This USA forum is harsh....
Oct 18th 2011, 9:30 am
#121
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 4,759
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
Don't judge others by your own failings. Clearly many people DO read the Wiki. There's not much point in posting if the Wiki completely answered your question, is there? So you only see the people who don't read it, or haven't fully digested the relevant parts.
Oct 18th 2011, 9:44 am
#122
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,814
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
Many people have actually found this forum through using Google, so it seems a little unfair to criticise them for doing no research once they get here. And as another poster mentioned earlier, it can be quite intimidating and overwhelming to try and navigate a new forum for answers. I notice the concierges rarely seem to appear in the forum - shouldn't they be the ones to "hold their hands" when newbies arrive, so why are they so invisible?
Oct 18th 2011, 9:56 am
#123
Yeah that guy.
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Arizona
Posts: 6,922
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
I'll agree with that. This is bunny rabbit bubble gum farts wrapped in cotton wool and kissed by fairies compared to pretty much every other forum I use.
I have to say that while I agree that the forum cliques can be a herd of pretentious arses I completely get Bob's points here. I think part of this is because -:
a) We get some spectacularly irritating trolls on this forum - many of whom are either not expats but tend to just dislike either British people or the US on principle. Even a mild-mannered delightful good egg like myself feels a strong gush of rage when some plonker starts posting multiple posts about hot button issues. You can either take Ray's path (posting large block texts from Wiki about manufacturing sheet rock) or play with them.
b) Expats as a group tend to feel quite passionate about people who broke the rules. So people who are here without a VISA or along those lines will always get reamed out in a harsh terms so as to disassociate these people with us nice legal straight shooters.
c) Quite a few of the regulars can't not take the piss. It's really a mental illness.
d) It really is not hard to emigrate. You just do maybe 5 things and it's done. So when someone says they want to move because they like the show Friends or went to Disneyland and it was ace it shows a strong sense of un-seriousness. Which leads to piling on. It's a bit like when you were at the US Embassy to finalize it all and the guy in front of you didn't bother to bring half the paperwork and is now getting a monk on because he really doesn't see why it's important. Because he's special - he doesn't need to do the 5 things. Yes he does.
e) Most importantly - people suck. I get on with a bunch of people on here. But I know that three or four misplaced comments and unholy judgement and pariah status would be brought down upon me by lots of folks who I talk to every day. Sort of anyway - I tend to just blurt out any old inane bollocks anyway so it's pretty clear why I'm on this forum. Anyhoo the point is that most people like to elevate themselves by judging other people. And judging anonymous people who can easily be painted as a dickhead is great for your own ego.
On a more poignant note - you're all made up anyway, so who cares.
I have to say that while I agree that the forum cliques can be a herd of pretentious arses I completely get Bob's points here. I think part of this is because -:
a) We get some spectacularly irritating trolls on this forum - many of whom are either not expats but tend to just dislike either British people or the US on principle. Even a mild-mannered delightful good egg like myself feels a strong gush of rage when some plonker starts posting multiple posts about hot button issues. You can either take Ray's path (posting large block texts from Wiki about manufacturing sheet rock) or play with them.
b) Expats as a group tend to feel quite passionate about people who broke the rules. So people who are here without a VISA or along those lines will always get reamed out in a harsh terms so as to disassociate these people with us nice legal straight shooters.
c) Quite a few of the regulars can't not take the piss. It's really a mental illness.
d) It really is not hard to emigrate. You just do maybe 5 things and it's done. So when someone says they want to move because they like the show Friends or went to Disneyland and it was ace it shows a strong sense of un-seriousness. Which leads to piling on. It's a bit like when you were at the US Embassy to finalize it all and the guy in front of you didn't bother to bring half the paperwork and is now getting a monk on because he really doesn't see why it's important. Because he's special - he doesn't need to do the 5 things. Yes he does.
e) Most importantly - people suck. I get on with a bunch of people on here. But I know that three or four misplaced comments and unholy judgement and pariah status would be brought down upon me by lots of folks who I talk to every day. Sort of anyway - I tend to just blurt out any old inane bollocks anyway so it's pretty clear why I'm on this forum. Anyhoo the point is that most people like to elevate themselves by judging other people. And judging anonymous people who can easily be painted as a dickhead is great for your own ego.
On a more poignant note - you're all made up anyway, so who cares.
Last edited by Captain Cheesestick; Oct 18th 2011 at 9:59 am.
Oct 18th 2011, 11:49 am
#124
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,006
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
I'll agree with that. This is bunny rabbit bubble gum farts wrapped in cotton wool and kissed by fairies compared to pretty much every other forum I use.
I have to say that while I agree that the forum cliques can be a herd of pretentious arses I completely get Bob's points here. I think part of this is because -:
a) We get some spectacularly irritating trolls on this forum - many of whom are either not expats but tend to just dislike either British people or the US on principle. Even a mild-mannered delightful good egg like myself feels a strong gush of rage when some plonker starts posting multiple posts about hot button issues. You can either take Ray's path (posting large block texts from Wiki about manufacturing sheet rock) or play with them.
b) Expats as a group tend to feel quite passionate about people who broke the rules. So people who are here without a VISA or along those lines will always get reamed out in a harsh terms so as to disassociate these people with us nice legal straight shooters.
c) Quite a few of the regulars can't not take the piss. It's really a mental illness.
d) It really is not hard to emigrate. You just do maybe 5 things and it's done. So when someone says they want to move because they like the show Friends or went to Disneyland and it was ace it shows a strong sense of un-seriousness. Which leads to piling on. It's a bit like when you were at the US Embassy to finalize it all and the guy in front of you didn't bother to bring half the paperwork and is now getting a monk on because he really doesn't see why it's important. Because he's special - he doesn't need to do the 5 things. Yes he does.
e) Most importantly - people suck. I get on with a bunch of people on here. But I know that three or four misplaced comments and unholy judgement and pariah status would be brought down upon me by lots of folks who I talk to every day. Sort of anyway - I tend to just blurt out any old inane bollocks anyway so it's pretty clear why I'm on this forum. Anyhoo the point is that most people like to elevate themselves by judging other people. And judging anonymous people who can easily be painted as a dickhead is great for your own ego.
On a more poignant note - you're all made up anyway, so who cares.
I have to say that while I agree that the forum cliques can be a herd of pretentious arses I completely get Bob's points here. I think part of this is because -:
a) We get some spectacularly irritating trolls on this forum - many of whom are either not expats but tend to just dislike either British people or the US on principle. Even a mild-mannered delightful good egg like myself feels a strong gush of rage when some plonker starts posting multiple posts about hot button issues. You can either take Ray's path (posting large block texts from Wiki about manufacturing sheet rock) or play with them.
b) Expats as a group tend to feel quite passionate about people who broke the rules. So people who are here without a VISA or along those lines will always get reamed out in a harsh terms so as to disassociate these people with us nice legal straight shooters.
c) Quite a few of the regulars can't not take the piss. It's really a mental illness.
d) It really is not hard to emigrate. You just do maybe 5 things and it's done. So when someone says they want to move because they like the show Friends or went to Disneyland and it was ace it shows a strong sense of un-seriousness. Which leads to piling on. It's a bit like when you were at the US Embassy to finalize it all and the guy in front of you didn't bother to bring half the paperwork and is now getting a monk on because he really doesn't see why it's important. Because he's special - he doesn't need to do the 5 things. Yes he does.
e) Most importantly - people suck. I get on with a bunch of people on here. But I know that three or four misplaced comments and unholy judgement and pariah status would be brought down upon me by lots of folks who I talk to every day. Sort of anyway - I tend to just blurt out any old inane bollocks anyway so it's pretty clear why I'm on this forum. Anyhoo the point is that most people like to elevate themselves by judging other people. And judging anonymous people who can easily be painted as a dickhead is great for your own ego.
On a more poignant note - you're all made up anyway, so who cares.
Oct 18th 2011, 12:07 pm
#126
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: The great white north
Posts: 42
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
In my opinion the sarcastic piss taking is what makes us British.
And so does the ability to take it in our stride.
Sticks and stones may break my bones etc etc
And so does the ability to take it in our stride.
Sticks and stones may break my bones etc etc
Oct 18th 2011, 12:23 pm
#127
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 48
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
I asked a few visa-based questions a couple of years ago. Other posters quickly sidetracked it into a "Are you sure you want to do this?" thread. When I commented that I had researched pretty throughly a huge variety of aspects one reply I got was
In the same discussion it was suggested that as I didn't immediately have $500K to enter as an investor then I couldn't afford to live in the USA.
My point tis that all the stuff you have done is completely and utterly pointless
Oct 18th 2011, 12:33 pm
#128
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 4,891
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
I asked a few visa-based questions a couple of years ago. Other posters quickly sidetracked it into a "Are you sure you want to do this?" thread. When I commented that I had researched pretty throughly a huge variety of aspects one reply I got was
In the same discussion it was suggested that as I didn't immediately have $500K to enter as an investor then I couldn't afford to live in the USA.
In the same discussion it was suggested that as I didn't immediately have $500K to enter as an investor then I couldn't afford to live in the USA.
Oct 18th 2011, 1:43 pm
#130
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
HOW to SURVIVE the LOUNGE..TIO..AND OTHER PLACES and be a better person.. 2
1. Look and learn for a week before your first posting
2. For your first posting a introduction of yourself is most welcome
and appreciated..be pleasant and un-critical ... People do not respond
to the unknown entity.
3. You may think you are smart ..There's lots here smarter than you
accept this. I am not included in that statement
4. For your first 100 or so postings stick to non-contenuous
issues ... allow time to get your feet under the table
5. Postings can sometimes get quite heated.. Do not threaten
anybody..they may well be 3000 miles away and you will look silly
It is permitted to waggle your cursor across their name in a
violent manner.. NEVER EVER bring up a posters partner in any
type of negative way, particularly if they do not post
6. Mickey-taking is here big time.. its just frivolous chat.. Do not
let it get to you ... have fun with it ..
7. We have all ages, religions, sexual orientation and colors here..
accept them all....
8. If you just returned from Disneyland, wait at least three months before informing us that you, your wife and three small children have decided that you just have to move to Flordia and ask for advise on visas.
9. Any thread about immigration, slavery or pool cleaning must include an allegation of racism within 3 pages.
10. If you are conservative, pro-life, or voted for Bush and say so...be ready for the feeding frenzy. You will be ridiculed, gutted, filleted and hung out to dry... of course this may well all change at the speed of light
13. For your viewing pleasure, always have a mega bucket of Popcorn handy
for when the fight starts.
14. Smilies are there for those dummies who can't get words out ...
Keep their use to a minimum .. one a week ..is good ..
15. Avoid calling regular posters "Cliquey Tossers that jump on newbies" until you get to know them.
16. Any thread that starts out talking about politics or religion will end up talking about oral sex or masturbation. accept this
17. No Karma Whoring
18. No attention whoring
19. No ugly people that think they are attractive are allowed in the Lounge. Ugly people that acknowledge their lack of beauty are more than welcome.
20. If your post begins with "I know this has been posted before" don't post it... it has been posted before.
21. We know the food is different and you miss your pickled fizzle farts, and we know the censoring of cuss words in movies on TV is annoying, and we know there are a lot of religous nutters here..
22. The discussing of vaginal and anal discharges is not recommended
23. Mods can be bated to a certain extent, Don't push it.
Do not try this on Admin.
24. We have a photo gallery for your use, Comments will be made
good and bad...live with it.
25. You can have your own blog here, nobody will read it.
26. Premium membership gets rid of all those bleedin Ads ..well worth it
27. Somebody will help you with an avatar ..just ask.
28. If your unsure on anything ASK... We are just like you ..only better
29. Do not post porn in words or pics. Admin will hurt you ..
30. Ok ..this is written tongue in cheek and for fun ...but will keep you in the ballpark... happy and safe .....
1. Look and learn for a week before your first posting
2. For your first posting a introduction of yourself is most welcome
and appreciated..be pleasant and un-critical ... People do not respond
to the unknown entity.
3. You may think you are smart ..There's lots here smarter than you
accept this. I am not included in that statement
4. For your first 100 or so postings stick to non-contenuous
issues ... allow time to get your feet under the table
5. Postings can sometimes get quite heated.. Do not threaten
anybody..they may well be 3000 miles away and you will look silly
It is permitted to waggle your cursor across their name in a
violent manner.. NEVER EVER bring up a posters partner in any
type of negative way, particularly if they do not post
6. Mickey-taking is here big time.. its just frivolous chat.. Do not
let it get to you ... have fun with it ..
7. We have all ages, religions, sexual orientation and colors here..
accept them all....
8. If you just returned from Disneyland, wait at least three months before informing us that you, your wife and three small children have decided that you just have to move to Flordia and ask for advise on visas.
9. Any thread about immigration, slavery or pool cleaning must include an allegation of racism within 3 pages.
10. If you are conservative, pro-life, or voted for Bush and say so...be ready for the feeding frenzy. You will be ridiculed, gutted, filleted and hung out to dry... of course this may well all change at the speed of light
13. For your viewing pleasure, always have a mega bucket of Popcorn handy
for when the fight starts.
14. Smilies are there for those dummies who can't get words out ...
Keep their use to a minimum .. one a week ..is good ..
15. Avoid calling regular posters "Cliquey Tossers that jump on newbies" until you get to know them.
16. Any thread that starts out talking about politics or religion will end up talking about oral sex or masturbation. accept this
17. No Karma Whoring
18. No attention whoring
19. No ugly people that think they are attractive are allowed in the Lounge. Ugly people that acknowledge their lack of beauty are more than welcome.
20. If your post begins with "I know this has been posted before" don't post it... it has been posted before.
21. We know the food is different and you miss your pickled fizzle farts, and we know the censoring of cuss words in movies on TV is annoying, and we know there are a lot of religous nutters here..
22. The discussing of vaginal and anal discharges is not recommended
23. Mods can be bated to a certain extent, Don't push it.
Do not try this on Admin.
24. We have a photo gallery for your use, Comments will be made
good and bad...live with it.
25. You can have your own blog here, nobody will read it.
26. Premium membership gets rid of all those bleedin Ads ..well worth it
27. Somebody will help you with an avatar ..just ask.
28. If your unsure on anything ASK... We are just like you ..only better
29. Do not post porn in words or pics. Admin will hurt you ..
30. Ok ..this is written tongue in cheek and for fun ...but will keep you in the ballpark... happy and safe .....
Oct 18th 2011, 1:45 pm
#131
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,022
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
Oct 18th 2011, 2:14 pm
#132
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
I think Point 10 needs to be updated or perhaps be replace with the current president.
Oct 18th 2011, 2:31 pm
#133
Boomshacalaca!!
Joined: Dec 2005
Location: South of the North Pole.......Colorado
Posts: 5,066
Re: This USA forum is harsh....
Moderator: Crucifixion?
Newbie: Yes.
Moderator: Good. Out of the door, forum thread on the left, one question each.
[Next newbie]
Moderator: Crucifixion?
Mr. Cheeky: Er, no, Lounge actually.
Moderator: What?
Mr. Cheeky: Yeah, they said I hadn't asked anything stupid and I could go and thrive on an thread somewhere.
Moderator: Oh I say, that's very nice. Well, off you go then.
Mr. Cheeky: No, I'm just pulling your leg, it's crucifixion really.
Moderator: [laughing] Oh yes, very good. Well...
Mr. Cheeky: Yes I know, out of the door, one stupid question each, forum thread on the left.
Life Of BritishExpat
Newbie: Yes.
Moderator: Good. Out of the door, forum thread on the left, one question each.
[Next newbie]
Moderator: Crucifixion?
Mr. Cheeky: Er, no, Lounge actually.
Moderator: What?
Mr. Cheeky: Yeah, they said I hadn't asked anything stupid and I could go and thrive on an thread somewhere.
Moderator: Oh I say, that's very nice. Well, off you go then.
Mr. Cheeky: No, I'm just pulling your leg, it's crucifixion really.
Moderator: [laughing] Oh yes, very good. Well...
Mr. Cheeky: Yes I know, out of the door, one stupid question each, forum thread on the left.
Life Of BritishExpat
Oct 18th 2011, 2:41 pm
#134
I have a comma problem
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Fox Lake, IL (from Carrickfergus NI)
Posts: 49,598
