CAP Talk

General Discussion => The Lobby => Topic started by: Live2Learn on January 14, 2019, 06:09:33 AM

Title: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: Live2Learn on January 14, 2019, 06:09:33 AM
Looking at the sparse activity it appears the CAPTalk forum is not on the short list of 'essential' activities.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: Briank on January 14, 2019, 02:07:56 PM
Seems like a slow time of year in general. 

Personally, I've hung up my headset and attempts to get my Form 5 done until Spring.  Just can't catch a break with the weather.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: jeders on January 14, 2019, 02:16:01 PM
Quote from: Live2Learn on January 14, 2019, 06:09:33 AM
Looking at the sparse activity it appears the CAPTalk forum is not on the short list of 'essential' activities.

It's not uncommon for CAPTalk to go through periods of inactivity only to become a beehive of activity as soon as rumors of a new 39-1 slip out.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: vesryn on January 14, 2019, 03:07:28 PM
There's a new 39-1 coming out? Time to board the hype train!!

/s
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: TheSkyHornet on January 14, 2019, 03:24:09 PM
Things are, in general, running fairly smooth on my end; so I don't really have a need to post new threads. I'm just waiting for stimulating conversation on others' threads.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: NIN on January 14, 2019, 04:30:47 PM
Honestly, I predicted this in our Moderator forum during one of the discussions about bringing new mods to CAP-Talk: additional scrutiny brings about different behavior. Call it the "CAP-Talk Uncertainty Principle" if you will.

You'll note that the mods aren't really doing much more in the way of "modding," yet the discourse in the threads seems to be improving. Is it the "perceived threat of moderation," or is it actual moderation?

I'm an occasional participant on Reddit, and one of the subreddits I frequent is crazy-delicious about "high quality posts" or something like that.  Now, the signal to noise ratio in there is outstanding with lots and lots of high-quality posts & content on the subject matter, so much so that its my default first stop when seeking info on that area. But when I do post (very, very infrequently) it is with considerable care to to the content of my post: "Will my post be up to the 'community standards'?" 

(Honestly, though, that subreddit is a little elitist in their pursuit of "high quality" and I've had more posts removed than have been posted, which is somewhat maddening considering the amount of work I've put into most of them. Well, not the occasional on-topic meme, which gets deleted out of hand almost immediately.) 

Now, is CAPTalk going that way? Doubtful.  The subject matter here is too broad, and we're too collegial (aka "You're all in the same boat together"), and our membership varies so wildly, from "13 year old cadet to 90+ year old senior member," to adopt too much of a "high quality only!" kind of thing.

So maybe some people have quieted down a little, either attempting to survey the lay of the land, or because they're concerned they'll get modded for being too flippant or rude.  And maybe thats OK.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: etodd on January 14, 2019, 06:04:13 PM
Maybe everyone is just "talked out" for awhile.  I mean it does get very repetitive around here.  Give folks time to forget a few thread topics ... and then someone will start a topic back up again, and the usual suspects will return and reply with the same info they've given umpteen times before. Hence the ebb and flow. LOL
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: CAPCom on January 14, 2019, 06:05:39 PM
Quote from: NIN on January 14, 2019, 04:30:47 PM
Honestly, I predicted this in our Moderator forum during one of the discussions about bringing new mods to CAP-Talk: additional scrutiny brings about different behavior. Call it the "CAP-Talk Uncertainty Principle" if you will....
So maybe some people have quieted down a little, either attempting to survey the lay of the land, or because they're concerned they'll get modded for being too flippant or rude.  And maybe thats OK.

I think it's more than OK, for what it's worth.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: TheSkyHornet on January 14, 2019, 06:18:04 PM
I think we've done good with modding.

But one of my hesitancy areas are when I see a mod contribute to a topic in content, and then on either the same topic or a relatively similar one, start the "Tread lightly or we're locking this."  Not that this is a CAP Talk thing, just a general forum observation. I wonder if mods will lock something or delete posts when they don't like the feedback or disagreement.

I think these topics are pretty standard "tableside chat" conversations that aren't abnormal to conversations had they occurred in-person. A few snarky remarks here and there; it happens. You get frustrated. But nothing over the top abysmal and downright disrespectful I'd say, at least not to the norm. I think we've done good, and I think the mods have been good about locking topics when appropriate (not letting the conversations get too carried away, and/or not locking them too early on in the chat before it gets the chance to get back on track).

Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: vorteks on January 14, 2019, 09:40:55 PM
Quote from: NIN on January 14, 2019, 04:30:47 PM
Now, is CAPTalk going that way? Doubtful.  The subject matter here is too broad, and we're too collegial (aka "You're all in the same boat together"), and our membership varies so wildly, from "13 year old cadet to 90+ year old senior member," to adopt too much of a "high quality only!" kind of thing.

We even have 12-year-old cadets these days.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: Simplex on January 14, 2019, 10:15:12 PM
Furloughed Feds?  If there are any on the forum, I take my hat off to you. Having been a Fed for a few years I can only imagine the financial burden you folks are going through. We were living paycheck to paycheck in those and I don't imagine it's changed a whole lot. Hang in there! And thank you!!
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: NIN on January 14, 2019, 10:39:56 PM
Quote from: vorteks on January 14, 2019, 09:40:55 PM
Quote from: NIN on January 14, 2019, 04:30:47 PM
Now, is CAPTalk going that way? Doubtful.  The subject matter here is too broad, and we're too collegial (aka "You're all in the same boat together"), and our membership varies so wildly, from "13 year old cadet to 90+ year old senior member," to adopt too much of a "high quality only!" kind of thing.

We even have 12-year-old cadets these days.
Not on CAP-talk. COPPA, baby
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: Holding Pattern on January 15, 2019, 01:11:08 AM
Too busy with Command to post.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: SarDragon on January 15, 2019, 02:00:38 AM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on January 14, 2019, 06:18:04 PM
I think we've done good with modding.

Thank you from the mod team.

QuoteI wonder if mods will lock something or delete posts when they don't like the feedback or disagreement.

Gee, I hope not. There are many topics that I don't like, or don't feel are particularly necessary/relevant, but the thought of locking or deleting solely on that basis has not occurred to me. I'm pretty sure the rest of the mods feel the same way.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: TheSkyHornet on January 15, 2019, 02:03:29 AM
Quote from: vorteks on January 14, 2019, 09:40:55 PM
Quote from: NIN on January 14, 2019, 04:30:47 PM
Now, is CAPTalk going that way? Doubtful.  The subject matter here is too broad, and we're too collegial (aka "You're all in the same boat together"), and our membership varies so wildly, from "13 year old cadet to 90+ year old senior member," to adopt too much of a "high quality only!" kind of thing.

We even have 12-year-old cadets these days.

11*

Quote from: NIN on January 14, 2019, 10:39:56 PM
Not on CAP-talk. COPPA, baby

Kinda like so "Are you 18?" things...

Quote from: SarDragon on January 15, 2019, 02:00:38 AM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on January 14, 2019, 06:18:04 PM
QuoteI wonder if mods will lock something or delete posts when they don't like the feedback or disagreement.

Gee, I hope not. There are many topics that I don't like, or don't feel are particularly necessary/relevant, but the thought of locking or deleting solely on that basis has not occurred to me. I'm pretty sure the rest of the mods feel the same way.

No worries. Just making a general remark.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: vesryn on January 15, 2019, 03:13:42 PM
Quote from: NIN on January 14, 2019, 04:30:47 PM
Honestly, I predicted this in our Moderator forum during one of the discussions about bringing new mods to CAP-Talk: additional scrutiny brings about different behavior. Call it the "CAP-Talk Uncertainty Principle" if you will.

You'll note that the mods aren't really doing much more in the way of "modding," yet the discourse in the threads seems to be improving. Is it the "perceived threat of moderation," or is it actual moderation?

As a kinda "outside" cadet impression, I don't think many users know or even care that there are more moderators. As an occasional user, longtime lurker of this forum, I haven't noticed too much of a difference, but I do notice and appreciate a reduction of low-quality and dead horse topics.

Thanks for doing a great job, mods. Keep it up.



On a separate note:

Quote from: NIN on January 14, 2019, 04:30:47 PM
I'm an occasional participant on Reddit

We do seriously take notice when you're posting in a thread in r/civilairpatrol, since you're pretty non-anonymous and a "big scary national guy." At least when you're on your NHQ recruiting account instead of any alts you may or may not have

[edit: formatting]
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: NIN on January 15, 2019, 09:46:29 PM
Quote from: Trenzalorian on January 15, 2019, 03:13:42 PM
On a separate note:

Quote from: NIN on January 14, 2019, 04:30:47 PM
I'm an occasional participant on Reddit

We do seriously take notice when you're posting in a thread in r/civilairpatrol, since you're pretty non-anonymous and a "big scary national guy." At least when you're on your NHQ recruiting account instead of any alts you may or may not have

Well, I'm not terribly much of a Redditor yet, but I'm learning.  I kill my son with the idea that his dad is on Reddit.

"But I'm doing it for the lulz!"

"Dad, do you even know what that means?"

"I got you, fam."

"Dad, just stop."
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: Chappie on January 15, 2019, 10:50:00 PM
Must admit that when my CAP career was on "final approach", my participation diminished as a result of my lack of energy (and interest) in engaging.  Now that I am officially retired, I check here on rare occasions.  My visits will be less frequent. 
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: Stonewall on January 16, 2019, 03:38:43 AM
My paying job (AF) has interrupted my non-paying job (CAP). 

It's interesting to see how it ebbs and flows and I'm sure my CAP squadron notices when my AF squadron is keeping me busy.

I hate when work interferes with CAP, so annoying.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: Simplex on January 16, 2019, 04:53:49 AM
Quote from: Chappie on January 15, 2019, 10:50:00 PM
Must admit that when my CAP career was on "final approach", my participation diminished as a result of my lack of energy (and interest) in engaging.  Now that I am officially retired, I check here on rare occasions.  My visits will be less frequent. 

Congratulations on your years of service.  As my Navy friends say "Bravo Zulu"  Well done!
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: vesryn on January 16, 2019, 05:04:53 AM
Quote from: NIN on January 15, 2019, 09:46:29 PM
"I got you, fam."

"Dad, just stop."

My dad does the exact same thing, and I do the exact same thing as your son right back, so I think all's normal? Hilarious either way.

But seriously, the NHQRecruiting account is actually quite a helpful tool, despite my more doubtful side reminding me that it's a bit similar to the old "Ask the National Commander" button in eServices...

Quick side story about that: when I was a wee lad of 14 and a C/AB in VA (before I moved to NY), I had just joined and didn't know where to find some mundane part of eServices, so naturally I asked the National Commander where it was. I got an answer back rather quick, but I also got a rather stern talking-to from the Senior Squadron Commander who I assume had been notified. Fun times.

[edit: spelling]
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: NIN on January 16, 2019, 12:17:01 PM
Quote from: Trenzalorian on January 16, 2019, 05:04:53 AM
Quick side story about that: when I was a wee lad of 14 and a C/AB in VA (before I moved to NY), I had just joined and didn't know where to find some mundane part of eServices, so naturally I asked the National Commander where it was. I got an answer back rather quick, but I also got a rather stern talking-to from the Senior Squadron Commander who I assume had been notified. Fun times.

(https://i.imgur.com/lyyKGJm.png)
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: vesryn on January 16, 2019, 03:03:18 PM
Quote from: NIN on January 16, 2019, 12:17:01 PM
Quote from: Trenzalorian on January 16, 2019, 05:04:53 AM
Quick side story about that: when I was a wee lad of 14 and a C/AB in VA (before I moved to NY), I had just joined and didn't know where to find some mundane part of eServices, so naturally I asked the National Commander where it was. I got an answer back rather quick, but I also got a rather stern talking-to from the Senior Squadron Commander who I assume had been notified. Fun times.

(https://i.imgur.com/lyyKGJm.png)

I like to look back at that as a gauge of how far I've come in the cadet program. It's been 6 years, 4 encampments, 1 RCLS and 1 NCSA, but this program, along with all the amazing Cadets and Seniors in it, have really helped me, just like it's helping so many other cadets. Honestly, that growth potential is the thing I'm most looking forward to about being a Senior (besides the cookies, of course).
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: Pace on January 16, 2019, 03:27:29 PM
Quote from: Trenzalorian
Honestly, that growth potential is the thing I'm most looking forward to about being a Senior (besides the cookies, of course).


Young Padawan, it's doughnuts and coffee.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: NIN on January 16, 2019, 03:41:51 PM
I like cookies. Just sayin'.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: Pace on January 16, 2019, 03:45:34 PM
Must be an upper brass thing. We only get doughnuts below wing level. Cookies would be nice...


;D
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: vesryn on January 16, 2019, 03:56:07 PM
Quote from: Pace on January 16, 2019, 03:27:29 PM
Quote from: Trenzalorian
Honestly, that growth potential is the thing I'm most looking forward to about being a Senior (besides the cookies, of course).


Young Padawan, it's doughnuts and coffee.

You almost make me want to leave the cadet side. Almost.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: NIN on January 16, 2019, 05:50:37 PM
Quote from: Pace on January 16, 2019, 03:45:34 PM
Must be an upper brass thing. We only get doughnuts below wing level. Cookies would be nice...

A) It warms the cockles of my heart to have you refer to me as "upper brass."
B) I dunno what janky unit you're in, but cookies are a thing at the bottom of the food chain.

And I say that from inside the Dunkin' Donuts Curtain.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: Pace on January 16, 2019, 06:32:50 PM
 :o  Maybe it's a southern thing. We hold our cookies in higher regard than their fried, volumous cousins. They are never relegated to morning filler, but reserved for a true appetizing treat.


Or maybe I just like donuts with my morning coffee.  8)  "You take the donut and dunk it in the coffee; hence the [redacted] name!" - Dennis
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: PHall on January 16, 2019, 07:17:46 PM
The ONLY cookie that is remotely suitable for consumption with morning coffee is a soft oatmeal cookie with raisins.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: CAPLTC on January 26, 2019, 03:05:53 AM
Quote from: jeders on January 14, 2019, 02:16:01 PM
... rumors of a new 39-1 slip out.

Yes. Of course.
As everyone is aware, OCP w/ coyote boots is about to be approved for wear.
Title: Re: The Forum is remarkably quiet. Are most heavy posters furloughed Feds?
Post by: SarDragon on January 26, 2019, 05:36:26 AM
I think this one has gone far enough afield.
Buh-bye.