StillSmart

Like most of us on here, I'm on a number of forums for my other hobbies/interests. I find that on some I only read the posts...it seems that as soon as you post, someone is waiting to pick faults with every word that the member prints...

I'm on a couple of caravan forums and this morning a new guy asked about the hot water heater on his van. Straight away a mod jumped in asking.."don't you have a manual".

Now am I missing something here or what??...infact the guy came back saying that he has the manual and can't find the answer in it, hence the question. Then another 3 posts that don't add anything to the original post...the next post gave instructions on how to use the "hot air heating system".

As we have the same make/model van I posted where the control maybe....also the difference between the two systems....within seconds of my post the one above was edited with half the original post being deleted.

There are a couple of stilling forums that you may have happened on....where if any newbie should dare to ask a simple question about starting off in this hobby gets told to "RTFM".
Now before I have 101 posts about the "search button" and "take time to read up on the subject".....I know, I've pointed folks to these myself, but I do also try to help & answer the OP if possible.

The one BIG reason I like this forum is none of the above hardly ever happens.... I always thought that the idea behind a forum was to help and enjoy, along with our fellow members...

Ok that's my gripe for today...we're on holibobs up in Yorkshire and we're off to my birth place later on....along with a pup lunch. Tomorrow we're off to "The Deep" at Hull..before we move on Friday up to the campsite for the inaugural Meet & Greet.

I guess forums are a bit like work place environments where the culture is determined by the people that frequent it & more importantly the people who manage it. We're lucky here that we have a very chilled out group of regular users & an equally chilled out team of moderators, being small also works in our favour as there are fewer people to fall out & less "freedom of speech" incidents where people demand to have their opinions acknowledged.
I don't mind repeating myself if people need help, as much as it may be rare that they made it to the site but can't operate the search function I give them the benefit of the doubt & it's certainly more fun to talk to someone than to just sit searching stuff. It also helps me to remember things, clearly the people who all shout "go read the manual" have a better memory than me....well done to them! I've had to deliver training to teams of people in the past & I always started with "there's no such thing as a stupid question" because what's simple to one isn't always to others & if it gets you where you need to be then why worry about it!
Unfortunately I think the world in general is getting less sociable & keyboard warriors venting their anger from the comfort of their parents spare room are increasingly common, it just makes me love this place all the more!

I am with you Ice.

The only real difference I can think of is the people......... on here. We have a few characters, and we know each other a bit, and we 'ave built a bit of rapport. Perhaps the only common thread between us is stillin' and how many people have made more alcohol because of something they read on this thread and just wanted to be a part of it. I know I have.

Some posts here are facts, some are chats (ie. Nudity in the sunshine has nothing to do with stillin') but you are right - I think everybody is respectful & positive.

Having said that, I am going to avoid Scotland unless it is raining.

Benoit wrote:
Unfortunately I think the world in general is getting less sociable & keyboard warriors venting their anger from the comfort of their parents spare room are increasingly common, it just makes me love this place all the more!

Bang on the money. People hide behind their keyboards and say things they would never dream of saying face-to-face ( probably for the fear of a smack in the mouth !)

So is it really about consequences - and the Internet is perceived to be consequence free.

Blimey, this is getting a bit deep before lunch on Tuesday

I've also Experienced this on other forums but I've found this forum full of lots of helpful friendly people.

Mash wrote:Blimey, this is again a bit deep before lunch on Tuesday

Mash.....MASH.....it's Wednesday Mash......

I love this forum. Seems to attract a great bunch of people.

I have learnt loads from here and I'm never afraid to ask my stupid questions.

I wouldn't like to count the number of times I view this forum every day but I'm sure it could be termed an addiction!

Know what you saying....That's what I love about the place. I just find it amazing that folks put up with it on other forums.....still that's up to them.

Seagull your back with us!!!!
How was your weekend mate???

gaza the instructor wrote:Seagull your back with us!!!!
How was your weekend mate???

Lol, weekend, what weekend?

It was good thanks. As you might have guessed I was enjoying the fruits of my labour a bit too much!

My 'home' is on a UK based craft brewing forum, which is also fairly easy going and with a nice atmosphere, although a zero tolerance attitude towards discussions of spirits.

I occasionally visit a UK based home winemaking forum, but rarely post nowadays.

I used to be a core member on an Inland Waterways forum, but that deteriorated into "is this the right room for an argument?" and I rarely visit now.

I am also a member on a classic cars forum but rarely post because people often get shot down in flames and many of the core members seem to be 'up themselves'.

I like it here, nice people with a good attitude.

Other distillation forums are available, but God help anybody who mentions an airstill.

G.T.F. yes and isn't that sad. The Airstill
is a very good piece of kit when used
correctly.
Not everyone has hundreds of pounds to throw
at their hobby, or the space.

Icefever wrote:

Mash wrote:Blimey, this is again a bit deep before lunch on Tuesday

Mash.....MASH.....it's Wednesday Mash......

Ice, I have checked the listings & MASH is on every day on Quest

Mash wrote:I am with you Ice.



Having said that, I am going to avoid Scotland unless it is raining.

I see what you did there.......you posted that after Robert posted in the 'What I Did Today' when Scotland had their annual sunshine day.....

So many LOLs in this thread, well done Ice man for starting it.
Many good points made too, by all.
I will admit that I may have had a drink or two before posting about building "au naturel".
Hereabouts we mostly try to be friendly, and helpful, I like to welcome new members, I do not always have the time to answer all questions, I do what I can find time for, while knowing the answer is probably already here, if searched for.

I believe Mash is on Dave any old day of the week

Getting concerned about the weekend as Ice's first post mentions a "pup lunch"

Robert.