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Do take more out of boards.ie than you give back?

Chuck Stone

I've been considering the question in the thread title recently. It's a difficult question to answer if you think about it enough. The fact that users get something out of these boards seems self-evident i.e. they exist and are fairly vibrant. On the other hand you could say that all users give something to boards by the very act of logging in and making a post; a post bumps a thread to the top of the page and keeps the flame of interest burning.

I've definitely improved my knowledge bank from being involved in discussions on boards - that's for sure. I think my spelling/syntax has gotten better too from re-reading posts and going 'ah jayus look at that crappy sentence structure and those spelling mistakes'. I've made a few purchases with advice from boards - among them being a combo box (RTE & UK channels), a lower end hybrid bike, and a budget smart phone.

I've started a few threads that have gone into the tens of thousands of views so I take a little comfort in thinking that I've started some interesting threads. I like to think I put in as much as I take out but it's difficult to be sure.

So how about y'all?

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godtabh

Chuck Stone wrote: »

I've been considering the question in the thread title recently. It's a difficult question to answer if you think about it enough. The fact that users get something out of these boards seems self-evident i.e. they exist and are fairly vibrant. On the other hand you could say that all users give something to boards by the very act of logging in and making a post; a post bumps a thread to the top of the page and keeps the flame of interest burning.

I've definitely improved my knowledge bank from being involved in discussions on boards - that's for sure. I think my spelling/syntax has gotten better too from re-reading posts and going 'ah jayus look at that crappy sentence structure and those spelling misakes'. I've made a few purchases with advice from boards - among them being a combo box (RTE & UK channels), a lower end hybrid bike, and a budget smart phone.

I've started a few threads that have gone into the tens of thousands of views so I take a little comfort in thinking that I've started some interesting threads. I like to think I put in as much as I take out but it's difficult to be sure.

So how about y'all?

Discussions are two way things so every one involved gets something from it

minidazzler

I've gotten better at the internet in general and conversing over the internet because of boards.

I've made some IRL friends through boards.

I've increased my knowledge and completely opened my mind because of boards.

I have gotten far far more out of boards than I have given back. Which is most of the reason I hate people who complain about ads on boards. This site is free unless you choose to subscribe, using adblock is cnutish.

aaronjumper

I find that reading other peoples opinions and points of view have helped open my mind a little.

When I'm not busy taking the piss that is.

I'd say I get more out of it than I give back but hey nobody is perfect.

[Deleted User]

Chuck Stone wrote: »

I've been considering the question in the thread title recently. It's a difficult question to answer if you think about it enough. The fact that users get something out of these boards seems self-evident i.e. they exist and are fairly vibrant. On the other hand you could say that all users give something to boards by the very act of logging in and making a post; a post bumps a thread to the top of the page and keeps the flame of interest burning.

I've definitely improved my knowledge bank from being involved in discussions on boards - that's for sure. I think my spelling/syntax has gotten better too from re-reading posts and going 'ah jayus look at that crappy sentence structure and those spelling misakes'. I've made a few purchases with advice from boards - among them being a combo box (RTE & UK channels), a lower end hybrid bike, and a budget smart phone.

I've started a few threads that have gone into the tens of thousands of views so I take a little comfort in thinking that I've started some interesting threads. I like to think I put in as much as I take out but it's difficult to be sure.

So how about y'all?

So close. :pac:

I dunno if I've taken much from boards, most of what I've read in terms of useful stuff like the digital switchover or whatever can be picked up elsewhere fairly handily or I've learned from friends anyway. To be honest I often question how and why I've gotten so hooked on the site.

minidazzler

You messed up the poll....

galwayrush

The cash from the bribery makes it worth while.

Chuck Stone

Deleted User wrote: »

So close. :pac:

Aw.

Chuck Stone

There are lads over in the motors forum and the satellite TV forums and they share their expertise unreservedly. They're a real asset to the forums and definitely put in more than they take out imo.

Bargain alerts is great too.

minidazzler wrote: »

You messed up the poll....

Just noticed.

Could a mod tidy up the poll please?

Thanks.

[Deleted User]

Ad blocker on = Yes

Ad blocker off = No.

Where To

Definitely get more out of boards than I could give back. There's some very intelligent and articulate posters here. Plenty of useful information to be found in fora I wouldn't dare post in myself, plenty of entertainment in others.

Sometimes I find myself absolutely pumping with rage at what someone posts, sometimes falling of my seat with laughter. But to those of you I hate and those of you I love I have this message;

I Respect You All

Chuck Stone

minidazzler wrote: »

This site is free unless you choose to subscribe, using adblock is cnutish.

But the advertisers wouldn't know who has or hasn't seen their ads would they? Shirley they just get traffic rates as opposed to a detailed breakdown of how users interface with boards?

mattjack

Chuck Stone wrote: »

But the advertisers wouldn't know who has or hasn't seen their ads would they? Shirley they just get traffic rates as opposed to a detailed breakdown of how users interface with boards?

Who you calling Shirley ?

Outkast_IRE

I answer a lot of questions when i have time over on the plumbing forum and answer questions regarding insulation and related topics alot.

Im definetly a giver.

Also heading to a boards night out soon so i feel thats giving back by helping and meeting others on the site making it stronger as a whole.

Biggins

Try to give back - often posting new topics which I might not necessarily agree with but want to hear other views so I can be also better educated.

El Weirdo

Yeah. The stupid bollockses always leave the till open in the AH mods' forum and I just help myself to a few quid now and then.

minidazzler

Chuck Stone wrote: »

But the advertisers wouldn't know who has or hasn't seen their ads would they? Shirley they just get traffic rates as opposed to a detailed breakdown of how users interface with boards?

It's called a CPM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cost_per_impression , I only found out about this recently so my basic understanding is that the ads are hosted on the advertisers server, so they know how many impressions are actually made. It DOES actually effect boards.

Chuck Stone

I have to say fair play to the mods too who keep the site from turning into a mental troll fest. I've had a few arguments with mods since I joined but on the whole they're a grand bunch of lads who do a pretty thankless job voluntarily.

Fair play.

Chuck Stone

minidazzler wrote: »

It's called a CPM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cost_per_impression , I only found out about this recently so my basic understanding is that the ads are hosted on the advertisers server, so they know how many impressions are actually made. It DOES actually effect boards.

Okay, thanks.

I'll turn off my adblocker now for boards.

[Deleted User]

Chuck Stone wrote: »

But the advertisers wouldn't know who has or hasn't seen their ads would they? Shirley they just get traffic rates as opposed to a detailed breakdown of how users interface with boards?

LOL.

brummytom

Boards would be nothing without me

Snowie

Spellings never been my strong point, how ever I think bye interacting in forum has seriously helped my spelling...
The other thing I've found is that, better understanding of "your and you're, there and their, and all that terribly confusing stuff I could never get around so I dunno I like to think this place has helped me give back something...

errr at times :pac:

1ZRed

I'm not really sure. I like to bullshit and feck around which is neither giving nor taking but I have given advice and my spin on things which some people have said they liked and appreciated, so I do seem to contribute and pull my weight from time to time as well.

I've learned a lot from spending a fair chunk of time around here and I'm much more open minded to a lot of things, which is always the best way to be IMO.

Chuck Stone

Snowie wrote: »

Spellings never been my strong point, how ever I think bye interacting in forum has seriously helped my spelling...

Your right their Ted. :pac:

wnolan1992

I get so much out of Boards that I don't think I could ever give enough back tbh.

The regular UL posters, C+H, the TV forum and a few others that I mostly lurk in have given me such enjoyment in the relatively short time I've been a member.

Some of the highlights of my internet life (for lack of a better phrase) have been on Boards. The Eurovision 2012 thread over in TV was one of the best nights I've had in a long time. So many lulz over the course of the week. Not to mention the LLS threads which even though I mostly just lurk in, are a constant source of entertainment.

C+H... well what can I say about C+H? It gave me a place to rant when I'm feeling like absolute sh*t. It gave me a place to celebrate the rare times when I feel like a million bucks. It's given me hours of entertainment and chats.

Then you've got the Tech fora, like Satellite and Laptops and so many others. So much information that, while available elsewhere, is so much easier to get on boards.

What have I given back?

Well, I suppose the obvious one is evident by my pretty pinky stars - subscribing. I know it's only a small thing, and probably doesn't actually help that much, but it feels nice to contribute something to a site that is basically open on my laptop from the time it's switched on until the time I log off for bed.

I've also tried my best to be a decent poster. I've gotten involved in a few heated debates (mostly over in UL), and will freely admit to have been a hot-headed keyboard-warrior in my earlier days here, but I like to think that I've gotten better at not feeding trolls or flaming, and generally try to rise above people who're clearly trying to derail with reasoned argument.

Don't think many of us will ever repay what we owe to the site, but I guess all we can do is try and be decent posters having decent discussions and hope for the best.

philologos

Chuck Stone wrote: »

I've started a few threads that have gone into the tens of thousands of views so I take a little comfort in thinking that I've started some interesting threads. I like to think I put in as much as I take out but it's difficult to be sure.

So how about y'all?

Honestly, why does this matter at all? Who cares?

Sir Pompous Righteousness

I have contributed to boards.ie, maybe not in an obvious way but I have. Don't ever let them see you coming, you gotta keep it small, innocuous, be the little guy. I'm the hand up Mona Lisa's skirt; I'm a surprise. They don't see me coming.

Chuck Stone

philologos wrote: »

Honestly, why does this matter at all?

Because the site gets traffic and people enjoyed the discussion?

Who cares?

You care enough to comment on it.

If you don't like the thread then kindly piss off and be pious somewhere else.

El Guapo!

philologos wrote: »

Honestly, why does this matter at all? Who cares?

He explained why it matters in the second half of that sentence.

mattjack

I got some help with two assignments , the nice person who gave the info helped me get an A and an A plus.
I tip my hat to that nice person.

rubadubduba

When i'm a few feet in i'll answer this poll.