The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsWhat can we do to make the Lounge a more friendly and welcoming place for everyone?
Personally I have always felt welcome here. Some however do not. What can we do to remedy that?
bamacrat
(3,867 posts)nadine_mn
(3,702 posts)good lord she is oversensitive, and my mother in law too
Rosie1223
(2,013 posts)nolabear
(41,991 posts)Rosie1223
(2,013 posts)Ptah
(33,037 posts)Liberal Veteran
(22,239 posts)klook
(12,165 posts)I'd never seen this before... Oprah as demonic Queen of the Killer Bees. Brilliant. Originally on Conan O'Brien, as probably everybody but me knew:
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)geardaddy
(24,931 posts)HappyMe
(20,277 posts)I don't understand all the clique complaints. There is usually a pretty wide range of threads for people to participate in.
DryHump
(199 posts)like to bake brownies.
HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)At the time, I thought it was an appropriate post, but I've been slammed all over the place for it. Yeah, I'm crude. So are you, Major Nikon, MFM, and sometimes LynneSin, but we've got a conflict of standards and it isn't like GD where you just can't joke about anything. I think the general opinion is we need to back off on sexually-related stuff, but that's a good third of The Lounge material to begin with. Then again, there's always the "ignore" feature.
Scuba
(53,475 posts)pipi_k
(21,020 posts)that one...
But whatever. I'm crude too, sometimes, although not about sexual stuff.
I'm more into the bodily functions crude humor category.
You're right though...if people don't want to see crude humor of any kind, "ignore" and "trash thread" work pretty well.
LynneSin
(95,337 posts)HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)DryHump
(199 posts)I think you're hysterically funny. Don't ever stop posting.
HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)I just had to throw that in for kicks.
sharp_stick
(14,400 posts)as an "experiment" in meta by someone who was offended by your naughty language. Not much of an experiment IMO I didn't even see a hypothesis or a decent replication of results.
If stuff posted here is offensive to people that can stomach the cesspool that is Meta we're in a heap o' trouble as a society.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1240148107
HappyMe
(20,277 posts)It was also suggested that more alerts be made to round out the 'experiment'.
The Thought/Language Police ride again!
HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)... it takes a lot to shock me. Thanks for the head's up. I've been amazed at how many times it has been necessary to put in a smiley when it shouldn't be necessary. I think the smilies in that post should have served the same purpose. I suppose we'll have to leave it up to FSM and his noodly appendage.
MiddleFingerMom
(25,163 posts).
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On VERY rare occasions, I see the need for it (with really dry humor, for instance).
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I've almost NEVER used it (though I have) as I feel it would be me saying, "I don't think much of your judgment."
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That's my PERSONAL perspective anyways. Your results may vary. If dripping with sarcasm for more than four
hours, consult a physician.
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digonswine
(1,485 posts)I don't know why this is, but it is true. I know a few people with whom I must be quite literal and not use sarcasm, or else I will need to explain what I meant. It's weird. I'm not sure what a sarcasm non-understander would be doing in the Lounge, though!
HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)I've been really shocked at how the simplest pun can lead to a subthread of vitriol, sometimes even WITH the sarcasm smiley.
CreekDog
(46,192 posts)ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)nolabear
(41,991 posts)I like the Lounge a lot but like the rest of DU I am astounded when people feel the need to jump on something they don't like. I don't mean political arguments or something that's truly offensive, but that they don't like in the way you might not like a TV show and choose to cuss the TV rather than change the channel. Imo it's wrong to use another DUer to essentially talk to one another in the dog pile as if the person who posted isn't a person but something to riff of of in an offensive way (as opposed to cooperative humor where there's some affection and the subject is in on the joke).
And the projection is always a problem. Like the whole internet, you can't see faces, hear nuance, know the back story, so you naturally project those that are running around in your head anyway. It takes an inordinate amount of trust to just believe what someone tells you and let it go. That's a hard thing but it's the death of many online relationships.
Assume the best of others unless you have reason to do otherwise.
My two. I'd love to know what others think.
Oh, and pie. More pie.
OriginalGeek
(12,132 posts)What Nolabear said.
pink-o
(4,056 posts)OriginalGeek
(12,132 posts)nolabear
(41,991 posts)and really that's not so bad because there's nothing like a good cockup to make you realize people make mistakes and it's good to let things slide if you can. What's sad is when bridges just plain get burned, but that's life too.
(Oh look! You've got me waxing philosophical!)
OriginalGeek
(12,132 posts)waxing philosophical is better than waxing Brazilian!
Indpndnt
(2,391 posts)The internet in general draws out one-line hit-and-run jabs from some people. There is free floating anger that gets attracted to anything that looks like a lighting rod.
I also think the use of sarcasm and the sarcasm icon are a lazy and unfunny excuse for some to bully and mock other DUers.
HappyMe
(20,277 posts)I agree 100%.
MiddleFingerMom
(25,163 posts).
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But only for the pie part.
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Rosie1223
(2,013 posts)and pie is awesome.
Kali
(55,019 posts)hunter
(38,326 posts)This thread needs some Benny Hill.
Alduin
(501 posts)MineralMan
(146,329 posts)that might happen.
Baitball Blogger
(46,757 posts)It's like anywhere else. Some people respond to your posts, and some posts get ignored. It happens to newcomers and old timers. Ask MFM.
MineralMan
(146,329 posts)that of the Lounge. Comparing them makes no sense. Read the Lounge's SOP again.
Baitball Blogger
(46,757 posts)The Lounge is more flexible and if there are people here complaining about how some people are getting better responses than others, maybe you should count the number of contributions they bring to the Lounge. The more you post, the more chances you have of posting a topic that someone wants to respond to.
Also, don't expect people to run to you with open arms if you give them nothing but heartache in other forums. That's unrealistic.
geardaddy
(24,931 posts)Post more!
Indpndnt
(2,391 posts)I have teenagers. I'm used to being ignored. I muddle on, anyway, even if I end up talking to myself.
madinmaryland
(64,933 posts)geardaddy
(24,931 posts)HappyMe
(20,277 posts)stop with all the sex and potty jokes.....harrumph!
geardaddy
(24,931 posts)ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)geardaddy
(24,931 posts)Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)I know, i tried
geardaddy
(24,931 posts)Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)Now there is a fine DU'er
geardaddy
(24,931 posts)Dr. Strange
(25,923 posts)Also, get rid of the muzak playing in the background--replace it with Rush. Put all of their albums in the player and hit the randomizer.
Also, lighten up on the "no pants" rule. I think that's all that needs to be said there.
Also, no Dallas Cowboys.
ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)Lighten up on the acid! The Muzak system was repossessed two years ago for lack of payment.
See HopeHoops about the "no pants" rule. He is the Administrator.
Agree with the Cowboys thing. Perhaps we can bundle them with the Eagles, Forty Niners, and
Patriots.
Dr. Strange
(25,923 posts)I've been a little short on change due to having to replace all of the signs that LynneSin keeps posting with her stapler.
Really? What the hell have I been hearing in here then?
I refuse to talk to HopeHoops until he puts his pants back on.
Patriots.
I agree; motion carries. From hence forward, no discussion and/or mention of the Cowboys, Eagles, Forty Niners, and
Patriots. So it is written, so it shall be.
ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)OriginalGeek
(12,132 posts)well, except for by Seattle. So far.
Just because I think Jerry Jones is a dink who needs to write checks and shut up doesn't mean I don't lurve my Cowboys.
Actually, Tampa did a pretty good job of choking us out too but not quite good enough.
I bet the nachos at Cowboys Stadium are better than the nachos at other stadiums.
And always pie.
A Simple Game
(9,214 posts)nothing else matters.
Go Cowboys!!!
arcane1
(38,613 posts)nolabear
(41,991 posts)TrogL
(32,822 posts)Sorry, don't have a picture handy to post.
libodem
(19,288 posts)And take down those long red velvet drapes. It's dark in here.
pink-o
(4,056 posts)"Either that wallpaper goes or I do."
The flocked wallpaper stayed.
HappyMe
(20,277 posts)prefer lower lights.
nolabear
(41,991 posts)Well played!
libodem
(19,288 posts)The poker dogs gotta go!
Taverner
(55,476 posts)ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)mikeytherat
(6,829 posts)Not too much to ask for, really.
mikey_the_rat
In_The_Wind
(72,300 posts)[img][/img]
Dr. Strange
(25,923 posts)Last edited Fri Sep 28, 2012, 08:14 PM - Edit history (1)
Aw crap, is that why the hammer is always sticky? Damn you mikey_the_rat!
libodem
(19,288 posts)I gotta wear gloves to touch anything around here. No wonder we can't have nice things in the lounge. Is that the DU2's old mods hot tub. We always be the hand-me-downs.
mikeytherat
(6,829 posts)mikey_the_rat
bluedigger
(17,087 posts)Let's get some of those new plush ones, and robes, too! (The robes are mostly for HH.)
fizzgig
(24,146 posts)in the beginning i rarely ventured outside of the lounge, but over the last few years i've spent less and less time here.
the lounge is much nicer (as in less mean) than it used to be in that there doesn't seem to be multiple groups of people constantly trying to out shitbag one another, but that hasn't translated into being a more welcoming group. i have never been terribly popular, but i knew what would get replies. but now i barely get replies for lounge bread and butter material. there have been some exceptions - loungers were wonderful about reading about the fire we had here this spring and are always kind on anniversaries/birthdays - but i feel like i must be pretty uninteresting.
part of me honestly doesn't give a shit, i talk to people in other groups, but the lounge had its genuinely fun moments where everyone was having fun and no one was being a shithead. someone upthread said to have more people post, but i think they may be like me and not even bother. it has nothing to do with cliques, i just can't put my finger on it right now.
anyway, this is not a huge woe is me post, my point is that maybe we can all just start talking to each other a bit more.
ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)fizzgig
(24,146 posts)feels weird being serious in the lounge
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)fizzgig
(24,146 posts)kayakjohnny
(5,235 posts)You just saved me a lot of typing.
Thanks for your insight and your way with words and thoughts.
fizzgig
(24,146 posts)i'm glad to know other people feel the same.
Rambis
(7,774 posts)ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)hibbing
(10,109 posts)Hi,
Been a member for 9? years and I don't post much, but have hung out in the Lounge the vast majority of my time on DU. The drama has come and gone and I am sure will continue to come and go. I read topics I find interesting and reply sometimes, I am going to try to reply more. I do think welcoming new members is always a good thing. I also think thanking someone for starting a thread you find interesting is important. Just my thoughts.
On a side note, getting a "Dear" from California Peggy was when I felt welcomed the most, (even though she does it with everyone!)
Peace
Sky Masterson
(5,240 posts)Dr. Strange
(25,923 posts)It's kudzu. And it's going places.
ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)Then, maybe, i will deign to visit
Tsiyu
(18,186 posts)And JOE STRUMMER IS GOD!!!!!!!
I can't keep up...............jeez......
Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)so, do the math.
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)LiberalEsto
(22,845 posts)kentauros
(29,414 posts)Duppers
(28,127 posts)An attempt should be made to answer.
So, yours is an excellent question, especially since I've gotten a cold shoulder from the lounge in-crowd the few times I've posted.
I still enjoy reading but refrain from posting for that reason.
Thanks for trying to make this a more welcoming place.
ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)Thank you Duppers.
klook
(12,165 posts)I've never really "hung out" in the Lounge, but have responded to a number of posts here and often lurked in the Lounge threads with amusement.
Obviously, a number of frequent lounge posters have become each other's buddies, and so a newcomer or infrequent visitor can feel like an outsider -- but the Loungeketeers seem generally friendly and fun.
As in so many areas of life, the secret, young Grasshopper, is: Lighten up. (Actually, it would also be a great idea to Tighten Up.)
I think it helps to abandon self-consciousness and paranoia when you enter the lounge, and just assume it's for goofing around. Enjoy it for what it is, and don't worry if you aren't invited to the cool kids' lunch table.
And if you don't enjoy it, hey -- explore other areas of DU or do something else that will enrich your life more.
ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)Have you seen the cafeteria? You wouldn't want to eat in there! Cool kids' table or otherwise.
LiveNudePolitics
(285 posts)is exactly what we all should do. I agree with ya there, just chill, its the lounge! As soon as I see someone nitpicking, I lose all interest in reading the rest of their post.
The loungers have been aces with me, I have no complaints!