Asking for your opinion about the "Goodbye" threads.

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who cares
let em fade into dust
you spent too much effort on this as is

 

I would normally say delete the posts, since all of the ones I have seen are annoying and overly dramatic, and some are quite insulting. But, I can see where we might have some ones that we would want to read and comment on. So, the issue is, how to be fair and delete the “bad” ones and keep the “good” ones.

For example, we had a member of the old CW Forum who announced he was probably signing off for good, since his living situation was due to change. Luckily, he not only reappeared, but he made the transition to this forum. So, a “Goodbye” thread like that is a welcome one, where people can say goodbye, thankyou, etc.

If you (the moderators) would feel comfortable making a decision on which ones to keep or cut, then I would say go ahead and decide on a case by case basis. Otherwise, I say keep them all and we can just ignore the drama queens.

 

I think most "goodbye" threads are a call for attention. It's usually unnecessary and most people couldn't care less. I believe the person saying goodbye just wants to see how many people will come to their side crying "Oh, please come back...don't leave us...we'll be lost". Horse droppings. In other words, they need a way to have others reaffirm that they are wanted.

People come and go as they please and read when they can. As one of the best forums on the Internet for Numismatics, this is a place for learning, sharing and expressing opinions on Numismatics not theatrics. I myself am not always on this forum. Things in life take priority sometimes or maybe I just need a break. When I want my "Coin Talk" fix, I come over and start reading.

It's not that difficult, folks.

 

It is not the concept of the goodbye thread that is the problem, it is when a member decides to utilize such a thread to create drama that they become an issue. Personally, If I decided I was not going to be frequenting this site in the future, I might start a thread to say goodbye and to wish everyone well, and I would encourage anyone else to do the same. In regards to deleting those posts that are intended to create drama, I would not recommend it. Leave them as they stand and let our community respond by simply ignoring them.

 

Actually, it's a tough call to make. Some "goodbye" posts may be sad ("I lost my entire collection in a fire that destroyed everything I own.") and should probably be available. Others are just angry ("I hate this place; all you guys do is fight.") If their panties are in such a knot over a flame, I'd say, "Don't let the door hit you in the keester."

Jerry
Never said goodbye, but have apologized for being away so long, like now.

 

Some of the folks in the Forum are drama queens, whether it's a good-bye message or some other topic. Others are more numismatically inclined. Doesn't take long to determine the difference and then to choose what you want to read or not to read. Though this is primarily a numismatic forum, some folks want to talk drama, some want to talk Ebay, family, etc. Again, it doesn't take long to figure out what a person will be posting and to decide what to read or not to read. Sometimes it seems the off-topic discussions tend to outnumber the numismatic discussions, but folks can choose to read them or not. This thread, for example, is off topic, but still a good topic of discussion. Basically, we are all coin collectors, each with a different personality and different priorities.

I personally don't think the drama is appropriate for this forum, but some of the drama folks have matured over time, posting things more in the mainstream of the intent of the forum. That is a good thing. It would be very difficult to draw a line, other than the 'basic rule' of good taste, prohibiting personal attacks, and self promotion.

So, I guess I'd vote to let them post and folks can choose to read or not to read.

 

I feel that the treads should be edited (if that is possible) so that the rest of us will know that they are gone, but without the dramatics. If anyone wants to contact the individual, they will know that they are gone.

 

It's a good idea, but would be really tough to institute. I would image that most of the folks that make the sort of threads you're talking about will not rest until they feel like they have said their piece - deleting their thread will only add fuel to their fire. Then the only way to get them to knock it off would require you blocking their IP address, and even then, a few will find a way to make themselves a pest.

I say, let them say their piece. It probably works out best in the long run to take the high road - 'I'm sorry you feel that way, but I'm sure you're making what you believe to be the right decision. If you change your mind, you will always be welcome to return.'

At the very least, it takes the wind out of their sails.

 

What's the problem with the threads ? If you don't like them or are just not interested, don't read them. I don't see a need to actively filter or delete the threads.

 

If the post is really meant as a "good-bye", then why would the person who posted it return to the forum to read the replies??. How could they be offended if it was deleted?? or never posted?? They are no loner here!!!

I also find it hard to believe that anyone in this forum know everyone in this forum. So, IMO posting a thread for the entire forum is pointless. PMs would be a better way to say your "good-byes".

 

well, he's not talking about the 'so long friends, I am moving to albania, where there is no internet availability'.

he's talking about this 'ewwww....you guys make me soooo maaaaad!'

and those people are going to come back and see what bees they knocked from the hive. They don't do it in PM, because that would defeat the purpose.

 

I voted to leave it open, but just so the whiner can thoroughly make a fool of themselves and others can point it out.

Those threads are done on all manner of boards. It is a cry for attention, and I have always thought the whiner wants\expects people to beg them back. The board goes on, no matter who leaves. Shortly, people will never even remember the user name.

In the future, leave the thread open so we can all say "don't let the door knob hit you....."

 

I say leave it up. The First Amendment guarantees one a right to say pretty much anything they want - although I do realize that the First Amendment doesn't apply to a privately owned forum such as Coin Talk. Nevertheless, we here try to live up to the spirit of the First Amendment, if not the letter of it. No amendment, however, guarantees an audience. Most of us know who are the drama queens, and who are the decent participants. If the queens want to post a goodbye, let them do it. The rest of us don't have to read or reply to it.

 

Think it out

Although this is a coin forum, it becomes more than that.
It becomes family. We talk, we joke, we fight, we encourage and chastise.

And whether a person is leaving a job, graduating from school or leaving a forum,
there is seperation anxiety and grief.

It is often not labeled this way but that is what it is.

To help those who are going through the grief process. Let them say good by
Let other members say good by. It may be permanent as in death or leaving school and never seeing another again or it may be like a job transfer and someday we will met again.

Having said that. I believe there should be some time limit on how long these threads are left up. Once there has been not activity on the thread for seven days, from that point thirty days later the thread can be taken out.

The same with Birthday threads. I really enjoyed the thread I received this year, but it is time for it to go.

Once we have allowed a reasonable "grieving period" we need to get on with daily living.

Now that I have depressed everyone time to celebrate and go out and buy a new coin!

 

Eh, just leave it open. Soon enough it will drop off the front page and most of us will forget about it.

Besides, what's an Internet forum without a bit of drama?

 

This depends on the situation....r they crying or maybe sick or troubled?

 

Melodrama

 

i agree with cdb & rggoodie. good question, thanks for asking us.

 

As a full time lurker and sometimes poster... I hate the drama... just kill the thread and let people take their 'manifesto' elsewhere. This is a forum about coins and the collecting thereof, not a place for outreach programs.
Drama is the buzzkill of a good forum... and the most popular fodder for the bad ones.