Being kind on J2ski

The old J2ski clickometer is whizzing round at a great rate, an extra 3000+ registered users since the 35000 J2s thread in October. This is a great credit to the interesting layout and content of the site, the quality of the contributions, and the sense of humour of the writers, and the humour and discipline of the ogre that runs the site.

Many newbies are new to skiing/boarding, and ask questions that have been asked before. For the most part, they get receive the skill, knowledge and wisdom, from those fortunates who have "done it". Just occasionally, their first reply is a sarcastic comment about an obvious way to get their information. Even worse, is an "Oh.No, we have done this to death" That is not very welcoming. If you find a subject will bore you, then maybe move on to the next thread, and let someone else help.

Then there is kindness towards each other. I once described J2ski as being like going into your local pub, and having a drink with other skiers/boarders. But, when people get to know each other, the gentle leg pulls tend to get a bit stronger. When you are in a pub, you can nudge the person, or pull a face, so they always know it is a mickey-take.

But on J2, the pub is in cyberspace, so we need to perhaps take a little more care about what and how we say things. I have met so many J2skiers, all of them nice folk, none of whom would intentionally give offence to other people.

I too have been guilty of giving unintentional offence, and when I subsequently re-read my comment, I was horrified, and pm'd an apology, which was graciously accepted.

End of lecture, as you were.

Thank you for those words Dave. Heartily agree.

Some words of wisdom there from Dave :)

Old gits lecture - part 2

Well said Dave

Although there are over 38,000 members, I would guess that 95% of the postings are made by less than 1% of the membership which, as a newbie, does make this feel more like a 'private' club than an open forum.

And I agree there has been an increase in sarcastic responses to newbies that has often made me cringe, and public 'mocking' does not encourage new posters.

I am not sure how we encourage a wider participation, other than repeat previous early-season requests to ask newbies to introduce themselves - ages; how many weeks skiing they have had; where have they been; where are they going this year and when; with a group; do they have any basic queries that experienced members can help with; and encourage a post trip report.

Aitch

Probably less than 1%, .1% is more likely.

I am probably guilty of it (or I will have been in the past) as well but good shout.

Nice one Dave :thumbup:

I totally agree that we should all make more of an effort to be nice to each other, and particularly to the newbies :D

Dave, I have also been guilty of accidentally upsetting someone and having to apologize by pm. Misunderstandings can easily occur with the typed word.

Ally

Always enjoy reading & participating in the commentry, Keep the posts coming everyone.

Well said Dave.

Cheers everyone.