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Posted by: GMR Sep 19 2016, 04:09 PM

I keep forgetting to come on here sometimes because there is much better debates on Facebook pages. At one time I was an enthusiast of forums (even running one), but no more. Facebook has captured the market and you get a wider debate. On here you've got the same-old-same-old saying the same stuff. And when you do get newbies coming on here (like Petra) they are chased off and called the Trolls. No wonder this place is dying.

I noticed that NewburyToday has its own Facebook page and they use peoples comments for their letters' page. When this forum was created they used our comments for their paper, but no more. I also wonder if they know we exist on here or is this forum just kept in a dark corner for the Newbury nutters to voice their ramblings?

Another point; you can't really hide on Facebook as people usually write under their own name. That would bugger the Andy Capps' and others with stupid names up. Maybe they should rename this place the Twilight Zone.

Posted by: On the edge Sep 19 2016, 04:29 PM

There may be something in that, but I'm far from convinced Facebook is the answer. Frankly, much of what happens in Facebook is far worse than anything I've ever seen here. It would also seem that the lack of anonymity actually encourages bad behaviour; but it is still easy enough to create a false identity. I still don't think social media is much more than an extended pub conversation; in very broad terms it might give a slight inducation of public opinion, but mainly it simply reinforces existing predudice. Again, it's also very easy to manipulate as it clearly had been in dime of the local instances. For those who would wish to input to or influence, it's not the answer; its simply entertainment, no more no less.

Posted by: newres Sep 19 2016, 04:46 PM

Facebook discussions are generally foulmouthed and ill informed. Mind you, the latter is common on here too, but at least generally it's literate.,

Posted by: Mr Brown Sep 19 2016, 07:07 PM

Look at the Facebook pages 'Parking like a **** in Newbury', Newbury Exposed' or 'Newbury Moaners and Debates'. You'll need to apply to join in some cases. I'm not sure they are what I'd call wider and deeper debates or even represent reason.

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 19 2016, 07:28 PM

While people post, there is a point. I see nothing great about the debates on facebook and as a debating medium I think it is hopeless; it's a glorified Twitter site.

GMR: Could you point me to some of these interesting debates on Facebook?

Posted by: Biker1 Sep 19 2016, 09:11 PM

I'll agree with that OTE.

Ill informed in as much as they don't agree with you newres, and you yourself are not entirely innocent of dealing out the insults!

And with that AC!

Posted by: GMR Sep 20 2016, 04:41 PM

Facebook is a better answer than this forum or most forums. At least you get a wider debate with different people. But then again it depends on what Facebook pages you go on.

Posted by: GMR Sep 20 2016, 04:43 PM

BBC, channel 4 Facebook pages and there are others. But then again I suppose it depends on what subject you engage with. I have had some good debates.

I don't like Twitter, but as I said, it depends on what you are debating and who with.

Posted by: GMR Sep 25 2016, 04:09 PM

When you say "much of what happens in Facebook is far worse than anything I've ever seen"; I presume you are talking local politics here? I agree, but I prefer more serious - national/ world - politics and there is plenty of good debates out there. The problem with local debates is the Newbury people, they don't know how to debate and are more interested in showing their superiority, foolishness and game play. Of course I am not suggesting that you don't get that when debating national politics, but there are more serious debaters than Newbury has.

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 26 2016, 08:58 AM

I have seen no evidence that any of that is true. You like the rest of us have a certain arrogance that surfaces when the quarrelling starts.

Posted by: GMR Sep 26 2016, 02:58 PM

Maybe I go down to your/ their level just to fit in. We usually respond or act depending on who are opponents are. When you've got a more intellectual debater or group of debaters one usually raises their game. Raising ones games when you are against inferior opposition would only go over their heads.

As for "no evidence"; I wouldn't expect you to say any different.

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 26 2016, 05:18 PM

QED.

It doesn't surprise me you haven't shown any examples of this superior debating experience, but I don't blame you as trying to pickup on an old thread is quite difficult in Facebook land.

You said:

In the main, all you have done is insult members and make hitherto groundless assertions. On one hand you resent the adversarial nature of debates on this form, then very soon you are guilty of employing those exact methods.

I'd be surprised if members of the Newbury Today forum are any different to any other group of people that like to chew the fat for a while. I also don't understand why people feel the need to have to post their grievances about this form and question why it is still used; there's room for everyone. Facebook is a convenient but facile message board, and this forum is just a corner of a pub for some regulars to have a chinwag.

Posted by: blackdog Sep 26 2016, 05:33 PM

In answer to the question in the title of this thread - was there ever much point in this or any other forum?

Posted by: GMR Sep 26 2016, 06:28 PM

To show "superior debating skills" one needs an opponent to appreciate those skills, not somebody who is hostile and can't see no further than their nose.

Posted by: GMR Sep 26 2016, 06:29 PM

It keeps people like Andy Capp happy.

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 26 2016, 06:50 PM

You objected to or criticised a number of things which you are guilty of yourself.

I have asked you to support you arguments yet rather than do so, you have quickly resorted to ridicule.

Posted by: Biker1 Sep 26 2016, 06:55 PM

If there is no-one on here with "superior debating skills" to match your own then why patronise?

Posted by: GMR Sep 27 2016, 03:19 PM

I stated a fact.

Posted by: GMR Sep 27 2016, 03:21 PM

I wouldn't say I was "patronise". However, there has been some good debates on here when people can bother.

Posted by: Biker1 Sep 27 2016, 04:01 PM

I use the word in this sense.........

patronise - be a regular customer or client of; "We patronise this store"
patronage, keep going, patronise, support.

Oh one of superior skills.

Posted by: GMR Sep 27 2016, 04:23 PM

Very good.

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 27 2016, 05:09 PM

You were/are ridiculing; something you appeared to object to.

Posted by: user23 Sep 27 2016, 06:34 PM

Just like Facebook, conversations here tend to end up with bickering, the only difference is it take days rather than seconds.

Posted by: newres Sep 27 2016, 06:35 PM

No bad language here though.

Posted by: GMR Sep 27 2016, 06:44 PM

Why would I object if it was true?

Posted by: GMR Sep 27 2016, 06:44 PM

That is true, but then this is what this forum is about.

Posted by: GMR Sep 27 2016, 06:45 PM

Because we are gentleman.

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 27 2016, 07:21 PM

You objected to the rudeness, yet are one of the first to indulge in it.

Anyway, do you want to debate the OP or are you simply wishing to squabble?

Posted by: Simon Kirby Sep 27 2016, 07:58 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLlv_aZjHXc

Posted by: GMR Sep 28 2016, 06:36 PM

I only indulge in what people throw at me.

Posted by: GMR Sep 28 2016, 06:37 PM

But the contradiction can be the argument.

Posted by: dannyboy Sep 29 2016, 09:01 AM

This 'debate' is a prime example of why I don't bother with this forum any more.

Posted by: Biker1 Sep 29 2016, 09:03 AM

I just ignore it and let them get on with it!

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 29 2016, 03:04 PM

Like GMR, I presume you find Newbury forum members a bit below you!

I simply come on here because it is a distraction from other things I routinely do. It's just an innocent past time; to watch berks squabble ignorantly about unimportant things. I can't speak for others, but people's views on here do occasionally affect me and change the way I appreciate things.

What I find frequently the case is people who complain about attitudes, but do so in a manner that contradicts their position. Why do people feel the need to come here and slag it off! I have forums I don't bother with and deal with it by simply not bothering.



"The bigger the front, the bigger the rear" - Stephen Grosz

Posted by: dannyboy Sep 29 2016, 03:17 PM

No - he moans about not being able to have a 'good debate' & then pointlessly engages in gainsaying.....

Posted by: Berkshirelad Sep 30 2016, 12:07 PM

"It's not an argument; I am merely pointing out why you are wrong"

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 31 2018, 05:01 PM

Thought I'd bump this one as the question perhaps needs answering again!
With it now reduced to bickering over mainly one subject by the few that remain and the resident wind up merchant Is there much point of this or other forums anymore?
Many of the past regulars have disappeared (even AC is rare now!) maybe because of this or maybe for other reasons but it seems that varied, lively, constructive debate is rare on here now.
Anyone else?

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Oct 31 2018, 05:08 PM

The resident troll has destroyed any constructive debate. EVERY one of us is racist in that one's tiny mind and any conversation inevitably leads to him / her / it accusing all and and sundry of being a white imperialist.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 31 2018, 06:07 PM

Perhaps best to leave him / her to it then and move on to pastures new?

Posted by: newres Oct 31 2018, 06:13 PM

Don’t let the door slam into your **** on the way out.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Oct 31 2018, 07:26 PM

And now insults. Sad troll.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Oct 31 2018, 07:49 PM

Still getting most use out of your 'Literature Degree' I see, tell me was that Tolstoy? or maybe Chekhov perhaps? No wait, wasn't it Eugene O'Neill in his acclaimed work ' Snot nosed liberal gimp throws a hissy fit?' that you've just quoted? Money well spent on that degree course methinks.

Posted by: SirWilliam Oct 31 2018, 09:57 PM

Me thinks everyone doth protest to much. I may disagree in principle with most of newres views but I will defend his right to express them. Back in the day as the youngsters say we would write a letter to the Manchester Guardian's editor and await it's publication a week later, by which time the subject was out of date so very few saw fit to respond. Now mud can be flung as fast as it takes to type without actually digesting the content. EVERYONE on here has a common agenda, just the manner of achieving it is different. Be a shame if it did close but like a Morris Minor it may well corrode away no matter how we treat it.

Posted by: x2lls Oct 31 2018, 10:00 PM

AC, like it!

Posted by: x2lls Oct 31 2018, 10:14 PM

And then we would have no dialogue. Another example of de platforming (that is a **** disgrace!)

I, and others have declared our allegiances and have been challenged, dare I say politely, compared to saying the same stuff on the local pages of Facebook.

Posted by: x2lls Oct 31 2018, 10:32 PM

Bold my finicky element!!

I like your points. I certainly don't want this forum to be pulled or die either. I do wonder why so many no longer contribute, as the subject matter is very sensitive to many of us. You see the same subjects on facebook, but as soon as you declare publicly your affiliation, the chance of a torrent of (Haha), leftard abuse is just staggering. I had one, not sure of gender, who said "Oh, TR supporter, I'll say no more", it went on to say more.

PS:- My first experience of a Morris Minor was the van version used by the post office. My second experience was when a mate bought one for £10 and nearly killed me and a few friends going numpty MPH around a car park and testing the brakes! Passenger seat was not fixed down!

Posted by: SirWilliam Nov 1 2018, 10:56 AM

When one sits down in an objective frame of mind and weighs up the left and right of the political spectrum it is difficult to separate. The left consider anything other than their take on the world as akin to sleeping with the antichrist whereas the right will take issue with anything that contravenes their supposed idealistic time in history, which is somewhere between 1850 and 1940. Both are deluded and both very dangerous in that they attract the balmpot element who lack the necessary intellect to equate the pros and cons. The whole point of any debate is to air opinions, not convert, and to that end this, and other , forums are invaluable in it allows that interaction without venturing down the pub.

Remember well when the PO used to flog their vans, (and cars), to anyone who was foolish enough to buy one as they where complete wrecks. My understanding is that they are now disposed off through a third party, but they are still wrecks.

Posted by: newres Nov 1 2018, 08:04 PM

Sieg Heil!

Jesus, you’re a nut job. Sent any parcel bombs lately?

Posted by: x2lls Nov 1 2018, 08:50 PM

Well it is that time of year, what with Guy Fawkes and all that.

What was your postcode again?

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 1 2018, 11:45 PM

If everyone was to simply block Newres and deny the troll the attention he craves he'll eventually wither and die. Simple. I suspect he's just some boy with his dads computer and a fevered imagination.

Posted by: SirWilliam Nov 2 2018, 09:10 AM

At best a mild distraction, at worst a complete detraction from the debate. A lot of important issues, (and a few not so), are aired on here and it just seems to degenerate into a slanging match. Banter is fine but it does get a little boring so grow up children and you may be invited to join the adult world.

Posted by: newres Nov 2 2018, 02:25 PM

Ironic really because I've blocked JSC. If everyone blocked me life would get very boring with you all agreeing.

I think Muslims are evil.
Oh, I agree.
So do I.

Next....

Posted by: SirWilliam Nov 2 2018, 02:51 PM

So to the uninitiated how does "blocking" work? Does it mean you can not read his posts and visa versa? I do not recollect anyone forwarding the hypothesis that ALL muslims are evil, though there did appear to be a consensus that the islamic religion was pretty obnoxious, particularly in the context of the post, ie the lack of welfare in their designated abattoirs, female subservience, along with the diatribe expressed by it's clergy. One must have sympathy with those who find this behaviour unacceptable as they try to understand why we have to accept it even though the law is pretty clear.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 2 2018, 05:56 PM

Simply put the little twerp on your ignore list, it can post but you won't see it. Deprive the troll of oxygen.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Nov 2 2018, 10:19 PM

Can't be bothered. I'm out. This site is done. And it was newres that destroyed it. Hope you are proud fella. Looks like we shall say nothing and all and sundry won't understand election results. Look forward to more saddo liberal tears. 😂

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 2 2018, 10:25 PM

So you can't be bothered? Let the troll shut down discussion? Disappointed in you. Thought you were better than that.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Nov 2 2018, 10:32 PM

I've had a very bad week fella.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 2 2018, 10:38 PM

Oh dear, sorry to hear that. Nothing too serious one hopes?

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 3 2018, 01:28 AM

Or you could just simply not take the bait?

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 3 2018, 01:30 AM

Poof!

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 3 2018, 01:33 AM

Then simply take a short break and invest time in the more important things in life!
Hope things pick-up soon, but please remember: God doesn’t throw anything at you that you can’t handle!

Posted by: newres Nov 3 2018, 08:12 AM

Or the prat could take his own advice.

Posted by: newres Nov 3 2018, 08:14 AM

Here’s hoping you actually stay away this time.

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 3 2018, 09:55 AM

I tend to agree with you on that one chap! Anyhoo, how's the boat? Any progress?

Posted by: newres Nov 3 2018, 10:03 AM

Just how upset do you think that will make me? And I will still comment on your nationalistic, xenophobic nonsense. Bunch of snowflakes.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 3 2018, 10:27 AM

All winterised now, still on the market. Had one or two lookie Lou's but nowt serious yet. You?

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 3 2018, 01:21 PM

Well see...

Posted by: SirWilliam Nov 3 2018, 04:29 PM

Makes him sound like a windie pace bowler, One would have hoped that these little online forums would be a refuge from the realities of life but not when mud gets slung at you from someone you don't even know.

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 3 2018, 05:34 PM

I take the same view of our little friend as Napoleon had of Talleyrand.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Nov 3 2018, 07:38 PM

Thanks fella. One last contribution. I really hope that you have the same misfortune as me this week on a personal level. Oh.and me being such a saddo MS geek means I actually know you. Boo hoo.🤣

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 3 2018, 08:11 PM

Might mean nothing, but I would rather you did not leave. Most tom tit is temporary.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 3 2018, 08:31 PM

PM me with his details chap. PM me anyway.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 3 2018, 08:31 PM

Well said Andy.

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 3 2018, 09:26 PM

Craning it out tomorrow and putting on a cradle. Scrub off and put a big 'for sale' notice on it. How about a pint before Xmas?

Posted by: newres Nov 4 2018, 06:39 AM

Pop round and say hello.

Posted by: Strafin Nov 5 2018, 09:37 AM

I'd put money on him still being here...

This forum is rubbish because it is unmoderated, has very few subscribers and contributors, and those who do take part aren't interested in learning anything or debating anything. It is just a bunch of gammons venting and they have found a place where they can do that and get a certain level of agreement.

I am sure that even the most annoying, argumentative and angriest people on here (individually perceived), are actually ok in real life. In fact I have met some of you so I know you are. So take everything with a pinch of salt, be empathetic and lets all stop having a go all the time.

Posted by: x2lls Nov 5 2018, 10:39 AM

But it's good fun!

Posted by: Strafin Nov 5 2018, 11:31 AM

Well we can agree on something there!

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 5 2018, 02:11 PM

It's only Walter gets upset anyway. Comes of using daddies computer I suppose.

Posted by: Strafin Nov 6 2018, 09:43 AM

Do you call him Walter after Walter Mitty? I see the term used a lot but never saw the film. I was gonna ask but actually now that I've started typing I realise I can just use google...

Quick Edit.... It was a book first!

Every day is a school day

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 6 2018, 10:58 AM

A road to Damascus moment! Yup, Walter's got his own business, a literature degree, probably a doctorate in political science as well, you ask him he's either got it, done it or knows it. He's the reason Google exists frankly. Still, so long as it makes him happy where's the harm.

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 8 2018, 01:13 AM

"The meaning of that term - gammon - is unknown to me. If it means that I grow a little too fervid, or perhaps even hyperbolic, in extolling my native land, I admit the full justice of my remark,”
“I am proud of this free and happy country. My form dilates, my eye glistens, my breast heaves, my heart swells, my bosom burns, when I call to mind her greatness and her glory.”

Posted by: SirWilliam Nov 8 2018, 09:22 AM

I too was awaiting enlightenment on the noun/adjective "gammon". Seems a lot of words have found their way into the language without being used in the correct context. Name calling is very immature but it does throw up some interesting variants on describing one who is at odds with your viewpoint.

Posted by: Strafin Nov 8 2018, 09:35 AM

It's just a derogatory term for people who are generally older (Baby boomers mostly), who huff and puff on about things like brexit, making themselves pink in the face. Far less offensive than some of the names I see on here. Libtard for example.

Posted by: SirWilliam Nov 8 2018, 10:36 AM

Thank you. In a world that seems to use the internet as a licence to insult without restriction maybe it really is time to seek another outlet to air our "rants".

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 8 2018, 11:12 AM

Boz wos here!

Posted by: newres Nov 9 2018, 08:26 AM

But they don't like it up 'em.

That's the thing. I upset their idea that everyone thinks the way they do. I sometimes take an extreme position, but it roughly resembles my thoughts. TDH is alright actually and generally takes things in good spirit. So too does the Tommy boy, X2clls or whatever his name is. However there are one or two that are pretty unpleasant and I suspect would be in real life too.

https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/this-is-why-are-people-arguing-about-gammon/

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 9 2018, 10:54 AM

Pretty much sums him up.

Posted by: newres Nov 9 2018, 02:48 PM

Ironic really from the bloke that boasts about a yacht and a Range Rover Sport.

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 9 2018, 02:58 PM

Except, I've seen both. and as he's already said it's too small to be a yacht, he's always called it a boat I think.

Posted by: newres Nov 9 2018, 03:08 PM

But why feel the need to mention them.

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 9 2018, 04:00 PM

Cos it came up as part of a discussion. We have a shared interest in boats. It was everybody else who made a big thing of it.

Posted by: newres Nov 9 2018, 04:26 PM

And Range Rover Sports? Seems to me it’s standard compensatory behaviour.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 9 2018, 04:30 PM

Leased through the company old chap. I need a four wheel drive, so why not?

Posted by: Berkshirelad Nov 15 2018, 06:04 PM

...and a Range Rover Sport is not a real Range Rover - it's a rebodied Discovery

Posted by: je suis Charlie Nov 15 2018, 06:43 PM

Shsss! You'll make him think I'm poor now!