How can we be better?

[onebuffalo]

Yesterday after work, I decided to go out for lunch (after all, it was 2 p.m. and I was hungry). While noshing away, I took out my smartphone (with its dumb user) and decided to dial up Pulse Music Board (after all, it's one of my presets on Google). After gleaning what I wanted in the Country Forum, I decided to head over to Random Thoughts. Two posters made comments about the Country Forum that I feel needs to be addressed. There was some back and forth after those comments were made. Their comments:

Jun 18, 2017 8:15:09 GMT -5 raylatch98 said:

I really hope a couple of threads in the country forum doesn't turn into a constant daily update BS and the thread also becomes a thread where there is only 2 to 3 posters who constantly only talk about that one artist.

I don't know why but it just bugs me when posters only talk about one artist basically and only come on to Pulse when that artist has new music.

A little pet peeve of mine. I'll ignore it but it definitely bugs me.

Jun 18, 2017 8:51:14 GMT -5 trebor said:

raylatch98
Had the very same thought yesterday (or the day before) 
The Country board is generally on its downward spiral after having peaked in 2015/2016.
I have drastically reduced my postings and activity; and, sadly, a lot of regulars have too.

I was saddened to read those. The one by trebor strikes me more because I happen to like trebor and his contributions to the Country Forum. I wonder how many more people feel the way he does? So, at this time, seeing since I just entered my ninth year here at Pulse, would like to ask the following questions. Ready?

1. What can we do to improve the Country Forum?

2. What can we do to improve your experiences with the Country Forum?

3. What do you see that can be eliminated from the Country Forum?

4. What don't you see that can be added to the Country Forum?

5. What changes would you like to see?

I feel that if trebor and others were to post more, you would see the pendulum swing your way. After all, the Country Forum is YOUR forum. Please be as active as possible to ensure you see things go in your direction. I would like to see an honest and open dialogue about this. Remember, NO personal attacks. I will ask an administrator and/or moderator to lock this thread if things get out of hand. We are all adults here, so let's be adults here. I will weigh in from time to time to further engage the conversation. Remember, if there is something you would like to see here, you have to ask for it. I love the Country Forum and everyone who posts here. It just pained me to see those comments and I feel now is the time to address them. Thank you for your time.

[gardyfan]

One thing i would like is to have artist threads in a subforum. i do not like having to go to the main frum to look for them.

[Kentucky25]

Jun 19, 2017 17:37:36 GMT -5 gardyfan said:

One thing i would like is to have artist threads in a subforum. i do not like having to go to the main frum to look for them.

Honestly not sure if this relates to an artist forum, but a general artist thread for even classic acts (like Tracy Lawrence or someone who isn't regularly putting out new music) could do a world of good I think.

That way, the issue we had regarding posters only coming into a singles thread to discuss one artist can be directed there for a good portion.

I'll say, things like the rankdowns, while time intensive, seem to have sparked the Country forum a great deal and I think that if we could do more things like that that don't require as much time (a lot of younger posters missed out of the 90s one because there was just so much they hadn't heard before), that would be a net positive to the forum.
Also, not sure how it would work, but an artist vs artist series could be fun (could also end up a bit intense too), but something like "Choose the Songs: Aldean vs Luke Bryan" and do like debut single vs debut single and so on...not sure, someone better at that kind of thing could run with it.

[sabre14]

Jun 19, 2017 16:39:09 GMT -5 onebuffalo said:

Yesterday after work, I decided to go out for lunch (after all, it was 2 p.m. and I was hungry). While noshing away, I took out my smartphone (with its dumb user) and decided to dial up Pulse Music Board (after all, it's one of my presets on Google). After gleaning what I wanted in the Country Forum, I decided to head over to Random Thoughts. Two posters made comments about the Country Forum that I feel needs to be addressed. There was some back and forth after those comments were made. Their comments:

Jun 18, 2017 8:15:09 GMT -5 raylatch98 said:

I really hope a couple of threads in the country forum doesn't turn into a constant daily update BS and the thread also becomes a thread where there is only 2 to 3 posters who constantly only talk about that one artist.

I don't know why but it just bugs me when posters only talk about one artist basically and only come on to Pulse when that artist has new music.

A little pet peeve of mine. I'll ignore it but it definitely bugs me.

Jun 18, 2017 8:51:14 GMT -5 trebor said:

raylatch98
Had the very same thought yesterday (or the day before) 
The Country board is generally on its downward spiral after having peaked in 2015/2016.
I have drastically reduced my postings and activity; and, sadly, a lot of regulars have too.

I was saddened to read those. The one by trebor strikes me more because I happen to like trebor and his contributions to the Country Forum. I wonder how many more people feel the way he does? So, at this time, seeing since I just entered my ninth year here at Pulse, would like to ask the following questions. Ready?

1. What can we do to improve the Country Forum?

2. What can we do to improve your experiences with the Country Forum?

3. What do you see that can be eliminated from the Country Forum?

4. What don't you see that can be added to the Country Forum?

5. What changes would you like to see?

I feel that if trebor and others were to post more, you would see the pendulum swing your way. After all, the Country Forum is YOUR forum. Please be as active as possible to ensure you see things go in your direction. I would like to see an honest and open dialogue about this. Remember, NO personal attacks. I will ask an administrator and/or moderator to lock this thread if things get out of hand. We are all adults here, so let's be adults here. I will weigh in from time to time to further engage the conversation. Remember, if there is something you would like to see here, you have to ask for it. I love the Country Forum and everyone who posts here. It just pained me to see those comments and I feel now is the time to address them. Thank you for your time.

First of all let me say that I have not been as active as I'm sure many would prefer here. I've started a new job, I still have some radio and college duties and I am in a new relationship, which has significantly contributed to my time away from Pulse. jhomes87 and Kanenrá:ke have also had busy schedules I'm sure. I will try to be more active on here in the future but life has gotten in the way.

On the topic of daily Mediabase or iTunes updates, the Country forum rules/guidelines still state no daily updates for either in the Country forum. I'll try to enforce that when I see it but if you feel that we are being bogged down with updates, just report them and staff will take care of it with in-thread responses or PM's. Repeated offenses can result in a warning.

On the topic of certain posters only talking about that one artist...we can try and steer the direction of a thread back to it's main topic but sometimes people create accounts to mainly plug their one artist -- nothing we can do about stopping that if certain folks have that mindset in place. All we can do is corral it to the best of our abilities. The report tool (as long as it isn't abused) should be used if you feel the need for action to be taken.

I'm not going to be answering all of your questions, onebuffalo , but I still think there are many great posters that are still active daily in the Country forum. Have there been other great posters that have become less active over recent time, yes, absolutely (including myself), but I don't think it's only because the forum has been in a downward spiral. People just get busy. It happens. Sometimes between school, work, relationships, living situation, families, etc.; it becomes very hard to stay on here every day, posting thoughts on every song or artist. I have seen more than what I'd like for posts that make me cringe lately but I hope that can go down as time goes on. Another factor is the weather...seriously, the summer people plan outdoor activities and spend less time in front of their PC's. It usually gets slower during May-August.

I'm personally not opposed to this thread being opened and have these discussions talked about but let's keep it reasonable and respectful. I can't speak for every poster but for me, my activity has dropped because of personal life, not because I'm disappointed in the direction of the Country forum. Everything changes as time goes on and Pulse (The Country forum) is no different. We can always get better, no doubt, but I'm guessing the regular posters now will not be the regular posters 5-6 years from now. That's how it usually goes. Again, daily updates, constant artist bashing, going off-topic and attacks will not be tolerated if any staff member see's them happen. Staff is still committed to making this place as desirable as possible.

I can't say I want anything new or tossed aside as it stands now. If any ideas come up or there is overwhelming support for something, staff will discuss it and we will act upon it.

Any questions or clarification can be sent via PM to me or another staffer if anyone doesn't want to share anything in-thread. :)

[Deleted]

I am a newer poster (I hope that my sarcasm hasn't directly caused any older posters to leave) so I really can't comment, but I have been on other message boards before for other topics and I do have to say that this one has so much more quality in the posts.

The only suggestions I have is that we lay off each other with petty nonsense. It's one thing if someone is personally attacked and someone else holds their ground or speaks up when they believe they need to voice their opinion, but sometimes it seems certain folks are looking for reasons to bicker with other certain folks. Not naming names. Maybe not even thinking of anyone specific, just something I've noticed. I think we can all agree that certain things are better left unsaid and other certain things may be better left "deleted" after they are said (a great tool that real life does not provide!)

I don't mind a few daily updates if it is coupled with reasonable analysis or new thoughts. I don't see much in terms of unnecessary updates.

I do have to offer a hypothesis that maybe as the quality of music has decreased, the passion for the genre may have decreased and/or the quality/quantity of provacative thoughts about the music has also decreased...

[dajross6]

I think the forum is fine honestly. Once we start trying to enforce things, originality leaves and suddenly there's more damage done than needed to be. I used to post quite a bit back pre-2012 and off an on since, but honestly, the genre has become a steaming pile of trash that it's hard to listen to, let alone talk about. There are literally two songs I find decent on the chart, and a bunch I haven't heard of.

So it's nothing with the forum, blame the changing landscape of country music.

[tim]

I was very much a lurker before I ever began posting sometime in late 2012; before that I regularly visited and posted on the now defunct CMT message boards (the one poster I remember from there was @jhomes87 edit: actually I meant Jonsolo ...I must've just read a post by her lol).

I've always found something to keep me engaged here, most recently being the monthly favorite songs by sabre14 as well as the Grammy poll's compiled by @adam1995 . I've since made more of an effort to listen to the top country top 40 songs if only to keep up with the monthly favorites (I'm not a terrestrial radio listener so otherwise wouldn't have much of a clue otherwise). Before that it was the Top 5/Bottom 5 artist lists and the Favorite Songs/Albums of the Year threads that kept my attention.

It'll always be an ebb and flow for varying reasons; sometimes it's life commitments and other times (for myself) we've just become disenchanted with country radio. I've since discovered a love for Americana/Folk music that I'm not sure I would have searched out had it not been for my lack of interest in country music the last few years. My interest in artists such as Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Holly Williams, Lori McKenna, Cody Jinks, Robert Ellis, Sam Outlaw (just to name a few) was born out of my disenchantment with country radio.

So what can we do better? Just keep posting or lurking...and remember that we all have a deep love and appreciation for country music.

[Kat5Kind]

Don't judge each other based on music taste, how often someone posts about an artist they like, etc. Also, stop freaking out when songs don't move fast- y'all should know by now that not much CAN move fast when charts are clogged.

[myeverything]

Only speaking for myself here but I'm sure many can testify... it's not "only" coming here to talk about my favorite artist(s) it's just a matter of having the time to do so. Yes, obviouslyyy I like some (alot) more than others so I care much more about how they're doing on the charts and what people have to say about it, so I visit those threads first. If my schedule would allow, I'd read and comment on and visit every single thread in the country forum. Like I said, I'm sure others can relate. Struggle's realllll, y'all 

[Deleted]

I think having individual artist threads would be a good idea. That way we can all talk about our favorites without taking other topics off course. It could be where we talk about their songs, albums, appearances and other aspects of their career and lives. And anyone could start up a thread for an artist they don't see already started. It could be a subforum within the Country News and Non-Singles Discussion.

[.indulgecountry]

I think that piling up too much extra stuff in the country forum is a tricky thing. The staff already bended to the country posters' desires by adding the Country News and Non-Singles Discussion at all, but we can't expect them to just keep adding things until there's an entire separate Pulse Music Board for country music. I'd encourage more of y'all to maybe venture out of the country folder a little more. For instance, staff already pretty much vetoed the idea of a country music-exclusive section for Polls in lieu of just putting a thread with links to ones that crop up. We can't over-do it on the segregation, imo.

[onebuffalo]

I'd like to thank everyone here so far for keeping the dialogue civil. A very big thank you.

[tim]

In my post above I had referenced jhomes87 as a user previously on the defunct CMT message boards when I actually meant Jonsolo. Corrected my typo...I must've been sleepy lol. Anyways, I think there's possibly a few of us who came over to Pulse once CMT discontinued the message boards (I know @buffalocountry was one former member).

[Ten Pound Hammer]

I followed the old ACC board which went down around 2005. We went to a now defunct forum that got overrun with spam, and then found our way here. Zazie, jonsolo, and I think one or two others followed suit.

[Deleted]

I just feel like if people can go out into more threads or forums instead of just a few based on their one favorite artist, it'd be better.

Probably my biggest problem is that (and I'm guilty of this as well) it seems like some people are just rude and dismissive of others opinions or say little comments that might push someone crazy. I love Pulse due to the varying tastes in music. But when people state their opinions as facts and are rude to others or purposefully quote someone to say they are wrong, yeah that is kind of annoying.

I'm the type of guy where I don't like seeing other people being mean to each other or rude. I'm also the type of person where I'll stand my ground when others question me, I don't back down. It's probably my biggest problem but it's a part of me that's probably not going to change.

I love the country forum and there are so many posters I love. I just want us all to be civil and respectful, it feels like every week I'm reporting a post in the country forum and I feel like possibly the way things are headed I'm gonna report posts everyday and go freaking insane.

[dajross6]

Jun 21, 2017 19:34:06 GMT -5 Ten Pound Hammer said:

I followed the old ACC board which went down around 2005. We went to a now defunct forum that got overrun with spam, and then found our way here. Zazie, jonsolo, and I think one or two others followed suit.

I really miss the old ACC board, and really miss seeing Zazie and jonsolo around. Those were better days :)

[Andy]

I haven't been posting nearly as much lately because 2017 has been a really trying year for me. Thankfully things are finally looking up so I plan to start being more active again very soon.

[Deleted]

Jun 24, 2017 8:04:35 GMT -5 Andy said:

I haven't been posting nearly as much lately because 2017 has been a really trying year for me. Thankfully things are finally looking up so I plan to start being more active again very soon.

Ooh! Yay. I like that because you are one of the most underrated posters in the country forum.

[Andy]

Jun 24, 2017 8:08:29 GMT -5 raylatch98 said:

Jun 24, 2017 8:04:35 GMT -5 Andy said:

I haven't been posting nearly as much lately because 2017 has been a really trying year for me. Thankfully things are finally looking up so I plan to start being more active again very soon.

Ooh! Yay. I like that because you are one of the most underrated posters in the country forum.

Why thank you. I highly enjoy reading your posts as well.

[onebuffalo]

Jun 23, 2017 11:12:39 GMT -5 buythecaseof12 said:

I have friends that won't bother with this forum for a few reasons.

The main reason being negativity.
People don't want to be told they are wrong for liking an artist or a song.

Another reason is that some posters (who are not moderators) feel the need
to chime in on many posts--like their opinion is all that. It is not!!!

When I first started here in June 2009, I said to myself I was not going to post in every thread. I think that is what is contributing to my longevity here at Pulse. There are quite a few artists I do not care for or even know much about, so why say something in a thread that I have no knowledge of?

About the negativity, I hope that subsides here in the Country Forum. I realize that not everyone here will have a positive experience in the Country Forum for whatever reason(s). I hope those who do not have a positive experience here can voice their side of the story so we know how to address it.

[onebuffalo]

Jun 24, 2017 8:04:35 GMT -5 Andy said:

I haven't been posting nearly as much lately because 2017 has been a really trying year for me. Thankfully things are finally looking up so I plan to start being more active again very soon.

I like you a lot, sir. You certainly bring something unique here to the Country Forum. As I tell people at work, I give out free consultations for personal matters. For professional ones, I charge an arm and a leg. Feel free to p.m. me with your concerns, etc.. My door is always open to you.

[Uncle Lumpy]

I barely post anymore and have kind of returned to lurker status because mainstream country music simply has nothing to offer me anymore. Nashville has lost its soul figuritivly & literally as far as Im concerned. If it weren't for the info I find here on "has been" & fringe artists I probabily would have deactivated my account long ago. I just no longer feel the need to engage anyone anymore about how Thomas Rhetts latest dumpster fire is worse than his last. I haven't listened to a mainstream radio station in years and this site is how I managed to keep my finger on the pulse of country music and find the occasional single or album track to purchase. Theres nothing wrong with the site, Theres still great mods & posters here. For me , its the lack of musical creativity & integrity that has hampered my interest. I do kind of miss the conversation and comradery of the site. But not if I have to listen to the latest from Florida Georgia Line to particpate .

[Andy]

Jun 24, 2017 8:46:07 GMT -5 Uncle Lumpy said:

I barely post anymore and have kind of returned to lurker status because mainstream country music simply has nothing to offer me anymore. Nashville has lost its soul figuritivly & literally as far as Im concerned. If it weren't for the info I find here on "has been" & fringe artists I probabily would have deactivated my account long ago. I just no longer feel the need to engage anyone anymore about how Thomas Rhetts latest dumpster fire is worse than his last. I haven't listened to a mainstream radio station in years and this site is how I managed to keep my finger on the pulse of country music and find the occasional single or album track to purchase. Theres nothing wrong with the site, Theres still great mods & posters here. For me , its the lack of musical creativity & integrity that has hampered my interest. I do kind of miss the conversation and comradery of the site. But not if I have to listen to the latest from Florida Georgia Line to particpate .

I'm in the exact same boat as you, which is why I very rarely post in the main singles forum. The discussion sub-board is great for talking about old and non-radio stuff, and it's pretty much the only country music message board on the Internet I can find that's remotely active, so I'm very thankful for it. Anyway, please post more Uncle Lumpy, you were always one of my favorite posters.

[trebor]

Oh well, as the instigating party, a word from my side is more than overdue.
When I posted my original post I was in a bit of a frenzy, caught in the moment and the words just flew out of my guts.
I intended to apologize or react but then, why? I meant it and I will not take it back.

Felt a bit sorry that Buffalo* felt compelled to create a thread but now that I see who's posting; and that some are sharing personal little stories, it warms my heart (yeah, sounds sappy but albeit not knowing anybody of you I still feel connected [Love, y'all!])

To get back on topic and not going into major details (might cause another turmoil). 
The Country forum has house rules (somebody took their valuable time to compose them; they're easy to understand, short but exhaustive). Read them and post and act accordingly.

Personally, my pet peeve is the language (trash, garbage, sgfo, etc), disrespect of artists ("glad he got dropped", "hope it flops", "moron", etc.), and trite sh/te like one/two word posts ("Yass", "Kween", "So ready" "on fire", ""will do damage", etc.). Have we regressed to Twitter primates no longer able to form full sentences. And lastly, repeating the same things over and over and over again. We get it, the regulars know where everybody stands and, in most cases, there is no need to express the same feeling repeatedly; and if one doesn't like an artist why do people even care to post inappropriate comments. Just stay away; I do so and I'm more than happy about it. 
Also, to keep a balanced dialogue, every criticism should be paired with a positive aspect (there always are for both criteria).

Love & Peace. Stay Country True!

[someguy]

Sorry, not sure where to post this, but it looks like jhomes deleted her account. Hopefully she comes back at some point. Her posts and contributions to the board will definitely be missed.

[onebuffalo]

Jun 25, 2017 1:18:56 GMT -5 someguy said:

Sorry, not sure where to post this, but it looks like jhomes deleted her account. Hopefully she comes back at some point. Her posts and contributions to the board will definitely be missed.

You're right. We're down to three administrators. I wonder what made jhomes87 delete her account. I loved her since day one. I hope all is well with her.

[Uncle Lumpy]

Jun 24, 2017 16:44:09 GMT -5 Andy said:

Jun 24, 2017 8:46:07 GMT -5 Uncle Lumpy said:

I barely post anymore and have kind of returned to lurker status because mainstream country music simply has nothing to offer me anymore. Nashville has lost its soul figuritivly & literally as far as Im concerned. If it weren't for the info I find here on "has been" & fringe artists I probabily would have deactivated my account long ago. I just no longer feel the need to engage anyone anymore about how Thomas Rhetts latest dumpster fire is worse than his last. I haven't listened to a mainstream radio station in years and this site is how I managed to keep my finger on the pulse of country music and find the occasional single or album track to purchase. Theres nothing wrong with the site, Theres still great mods & posters here. For me , its the lack of musical creativity & integrity that has hampered my interest. I do kind of miss the conversation and comradery of the site. But not if I have to listen to the latest from Florida Georgia Line to particpate .

I'm in the exact same boat as you, which is why I very rarely post in the main singles forum. The discussion sub-board is great for talking about old and non-radio stuff, and it's pretty much the only country music message board on the Internet I can find that's remotely active, so I'm very thankful for it. Anyway, please post more Uncle Lumpy, you were always one of my favorite posters.

Well thanks Andythedrifter. And likewise , I've always enjoyed your posts as well.

[rsmatto]

Jun 25, 2017 5:54:06 GMT -5 onebuffalo said:

Jun 25, 2017 1:18:56 GMT -5 someguy said:

Sorry, not sure where to post this, but it looks like jhomes deleted her account. Hopefully she comes back at some point. Her posts and contributions to the board will definitely be missed.

You're right. We're down to three administrators. I wonder what made jhomes87 delete her account. I loved her since day one. I hope all is well with her.

This is a bummer. Hope she comes back.

[Deleted]

You know what I realized how we could be better?

If we were more accepting of other people's view points that don't align with ours. I'm guilty of this as well, I know, but I've made an effort lately to just kinda move on when someone says something I disagree with. But it still feels like at times people unnecessarily quote someone or just purposefully make a statement that is gonna stir up a lot of drama.

[bamafan2102]

I check this board every day. I don't post nearly as much as I used to and I hate that I don't. A few things from me is for a while it seemed the board got stagnant and then for a while the board was over policed to the point of me getting PMs over the stupidest things, so I laid off for a while on posting. Recently it seems the same things are being said in every thread, especially if the artist is waning in popularity or the OP thinks they are. I just laugh and move on but it does seem like a broke record at times. I know when I first joined I had an excitement about trying to find out when new albums or singles were dropping because this seemed to be the only place to get that info. It seemed that people on this board were "in the know" about things. Now the info is a lot easier to find.

I will check this board everyday until it goes away and post when I feel I want to or can bring something to the table. I love this place, flaws and all.