Describe the Lounge
 

As we're coming up on moving the forums over to vBulletin, there's been some talk of other improvements we could make while we're at it. One that came up was redoing some of the forum descriptions on the Main Index. Here's the current one for the Lounge:

The Lounge: Discussion+Review
For discussion and debate about arts, movies+TV, music, reading+literature, style, fashion, history, culture and many more subjects

I probably should remember, but I don't actually recall if that's the original description from the birth of the Lounge or if that's something DB, Sniper, and I put together after we started the movement towards opening up the Lounge and relaxing the controls on content. Either way, we could maybe stand to rework it. Do you guys think we could reword the description somewhat to perhaps better describe the forum, attract new members, and perhaps better differentiate us from the other OT 2+2 communities? For reference, here are the current description for the other 3 forums:

Other Other Topics
Discussion of arts & entertainment, pop culture, food & drink, health and exercise, fashion, relationships, work, and just about anything else in life except poker, sports, religion and politics.

El Diablo's General Discussion
Interesting discussion of any and all topics, including Current Events, Entertainment, Politics, Art & Literature, Career, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Travel, Sports, and Gambling. Posts are expected to be intelligent, interesting, and respectful.

BBV4Life
And here's where you put your life's whines and wins.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

That's from day 1.

OOT changed theirs shortly after to be VERY similar, for some strange reason.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

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Either way, we could maybe stand to rework it. Do you guys think we could reword the description somewhat to perhaps better describe the forum, attract new members, and perhaps better differentiate us from the other OT 2+2 communities?

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My feeling is that yes, we can probably rework it to make it more attractive and differentiate us. I will need to give it some thought. Will post later on this as I'm about to get locked out of the site.

I would love to hear other's thoughts on this. Lurkers, what do you guys think? How do you see us as different from EDF for example?

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

I lurk here pretty regularly. The main difference I see between here and EDF is that this forum seems to have a narrower focus (mainly good television, films, art, music), more in depth discussion, and less arguing. This forum also seems to have fewer trolls than others and fewer one word responses.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

The question is "why don't I go to EDF or OOT instead?

EDF is to snobbish in it's exclusivity, for something so uptight about who can and cannot post, the subject material is not interesting for the most part.

OOT is.... I don't know.

The Lounge is a slower paced type of place, where people are more cerebral and thoughtful about what threads to post and what to respond with. I find it interesting that there is a sort of self-imposed content filter that works wonderful, like everyone is keeping each other in check about not creating too much noise, but that is unsaid. Unlike EDF, we are all free to start a new thread whenever we wish, yet, no one seems to start a thread more often than once every two weeks. I guess it is more competitive here. That's the best I could describe it: that there is a sort of competition of thought, but in a friendly way of coarse.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

I'd agree with Number and daveT both.

I don't have much time to respond, as I have to shower soon, but I'll throw down some anyway.

To me, this forum has a much different poster-personality feel than EDF (which is, to me, way more similar to Lounge than OOT is...and I read both). The Lounge is a little smaller feel to it and the topics are, indeed, less diverse than in EDF.

I think that loosening the reigns a little bit was a great move for the Lounge. I used to be intimidated to post here (though I'm not sure the 'tight reigns' was the reason). I'd say it was because I was timid that I didn't have much to contribute to the threads, mostly based on my age (read: lack of life experience).

Nothing has really changed on that front. I still feel like I'm on the lower level of frequent Loungers in terms of what I can contribute to threads. The only difference is that I realized that as long as I try to articulate my thoughts clearly, no one is going to call me out on it by doing anything more than carrying on a civil dialogue.

This is just a basic impression of my view of the Lounge. Obviously it may not help at all, and certainly it isn't some recommendation of what to write. But it's one posters view of it, nonethless.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

I suggest the following description:

"Populated by poor judges of hot female characters."

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

I really think The Lounge's uniqueness is the demographics of the posters in it: higher average age, higher % of women, fewer full-time poker players or students than the rest of 2p2.

Don't know how that would help in writing a description, but there ya go.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

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I'd agree with Number and daveT both.

I don't have much time to respond, as I have to shower soon, but I'll throw down some anyway.

To me, this forum has a much different poster-personality feel than EDF (which is, to me, way more similar to Lounge than OOT is...and I read both). The Lounge is a little smaller feel to it and the topics are, indeed, less diverse than in EDF.

I think that loosening the reigns a little bit was a great move for the Lounge. I used to be intimidated to post here (though I'm not sure the 'tight reigns' was the reason). I'd say it was because I was timid that I didn't have much to contribute to the threads, mostly based on my age (read: lack of life experience).

Nothing has really changed on that front. I still feel like I'm on the lower level of frequent Loungers in terms of what I can contribute to threads. The only difference is that I realized that as long as I try to articulate my thoughts clearly, no one is going to call me out on it by doing anything more than carrying on a civil dialogue.

This is just a basic impression of my view of the Lounge. Obviously it may not help at all, and certainly it isn't some recommendation of what to write. But it's one posters view of it, nonethless.

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SoloAJ may have hit the nail on the head with those two words.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

The EDF forum one is so much better written. It's also the only one with a value judgment. I wish discussions in the lounge were "Interesting" too. Also, the tag line at the end about the posts having to be intelligent and respectful pretty much steals our thunder and the original reason for our formation. It also begs the question, "If it's EDF where posts are expected to be intelligent and respectful, how are the posts supposed to be in the lounge? Dumb? Disrespectful? Indifferent as to dumbness or respectfulness?" EDF's description yodels from the mountain tops. Ours farts into a bucket.

Also, OOT, Lounge, and EDF forum seem to all describe very much the same thing.

I think OOT's definition is the most lacking. It's more of a grab-bag of a forum, and its description should reflect that more clearly, I think. Something like "Anything that's not anywhere else!" Something short, punchy and fun. No need for a list.

I don't think the lounge is that listy anymore either. It is more about an attitude and orientation of discussion. The subjects can be pretty much whatever.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

OOT:
Discussion and debate about a wide variety of topics.

Lounge:
Intelligent discussion and debate about a wide variety of topics.

EDF:
Intelligent, pretentious discussion and debate about a wide variety of topics

BBV4Life:
Bastard!

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

[ QUOTE ]
OOT:
Discussion and debate about a wide variety of topics.

Lounge:
Intelligent discussion and debate about a wide variety of topics.

EDF:
Intelligent, pretentious discussion and debate about a wide variety of topics

BBV4Life:
Bastard!

[/ QUOTE ]

perfect! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

I'm pretty sure The Lounge strikes me as the type of place where the highest ratio of posts are "about the ponderings of life."

EDF strikes me as a forum that is useful for discussions about the actions of life. It's got the cooking. It's got what to do with etiquette, how to handle laundry, dates, etc.

The Lounge has always struck me as a place that sort of transcends daily life and asks what it's about from a higher level.

That isn't to say the Lounge is purely philosophical by any means. But I think the critical thinking is, in general, higher in here than it is over at EDF--though EDF is really valuable in my mind...and I enjoy it.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

So far, I've liked these descriptions, but in the interest of practicality, I'd like to see some efforts put towards specifically hammering out a new forum summary that is ideally:

1. Brief
2. Accurate
3. Enticing to potential posters
4. Not derogatory towards other forums (as much as I did like SL72's summaries [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] )
5. Different from the other community forums

That's roughly the order of importance.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

TL;DR: Topics that enhance and enrich the quality of our lives; from beers to box offices and beyond.

[img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

I think of this place as OOT for people over the age of thirty (or who behave as if they are).

That the discourse is generally polite and of a higher caliber of effort is a big part of the draw.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

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1. Brief
2. Accurate
3. Enticing to potential posters
4. Not derogatory towards other forums (as much as I did like SL72's summaries [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] )
5. Different from the other community forums


[/ QUOTE ]

The Lounge:

A not brief, accurate forum about enticements of potential interests and differences.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

*from brews to box offices and beyond. Relax in a respectful, safe for work setting.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

I think in order to really stick out from the other forums we should allow NSFW pics. Tasteful ones of course, not tubgirl or anything. Then rename the forum Books, Beer, and Boobies. Or "B Cubed", if you will.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

If you're going to allow boobie pics, I have another image for my Jessica Rabbit entry.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

Actually Tuq, you bring up a good point. More women post here than anywhere else. So how about:

The Lounge: GIRLS POST HERE!!!!!!!!!

The Lounge: Read girls thoughts.

The Lounge: Like some chick's diary.

The Lounge: Talking to that other 50%.

The Lounge: A book party with non-alcoholic bear and women.

The Lounge: Entertaining.

Forget it, I really have nothing to say.

Serious now:
If you look at the counts, there are a boat load of readers. If you look at all the strat forums or other forums, you will often see a tl;dr at the end of many titles, or if a thread is long, someone will post tl;dr, meaning, "wow, that was long. That shows the impact that this forum has had on this site. You never see OOT or EDF used this way. The reason I come here is because it has the largest ratio of good posts to good posters of all the general forums. The question is not, "why aren't there more visitors?" but "why aren't there more posts?"

This forum has grown slowly, and I doubt that there is anything we will be able to do to speed up the process. When people are comfortable posting here, they will post.

Shout out to someone who made exactly one post on this forum. I know that he prefers to read other's thoughts, not post his own. I am not sure why he doesn't post, but I think that is the general feel of this. We are all being read. He has said it is one of the most interesting places on the web, I guess he doesn't want to change a good thing. Maybe that is why many poster prefer to lurk here.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

"Insightful Discussion from Anal Bleaching to Zoophilia."

Hmm, maybe not, but it would probably make me click the link.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

Dave,

The "tl;dr" thing was begotten from a great gimmick account, not the Lounge. The Lounge's acronym was chosen to fit the meme, the name didn't spawn the meme.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

Right. However that is translated to English, I think that's what I was saying.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

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"Insightful Discussion from Anal Bleaching to Zoophilia."



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Lol. What kind of person comes up with this?

I like a lot of DaveT's ideas. Dave, I wish you would start more threads. In fact, try to start 1 every other day, ok?

Today I felt like discussing 3 different topics - global warming, how to become the perfect mate, and dealing with an awkward coworker situation. I will probably not start any of these threads, though, due to the fact that I am so depressed I wouldn't mind if a truck ran over my head at this time. I don't know, are these even of interest to anyone? I'm not sure I know what loungers want to discuss anymore (other than what makes a hot actress really hot). Personally I miss the DVD club. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]


Let's face it, all 3 of the forums welcome the same topics and would like to have rich discussion. For me the main thing I see as being different is that the lounge opens its arms to reviews (old and new film reviews, book reviews, beer reviews etc.) encourages new posters to start threads, allows experimental and bloggy type posts, even allows short fiction pieces, and discourages personal attacks against other posters. Anyone can start a post at any time. You don't have to feel weird starting a thread. At least I hope we don't make you feel weird [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] In general we try to be laid back and tolerant.

Another difference is that we have opened it up to some game and contest threads which I feel are a fun community builder. I would like to do more weekend games so if anyone has a good idea please share it in the chat thread.


Tolerant, artsy and diverse but not too stupid. We're like the Amsterdam of the forums.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

katy,

I have little exposure to GW, would definitely be interested in topic 2...though I think more as an observer with questions for all you wiser and more experienced posters, and would be interested in topic 3 as well.

I miss the DVD club, too. However, I've vowed to avoid any such thing until I make my posts in the Before Sunrise/ Before Sunset one.... (WHICH SHOULD COME TONIGHT OR TOMORROW DANGIT).

/off topic rant.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

Katie, you should take your own advice. You always worry so much about whether a thread you create will be perfect or run into any opposition. Every thread or post will be not right for at least some people, no matter what it's like or how good it is. There's no way to be perfect enough to please everybody, and sweating the attempt is kinda nuts -- not least because some people suck, are merely spiteful, or have terrible taste, and it's actually pleasing them that should alarm you! Heck, even if you were perfect, some people would hate you just for that! So don't hamstring yourself with doubt so much, or you'll give up all your potential. Be brave! An idea without detractors often has little to recommend it or is too obvious to be worth stating.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

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The Lounge: A book party with non-alcoholic bear

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diebitter?

Here's how I see the breakdown:

The Lounge: Relaxed and polite discussion. A haven for like minded people who want to discuss arts, entertainment, the good life, good food, photography, current news and other items of interest.

EDF: Interesting and in depth discussion on topics ranging from travel to investing. Quality contributions are expected.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

I like the relaxed and polite discussion vibe.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

I like Phil's pretty swell. I definitely read it as "...good food, pornography, current news" and I thought "wait, what'd I miss?"

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

[ QUOTE ]


The Lounge: Relaxed and polite discussion. A haven for like minded people who want to discuss arts, entertainment, the good life, good food, photography, current news and other items of interest.



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Phil that's pretty good!

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

Yeah, wow Phil. I might add "good drink" after "good food," but that's just because I'm an alcoholic. That's a great summary.

Edit: Oh, and we should hyphenate "like-minded" to appease the grammar nits.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

How about "Relaxed and polite discussion, frog exaggeration, *glaven*, and general Frinkery"?

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

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Dave, I wish you would start more threads. In fact, try to start 1 every other day, ok?

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[img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Interesting, I just figured out three great thread ideas, this should take care of the next few week:

global warming, how to become the perfect mate, and dealing with an awkward coworker situation. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

The last, I can't say much about, but the first two should become a truly passionate debate.

Just start damn threads. They are all great ideas.

G1 Phil, that is a great summary.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

England.

That should get the point across that everyone in here is absurdly polite (even by real life standards, not limited it to the internet).

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

The more I think about it, the more simply "Relaxed and polite discussion" says everything that needs to be said. It's what makes us stand out the most, and anything extra subtracts rather than adds.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

Blarg, I like your idea, too. However, I think you need to imply that it isn't all entirely mundane pot-head topics.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

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England.

That should get the point across that everyone in here is absurdly polite (even by real life standards, not limited it to the internet).

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Lol, maybe it's because I'm English, but this I think the level of politeness here is normal rather than particularly high
[img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
England.

That should get the point across that everyone in here is absurdly polite (even by real life standards, not limited it to the internet).

[/ QUOTE ]

Lol, maybe it's because I'm English, but this I think the level of politeness here is normal rather than particularly high
[img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

I think politeness is relative to what you are used to. For example certain parts of the US are more polite than other parts. I find The Lounge to be comfortably cordial.

Re: Describe the Lounge
 

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The more I think about it, the more simply "Relaxed and polite discussion" says everything that needs to be said.

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Do you think the word "polite" might be a turnoff? I prefer the word "civil" myself.

Kind of agree with diebitter that we aren't overly polite on this forum. In fact in general the mods try not to overmoderate. If someone is testy or rude we will usually overlook it once or twice. I might say something on the board, that I prefer things to remain civil, but it's not like I ban anyone (well, just the one dude ). My observation is that the posters are mature enough to remain civil and when they don't some poster or mod jumps in to point it out.


How about "relaxed and meandering"? I like to meander.