Off-topic

milehigh · Post by **milehigh** » Thu 12th Apr 2007 10:23 pm

Glad to see it go. Now if we can just eliminate this forum we got it made. There are plenty of other forums to discuss "Off-Topic Subjects". This one should be about The Amsterdam Coffeeshops imo.

mh

Just spent a nice afternoon with EG, TAK, Holly, Anne, and FBN, IN A COFFEESHOP......

Post by **Lemming** » Fri 13th Apr 2007 12:41 pm

It’s a fair point, MH, and something I may consider.

The problem, as I see it, is that there are a small group of people that would like to hang out here and post every day. That’s quite nice in a way but there can be a conflict between the idea of an open forum about coffeeshops and a closed group for a bunch of mates.

I quite like the idea of being able to discuss wider issues and it can work if everyone follows the principle of arguing about issues and not about members. It’s true that if people want take up residence then they will soon run out of coffeeshop-related stuff to talk about and, therefore, having an off-topic section might encourage them. I don’t think it’s the cause of the problem though.

VDF is undoubtedly a nice place in itself but its influence on this forum is not always positive because it creates factions. Amongst those that hang out here there is a divide between those that are also members of VDF and those that are not. This is not healthy.

I think there is a need to emphasise what is distinctive about this forum and differentiate it from all others. VDF is something different and separate. It should not be an inner circle for this forum.

Everyone here is equal.

DrGonzo · Post by **DrGonzo** » Fri 13th Apr 2007 12:49 pm

I really don't see VDF as that.... and I'm not a member of VDF.... I'm sure that can't be how they see themselves.

As for Off Topic..... I can't see it doing any harm, apart from a couple of members trying to steer it in the direction th AC went.

I think what some people need to realise is that debate is made up of differing opinion and just because someone's is different to yours does not single them out for vitriol or dirision.

A few to many people are to quick to insult.

cattales1960 · Post by **cattales1960** » Fri 13th Apr 2007 01:17 pm

lem, I dont think it was fair to put everyone that hangs on VDF into a catagory. The whole reason alot of us ended up over there was when your site was down in august and we all like and missed our talks about amsterdam. Yes a few people have had problems over here, but as I recall they stated in the amsterdam talk sections and not in off topic thread. You have moved alot of them down here so if you take it away, it will just end up in the other threads again. I dont feel most are in a group over there, its just that when so much stuff was happening over here, alot of people shied away, so I dont think its fair to say that about VDF just like I dont like people talking bad about ACD. With that said, I will say bon voyage for now and see alot of you this next week in Amsterdam. Im so excited about returning. Leaving today.

bluelaru · Post by **bluelaru** » Fri 13th Apr 2007 01:55 pm

Ok...you say you arent like them.....

How about we meet for a smoke....as I have only been nice to you

Post by **Lemming** » Fri 13th Apr 2007 02:18 pm

Fair dos. This is one of those cases where I’d love to be proved wrong.

I’m not knocking VDF and I didn’t intend to pigeonhole everyone. It is just that, on the one hand, it seems like all of the messages I get ordering me to do something about this or that seem to include a reference to how it wouldn’t be permitted there. And on the other hand there is clearly equal resentment amongst those that have been excluded from there or that feel people from there have too much influence here.

Ideally discussions about VDF would happen there but, as most of its members were recruited here, if they get ejected they finish up back here again and then the argument continues here.

Hopefully you’ll understand that I get slightly fed up with being caught in the crossfire.

Cat, Blu, everyone else, I’ll be in Nes about 21:00 next Thursday. It’d be great to see you all and pass round the peace pipe.

DrGonzo · Post by **DrGonzo** » Fri 13th Apr 2007 02:33 pm

Ha!

See You Next Thursday!

Classic!

cattales1960 · Post by **cattales1960** » Fri 13th Apr 2007 02:45 pm

I would love to meet you for a smoke blu, just remember I cant smoke alot, but dh sure can. lol. Just found out my flight was changed so I have a few more hours to kill at home. Peace

Post by **Lemming** » Fri 13th Apr 2007 04:07 pm

DrGonzo wrote:See You Next Thursday!

I look forward to it DrG. As Nes is our spiritual home, let’s see if we can pack it out with ACDers all weekend!

rks0 · Post by **rks0** » Fri 13th Apr 2007 11:53 pm

Ladies, Gents,
For what it's worth, I'd like to stick my two pence worth in.
Lem, I agree with many of the points you raised.
This should be a Forum where wider issues can be discussed, in a relevant and mature manner without resorting to personal insults.
I must add, that I have recently joined VDF, not to be a member of an 'elite' or 'inner group' but because I feel that both Forums are complimentary to each other.
I don't view one as being better than the other, but see each as being unique as to what it can offer.

rks0 · Post by **rks0** » Fri 13th Apr 2007 11:57 pm

Oh, I nearly forgot.
You jammy sod's.
I won't be there till May 7th..............
Enjoy.

mover2100 · Post by **mover2100** » Sun 15th Apr 2007 12:57 am

milehigh wrote:Glad to see it go. Now if we can just eliminate this forum we got it made. There are plenty of other forums to discuss "Off-Topic Subjects".

yeah... turn this into the VDF or VFD or whatever the hell it is. Maybe you can start collecting a cover charge to come in, besides the hoops they try to make someone jump thru, jsut to be part of the clique, the in crowd. Keep the riff-raf out, so to speak

What is this, hi skool?

I guess so... we can't really use the right phrases (like "stupid fucking idiocy", just as an example) to describe this inanity from one of the InCrowd.

I got a better idea, just make a Cylons

only site & stick all the Cylons

on it.

Rez · Post by **Rez** » Sun 15th Apr 2007 01:01 am

Lem', I suppose I'm guilty for being off topic more than most (?)

Lemming wrote:an open forum about coffeeshops

If that is what this is/was supposed to be then you need to make your members fully aware of this. You've left it to it's own devices (or those of the regular members) for far too long. The result is what you have now, a massive member list of potential spammers, and a community divided because you haven't moderated the forum effectively OR laid down any ground rules. Surely as a site admin of something linked to something so reputable you'd be making more of an effort to uphold the ACD reputation, no?

I'm sorry also of how you feel about VDF and the community there. I do agree that most of the members are from ACD and that some still frequent here but, The one reason VDF exists and grows is simply because the members appreciate how it is run and how we all know and understand it's foundation.

VDF is totally separate from ACD other than some overlapped members and yes, just as VDF is discussed here ACD gets a mention now and then there too. Mentioning another Amsterdam/Cannabis culture forum would be quite normal for those that frequent more than one forum.

If you are considering removing the off topic forum then, might it not be a good idea to also remove the Community forum, thus achieving the goal of having "an open forum about coffeeshops" ?

Lemming wrote:I think there is a need to emphasise what is distinctive about this forum

What is that?

Lemming wrote:I’ll be in Nes about 21:00 next Thursday. It’d be great to see you all and pass round the peace pipe.

with our differences firmly left to one side, I'll see you on Thursday when we can "Smoke a joint and chill" ... no shop talk.

Epsilon · Post by **Epsilon** » Sun 15th Apr 2007 02:55 am

I kinda like the Off Topic thing ...we are after all from varied backgrounds and experiences ,and while we share a common love of things Amsterdam /NL , I for one AM interested in things like the World Cup, car /dog pics,kinda broadens our relationships ,when its done in a good faith,honest mode ...other type forums ...for example the big east fan forum, where I keep up with all things Mountaineers, has a "Cafe" where current topics include 'Republican Morons in Morgantown" , German Beer vs.US beers,the death of Peter Boyle,etc ...over there the Pitt /WVU fans may thoroughly trash each other regarding sporting events ,but relate rather civilly in the cafe ...anyway ,just my 2 cents ...y'all have a great time on 4/20.

bluelaru · Post by **bluelaru** » Sun 15th Apr 2007 04:02 am

I have heard a LARGE GLASS of PRUNE JUICE
will rec-tum relieve you...of your small rectangle problems.