old.sparkles

Saw this in another forum, started by a newbie, but it seems a reasonable question - why do you post?

And for those only driving by these days - why aren't you posting?

Myself - I had lots of help and advice from the forum, and made a few friends in the process, so try and help out. I know I've been quieter of late - work has been busy and I had a problem with my eyes for a while which (touch wood) is okay at the moment so hopefully will be around a bit more.

Anyone else?

DeadVim

My posting has tailed off because I have been going through a general retrospection of my life and external sources of entertainment/education haven't been my focus.

I have also recently bought a red sports car (Mark 1 mint MX-5, it is awesome), so yes, it's a confirmed mid-life crisis.

I do need to write though so haven't given up on terrorising the forums (forii?) in the future.

Hell, I got a shag from a hot girl due to my internet wordsmithery so it's a career path that should not be discounted.

And no, it wasn't Polly. Although she IS hot.

Pollyana

And the winner of the 2015 Should have gone to Specsavers Poll is.....

Pollyana

Same for me in that the forum has kept me going through many a dark hour both before and since I emigrated, and has answered so many serious and not so serious questions, so I feel i want to give something back. I also want to pass on to newbies 17 years worth of accumulated info about Australia, which may or may not help them decide to move.

Almost every friend I have in Australia came through BE, one way or another, also some who are spread across the world, and back home in the UK. Its a way of keeping in touch with some of them, in a more anonymous way than one can on 'flopbook.'

I have the time, no family screaming for attention - and I have a job which involves constant situational awareness and monitoring of social media

Kim67

I post because BE has become a part of my life like cleaning my teeth and eating. I routinely check it daily - there have been some stretches where I haven't logged on for weeks and I miss what's going on (not that much has been going on lately).

I joined in 2008 while in Perth before moving to Dubai. I thought that BE would be a good source of information about my move to the UAE but soon discovered they're a different breed in the Sandpit and useful information was replaced by my Thursday night drunken entertainment. I met some friends through BE and one of the families I met in Dubai now lives in Brisbane too and we're still very good mates.

Just like Vim and Polly (and a number of other posters) my life has had a lot of ups and downs over the seven and a half years I've been a member and BE has been a welcome distraction and surprisingly an avenue to meeting new friends here in Brisbane.

Kim67

So are you coming to New Years Drinks this year?

rasen78

Like others, for information and to give info when needed. Some threads would be like having a chat. Have made some lovely friends and met some great peoples through BE.

I have a look in most days, but rarely post as there doesn't seem much going on any more. I only venture into the Aus forums as that is the one that is relevant to me. Some threads look like they could be interesting, but often turns out to be the usual suspects and I hate it when threads turn into a slanging match, so I stay away.

I also don't have much info/advice to give because luckily, no-one wants to move to Adelaide

old.sparkles

It is a shame when some threads turn sour - I think it scares away the few newbies that have been popping by.

I have a wander around a few forums when it's quiet - if no-one has been in the lounge, Nuteks funny picture thread is definitely worth a look. There's always something to make you smile

Alfresco

I originally posted mostly to get help about moving to Oz etc... which was invaluable.

Now mostly to help others travelling along the same road. There aren't that many nowadays though, sadly.

Apart from that, to keep up and see how everyone is still doing having made the move.

old.sparkles

There's definitely been fewer newbies passing through - and not many that hang around either which is sad

Who was new for 2015?

ozzieeagle

It's a relaxation tool for me.... not sure how that has come about... but when I'm browsing forums, I'm relaxing. Bit like doing a crossword, reading a newspaper or book.

It's a bit of engrained habit now... because before forums I was (M)Irc'ing and that goes back to 96.

Forums are a fantastic medium when something major happens in the world... and you want to gain as true a view of what is happening without the mass media putting their slant on it.

As for the fewer Newbies hanging around.... OS... I reckon it's a generational change personally... The forums are now taking a slightly backward step all around.

We are basically into almost 3rd generation T'net now as far as kids going through school with it are concerned.

DeadVim

Where and when? Sorry, been out of loop.

I've skipped all non-essential social stuff this festive year to be honest but I could just go nuts and break cover

DeadVim

That's a good observation, yes, a forum is very old school.

I date back to bulletin boards but when I started on BE (before DeadVim) it was pretty fresh and current content. Now the pace is much faster and people expect a response in a nanosecond.

I guess it's a trade-off from lasting connections to immediate feedback.

Or summinck.

Gordon Barlow

Fora.

See, that's the kind of pedantic bullshit that has been driving the newbies away, probably.

Pollyana

Same place as ever, Pig n Whistle on Riverside, New Years Day, lunchtime onwards

love n Christmas kisses from the Hot Witch