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QueenNothing January 29th, 2015 8:43 PM

If there is one thing forums have taught me
 
Is that wether anybody wants to admit it or not, popularity exists.
User who has been around for a while = Everybody loves them
New user = Everybody ignores them, and nobody bothers to get to know them better because everyone else is too busy talking with the popular users, thus meaning all of their threads die out.

Nolafus January 29th, 2015 8:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlasmaGruntMagus (Post 8599607)
Is that wether anybody wants to admit it or not, popularity exists.
User who has been around for a while = Everybody loves them
New user = Everybody ignores them, and nobody bothers to get to know them better because everyone else is too busy talking with the popular users, thus meaning all of their threads die out.

Not true!

Well, at least I think there needs to be a bit more detail in here. I remember I was venting my thoughts in a word document some time ago, and I built some sort of PC social ladder. I might still have it, and if I can find it, I'll post it.

I found it! I was really mad when I was writing this out, so it's worded a bit harshly and with a bit of snark. Still, i think it really applies and adds a bit more detail to what you're trying to say.
Spoiler:

1) Staff - Ah, the cream of the crop. As staff, I feel almost worshiped by some members. I know I am accepted everywhere I go. I know there are plenty of members who would really like to be in my spot right now. I am envied for my popularity and power, and there's nothing I can do about it. If one of us were to leave, it's forum-wide news.

2) PC Veterans - These members aren't staff, but they're good friends with some staff members, and they are more popular. Just by being associated with staff, these members find themselves able to go anywhere and be generally well-liked. If they were to leave, expect lots of VMs and worrisome messages.

3) Supporters - Supporters have added benefits of getting a few new sections, and the enjoyment of a bit of jealousy from the people who can't donate. They get a new username color, and stand out that much more. Regular members are often left to wonder if supporters are more likely to get staff positions and more likely to climb up the social ladder. If a supporter leaves, expect a few messages from people who miss them.

4) The Well-Traveled Member - These members either travel all over the forum, or dedicate themselves fully to one or two sections. They try their best to be recognized for their efforts, but they sometimes fall short. These members worry whether or not they even matter, and to make themselves feel like they matter, they spend all of their time trying to be remembered for something. Whether that's quality posts, or simply being everywhere, it doesn't matter. They make a couple friends, but they're nowhere near as popular as some other members. If one of these members were to leave, they might receive a couple messages from their close friends, but not much else.

5) Newbies - These members are new, and ready to make friends and explore the possibilities. They're looking for ways to make a name for themselves and climb up the social ladder. Things are still new for them, so they'll often cling to the pillars of the community (see #1 and #2). If a new person leaves, almost no one notices.

6) Blue Moon Members - These members only show up once in a blue moon. They show up, post a couple times, and disappear off the face of the Earth. They leave constantly, so no one really notices when they're gone.

7) Outcasts - Lastly, we have the outcasts. These people have tried one way or another to make it into PC and climb our social ladder, but have failed. Something went wrong, and now they are on their own. This spot doesn't mean that an outcast is a troll, or just an unpleasant person. There are a few members that are here simply because luck was not on their side. They feel like they could just fall off the face of PC, and no one would notice. If one of these members leaves, no one even cares.


Wow, I must have been really mad when I wrote that out because that was really mean. Hopefully you guys take it with a grain of salt, though. The basic message is there, at least.

QueenNothing January 29th, 2015 8:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nolafus (Post 8599624)
Not true!

Well, at least I think there needs to be a bit more detail in here. I remember I was venting my thoughts in a word document some time ago, and I built some sort of PC social ladder. I might still have it, and if I can find it, I'll post it.

I found it! I was really mad when I was writing this out, so it's worded a bit harshly and with a bit of snark. Still, i think it really applies and adds a bit more detail to what you're trying to say.
Spoiler:

1) Staff - Ah, the cream of the crop. As staff, I feel almost worshiped by some members. I know I am accepted everywhere I go, and there's almost nothing I can't get away with. I know there are hundreds of members who would kill to be in my spot right now. I am envied for my popularity and power, and there's nothing I can do about it. If one of us were to leave, it's forum-wide news.

2) PC Veterans - These members aren't staff, but they're good friends with some staff members, and can therefore get away with more stuff, and they are instantly more popular. Just by being associated with staff, these members find themselves able to go anywhere and be generally well-liked. If they were to leave, expect lots of VMs and worrisome messages.

3) Supporters - Supporters have added benefits of getting a few new sections, and the enjoyment of a bit of jealousy from the people who can't donate. They get a new username color, and stand out that much more. Regular members are often left to wonder if supporters are more likely to get staff positions and more likely to climb up the social ladder. If a supporter leaves, expect a few messages from people who miss them.

4) The Well-Traveled Member - These members either travel all over the forum, or dedicate themselves fully to one or two sections. They try their best to be recognized for their efforts, but they sometimes fall short. These members worry whether or not they even matter, and to make themselves feel like they matter, they spend all of their time trying to be remembered for something. Whether that's quality posts, or simply being everywhere, it doesn't matter. They make a couple friends, but they're nowhere near as popular as some other members. If one of these members were to leave, they might receive a couple messages from their close friends, but not much else.

5) Newbies - These members are new, and ready to make friends and explore the possibilities. They're looking for ways to make a name for themselves and climb up the social ladder. Things are still new for them, so they'll often cling to the pillars of the community (see #1 and #2). If a new person leaves, almost no one notices.

6) Blue Moon Members - These members only show up once in a blue moon. They show up, post a couple times, and disappear off the face of the Earth. They leave constantly, so no one really notices when they're gone.

7) Outcasts - Lastly, we have the outcasts. These people have tried one way or another to make it into PC and climb our social ladder, but have failed. Something went wrong, and now they are on their own. This spot doesn't mean that an outcast is a troll, or just an unpleasant person. There are a few members that are here simply because luck was not on their side. They feel like they could just fall off the face of PC, and no one would notice. If one of these members leaves, no one even cares.


Wow, I must have been really mad when I wrote that out because that was really mean. Hopefully you guys take it with a grain of salt, though. The basic message is there, at least.

This about sums up what I'm saying.
I have a bad feeling I will become one of the last to though.

Her January 29th, 2015 9:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlasmaGruntMagus (Post 8599607)
Is that wether anybody wants to admit it or not, popularity exists.
User who has been around for a while = Everybody loves them
New user = Everybody ignores them, and nobody bothers to get to know them better because everyone else is too busy talking with the popular users, thus meaning all of their threads die out.

Popularity/cliques most certainly exist here but not in the way you're laying it out. There are plenty of old members who are universally despised and far more newer ones who have received the adulation of the memberbase. Trust me darling, I know.
Although there is a certain amount of wariness towards newer members given that they've only been around for a short time, I don't think people consciously treat them as 'unpopular'.

I, for one, j'adore honey and she hasn't even celebrated one month of being on this wasteland yet!

Nolafus January 29th, 2015 9:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlasmaGruntMagus (Post 8599630)
This about sums up what I'm saying.
I have a bad feeling I will become one of the last to though.

I wouldn't worry about it. If you just come here to chat and pass the time, everything should work out. I was probably at #4 before I was modded, and that's where I think the majority of people are. Just remember, even if you're not the most popular member, you're still a part of this community. I can think of a lot of members that aren't popular, and a few even find themselves at #7, but I wouldn't want them to leave. They fill a social role that PC needs to maintain the social ladder. And as much as I don't like the social ladder, it's a part of PC.

Sonata January 29th, 2015 9:36 PM

I'm really still and probably will be for a long while until I actually talk to people and decide to post more interestingly, a 4 and a 7 with the title of a supporter.

Hikamaru January 29th, 2015 9:57 PM

I can understand how some feel towards this "social ladder". When I started out here in 2011, I was a terrible person and often did bad things and felt like I needed to change my reputation. Then come 2012, I was given a Community Supporter title as a birthday gift, because the person who gave it said I "deserved it" and I think it was from there that I realized my mistakes and how it led to becoming what I am today.

And then again, there have been some members who got popular quick, like what Harley summed up.

As for where I stand on the social ladder, I think I was a #4 when I started because I was actually a fast poster even when I was new, and I ended up climbing to #3 after I got my supportership. These days I stand at #2 given I am friends with most of the staff and interact with a lot of staff on a personal basis, but I also regularly interact with fellow non-staffers as well for the sake of balance. In fact, some members think that I could one day be on the way to staff myself given the activity and image I've been having on the forums at this rate, but I still take it as a joke at the moment.

Candy January 29th, 2015 10:01 PM

Honestly, while PC does seem to have some hierarchy (like how Nolafus elaborately pointed out at his first post), I'd like to object on the whole "users who have been around for a while" being famous. Pretty sure that there's a lot of users out there that's been on frequently but not really what you could call, "PC famous".

Like really, see my join date? Yeah, I'm not close with any of the staff at all. Maybe a couple of you would object but that's the truth haha.

I recall mentioning on a thread quite a long time ago regarding on how I don't want to become staff just to get the elusive "PC famous" title (or did I say the opposite?). That's basically how I view PC's social ladder. Everyone worships the staff. A user leaves staff? Boom! Not important anymore. And if said user is inactive, not "PC famous" anymore.

EDIT:
Also, if anyone asks, I'll consider myself as a #8 "Lurker of many, poster of none", which is probably 80% of PC's population as well. Unless if anyone considers me to be a #4... can I object to that? :/

Spiff January 29th, 2015 10:26 PM

Oh yeah I'm a newb okay gimme a break okay jesus.

Alexander Nicholi January 29th, 2015 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer99 (Post 8599649)
I have to say that I'm a #4. It's not that bad, But it's how thing works. I'm the kind of person who likes to be noticed.

Wait for Steve to get on, you’re about to become one with the clique


OP, I’ll be honest and say I know where you’re coming from. From a lot of angles that sort of thing is easily visible, although it’s not so cut-and-dry. As an outsider it can look and appear that way and in a lot of ways what you see as someone not part of it is true… but it’s not the only truth. It’s a big friend circle and to anyone outside it it may seem impenetrable, but it is. Just play along. ;)

Things can get really chummy and whatnot around PC, but most everyone here does it in honest fun. That sort of thing isn’t some people’s bag though, and can be a turn-off. Do what you will, try to enjoy yourself. That’s all I can say.

luo xiang January 29th, 2015 11:00 PM

Lol im new, but im not sure what i classify as. Ussualy i have a small group of friends that chat via pm by now. Not yet though...

Sir Codin January 29th, 2015 11:17 PM

I'm a 3.

Been that way for....god, I forgot how long.

morrison January 30th, 2015 1:21 AM

You are a teenager right?
Let me tell you something. Once you grow up to your twenties popularity aint that important. Just be yourself. If you are a new poster, hey nobody knows you don;t assume them to jump on you I hope you dont expect that in RL either.

Skip Class January 30th, 2015 1:40 AM

I'm a combination of 2-3-4.
Hitting the 7 year mark later this year I'm counted as a PC Veteran, but that doesn't mean I'm close with any of the staff or anything. They're all nice people to talk to, but it's not like I talk to them on a regular basis out of forum posts and threads.I'm a supporter but I guess I also count as a Well-Traveled Member. Despite me sticking to the Anime/Manga and art/design sections most of the time, I post in multiple places.

Just because I have been a while, doesn't mean I am anywhere near popular. There are members here who have been here for around a year or 2, maybe less who are definitely more well known than I am.

As to the OP, Nolafus pretty much covered it, but don't expect to hit 7 when you've only just started here. You're a new member, but that doesn't mean you are going to instantly become an outcast. Time is important, but so is networking, talking and meeting new people. Make the effort and do what you can do, post, reply and interact with other people.

Personally I feel like PC is a lot different than other forums I've been on (and I've been on A LOT of forums). The atmosphere and the people are incredibly nice and welcoming especially to newcomers. You've just got to go with the flow and start conversing and posting more.

Megan January 30th, 2015 3:23 AM

Popularity is war and your posts are your weapons. Use them wisely and you'll soon climb the top of the world that is PC.

Also don't believe me, I'm a 7. :P

morrison January 30th, 2015 5:05 AM

By the way I am #6 see my join date ? /i come up and down with new games or not ;)

Poki January 30th, 2015 8:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nolafus (Post 8599624)
snip

Wait... Harsh? lelwat
I'm an outcast, both on here and irl (surprise surprise), but it was my own choice.

Dude, I don't give a fuck about popularity. It doesn't define who you are.

Gardevoir the Dragon Slayer January 30th, 2015 9:43 AM

I don't get why PC gets so much hate for its "social ladder". PC is pretty chilled compared to some forums, Mods act just like normal members, Ive seen forums where mods are unknown using a user account just for modding and another account for normal postings.
Also nothing is worse than people brown nosing Mods and the elite cliques that sometimes pop up, which does not happen on here (or least not from what I have seen).
All in all its quite a nice happy community on here, or at least thats what I feel.

as for the number thing no idea which number I would be.

Nolafus January 30th, 2015 9:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poki (Post 8600228)
Wait... Harsh? lelwat

Well, it's not exactly worded nicely, and you know how some people get offended by everything, so I was playing it safe. I actually went back through and edited some parts out before posting it, so I was still thinking of that.

I also think that PC's social ladder is more forgiving than other forums, but that doesn't mean I have to like it, haha.

Poki January 30th, 2015 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nolafus (Post 8600279)
Well, it's not exactly worded nicely, and you know how some people get offended by everything, so I was playing it safe. I actually went back through and edited some parts out before posting it, so I was still thinking of that.

I also think that PC's social ladder is more forgiving than other forums, but that doesn't mean I have to like it, haha.

Yeah, I get what you're trying to say, hence why I always carry this with me:
http://i59.*.com/2lutiiw.jpg

El Héroe Oscuro January 30th, 2015 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonata (Post 8599686)
I'm really still and probably will be for a long while until I actually talk to people and decide to post more interestingly, a 4 and a 7 with the title of a supporter.

You're not an outcast. At least in my book your not, you're a good friend of mine. Quality is better than quantity of friends, and trust me, you're not an outcast; you're a great contribution to the forums. Have more confidence, bud.

Cherrim January 30th, 2015 10:33 AM

There's absolutely cliques and popularity and all that stuff on forums, but the kind of popularity you can find online or on forums is different from the kind of popularity in schools and work and stuff like that. It's easier to get noticed, to be heard, and to have your opinion matter in the discussion even if you aren't popular... because especially in a lot of discussion-based areas of the forum (rather than idle chit-chat), people are looking for quality posters to talk to and if the discussion is good, I know for me it's never mattered who's on the other end. Whether they're someone super popular or someone with 10 posts, I treat them more or less the same.

I've been here for 12ish years now and now I'm mostly inactive, so a lot of the members who are super popular right now, I look at them and go "who the heck are you!?" I didn't watch 'em climb the social ladder and to me they're no different from someone who joined last week. In my day, I had a few years where I was really popular (mostly because of my staff rank but I like to think some of it was because of who I am too... don't crush my dreams orz), but now I bet most people have no clue who I am. The only people I notice treating me differently (actually striking up conversation outside of a thread discussion, or striking up conversation tangents in a thread) are people I've known for a long time.

If you put in the effort to be nice and get along with people and don't disappear all the time, I think PC is pretty good about rewarding you with "social rank" so to speak.

Nihilego January 30th, 2015 10:55 AM

I'd not really say that time brings popularity. It definitely doesn't with some of our more... notorious members. There's correlation, sure, but not causation. This makes more sense if you look at it the other way around - it's not really a surprise that those who make more friends stay around longer. Anyone could tell you that the people who enjoy being part of this community most are generally the most sociable. What else is a community for?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nolafus (Post 8599624)
1) Staff - Ah, the cream of the crop. As staff, I feel almost worshiped by some members. I know I am accepted everywhere I go, and there's almost nothing I can't get away with. I know there are hundreds of members who would kill to be in my spot right now. I am envied for my popularity and power, and there's nothing I can do about it. If one of us were to leave, it's forum-wide news.

2) PC Veterans - These members aren't staff, but they're good friends with some staff members, and can therefore get away with more stuff, and they are instantly more popular. Just by being associated with staff, these members find themselves able to go anywhere and be generally well-liked. If they were to leave, expect lots of VMs and worrisome messages.

I am deeply concerned that you, as a staff member, believe these statements. Especially the ones about being above the rules.

Kura January 30th, 2015 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlasmaGruntMagus (Post 8599607)
Is that wether anybody wants to admit it or not, popularity exists.
User who has been around for a while = Everybody loves them
New user = Everybody ignores them, and nobody bothers to get to know them better because everyone else is too busy talking with the popular users, thus meaning all of their threads die out.

Hmm I disagree.. I've been here for ages and I don't get swarms of people wanting to reply to my posts.
But I do agree that there can be like a childish sorta popularity thing that goes around here. I really don't get why people do it. The people who get in those positions though.. boy do they ever let it get to their heads. Hot damn..

I've learned you can make some really genuine friends from this forum. And it's also a place you can pour your heart out in. People will still judge you, but not in a way that is intended to hurt you- but in a way that simply conflicts with their own personal points of view that they will just like to point out (which is fair enough IMO.)

Forums taught me there are many different sorts of people out there in the world..

maccrash January 30th, 2015 12:00 PM

every forum is definitely staff-centric to an extent and there are absolutely members here and elsewhere that get off on being noticed by staff and getting modded and whatnot, but it's kind of the exception, not the rule. it's really hard to establish an actual social hierarchy on a forum like this because there are so many different cliques and so many different kinds of people that it'd be really hard to have an actual group that's respected by everyone and never catches any flak for anything. like, I'll be honest, there are probably some staff that I wouldn't get along with, so their being staff means nothing to me in the long run with regards to getting to know them. it's just a fancy color or title, it means nothing.

also, I don't believe that being friends with staff automatically makes you more popular. like if you're a really annoying person but you happen to be friends with an admin, it's not gonna make people automatically like you more and I think that's a silly preconception people have. uhh, this post is probably really disjointed. Sorry!


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