Originally Posted by Captain_Spalding
Time to contribute a little positive karma I think. This is a bit of a ramble, but worth sharing, I hope.
I mostly lurk on CF. Happily so, and I actually just registered to say a few encouraging words to many of the regulars who post on the Coming Soon thread, in the wake of the recent distasteful trolling.
Its always been clear to me that the purpose of this thread is about snippets of speculation, rumour and opinion. It obviously has to be this way, since everyone knows Virgin do not pre-announce channels launches etc much, if ever.
Information is shared, bounced around and no-one especially cares about the final outcome. Perhaps it is proved to be true. Or partly correct. Or incorrect. The fun is in the sharing and debating. Its a good, positive use of a forum.
But for those who complain about such things as reliability of information, can I suggest the issue is not with those who share the information, but rather that you aren't quite getting the welcoming, good natured culture/tone of the thread?
It is one of warmth, shared wry humour and a self-mocking light hearted tone. (If some cannot see the deliberate humour in Media Boys "Media Boy HQ" and "Media Boy Exclusive!!!" hyperbole, then they need to lighten up a bit).
For those who complain about the reliability of rumours and tips, I say c'mon, same advice - lighten up! You aren't OWED anything by the regular posters. Take the information in good spirit, regardless of its accuracy. Who CARES if it proves to be mistaken?
In recent weeks far too many folk have said far too often "the trouble with this thread is....". In fact, there is nothing wrong with the thread. It was ticking along nicely before all the whining. And will do again after the whining dies off.
And that's because at its heart, its about a bunch of cable tv enthusiasts jawing over bits of speculation in a fun, well mannered, cheery environment. Lots of camaraderie and corny jokes. (Den's constantly upbeat "patience is a virtue" quips, Dave's Victor Meldrew perspective on the Sky Channels, Vince's dependence on updates to alleviate his job boredom and so on).
Ok, rant over. I'm not going to mention the appalling troll stuff, but to those regular posters who exhibit such constant good humour and patience, I say thanks as a lurker for the banter you maintain in the thread and more power to you all.
To those posters who seem constantly dissatisfied with the contributions of others, can I urge you to just lighten up and remember this is a bit of fun. If the absence of concrete insider info rubs you the wrong way, its not going to get any better and maybe its not the thread for you. (but you'd be missing out if you leave)
And, of course.......
All Hail Media Boy!!
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