05-27-2005, 10:08 AM
Let me add a sensible post to this discussion:
If I were to describe the Lurker Lounge I would call it a "forum with a dresscode".
The dresscode is here a metaphor for a certain way or standard of behaviour that is expected.
Like a club, a forum is in a high degree defined by it's patrons. If a club or a forum wants to nurture a certain kind of "vibe" it needs to attract persons who contribute to this vibe and have mechanisms to exclude those who do not.
A person showing up in old sportswear at a suit and tie party would spoil the whole mood of the party. Just as a person showing up in the Lounge spouting vile AOL'ese is a palpable risk to the forum's identity.
That said, I don't believe the Lurker Lounge qualifies as a true elitist forum. We do expect a certain level of good language (refraining from excessive expletives and lazy abbreviations) as well as a certain measure of politeness and an honest desire for knowledgable discussion.
But on the other hand we don't discriminate against lack of prior knowledge, skill or credentials. (Though we do require people to familiarize themselves with the forum rules).
You don't have to be veteran with several 3@30's and BNM's on your credentials in order to participate in discussion in the D1 forum.
Neither does the WoW require you to belong to some elite guild or otherwise be a minor internet celebrity.
The Lurker Lounge is a forum with a dresscode, not a forum with a guestlist.
If I were to describe the Lurker Lounge I would call it a "forum with a dresscode".
The dresscode is here a metaphor for a certain way or standard of behaviour that is expected.
Like a club, a forum is in a high degree defined by it's patrons. If a club or a forum wants to nurture a certain kind of "vibe" it needs to attract persons who contribute to this vibe and have mechanisms to exclude those who do not.
A person showing up in old sportswear at a suit and tie party would spoil the whole mood of the party. Just as a person showing up in the Lounge spouting vile AOL'ese is a palpable risk to the forum's identity.
That said, I don't believe the Lurker Lounge qualifies as a true elitist forum. We do expect a certain level of good language (refraining from excessive expletives and lazy abbreviations) as well as a certain measure of politeness and an honest desire for knowledgable discussion.
But on the other hand we don't discriminate against lack of prior knowledge, skill or credentials. (Though we do require people to familiarize themselves with the forum rules).
You don't have to be veteran with several 3@30's and BNM's on your credentials in order to participate in discussion in the D1 forum.
Neither does the WoW require you to belong to some elite guild or otherwise be a minor internet celebrity.
The Lurker Lounge is a forum with a dresscode, not a forum with a guestlist.