Coin Forum Dynamics #2 (Fact Police)

(Tactfully Pointing Out Errors or Not) We've all see it, the OP posts a thread which has some debatable, un-researched, or downright erroneous information, not on purpose and of purely innocent intent. This opens BIG DOUBLE DOORS for the 'Fact Police' who not only point out the OP's errors but add a little sarcasm tossed in for good measure. Wow, they sure know their stuff or do they??? In your opinion, does this add to their stature as a knowledgeable coin person or does it detract from it.

Thanks for thinking about this (at times unsavory) topic which certainly thrives on the various coin forums available for the interested.

Ben

 

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Good point. I'd have to say, if someone makes a mistake on an informational forum, such as this one, then correstions need to be made where needed. Personally, the sarcasm that sometimes accompanies such corrections don't make that poster's input nul, but it is annoying sometimes. Of course, we all log onto here for different reasons, so I suppose the only way everyone could be happy is if we all talked to ourselves.
Guy~

 

I'm glad you brought this topic up, Bonedigger. I've read most of the posts since I found this site earlier this year, and I have to say you're right on target. I enjoy good banter and come-backs as much as anyone, but the consistent negative remarks from some members I can definitely do without. The only thing I learn from those people has nothing to do with coins, but more with their own insecurities, perhaps?

 

it is my opinion that many seasoned collectors with a wealth of knowledge are often times put off by inaccurate posts because of the massive amounts and frequency of previous inaccurate posts.

i agree with coleguy ''if someone makes a mistake on an informational forum, such as this one, then correstions need to be made where needed.''

often times excellent advice is given to novice collectors or collectors not familiar with a particular series. often times this accurate advice is not heeded and several week later said newbie comes back complaining of being ripped or asks for grading opinions on a new purchase that said collector was advised not to make.

so, now experienced collectors don't even bother to reply / provide helpful and accurate info [or reply with sarcastic remarks] because they have seen the same aforementioned scenario played out many times before.

finally all that is left are novice collectors giving each other bad advice. this phenomenon is not confined to this forum but, happens on all coin forums...not even ''just'' coin forums but, any hobby / collector's boards ie... aquatics, art, metal detecting, memorabilia....

most of the ''best and brightest'' don't hang around long [or with any consistency], as with any trade, they are constantly looking for greener pastures or like minds. then you always have those that are ''experts'' who live to teach novice collectors or like to think they possess a higher [almost supernatural] level of intelligence and want everyone to know.

well, a doob has been burnt, i am done rambling, and i am off bed.

have a good day [stay warm if your covered in ice]

and don't let your meatloaf

 

1st - Everyone makes errors every day.

For a regular member that makes a mistake, a little sarcasm is sometimes more fun than just a correction - as long as it is not offensive.

For a new member asking questions and stating things that are not correct - a little leniency should be given - Until they come back and tell you just how wrong you are, and then the door is open.

Just remember - there are times when the "experts" are proven wrong. I seem to remember a recent thread that went that way after the coin was sent to a TPG. Everyone does the best they can with the information that is presented!

At the end of the day you should treat people how you would like to be treated and always be the one to rise above someone who steps over the line.

Darryl

 

most of the posters on the forum are regulars. I think most of the time (at least for me) the smudge of sarcasm is meant as a friendly jab. Others might mistake it for something else. I agree that there is always the blurry grey line in all matters, and if anyone thinks something crossed the blur, refer to Peters post

But does sarcasm help, no, probably not. We as we chat more and more with the same group of individuals, friendships can and most often do emerge, as well as personalities that just do not fit in any situation. I think sarcasm is just a common response among friends, and when newcomers come into the group, i think its hard for that sarcasm to be left checked at the door. We are all human, even the mods.


I think

 

LOL - Great - I have to start checking the location of the Mods, If any come up NM or NY (MIB) I will know something is fishy!

 

I never make a SINGLE ERROR mine are all MULTIPLES also lets have less of this HUMAN TALK

 

ok, thats not right Phoenix21

somehow, the 'i think' was part of a sentace i started to write and the deleted.. i must have missed some... it reall WAS NOT a freudian slip!!!!

wow, that was just plain weird

 

To error is human. ( that's why they invented spell check) Or is it just me??

 

To err is Frank, to forgive: My wife.

 

Coin Forum Dynamics #2 (Fact Police)


Hey, Ben:
Where is #1?

 

Never mind, misunderstood.

Phoenix

 

I hear that!!

 

A good subject Ben.

Sarcasm is in art form but needs to be used in proper context. Yes, I'm guilty of using it as are many others.

I try to keep it in check but I'm sure I've stepped over the line on a few occasions. IF I offend someone it doesn't bother me to have someone "slap me upside the head" - IF I have it coming.

I have offended a few and if they state so I'll most likely apologize on the thread as well as via PM. I've had people (customers) go off on me in the past bacause they were having a bad day and I was there. The ones that apologized later got more respect from me as I feel it takes a bigger person to apologize.

I really do strive not to jump on newbies though. That's just wrong. We want them IN the hobby not turned off by a bunch of snobs.

Now if someone hits me with a zinger I will USUALLY appreciate it.

We all have personalities after all.

 

Exactly what clembo said: :thumb:

Phoenix

 

Sarcasm generally doesn't help, but there are a few people (more so than usual, recently) who drop by asking about such-and-such coin, looking for an opinion (usually a supposed error worth billions in their eyes), and then refuse to listen to any advice given and become combative and/or defensive when what we say is at odds with what they think. I'm thinking of that "MS-70 1962 D quarter I found on the ground" thread the other day. At that point, sarcasm is almost a moot point, especially when the OP - whether they mean it or not - is claiming something so completely ridiculous it's hard to take anything they say seriously.

However, I think most of the banter between us regular posters is well-natured, and most of our jabs are seen simply as, well, good-natured jabs.

 

I kinda like the sarcasm. Gives me a good chuckle most of the time. I have always loved this website and wouldnt change a thing.

 

Phoenix21 - You do realize that I think he was just being funny by substituting your name for mine - ie: to error is human... The FEW other grammmiticccal errors were the tip.



I think




:smile