Posts by tgreer

a team colleague is a former moderator.. Hmm, it seems tgreer is a little bit hypocritical..

And tyrgeer, who exactly were you replying to?

I can make no sense out of this post. Please rephrase your question/comment and I'll do my best to reply.

tgreer,

I don't understand your interest in how daniweb is structured. I had assumed you must be fairly active in the IT forums, but checking your post history, it appears to be 95%+ posting in the feedback forum for several months now.

I went back to Nov 2006 to find your last post in an IT forum (c++ I think it was). I might have missed one or two, but really, your main activity for several months is just posting in the feedback forum.

Am I missing something? You seem to have stoped being a contributing member a while back, at last as far as IT contributions is concerned. I see you have a "team colleague" designation, but I don't know what that signifies.

I am just curious is all, feel free to ignore my comments or tell me to mind my own business. Just seems odd to me that you seem to care that much when you're no longer really active in the IT aspect of daniweb.

Regards,
Kevin

I was a very active member, particularly in the Web Development sections (though I'm primarily an application developer in the financial, banking, and printing niche industries). I was made a Moderator shortly after joining. I worked very hard to build those sections of Daniweb I was most interested in and had responsibility for (Dani even called me a "site hero" once, something I haven't forgotten).

I acted, and still act, as an informal tester and advisor for Dani …

Good, so it seems you've answered your own question quite nicely, though I'm sure some would dispute your conclusions. Amazing, what a little research can do!

Please re-read the thread - everyone has already fully explained their reasons and hopes on this topic.

Yeah, that's exactly how it works. We all order Dani around, and she always does just what we demand. So, you're "neutral", huh?

You can "represent your side" here, if you feel any further elaboration of your viewpoint is required.

You left out "none". It is possible, and even pleasant, to lead a life devoid of any political affiliation and/or opinions.

That conclusion is premature. Dani has posted her thinking in the private forum for mods, sponsors, and colleagues. It's being discussed, and no decision has yet been made. You're jumping to conclusions. I have every confidence that Dani and Davey, our administrators, will consider this thread and the Area 51 thread carefully before making a final decision.

Please read my previous post in this thread.

The culprit is the jquery.corner.js script that converts the square corners of the DIV elements into curved corners. If you block that script, the problem will go away. WHY that script crashes your system and not, well, mine, for example, is another question entirely.

Note: the silver drop-down menus won't work either if you block the script, but at least there are alternate navigation paths.

...I really doubt that Dani is going to close all the word games just because one person doesn't like them.

If you're going to participate in a thread, you should read all the posts within it.

Here's a good suggestion: If you don't agree with it or if you don't like it, then don't go to it. It's a very simple philosophy.

Thank you for the suggestion. When someone dumps their trash in my neighborhood, I'll remember that I can simply shut my eyes and not look at it. That'll make the smell go away.

In any case, I'm sure by now that Dani and Davey have read and understood my thoughts on the matter and will deal with the situation (if they even agree there is a "situation" to deal with) in their own manner. In other words, I've had my say, the people who need to hear it have heard, and so I feel no need to argue with you about it.

This thread ceased to be about "Negative Reputation" long ago. If you wish to give feedback on games in the lounge, I've started another thread for that purpose.

I think there are only a handful of users who post in those silly games -- and some of the mods have posted in them too. I've even seen Ms. Dani a couple times, which is very very rare occasion. Rather than stop it probably having their own board in Coffee House would be better solution.

That sounds like a reasonable approach. I would also like the ability to "hide" that section from site searches.

If you think the Geek's Lounge is a 'polluting' atmosphere, then don't go there! It's as simple as that.

No, it isn't. Please re-read the original post in the thread; I'm not going to hash this out ad infinitum with you. If you don't understand or agree with my observations, that's fine. You're welcome to post your own feedback about how great Forum Games are and what a polluting influence tgreer is. What's great is that you'll get many to agree with you.

Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean you have the right to say it should be shut down.

Sure I do. Everyone has the right to post whatever feedback they like, and even if they didn't, I have certainly earned the right to make observations about long-term trends on Daniweb.

I truly believe that the Administrators, aka DANI, knows what she is doing!

That's exactly my point. This trend isn't an accident, there is certainly a concious attempt to change the culture of the site. I'm providing feedback about that change.

No need to apologize. No, I have no personal axe to grind here. The only source of bitterness is IntelliTXT, a topic I've already exhausted, and which has nothing to do with the concerns about the changing atmosphere and member demographics of Daniweb.

When I say Daniweb has changed for the worse, that the quality of postings has deteriorated, that we're attracting non-technical members, and that the staff seems much more tolerant of all of the above - that's exactly what I mean and the only motive is to let the administration know about the concern, and provide others who might feel the same an opportunity to say "yeah, what he said".

Of course my opinions are subjective. And "hyperbole" is exactly the right term, and it would be appropriate to imagine me saying much of what I say with a wry grin on my face. I do think the Geek's Lounge gamers are polluting the site, though - that much isn't an exaggeration and reflects exactly how I feel.

As to my motivation, I'm not sure what you want me to say. Perhaps if you told me what you think my motivation is, I could respond.

That was an "All Forums". Admittedly, the timing had to be just right for all of them to be Geek's Lounge threads, but that reinforces my point: way too much activity in balance to the rest of the site. It would be nice to have a way to exclude sections from certain searches (Today's Posts, Posts Since Last Visit). That would address the symptom though, and not the disease.

Here's an example of why all these games are a problem. They pollute the site. This is an example of clicking "Posts Since Last Visit". All this pointless activity is rendering portions of the site useless.

The bigger issue remains: why are we attracting users who like to spend most of their time here posting in these threads?

That doesn't make any sense. The "Coffee House" isn't a forum, it's a category, within which are various fora, including "Geek's Lounge". In that sense, they are already "combined". The Geek's Lounge used to be a place to hold interesting technical, scientific, or polictical discussions. Now it's simply inane. Either ban all the sophomoric "forum games" or move them out of the Geek's Lounge into a new forum (and then hide that forum out of shame).

I don't get an error, but I get a small delay before I can start scrolling. Windows XP Service Pack 2, Tablet PC edition, FireFox 1.5.0.11.

What do you mean by "true"? You know what I'm asking.

When that happens to you, you need to ask yourself "why". I don't know you, we've never exchanged messages prior to this recent mess, and yet I've stereotyped you in a message intended to highlight a perceived serious fault in the site. Why would I do that? Hmm:

1. tgreer is a mean bastard who can't stand cute 17-yr old girls
2. tgreer is putting on an act to seem more intelligent
3. tgreer is frustated that he can't take over the site and run things his way
4. There is some truth to what tgreer is saying - maybe I should explore the site a bit and see what it's really all about before I post again or ask for changes to how things work here

Given these options, you immediately jumped to conclusions 1, 2, and 3, and refused to consider number 4.

(If you're keeping score, number "3" is probably the right answer.)

And again, none of that implies to me. So how am I not being 'professional?'

If it doesn't apply, then why are you stressed about it? If you want a very specific criticism directed to you personally so you can justifiably react, then consider this: you're on an IT Discussion Forum. You're not in IT. You don't discuss IT-related topics. You don't contribute anything substantial to the site, no topic on-topic - and yet you want Dani to change the reputation system for you so you don't get negative reputation.

That's why I've lumped you into a category of new members who seem oblivious to what Daniweb is all about. For some reason, Daniweb's staff now tolerates this kind of non-contributory member, doesn't issue infractions against rule violations, allows threads to be hijacked, etc.

I'm not attacking you, I'm explaining something to you. There's a difference. Trying to read threads here where you and Josh go back and forth is like trying to watch a movie when the people behind you just won't stop talking. In fact, the entire Geek's Lounge is now that way.

You're confusing several different aspects of my post(s) - and I have no incentive to disambiguate things for you. I'm not trying to convince you of anything, so feel free to ignore me completely.

If you feel my "rants" don't apply to you, then move on. If you don't use 1337-sp33k, then you can ignore my thoughts on that topic.

http://www.daniweb.com/blogs/entry350.html

It's enough of a problem to be against the rules, and it's been growing lately.

Every "Team Colleague" is a former moderator, if that makes any difference to you. But you should consider my posts on their own merit, rather than on what a third party thinks of them, how long I've been here, my romantic affair with Dani, or any other extraneous factor. Do YOU agree with me? Great. Do YOU disagree with me? That's fine, too. Make a decision, act on it.

I've been a member longer than ~s.o.s~. You can see each user's "Join Date" in every post. The purpose of the Feedback forum is to give opinions about the site to the site's administration, and for them to respond. It's not intended for the massive rambling discussions we're getting lately (mea culpa). So on that level, why would you care about someone else's opinions about my posts? I post them for staff consideration, and whether you agree or disagree doesn't particularly concern me.

That said, I'd be happy to consider anything ~s.o.s~ has to say about the matter. Knowing him as I do, I can already tell you it will be tacful and kind.

Please read the rules, in particular "Keep It Clean", which prohibits 1337-speak on Daniweb.

Do not start these personal attacks. PLEASE!
Daniweb can be used for fun, you know.
You don't always have to be politically correct. Quit trying to act so 'intelligent' by putting people down, I'm tired of it!

Stop reading "personal attack" into what I post. PLEASE! Since when is the mere mention of your "name" classified as an attack? What purpose could possibly be served by anonymous, watered-down discussions about no one in particular? I would certainly hope if you have an opinion about me, that you would tell it to me, by name, so that I can make a considered decision about it.

I'm not "putting you down". There is a group of people here who are relatively new, relatively young, who treat Daniweb as a type of hang-out, and who don't care about quality technical posts, the ostensible purpose of the site. Bringing that to the attention of the administration is valid feedback. Naming names helps those individuals understand what the problem might be. This is in no way an attack or some vain attempt to somehow "seem intelligent".

Daniweb has changed. It's a problem. You're a part of the problem. I'm sorry if you equate that statement to a personal attack, but it isn't. You can accept or reject my opinion, change your behavior or not, as you see fit.

P.S. Do you know what "politically correct" means? That's kind of a strange and out-of-context label to apply to me!

Actually, "nevermind" means "nevermind." Look at how much typing you would have saved by NOT abbreviating it.

Why do you seem to hate everyone so much? I thought Rashakil was bad, but obviously he is not. At all.
It seems like you just hate everything about Daniweb. I'm sure the people who like it here don't appreciate your negative remarks.
The biggest question: Why are you still here? =/

Actually, all but one of my "Reputation" receipts are positive, and are related to my comments here in the feedback forum. And I don't recall saying I hated anyone. But if someone makes no attempt to post coherently, then I won't bother to read their posts.

Cell phones, IM clients, and gamer forums? Sure. Professional IT Discussion group? No.

I viewed it as an attack b/c you specifically said me in your post.

If I don't name you, how would you know I included you? That isn't an attack. Are you damaged or injured in some way?

I only use 'chatroom speech' online.. It is much easier to abbreviate words than to write them all out.. Call it lazy, but I think its more of a convenience than anything. Also, I think 'chat room' speech is becoming more and more of a norm.. so perhaps all the older people should get used to it:idea:

It is lazy. It isn't easier to read, and shows a lack of respect for your readers. It isn't the norm for communication. Use that kind of lazy lingo on a resume, and you'll be rejected out of hand. I'm not going to throw the rules of grammar, spelling and punctuation out the window because of your laziness.

btw: "Having an historical perspective does lend itself to irony."
is not a very 'grammatically correct sentence'. Also, it should be 'a' not 'an'..:twisted:
I prefer the multiple periods, b/c it portrays an emotion of annoyance...

You are incorrect. The indefinite article "an" is used before a mute "h", and three periods is an ellipsis, which represents an incomplete thought, not "annoyance". I could tighten the grammar up a bit, though: An historical perspective lends itself to irony. Thanks.

I don't have horrible grammar/typing skills..

In English, sentences are terminated with a single period.

Why do you attack us?

Why do you view my opinion as an attack? I referred to the "myspace crowd", you claimed not to know who I meant (which I doubt - I think you knew very well I meant you, among others), and so I clarified. You don't have to respond. You can choose to ignore me and go along your merry way.

Despite all your expertise (which I don't doubt; I don't frequent the hardware sections, so you might actually be a valued, contributing member in that regard), it's this kind of emotional, defensive response that puts you in the "myspace crowd".

It's interesting, when my generation invented smilies and chatroom speech (yes, I was a CompuServe sysop, which was like a "pre-Internet web" to you kids) we never meant it to become the norm for speech on digital media. Having an historical perspective does lend itself to irony.

I haven't seen any of this 'myspace' crowd that you talk about.. perhaps members are getting younger and younger.. but thats no reason to complain..

You. Christina. Jbennet. Age isn't the issue. The issues: the flood of useless posts. Horrible typing/grammar. Starting every sentence with "lol" and ending it with a smiley. Daniweb used to be typified by highly-qualified posters who took pride in crafting very knowledgable answers to programming and technical questions. Those responses attracted other like-minded people, and so we had a growing core of technical professionals.

Now we're typified by users who care more about reputation points, user titles, gold stars, and post count.

Not too long ago, we had a staff that would ruthlessly maintain quality... lemurexplosion would have been infracted into oblivion long ago (and rightly so). Now we don't seem to have any standards. We have a friendlier, happier Daniweb, that's for sure, but I think the quality has deteriorated.

Most of the "good ones" are gone, scrolled away into oblivion. Names blacked-out to protect the guilty.

When you say "software", do you mean an application program, or a programming library? Please be specific. For an application, use Adobe Acrobat. For a programming library, I like activePDF's products.

Thanks, but since posting that I've wondered if it really is "obviously" that way, or simply seems that way because of a self-imposed curtailment of my own site activity. Are the Feedback and Geek's Lounge sections an accurate cross-section? Or is there high-quality, technical activity here in places I'm no longer looking?

In any case, ditching the Geeks Lounge would certainly raise the signal-to-noise ratio, but it might be at cross-purposes to the site's goals. I'm no longer a moderator so can't see the behind-the-scenes conversations, but I've not known Dani to do things randomly or without closely monitoring the results. I have to conclude that the influx of the "myspace crowd" (thank you for that phrase, Kevin) is intentional. Quantity vs. Quality?

Ok, I edited the link. Don't waste your time. If you really want to read psuedo-scientific b.s., try "Science Made Stupid". The only difference is that it is intentionally funny.

To the original poster: I have to ask, what made you decide to ask your question on Daniweb, an IT Discussion Community?

Follow the wikipedia link. Basically, it's the religion of narcissistic self-indulgence, promoted by the High Priestess, Oprah.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_(2006_film)

I think the technical term would be "bunk". My favorite editorial quote:

Karin Klein, writing for the LA Times:My sister says I'm over-intellectualizing. She, after all, had manifested a fine leather satchel. And I have to admit, if there were designer leather goods to be had out of this, I was interested. The reality was — drat it all — far more prosaic. Watching the DVD gave her the idea that she could afford this bag if she really wanted it, and so she went ahead and charged it

Obviously we're faced with a changing demographic. In terms of the success of the forum as a business, that might not be a bad thing (this is the social networking crowd, after all). But if the goal is to be a top-notch technical site for working developers, then we're heading in the wrong direction. It's like turning a university into a shopping mall.

lemurexplosion is the only user I've ever had to put on the Ignore List. Completely fractured, pointless posts. Why is he still here? What happened to the infraction system? A bigger question: why is Daniweb attracting this type of user?

The trend of Daniweb attracting more and more of the myspace crowd these days should be a serious wake-up call.

Speaking of reputation, now that I've started looking at it, I find this little gem in response to asking jbennet to type better: "Quit the faggish whinning, no one is gonna change for you. "

I admit I had to look up the word "faggish" as it isn't English... slang for "homosexual" didn't come to mind immediately. In any case, I'd like to thank the Shakespeare who left me that little morsel. It helped me solidify my opinion of forum reputation systems: pointless, ignore them completely.

Positive Reputation is nice, as it gives you an index in your Control Panel of posts people especially liked. It gives you a guide of the type of post you should strive to make in the future.

Negative Reputation appears to be a way for juvenile, immature members without the courage or wit to address someone in public to scrawl anonymous graffiti.

1. 2 3 4 * - 4 8 2 / + +
2. 2 12 - 4 8 2 / + +
3. -10 4 8 2 / + +
4. -10 4 4 + +
5. -10 8 +
6. -2

In RPN, an operator is "Executed". So 2, 3, 4 all go on the "stack". When "*" is encountered it is executed. It consumes the two topmost operators and replaces them with the value. You just pile up values until an operator encounters, and then you execute the operator immediately. It helps to draw a picture:

| * |
| 4 |
| 3 |
| 2 |
-----

|   |
| - |
|12 |
| 2 |
-----
 

|   |
|   |
|   |
|-10|
-----

The stack works like cafeteria trays (if you have those, or remember them). You add a new tray to the stack, it pushes the rest of the stack "down". You can only grab the top tray.

The reputation system is a standard part of vBulletin. Most experienced technical forum groupies simply ignore it. However, jbennet has revealed the only valid use I've ever noticed: if someone actually CARES about Rep, then the Rep system can be used to motivate them. I've griped and kidded and publicly chastised him about his execrable typing, and he only changed after getting "8 bad reps".

Another poster highlighted something interesting, too. It appears the older, more experienced members ignore reputation, but younger members view it as important. That’s interesting – I’ve always ignored the rep system, but it could be a useful tool for training certain members how to post acceptably. Kind of a reverse MySpace: post properly, or I won't be your friend.

Good catch, but too late to edit it, so it has to stay as is. I was just playing around with Macromedia Captivate, my new toy.

I use stack notation every day as a PostScript developer. Everything goes on the stack. Operands precede operators. To add 5 plus 3 (giving 8) and divide by 2 (giving 4): 5 3 add 2 div

A new pyschological phenomenon? "SES", pronounced "seeze". Spastic Emoticon Syndrome. Characterized by the need to include emoticons in every post, sometimes at the end of every sentence. It's closely related to REKD (Restless Ellipsis Keyboard Disorder), where every time a poster pauses to consider a thought, he types an ellipsis. These spastic, "wrecked" posts are thought by some to be yet another manifestation of "hurry sickness", while many others feel it's just plain laziness.