on TechRepublic.
Sometimes the level of the discussion is very good, is extremely professional and constructive.
However, there are many (too many) occasions when the "discussion" turns into a "my browser is better than your browser" or "Microsoft is crap" some such garbage like you'd expect from a couple of 8 year olds.
The "discussion" turns into the sort of thing I expect to see, in fact do see, on FaceBook.
For example, in a recent discussion (MS buying Adobe), a large number of respondents weighed in with "Microsoft is bloatware", "Microsoft is crap" etc.
They didn't contribute anything constructive, just a load of whining. Rarely were reasons given (other than "bloatware" etc) why the merger was a bad idea.
IMO, if you read a blog and have nothing to contribute other than a whine (e.g. "bloatware" etc), don't bother to post a reply.
What do others think?
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Question
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Should TechRepublic merge with FaceBook?
Updated - 14th Oct 2010
Answers (9)
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No.
no text
14th Oct 2010
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What?
To me, facebook and TR are very different places.
As I read your post, I get the feeling that what you really would like to have is a more granular "follow" function.
Would you be happier if you could follow or unfollow sub-threads? (e.g. watch a thread for replies to your post or unfollow the "war" in a subthread of an else-wise interesting thread?
As I read your post, I get the feeling that what you really would like to have is a more granular "follow" function.
Would you be happier if you could follow or unfollow sub-threads? (e.g. watch a thread for replies to your post or unfollow the "war" in a subthread of an else-wise interesting thread?
14th Oct 2010
Replies
dude this place is for geeks
In no way can this 2 be together.
In no way can this 2 be together.
ameack
14th Oct 2010
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If you think there's too much whining here...
go to TR's sister site, ZDNet, where, by the way, the "blog" in regards to Microsoft merging with Adobe first appeared, and try to follow any discussion there!
Sometimes these "blog" posts are reposted here in efforts to stir the pot, nothing but flamebait. If the blogger is going to post off-the-wall opinion pieces, they should expect off-the-wall comments. If they are going to post an ariticle with rubbish, they should expect to get it thrown back.
Sometimes though, even IT needs a break from the drudgery, so I look at some of these "discussions" as a fun diversion.
NOW...in regards to the title of your discussion...emphatically NO! Of course, I think you were a bit sarcastic in the title, wouldn't you say? You could even catalogue your discussion as a "whine", in which case one must ask, why did you start the discussion?
{;-)
Sometimes these "blog" posts are reposted here in efforts to stir the pot, nothing but flamebait. If the blogger is going to post off-the-wall opinion pieces, they should expect off-the-wall comments. If they are going to post an ariticle with rubbish, they should expect to get it thrown back.
Sometimes though, even IT needs a break from the drudgery, so I look at some of these "discussions" as a fun diversion.
NOW...in regards to the title of your discussion...emphatically NO! Of course, I think you were a bit sarcastic in the title, wouldn't you say? You could even catalogue your discussion as a "whine", in which case one must ask, why did you start the discussion?
{;-)
15th Oct 2010
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FK NO!
First step would be for TR to sell all our personal information...
15th Oct 2010
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If I understand correctly
This is some one whining about other posters whining. Hmmm so, no one is allowed to whine except you? Is that your official position?
15th Oct 2010
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No
nt
15th Oct 2010
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Re: Should TechRepublic merge with FaceBook?
@NexS & ameack & oldbaritone - this was in no way a serious suggestion. I was comparing the quality of some postings in TR to most I've seen in FB.
@TobiF - It's not a case of follow/un-follow or getting a more granular follow function.
@wizard57m - I agree that even IT needs abreak from drudgery, having fun diversions or a bit of humour thrown in. As I recall, the discussion that prompted my, admittedly sarcastic, question - MS buying Adobe - around 50% of the responses used the terms bloatware, crap etc. Nothing constructive about why it was a good or bad idea. If using terms like bloatware, crap etc is flamebait, then I guess I took the bait.
@kenone - I'm sorry but you don't understand correctluy. My posting was pointing out the number of comments thatoffer nothing contstructive. So, my official position is that if someone is going to join a discussion let's try to keep it constructive.
@TobiF - It's not a case of follow/un-follow or getting a more granular follow function.
@wizard57m - I agree that even IT needs abreak from drudgery, having fun diversions or a bit of humour thrown in. As I recall, the discussion that prompted my, admittedly sarcastic, question - MS buying Adobe - around 50% of the responses used the terms bloatware, crap etc. Nothing constructive about why it was a good or bad idea. If using terms like bloatware, crap etc is flamebait, then I guess I took the bait.
@kenone - I'm sorry but you don't understand correctluy. My posting was pointing out the number of comments thatoffer nothing contstructive. So, my official position is that if someone is going to join a discussion let's try to keep it constructive.
17th Oct 2010
Replies
And FB isn't even a blip on the internet radar for flaming, arguing, stupidity, and religious wars. OK, maybe for stupidity. BBS, IRC, mailing lists/newsgroups (now there were some wars) loads of other fora, and Real (flavored) Life all share this to varying degrees.
Yeah, some of the stuff people post gets boring, fast. Unless you find the endless varieties of irrationality entertaining, or if you are a troll yourself.
Yeah, some of the stuff people post gets boring, fast. Unless you find the endless varieties of irrationality entertaining, or if you are a troll yourself.
seanferd
17th Oct 2010
In all that, are wars of intellect?
Santee2
17th Oct 2010
But that concept wasn't part of the original post.
Or are you seriously asking where one might have intelligent debate?
Or are you seriously asking where one might have intelligent debate?
seanferd
19th Oct 2010
...keep it the way *I* want to see it.
Funny, I didn't see anything about Beothuk being made the arbiter of the TR boards.
Funny, I didn't see anything about Beothuk being made the arbiter of the TR boards.
Rodo1
18th Oct 2010
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what everyone here ISN'T 8?
well it looks like I'm wrong again 
18th Oct 2010
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A Retoracle Question?
From the wit and humor that I work with regularly, grumbling about anything seems counter-productive except to get it off of your chest. I am a master complainer all to often.
If it were possible for Facebook & TechRepublic to merge, I would be toast since my company dis-allows Facebook'ing.
g: - )
If it were possible for Facebook & TechRepublic to merge, I would be toast since my company dis-allows Facebook'ing.
g: - )
18th Oct 2010
Replies
boy, I almost totally freaked - NO WAY. I was just forced by my blood-related family to join their FB blather - they refuse any other form of communication. Is that saying something about them or me??
2rs
19th Oct 2010
I rather more tend to take your apparent view, however, so you might guess what my estimation of what this says about you and about them might be.
Of course, I do not hold in disdain everyone who uses FB, but I do find the platform, model, methods, and Mark Z F distasteful.
Of course, I do not hold in disdain everyone who uses FB, but I do find the platform, model, methods, and Mark Z F distasteful.
seanferd
19th Oct 2010
