Message 8892 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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I think the intent of my posting was missed a little.  That's why I added 
"philosophy" to the topic title.  You answered my posting almost as though I 
were asking questions.  Largely, I was giving thoughts in a "mind is 
wandering" kinda way.  You have hit a couple things I have to say something 
about though.

> The whole concept of forums is an exciting part of the internet to 
> one interested in learning from others who are practitioners or users 
> of something. Unfortunately, any forum can be derailed by people who 
> are determined to take the forum off topic, or by flame wars. I 
> detest either, because it endangers the health of the forum itself.*

> > If we did follow that particular thought, wouldn't these forums be 
> > pretty much dead within a week or two.
> 
> The new people coming to a forum are often not committed to doing 
> more than lurking or possibly posting a question because they are 
> looking for an answer to a specific question. The key to attracting 

I actually wasn't talking about new people.  I mean, if new postings weren't 
flying up each day, I think most people (new or not) would loose interest and 
forget about this one pretty rapidly.

> time and again. I write this knowing it can get really old, and one 
> is tempted to answer with a terse, "Use the search function". 
> Unfortunately, that answer may drive them away. Some may have tried 
> the search function and not found the right answer. Others may not 
> find it. Others may not know how to use it.

I admit, I have a modicum of sympathy for those that are technically 
challenged to the point they can't figure out how to type in a drink 
name/ingredient and hit search (no, I'm actually not being sarcastic, I know 
people like this).  However, I do think there are instances where a rude 
answer is justified, usually somebody (who's never posted before) asks how to 
make a drink that's printed in 90% of the books and on every website database 
out there.

> > When I first joined 
> > this forum, for some weird reason (somehow disregarding ALL of the 
> > forums to which I've taken part in) I seemed to believe that some of 
> > the arguments were being done for the first time.  I don't think I've 
> 
> Of course, that is what anyone new is going to think.

I was actually thinking along the lines that the new people obviously haven't 
seen the discussion before (unless they want to read through 6? years of 
forums).  Chances are they also could benefit from taking part in it "this 
time around".

> > I'm not even saying it's good or bad that these topics are being 
> > repeated...I haven't even made a conclusion on that.  I will say, it 
> > does seem to take too much time to read the same book over again, but 
> > I am always curious what the new people might add to the talks
> 
> Cody, you do a good job of dealing with new people. I think it was 
> you who responded to someone asking if vodka had more taste than gin. 
> Frankly, when I saw that question I was speechless that someone of 
> legal age even had to ask that question.

Hehe, compliment appreciated.  It comes from being a Tutor in college, helping 
people buy computers over the phone for Dell, and helping newly turned 21yo 
girls find their first drink at my bar (while I'm tending, nothing letcherous 
(sp) about this).

In this case, I wasn't thinking too much in terms of how the question sounds, 
but more along the lines that some people just haven't been initiated to this 
world yet (at least, not to all of the basics).  The two happen to look alike 
and have a LOT of interchangable recipes, it would make sense to be confused 
at a first look.

> isn't just junk posting, so that doesn't bother me. I use another 
> forum that is brand and model specific to a particular sports car and 
> the mfr has people they pay to monitor and post in the forum and it 
> has been invaluable to everyone who uses that forum. It might be nice 
> if some of the suppliers to the bar biz was doing the same here, 
> although it appears that many others who post here don't agree.

If it was alcohol vendors and they were perfectly honest about who they were, 
answered questions about their products, and weren't spamming the board...I'm 
sure they'd be welcome with more than open arms.  I'd love to see a Smirnoff 
representative hop onto the board and post once or twice a month just to say 
"We have these new products coming out and we're running these events and 
promotions".  Regular bar products would also be welcome in my mind, but it 
certainly starts to venture a little bit since it may compete with the 
Barstore (which is some of this website's income) and it might invite the ones 
who are producing more junk than real product.

Those guys are part of the industry, I can easily see them taking part in it 
to a more direct and competent level.  Probably the best idea that I would 
suggest it giving a seperate forum just for vendor product and event 
announcements.  Then if somebody wants to come on here and advertise their 
AzBar system or their next Reposado, there's actually a place where they are 
welcome to do it.

-- 
Cody