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joeltfk
Citizen
Username: Joeltfk
Post Number: 340
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 8:59 pm: |     |
I write a column for the News Record of Maplewood and South Orange wherein I poke a little fun at national and local issues that strike me as odd or interesting. It's like Erma Bombeck meets Lewis Black, and it almost always includes something about Maplewood, either as a focus or peripherally. It's not political by nature.
Anyway, I've refered to MOL on occasion and may write a piece focusing on these "lively" community message boards.
I'm getting some basic statistical info and color from Jamie, but I hope to get a little help from all of you.
I'll include what I can and attribute it to your Usernames only, so don't post if you don't want to be quoted or make that clear in your post. I may excerpt posts but I won't be adding anything to them that wasn't there in the first place or taking them out of context. I won't be ridiculing anyone -- I'm mostly looking for good stories and interesting points of view from both veterans and newbies.
Here are some questions you can answer, but post anything you feel might be useful as an angle or illustration, or just a good moment in MOL history.
Questions:
1) Why do you post on the message board; what makes it so compelling?
2) How often do you post? From where (work or home)?
3) Has your account ever been suspended and why?
4) Do you value MOL anonymity, or not care?
5) Are there values exclusive to Maplewood or South Orange that make these message board conversations more lively (why might this work better in our community then elsewhere)?
6) Do you have any particularly interesting anecdotes about posters and posting on MOL?
7) What moments or issues in MOL have generated the most activity or controversy on these boards in your memory?
I may or may not write about MOL, depending on what I come up with, but if you want to see a sample of the column, just pick up a copy of the News-Record. It's called GRAIN OF SALT, or you can send me a note and I'll give you a link to my online portfolio where you can see all the previous columns.
Thanks all!
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Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 6861
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 9:26 pm: | |
Joel:
(1) I think what makes MOL so special is that the bricks and mortar world and virtual world of SO/M come together here on MOL. This virtual community goes far beyond being just a place where people can key in their gripes. In the five or so years I have been posting on MOL, I have seen persons in need receive emotional and material support from the community; community organizations, community events, local business and endeavors in the arts organized and implemented; local policies debated, fine tuned and eventually implemented; friendships forged; shut-ins given a much needed outlet for socialization; information disceminated; even emergency response plans spread and impemented. I truly believe that MOL has made SO/M a better place to live and work. I think the MOL model could work well in other places provided those communities had a similar sense of community in real life and a dedicated core of developers and posters willing to work hard to create the kind of environment we have here on MOL.
2) daily, from home
3) no
4) I do not post anonymously but I support that option for those who wish to exercise it.
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C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2358
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 10:03 pm: | |
1) Why do you post on the message board; what makes it so compelling? a) As I tell many folks, I may not know the answer to your question but I nearly always have a theory that I'm happy to share. b) I'm an info junkie and it's very satisfying to get constant updates on what's literally happening around me. c) It's also a great and fast way of connecting with a lot of people who have a very similar base of experiences and concerns.
2) How often do you post? From where (work or home)? Nearly everyday, mostly from home, sometimes a bit from work.
3) Has your account ever been suspended and why? No, I edit my most angry posts for a while before hitting send or just delete them entirely. Sometimes the exercise of writing the stuff is enough. Other times I remind myself not to say something online I wouldn't say aloud to someone. Occasionally I cross my own boundaries of incivility and regret that.
4) Do you value MOL anonymity, or not care? I used to post semi-anonymously (most of my friends knew my screen name) but I had one of those life-altering experiences a couple of years ago which forced me offline for a month (while in the hospital). Afterward I felt it was important to avoid hiding behind the screen name and just be. I think there is definite value to the option of anonymity and sometimes things get discussed more openly and honestly as a result. But things can be much more vicious, too. I decided it was too cynical of me to continue to use the anonymity myself so here I am.
5) Are there values exclusive to Maplewood or South Orange that make these message board conversations more lively (why might this work better in our community then elsewhere)? No, I don't think these values are exclusive to M-SO, just that we tend to be more self-concious about them. Many of us truly cherish this little corner of the world and feel particularly bonded to our neighbors. On MOL we celebrate and worry and chuckle and mourn together. We offer and ask for help and experience and opinions in huge portions. It generally works very well.
6) Do you have any particularly interesting anecdotes about posters and posting on MOL? No but mostly it's been a lot of fun finding out who posters are IRL.
7) What moments or issues in MOL have generated the most activity or controversy on these boards in your memory? REVAL and Education, hands down.
Cathy |
Grrrrrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 181
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 10:06 pm: | |
If you happen to be a Republican living in Maplewood you must remain anonymous. Once you've been made your kids will stop getting invited to birthday parties... |
jeffl
Supporter
Username: Jeffl
Post Number: 1495
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 10:17 pm: | |
Joel, on a different topic, please commend Philip Curran, for his work on the paper. It looks like he writes most of the articles. What an enormous upgrade over the writing in the past. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10144
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 6:52 am: | |
Joel, enjoyed your piece a couple of weeks ago, I think it was the 16tk. I actually posted about it here. I didn't realize you had been doing this for awhile. Enjoyed the article.
I guess it is not surprising, but the big subjects here usually concern money, the Reval, and religion, the BOE music policy and displays at Ricalton Park.
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maplescorp
Citizen
Username: Maplescorp
Post Number: 70
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 8:40 am: | |
Also of interest: if your spouse/partner also posts, or not and what they think/know of your secret MOL life!
Thanks again!
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Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 5440
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 8:49 am: | |
Ok... I'll have a go.
1) Why do you post on the message board; what makes it so compelling? I post on MOL because I enjoy the sense of community here and the information available. I can often get recommendations for food, movies, books, political ways of thinking...uh not so much that last one. The thing that makes it compelling is the immediacy of it. I post on other boards but none have the response time of MOL. I think that is why the chat room never took off, because people respond here almost immediately.
2) How often do you post? From where (work or home)? Well with over 5000 posts in 4 years I post frequently. I almost always post from home since I work from home. It is the worlds best distraction from having to make that one more phone call or do that one more task. Some days I post 20+ times other times, usually when working on a film or play, I will go many days without a peep
3) Has your account ever been suspended and why?
Never been suspended. Cause I try never to write anything on line that I wouldn't say to someone sitting next to me at a restaurant.
4) Do you value MOL anonymity, or not care?
Anonymity gives some people the courage to post and others the courage to be nasty. Most of the most incendiary things posted on MOL come from people who use anonymity to hide. In general I think if you are not comfortable signing your name to something you shouldn't say it. On the other hand, if you want to keep your profile low and still engage I say thats great too. We all know who the people are who troll. We also know the folks who have handles that are just for fun!
5) Are there values exclusive to Maplewood or South Orange that make these message board conversations more lively (why might this work better in our community then elsewhere)?
I don't know that this wouldn't work well in other communities. I do know that with the amazing amount of diversity of culture, religion, and professions in MW/SO it is bound to create a denser pool of thought from which to fish. There are many MANY smart folks on here and no matter what their opinions and the validity thereof, there is always something to be learned. This board is incredibly politically savvy. And as such has a propensity toward heated partisan debate. But that is only one section of the board. I don't think there are values specific to Maplewood so much as people seek out Maplewood for the reasons that make this board so great. It is a lively community both on line and in real life.
6) Do you have any particularly interesting anecdotes about posters and posting on MOL?
Some of the nastiest anonymous posters are some of the nicest people IRL. Then again, some other folks have eviscerated me for things they had no first hand knowledge about, and taken the insults and accusations to a deeply personal and hateful place. But that is the exception rather than the rule. I have also gotten audiences for screenings and fundraisers by posting on MOL and thats part of the crossover between the virtual and real world.
7) What moments or issues in MOL have generated the most activity or controversy on these boards in your memory?
Crime, Education, Politics, the revaluation of property, and the moving/building of the new police station. Most everything else is just fun and informative. I have found more great internet time wasting games thanks to this board than I could have ever found on my own, and this is not something I am proud of!
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ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 4617
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 9:26 am: | |
To sum it all up in as few words as possible...
MOL is >>>>>>riveting<<<<<<<,
all <<<<<<<encompassing>>>>>>>>>,
and very ========entertaining=========.
It's also a great place to play with gadgets and challenge your more creative side...
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shestheone
Citizen
Username: Shestheone
Post Number: 213
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 11:46 am: | |
Joel,
I love your articles, too.
I think a strong comparison between MOL and soap operas (or shows like Dallas) would be an interesting approach:
-- There is a small cast of characters who post regularily -- some villified, some kindhearted, etc.
-- new characters are introduced constantly and we never know who will stay and who will go. we also wait to see their personality. which 'side' of an issue are they on. which group of characters will be their unified base, who will come to their defense, etc.
-- the same issues come up over and over with the same 'family' members having the same arguments
--the more you know about the backstory, the more interesting current posts can be
--there is an omnicient narrator
--there are people who truly believe they are stars
-- there are wonderful community connections
-- there are health issues, finances, politics
-- it's like a big, dysfunctional family
That said, I come to MOL frequently the same reason I returned to Dallas the year after "Who Shot JR?" was the cliffhanger. I am involved, intrigued, horrified, entertained, angry and informed. |
buzzsaw
Citizen
Username: Buzzsaw
Post Number: 3423
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 12:52 pm: | |
1) Why do you post on the message board; what makes it so compelling? The common thread of maplewood/south orange that ties everyone together.
2) How often do you post? From where (work or home)? A LOT FROM WORK.
3) Has your account ever been suspended and why? Not yet.
4) Do you value MOL anonymity, or not care? Don't care. A lot of people know who I am. I don't say anything to anyone that I wouldn't say to them in real life to their face.
6) Do you have any particularly interesting anecdotes about posters and posting on MOL? No one looks like what you would picture them to look like from their posts.
7) What moments or issues in MOL have generated the most activity or controversy on these boards in your memory? school issues and property taxes
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ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 4277
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 1:40 pm: | |
I post on MOL because I am truly addicted. I think once a poster always a poster (although DWM doesn't post anymore - bet he still reads, though!) I come to MOL for information, points of view, a laugh, and because it is a good procrastination tool.
The most controversy came from the reval, but I recall the deer threads (to kill or not to kill)to go on forever and the dog park/leash/no leash threads as well that would not die out. Also, during any election, it is always heated, local or national.
I also post because I love Maplewood and the schools and get very upset by people who air views that are based on truly erroneous gossip. Posters probably think that I am guilty of this too (having been known to stir up trouble!) but bottom line is that I love this town and the people who have become my friends, and I will defend the town and the schools. I like to think that the controversy comes from the fact that we all would like to see the best from our elected offficials, our schools and our taxes - sometimes we have differing views on how to get there.
good luck joel.
signed, Fickle Finger of Fate |
Crazyguggenheim
Citizen
Username: Crazyguggenheim
Post Number: 867
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 8:22 am: | |
Call me crazy, but MOL is better than a poke in the eye with a stick. Keeps me away from playing with sticks |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 11716
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 11:32 pm: | |
1) Why do you post on the message board; what makes it so compelling?
There's helpful information and comradery. There's a chance to meet my neighbors in real life, to help each other or make friends.
2) How often do you post? From where (work or home)?
Too often to mention. It is addictive.
3) Has your account ever been suspended and why?
No.
4) Do you value MOL anonymity, or not care?
I'm glad the ability to be anonymous is there, but I think people overuse it and abuse it.
5) Are there values exclusive to Maplewood or South Orange that make these message board conversations more lively (why might this work better in our community then elsewhere)?
I think so. South Orange and Maplewood's people are more educated than people in most other places. We are civically active, too.
6) Do you have any particularly interesting anecdotes about posters and posting on MOL?
There have been so many. Some discussions are fascinating. Some have been just irresistably funny. After a while, I learn who says the wittiest or insightful things, and I look for the stuff they've written.
7) What moments or issues in MOL have generated the most activity or controversy on these boards in your memory?
Others have answered this question well.
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Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 8265
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 11:48 pm: | |
Joel,
This may be of interest: focus groups about MOL that were part of a grad student's thesis:
/discus/messages/129/4266.html?997451433 |
joeltfk
Citizen
Username: Joeltfk
Post Number: 343
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 8, 2006 - 10:47 am: | |
Thanks, everyone, for your help with this. I'll confirm with you if and when the column appears. |
galileo
Citizen
Username: Galileo
Post Number: 215
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 8, 2006 - 11:51 am: | |
DOUBTFUL! |
The Libertarian
Citizen
Username: Local_1_crew
Post Number: 1231
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 8, 2006 - 12:20 pm: | |
3) Has your account ever been suspended and why?
numerous times. sometimes for being a tad aggressive in my responses. other times for standing by my opinions in the face of the liberal majority and the liberal bent of the board moderators. |
joeltfk
Citizen
Username: Joeltfk
Post Number: 344
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 9, 2006 - 4:53 pm: | |
Sorry Galileo,
The GRAIN OF SALT column exclusively about MOL and its denizens will appear in the Thursday January 12 edition of the News Record of Maplewood and South Orange.
You can pick one up at Maplewood Stationers and other places starting that morning.
Thanks again to everyone who helped, including Dave and Jamie. I wish I could have mentioned everyone, but alas it's an article, not a phone book. Don't feel bad if you were not referenced. Purely a space thing.
Joel |
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