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Wouldn't the forum be more useful....

Reluctant_Sir ๐Ÿšซ

If every thread in the forum didn't eventually turn into an off-topic shit show?

I ask because I find I dislike coming in a checking for new posts only to find out every active thread is active only because someone with a pet peeve, or a self-styled wit, has pushed the thread off topic and kept it alive past its natural expiration.

Would it be allowed to start a chat thread where anything goes? Perhaps a weekly one that can be closed before it gets too long and folks who want to just talk can do so to their hearts' content?

Replies:   Keet  Switch Blayde  Pixy  REP  joyR  red61544
Keet ๐Ÿšซ

@Reluctant_Sir

Would it be allowed to start a chat thread where anything goes?

That would be too close to starting a social media site, something we definitely don't want to happen to SOL. I find some thread drifts quite amusing, others I ignore. Of course there are always exceptions, like the current thread drift about the corona virus. Although off-topic for a story site it's an important topic for SOL because of the relatively high ages of both readers and authors. That one should maybe have it's own topic. As long as posts remain civil I don't see that there's a problem with off topic posts.

Replies:   awnlee jawking  Remus2
awnlee jawking ๐Ÿšซ

@Keet

thread drifts

I think that's the salient point.

Nobody starts a thread with absolute confidence where it will end up. And generally nobody would start a thread from that endpoint. So a deliberate chat thread would be received about as well as Richard Shagrin's puns thread.

AJ

Remus2 ๐Ÿšซ

@Keet

Threads here don't take long to drift extensively. However, you do bring up a valid point regarding coronavirus.

Just today I found a report from the CDC stating it remained on surfaces for 17 days in the cruise ship cabins that housed infected people.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/pdfs/mm6912e3-H.pdf
(Page four, last paragraph in the middle)

I also take RS's point as well. It would be a lot cleaner to have a specific area for such post. There are problems with either or imo.

Replies:   Keet  sejintenej  Vincent Berg
Keet ๐Ÿšซ

@Remus2

I also take RS's point as well. It would be a lot cleaner to have a specific area for such post.

The ultimate place for thread drifts :D

Replies:   Dominions Son
Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ

@Keet

The ultimate place for thread drifts :D

You call that a thread drift? This is a thread drift.

Replies:   Remus2
Remus2 ๐Ÿšซ

@Dominions Son

Drift pin comes out at 01m:05s first use at 01m:20s.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SSYJrXbxjuA

That's actual thread drifting.

sejintenej ๐Ÿšซ

@Remus2

That report actually says that the virus' DNA was found 17 days after the passengers left. I'm not up on such things but just as a human has DNA whether dead or alive I do not know if the DNA found was still capable of causing illness.
I am in trouble elsewhere for referring to that when the talk is of up to two days danger.

Replies:   Remus2
Remus2 ๐Ÿšซ

@sejintenej

Copy paste from the linked report.

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was identified on a variety of surfaces in cabins of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers up to 17 days after cabins were vacated on the Diamond Princess but before disinfection procedures had been conducted (Takuya Yamagishi, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, personal communication, 2020).

Here is what I said:

Just today I found a report from the CDC stating it remained on surfaces for 17 days in the cruise ship cabins that housed infected people.

If you reported it elsewhere as stated, how are you in trouble?

Replies:   Dominions Son
Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ

@Remus2

Here is what I said:

Just today I found a report from the CDC stating it remained on surfaces for 17 days in the cruise ship cabins that housed infected people.

If you reported it elsewhere as stated, how are you in trouble?

Well, for one thing, what you said actually gives the
impression that they found live virus on surfaces after 17 days.

The quoted section from the linked report says something very different.

Replies:   Remus2  Ernest Bywater
Remus2 ๐Ÿšซ

@Dominions Son

Copy paste where I said anything like that? They were able to find it on surfaces 17 days later.

Replies:   Dominions Son
Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ

@Remus2

They were able to find it on surfaces 17 days later.

No, they found virus RNA on surfaces 17 days later. That could just mean broken down dead virus.

Replies:   StarFleet Carl  Remus2
StarFleet Carl ๐Ÿšซ

@Dominions Son

they found virus RNA on surfaces 17 days later.

It's an RNA virus, not a DNA virus. That means the viruses they found were still 'live'.

Replies:   Dominions Son
Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ

@StarFleet Carl

That means the viruses they found were still 'live'.

No it doesn't. The virus shell that contains the RNA could have broken down. The RNA without the shell is not infectious.

Remus2 ๐Ÿšซ
Updated:

@Dominions Son

No, they found virus RNA on surfaces 17 days later. That could just mean broken down dead virus.

I said it was found on the surfaces. That is also what the report stated. The report did not state it was alive or dead leaving that point ambiguous. I did not specify either. You have yet to show where I did, and cannot show it as it never happened.

However;

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/23/cdc-coronavirus-survived-in-princess-cruise-cabins-up-to-17-days-after-passengers-left.html

https://www.ibtimes.com/coronavirus-survives-surface-17-days-cdc-study-covid-19-cruise-ship-reveals-2945321

https://nypost.com/2020/03/24/coronavirus-found-on-diamond-princess-surfaces-17-days-later/

https://www.foxnews.com/science/coronavirus-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-up-to-17-days-cdc

A cross section of liberal to conservative media reports that came out after the CDC report, all report it as live. Not dead.

So once again, where did I state anything different before now, or were you just taking cheap shots to stir the shit?

Replies:   Dinsdale
Dinsdale ๐Ÿšซ

@Remus2

I read about that case in passing and it was supposed to have been non-viable RNA fragments.
Looking at your first link:

Correction: This story was updated to reflect that SARS-CoV-2 RNA, not live virus, was identified on surfaces in cruise ship cabins up to 17 days after cabins were vacated on the Diamond Princess.

The second link does not say anything about the "viability" of the RNA, what it does say is:

On copper, no viable SARS-CoV-2 was measured after four hours. On cardboard, no viable SARS-CoV-2 was measured after 24 hours.

(I read elsewhere that the figure for plastic and steel is 72 hours).

I did not bother with the NY Post because I don't see it as a reliable source of information for anything I care about.

The last link says:

A Princess Cruises spokesperson told Fox News late Tuesday that what was detected on the surfaces of the rooms was SARS-CoV-2 RNA* and "not [the] live virus."

The discovery of the viruses ribonucleic acid can indicate the virus "was present" but does not indicate it is still alive.

"These findings were expected because Princess Cruises voluntarily preserved these staterooms for this testing," the spokesperson stated, adding that the findings "do not indicate that transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, was transmitted via these surfaces."

Replies:   Remus2
Remus2 ๐Ÿšซ
Updated:

@Dinsdale

A reminder, I never stated it was living or non living. Later reports read like living, but they are not the CDC or WHO. The latter two are the only ones I'm paying attention to. At this time, various news media sources from conservative to liberal suggest live, but a reporter doesn't know jack shit one way or another.

It's stupid to assume it's nonviable until a recognized source (CDC/WHO) states otherwise.

Replies:   Dinsdale  awnlee jawking
Dinsdale ๐Ÿšซ

@Remus2

It's stupid to assume it's nonviable until a recognized source (CDC/WHO) states otherwise.

I seem to remember you claiming that you don't believe in "experts", and that was in the context of this virus. I have seen an analysis of the findings by three specialists - and I did not examine their credentials but you have claimed not to believe in them anyway - and they backed the interpretation I highlighted above.

Replies:   Remus2
Remus2 ๐Ÿšซ

@Dinsdale

I did claim that, and still do. I do believe in subject matter specialist. Where else are you going to find a group of specialist on the subject at hand?

To define:
Expert implies they are beyond reproach knowing everything. There is no such animal among us. No matter how knowledgeable someone may be, there is always something they won't know.

Specialist implies a focus on a specific subject matter. There are many of those out there. A specialist neither claims to know everything, nor implies it.

Replies:   richardshagrin
richardshagrin ๐Ÿšซ

@Remus2

Expert

Implies they used to be pert but aren't any more.
"
pert
/pษ™rt/
adjective
1.
(of a girl or young woman) attractively lively or cheeky.
"a pert Belgian actress"
2.
(of a bodily feature or garment) attractive because neat and jaunty.
"she had a pert nose and deep blue eyes"
Similar:
jaunty
neat
trim
stylish
smart
spruce
perky
rakish"

Replies:   Vincent Berg
Vincent Berg ๐Ÿšซ

@richardshagrin

Expert

Implies they used to be pert but aren't any more.
2.
(of a bodily feature or garment) attractive because neat and jaunty.

In that case, most every women I knew in my college years and beyond are now all experts, which I have difficulty buying (I've always hated playing with saggy party toys).

P.S. That's a lie. I actually love playing with toys of all sizes, shapes and dispositions. ;)

Replies:   Dominions Son
Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ
Updated:

@Vincent Berg

P.S. That's a lie. I actually love playing with toys of all sizes, shapes and dispositions. ;)

All naked boobs are beautiful regardless of age, size, or condition.

Replies:   awnlee jawking
awnlee jawking ๐Ÿšซ

@Dominions Son

All naked boobs are beautiful regardless of age, size, or condition.

Even Tony Blair's?

AJ

Replies:   Dominions Son
Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ

@awnlee jawking

I said boobs, not moobs. :)

awnlee jawking ๐Ÿšซ

@Remus2

It's stupid to assume it's nonviable until a recognized source (CDC/WHO) states otherwise.

I'm glad you said 'recognized' rather than competent. I don't know about the CDC, but the politicised WHO famously claimed that correlation proves causality.

AJ

Ernest Bywater ๐Ÿšซ

@Dominions Son

Well, for one thing, what you said actually gives the
impression that they found live virus on surfaces after 17 days.

Would they bother mentioning it unless it was still live?

Replies:   madnige  Dominions Son
madnige ๐Ÿšซ

@Ernest Bywater

Would they bother mentioning it unless it was still live?

Yes, because the main function of most 'news' services today is to sell more advertising, often by sensationalising everything.

Replies:   Keet
Keet ๐Ÿšซ

@madnige

Yes, because the main function of most 'news' services today is to sell more advertising, often by sensationalising everything.

I would pay a substantial fee for a news service that presents unbiased and factual news. I don't think such a service exists, at least I haven't found one.

Switch Blayde ๐Ÿšซ

@Keet

I would pay a substantial fee for a news service that presents unbiased and factual news.

I remember an interview with Ted Turner about CNN (which he created). He said CNN was no longer a news program. It was entertainment or something like that. It was driven by ratings.

My wife listens to NPR. She says it's unbiased news.

Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ

@Switch Blayde

My wife listens to NPR. She says it's unbiased news.

Thanks, I needed a laugh.

richardshagrin ๐Ÿšซ

@Switch Blayde

My wife listens to NPR. She says it's unbiased news

NPR: Not Particularly Relevant

Vincent Berg ๐Ÿšซ

@Switch Blayde

My wife listens to NPR. She says it's unbiased news.

NPR is not so much 'unbiased', as they, like most outlets, cater to the interests of their patrons, as it presents a more-balanced mix of news, some ultra liberal, some reflective conservative views, mixed in with humor and the occasional musical jaunt. It's a nice mix, rather than the ultra-serious CNN and FOX constant gab fests, where no one ever pays attention to anything the other contributors actually say.

Ernest Bywater ๐Ÿšซ

@Keet

I would pay a substantial fee for a news service that presents unbiased and factual news.

Make up your mind, do you want a modern news service or unbiased and factual news - those are at different ends of the spectrum for any media provided service giving out daily events information.

Replies:   Keet
Keet ๐Ÿšซ

@Ernest Bywater

Make up your mind, do you want a modern news service or unbiased and factual news - those are at different ends of the spectrum for any media provided service giving out daily events information.

I didn't mention 'modern', I couldn't care less if they delivered it by pigeon :D
What I do care about, and that I did mention, was 'unbiased and factual'.

Michael Loucks ๐Ÿšซ

@Keet

I would pay a substantial fee for a news service that presents unbiased and factual news. I don't think such a service exists, at least I haven't found one.

I don't think it's even possible. As one of my history professors once said - "If you hear a historian claim he is unbiased, run!"

His point was that everyone has biases, conscious or subconscious, and only by admitting them can you even begin to investigate the facts in a way that is useful.

Replies:   Keet
Keet ๐Ÿšซ

@Michael Loucks

I don't think it's even possible. As one of my history professors once said - "If you hear a historian claim he is unbiased, run!"

True, but there are 'levels' of unbiased, especially if the news items are created/reviewed by a group of reporters. If the goal within a group is to stay unbiased they check each other, if the goal is to sell as much advertisements as possible the checks are something like 'How can we twist it into something really sensational but where don't get caught in a lie... too much'.

PotomacBob ๐Ÿšซ

@Keet

I would pay a substantial fee for a news service that presents unbiased and factual news. I don't think such a service exists, at least I haven't found one.

All you have to read is this SOL forum - where all posts are unbiased and factual.

Replies:   Keet  Dinsdale
Keet ๐Ÿšซ

@PotomacBob

All you have to read is this SOL forum - where all posts are unbiased and factual.

ROFLMAO

Dinsdale ๐Ÿšซ

@PotomacBob

All you have to read is this SOL forum - where all posts are unbiased and factual.

and On Topic.

Replies:   Dominions Son
Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ

@Dinsdale

and On Topic.

Off topic? Us? Shirley you jest. :)

Replies:   Ernest Bywater
Ernest Bywater ๐Ÿšซ

@Dominions Son

Shirley you jest

That's Bo Jest's posh sister.

Replies:   Dominions Son
Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ

@Ernest Bywater

That's Bo Jest's posh sister.

Don't forget their cousin, Diana(Di) Jest. She runs a magazine for readers.

Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ

@Ernest Bywater

Would they bother mentioning it unless it was still live?

Tests for the genetic material that forms the payload of a virus can't determine if it's live or not.

I would have expected very different wording if they had done the kinds of tests that could specifically identify live virus.

Vincent Berg ๐Ÿšซ

@Remus2

I also take RS's point as well. It would be a lot cleaner to have a specific area for such post. There are problems with either or imo.

The key is that each forum post takes on a life of its own, which is not only healthy, but indicates the post triggers associations, generating new ideas. That's not a bad thing.

The problem with starting a generic 'Talk Shit' thread, is that the responses wouldn't be authentic, or even relevant to anything, and thus the responses would tend to be even worse (i.e. why respond if there was no initial idea worth pursuing?).

Rather than completely shutting down a discussion on the off-chance a topic may drift (which usually occurs when authors disagree on a given topic, and verbally beat each other over the head and shoulders), the best option is to do what most of us do. If a topic is of interest, follow it as long as the topic remains engaging. However, once it starts swirling the drain, get out before you get sucked under too! :)

Jack Green ๐Ÿšซ

Most threads seem to run into the buffers after twenty or so posts, and I don't mean the elderly gentlemen who contribute most to the Forum -- or perhaps I do.

Switch Blayde ๐Ÿšซ

@Reluctant_Sir

If every thread in the forum didn't eventually turn into an off-topic shit show?

Not all drift is useless. I've asked several questions, like about shooting a rifle, and the thread drifted to other aspects of my story that were useful to me.

But there are many threads that I don't even bother reading at some point.

Pixy ๐Ÿšซ

@Reluctant_Sir

I take it that you are aware of the irony of starting a topic about thread drift, not expecting it to do just that. It's like a red rag to a bull(Yeah I know the walking steaks are colour blind)to some here... :P:

ystokes ๐Ÿšซ

You can't just expect a group of creative writers to stay on topic. It's just not in their DNA.

Replies:   Reluctant_Sir
Reluctant_Sir ๐Ÿšซ

@ystokes

Sure you can. Each person just says, "I am not going to shit on this thread." and starts their own thread to kibbutz.

Pretty easy, actually. A little self-discipline would go a long way.

Replies:   Wheezer
Wheezer ๐Ÿšซ

@Reluctant_Sir

Each person just says, "I am not going to shit on this thread."

Unfortunately, there are those on SOL forums who make that their reason for existence.

REP ๐Ÿšซ

@Reluctant_Sir

pushed the thread off topic and kept it alive past its natural expiration.

My solution for that is to stop reading the thread.

shaddoth1 ๐Ÿšซ
Updated:

typically after a dozen or so posts, threads go sideways for good or ill.

If you dislike the drift, then just ignore that one in the future.

Take the Crono one, I have no clue what the orignial topic was, yet I still read that one.

the ones that turn into puns or bad whatever the hell they become, I no longer read.

that some continue into the hundreds of posts, well pas the original intent, means that quite a few find it entertaining. they may not be my cup of tea, but the activity on them proves that most enjoy them.

I let them go at it and find other diversions.

Shad

Replies:   Vincent Berg
Vincent Berg ๐Ÿšซ

@shaddoth1

the ones that turn into puns or bad whatever the hell they become, I no longer read.

As one of those who often contributes those, it's important to keep them in context. Those are usually posted as an alternative to the ultra-serious author battles over phrasing that often break out (a thread drift in itself).

In other words, they're ill-begotten and pointless attempts to remind those arguing that no one else cares about their minor tiff!

joyR ๐Ÿšซ

@Reluctant_Sir

If every thread in the forum didn't eventually turn into an off-topic shit show?

Might be easier to go prospecting for unobtanium...

red61544 ๐Ÿšซ

@Reluctant_Sir

Any time that I read a "new" thread about the grave injustice of the scoring system, I try to cause a drift. Some people can't help flailing away at a dead horse in hopes of beating it to death once more.

Replies:   Dominions Son
Dominions Son ๐Ÿšซ

@red61544

You have thread drifted the thread drift thread. Well done sir.

richardshagrin ๐Ÿšซ

Has it drifted so far that For um has become Against um?

madnige ๐Ÿšซ

So much thread drifting here, we need to watch out for Dragonriders.

Replies:   StarFleet Carl
StarFleet Carl ๐Ÿšซ

@madnige

So much thread drifting here, we need to watch out for Dragonriders.

Does that mean they'll Pern it with fire? :)

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