As a long-time reader and occasional poster, I've notices an acute nosedive in the tastefulness and civility in these forums. It seems that certain issues have brought out the worst in people, and we have started resorting in ever-increasing numbers to personal attacks (and outing of people's real identities in a cruel way.) I'm not quite sure why I'm posting this, other than the fact that its been really bothering me that, as Craig said in the USOC thread, we represent the fencing world here. Many of the people getting nasty are the very people that are prominent in some shape or form in this sport. As a fencer that has been getting very tired of US fencing and how it treats its members recently, this is truly icing on the cake. We are, none of us, true professional fencers. This does not however excuse us of speaking to each other in a civil manner of discourse and acting in a professional manner.
...I'm sorry, I'm just really getting over these forums and I hope you all take a look at yourselves for a moment. This is really beyond arguing with Inquartata about colored knickers. (which are great for the sport! ...just kidding...kind of...)
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-Sabresque
"Those whippernsapper Be-Bop Bohemians!"
Last edited by Sabresque; 08-28-2008 at 03:55 PM.
Reason: meant to put this in discussion
Given the number of personality conflicts that already exist in fencing, I'm more suprised that this behavior is so recent. Then again, from my perspective, most of the acrimony has one source.
Has anyone else noticed the phishing and the spam too?
That probably has something to do with Craig having been in China the past couple of weeks covering the games for us fencers back home. He squashes that sort of thing pretty quick most of the time.
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Just another lost soul saved by the (hit) First Church of EPEE!
Gotta agree with the OP more or less with this one. I no longer post anywhere near as much as I used to these days, nor do I follow the threads as closely. Part of that is simply that the club has me very busy these days but it is also the overall feel of many of the threads. It seems since the rift during the USFA elections things took a nosedive and there are a lot people have yet to work through/past differences with each other. Someone amusing when you think back to the elections and the fact that a majority of our members seem to be democrats and then look at the current national elections...
Anyway, being both bad tempered at times and a division officer (which means my personal thoughts or opinions posted on the forums sometimes get taken as official positions) I have kept out of most of the discussions, except the armory section. I think the forums have become less useful and less friendly as a whole and I do think that is a serious loss for US fencing.
Also note that it seems to me the "angry/bitter" feel drifts over into non-political threads as well. I have seen a lot of noobs asking (admittedly often asked) questions getting their heads bitten off only to not be heard from again. That really needs to change if the forums are going to continue to grow along with fencing and to be a useful source of group information.
I don't have an immediate solution mind you, except that perhaps we should all be both aware of the problem and self police when someone crosses the line between debate and attack.
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Just another lost soul saved by the (hit) First Church of EPEE!
Location: the Salle(I no longer have a home address)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sabresque
outing of people's real identities in a cruel way.
I'm not quite sure what constitutes "a cruel way". Still one understands the underlying desire for a more civil discourse. Personally I feel that use of fictitious or assumed names encourages the lack of civility. The feeling of wild west land where one can say or promote anything without fear of real life retribution or back splatter. OF course there are exceptions, if and when I finally meet Inquartata, he will remain "Inq the curmudgeon" and I think I've forgotten Seak's real name. I remember her face but it comes with "Seak" as a name. Sorry!
But if everyone or rather so many insist of poofing around wearing a masque and sprouting what they wouldn't want to be attributed to themselves personally, well... and WHY do you wish to be known as "Sabresque"?
As a long-time reader and occasional poster, I've notices an acute nosedive in the tastefulness and civility in these forums.
You're not the only one. I pretty much gave up on it a while back and, only lately, have I been slowly returning.
Quote:
It seems that certain issues have brought out the worst in people, and we have started resorting in ever-increasing numbers to personal attacks (and outing of people's real identities in a cruel way.)
I think hiding behind an assumed identity is part of the problem. Many FN citizens out here use their name or a clear approximation of it. Others are known by their reputation (favorable in my examples) and have nothing to hide.
It's the "mystery folk" who quite often hide behind the anonymity that Web can provide that will often cause the problems. I'm not accusing any user who has a handle, but there are some who ruin it for all.
Quote:
I'm not quite sure why I'm posting this, other than the fact that its been really bothering me that, as Craig said in the USOC thread, we represent the fencing world here.
And you are right to be annoyed. However, for ever anonymous jerk out there, there are dozens of interesting and wonderful people out there who I have met at tournaments. It's always fun to put a face to a user name.
Quote:
Many of the people getting nasty are the very people that are prominent in some shape or form in this sport. As a fencer that has been getting very tired of US fencing and how it treats its members recently, this is truly icing on the cake. We are, none of us, true professional fencers. This does not however excuse us of speaking to each other in a civil manner of discourse and acting in a professional manner.
True again, but for me, I'm not going to let the "noise" of all this ruin the joy I feel on that increasingly rare "good fencing day". Hell, I'm not going to let it ruin the joy I feel on a lousy fencing day.
One of the issues I see is that the veneer of gentility which has hovered over fencing for centuries is being swept away by the reality that this is an extremely demanding, extremely competitive combat sport.
As the popularity of the sport increases, so does the probability that the "jerk" percentage will increase - at all levels. Unfortunate but true.
However, I will re-iterate that I believe fencers to still be the most courteous athletes as a group.
Try sampling the football (soccer) forums sometime. You will immediately realize how much better it still is here.
Quote:
...I'm sorry, I'm just really getting over these forums and I hope you all take a look at yourselves for a moment. This is really beyond arguing with Inquartata about colored knickers. (which are great for the sport! ...just kidding...kind of...)
Things change, and as F.NET increases in popularity (due to the sport's growth but also for the fantastic job Craig has done over the years), the small, civil community may become a thing of the past. I, for one, haven't given up yet.
damianip - Paolo Damiani - sumo-sized, stupendously erratic épéeist and downright lousy sabreur. Easy to spot at tournaments by the billboard sized fencing jacket he wears.
It's the "mystery folk" who quite often hide behind the anonymity that Web can provide that will often cause the problems. I'm not accusing any user who has a handle, but there are some who ruin it for all.
Up your nose, buddy.
R-
__________________ "Some people are born great fencers, some people achieve fencing greatness, and some people have it thrust upon them."
Well, here's my attempt to contribute to a positive direction:
I apologize if I've said anything that hurt feelings, or was uncivil. Feel free to send me a private message about what bothered you and I'll offer a more specific apology. Same goes for any future statements, because I'm sure to make more mistakes.
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"He is a man of splendid abilities but utterly corrupt. He shines and stinks like rotten mackerel by moonlight." "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats."
Gotta say....that rendition was pretty awful....the orchestra had no power at all, and they took a firehose to the chart...they dropped the entire middle section!
and I think I've forgotten Seak's real name. I remember her face but it comes with "Seak" as a name. 
Sorry!
