Where is our Graham?

[Ship-badger]

Does anyone know what has happened to Graham? Is he ill, which I genuinely hope is not the case? I have often not agreed with his views, but I am missing him.
Come back soon, it's boring here without you.

 

[Pitlamp]

I think he's OK, Ship Badger - just choosing not to participate in discussions on here at the moment.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

he was not in the hunters today

 

[ChrisJC]

Reading the Daily Mail I expect.

Chris.

 

[tony from suffolk]

He seemed to go off in a bit of a huff, but he never struck me as a particularly huffy chap.

It's a shame he no longer graces the forum with his presence. Perhaps it's only a temporary departure?

 

[The Old Ruminator]

there used to be a vociferous member called whitelackington. did he disappear too.

 

[ChrisJC]

there used to be a vociferous member called whitelackington. did he disappear too.

He was moderated out of existence.

Chris.

 

[cap n chris]

there used to be a vociferous member called whitelackington. did he disappear too.

Yes. He was banned after multiple multiple warnings, to no avail, and then ultimately for an outrageous comment to a newbie.

 

[tony from suffolk]

A shame really. He was a real character and was passionate about caving. Forums need folk like Mr Whitlackington to stimulate debate and indignation.

 

[bograt]

Must admit, my keypads seem to be lasting longer these days, less aggressive typing!

 

[Peter Burgess]

In general terms, not just about one specific person, if those who are put off posting received the kind of encouragement we see above while actively participating, instead of being the target of derision with few people standing up for them, perhaps they wouldn't decide to walk away? I accept people need a degree of thick skin to participate in any online activity, but it would be good to see a balance of visible support to counter the more abusive elements that some enjoy dishing out on a regular basis. None of us are angels, of course! Apart from the moderators.  :-\

 

[tony from suffolk]

That really doesn't wash Peter. Graham robustly defended his position to the point of agression, and received rebuttals in similar vein. He's hardly a shrinking violet, is he?

 

[droid]

He's hardly a shrinking violet, is he?

He is at the moment....

 

[Peter Burgess]

That really doesn't wash Peter. Graham robustly defended his position to the point of agression, and received rebuttals in similar vein. He's hardly a shrinking violet, is he?

"In general terms......" I was not referring to Graham specifically, but EVERYONE deserves to be treated properly. It just makes things a lot friendlier and encourages people to take part. Everybody is different. Everybody will have a different reason for staying away. Everybody makes mistakes, and everyone should be accommodated, within the rules of the forum of course.

And although we see Graham according to what he posts here, how can anybody tell what lies below the surface. It is just so much easier to stay civilised with each other.

 

[JasonC]

.... It is just so much easier to stay civilised with each other.

Couldn't agree more.  But to my mind, the tone of the forum has been a lot more civilised in the last month or two.
Make of that what you will...

 

[Peter Burgess]

True, but also a tad quieter I think. Maybe that's not the case, but it seems so to me. I'd rather it were a lot busier, AND civilised!

 

[Pegasus]

According to Google analytics, the forum is getting busier - approx. 700 people visit the site everyday (700 different people, not 100 people logging on 7 times a day!).

The majority of visitors aren't registered so aren't able to post, however over 100 cavers have registered since October 2014, which is great news - welcome    Most 'newbies' though are yet to post.....

I was new to the forum myself not so long ago and can remember how daunting it was to start posting - it was confusing working out exactly how to post, quote, add photos etc.  (This will hopefully be addressed in future). 

It was also daunting, wondering what the reaction of seasoned contributors would be - the forum had a mixed reputation when Badlad and I took over:  On the plus side if you have a question on just about anything related to caving, forum members would have the answer (the wealth of knowledge on UK Caving is astonishing); on the negative side, the forum had a bad reputation for bickering, baiting, bullying and being dominated by a relatively small proportion of the members.  I heard this first hand time and time (and time!!) again - cavers were/are REALLY put off by it and it is, in my opinion the main reason why many cavers hold back from engaging with UKC.

I hope UK Caving will continue to grow as cavers see the improvement in the atmosphere on the site and feel confident enough to start posting.  Thanks, Jane

 

[braveduck]

All peacefull  on the western front,and very nice it is too !

 

[Peter Burgess]

That's promising. Although I meant active participation, not watching from the touchline.

 

[Pegasus]

Thanks, Braveduck 

Hi Peter, active participation is absolutely what we're aiming for...

There were more posts made in 2014 than in any of the previous 4 years which is encouraging