I was thinking; (dangerous I know), we seem to be getting some youngsters on here more and more. I for one really enjoy their postings and would like to see more of them participate. I wonder if we had a thread only for them if they would use it? Whether or not adults could post in that thread should be decided by the youngsters themselves. I think it would encourage community participation as well as communication skills. They might also learn something along the way. We might also learn something from them. How about it? ;) ;)
I just raised my hand in agreement, but don't they all text each other instead?
they may text and may not, but if they do, they need to do it phone to phone and not through this forum. Just one persons opinon, however.
Need to get them off of the texting and posting on the forum... not only will it save on their phone bill but should improve on their english/reading/typing skills as well (unlike texting). :laugh:
What's the age range for "youngsters"?
Thank you, I had posted a comment on another thread glad we all agree on texting.
Army Mom
They must be under the age of 18.
What's the age range for "youngsters"?
[/quote]
glad the age "youngster" was clarified cause to some people I'm a youngster. ;D
Flo, I'm not gonna say a word!
If you consider mental age, most of us are youngsters.
Okay..I will tell you what I have ( in the past 2 months in personal comments)
I have received exactly 14 personal messages ( some more than once) from different people. I have also heard in conversations from a few others about this issue. None of these people were too happy that "teenagers were using the forum".
The general census is that the adults in this forum find that the few younger teenagers are using this as a "chat room".. I was told that there is msm and several other chat areas where kids get together and text and chat etc.. They are all of the same age and have most everything in common with each other. They think that they should use those sources for their get togethers..
I have had 2 members flat out say in different ways..that if the "children "continue to disrespectfully interrupt the adult conversations with their bad grammar and bad spelling and sassy attitudes.. that they will not be posting anymore.
I have had more than a few who thinks that there should be an age limit for being a member in this forum.
But as far as THAT request, I can not do that. and I won't do that. We have had some 'kids' post in here that have given some good information and have added some good thoughts to others posts. So age isn't a factor.
I have responded to these people in the only way I can as moderator and owner.
I can not disallow anyone into this website or bar anyone from using the forum.. unless they are foul mouthed or are causing a continuous disruption.
Which no one is doing. (Weeeeell :-\ I cause a disruption .. but... I can't ban myself.. ** ;D ~~who would do all the updates and behind the scenes work? ~~ ha ha ha )
Seriously................................ for those who choose to leave the forum (for whatever reasons).. and those that choose to stay and use the forum ( for whatever reasons) ..the choice is up to you. No matter my personal opinion.. or my viewpoint in this area... there will not be any intervention with keeping anyone out. This is a free forum..and everyone is welcome to use it, as long as they use it for what it is..
It is a forum for conversations about Local and National issues and happenings and news. It is not a Text Room.. Please leave the texting for your phone conversations.
I will be more than happy to listen to all the comments and suggestions.
What will be done about, I can't say.. it will be decided on later.
Thanks..
Teresa
Good for you, Teresa.......If you start to censor where will that lead to.
The kids will be going to school soon and did you ever think that when the kids are on here with us, they were NOT out somewhere raising HECK.
I sometimes get Texting attitude, but that is an old lady who still can't get around English and the computer so I have no cause to gripe......IN fact I figure I will learn along with the others.
and, if you don't want to read texting, DONT.......no one says you have to.......that is why we all choose the different threads that we prefer....and that is the way it goes.....
Hang in there and this too shall pass...........next week there will be something else to nit-pic about.
Let Go and Let God!!!
guess I don't read enough but I haven't seen anything I couldn't figure out what it said?! Lol, but I have a teenager so maybe I have an advantage :P How are kids supposed to learn anything if they don't listen to us ol farts spout off? LOL
Quote from: Teresa on August 18, 2008, 02:10:45 PM
Okay..I will tell you what I have ( in the past 2 months in personal comments)
Seriously................................ for those who choose to leave the forum (for whatever reasons).. and those that choose to stay and use the forum ( for whatever reasons) ..the choice is up to you. No matter my personal opinion.. or my viewpoint in this area... there will not be any intervention with keeping anyone out. This is a free forum..and everyone is welcome to use it, as long as they use it for what it is..
It is a forum for conversations about Local and National issues and happenings and news. It is not a Text Room.. Please leave the texting for your phone conversations.
Thanks..
Teresa
and that's as it should be in my humble opinion
Well, I WAS deep in thought about this thread and was almost done typing when I lost electricity. Thank you Westar!!! But now it's back on and I'm going to try and re-type everything I had before.
I text. And I will be 22 on Saturday. I do spell out all words and try not to shorten anything. I want the person on the receiving end to make sense of what they're reading. I am a firm believer in correct grammar and spelling. If you can't say it right, don't open your mouth! However, I'm not about to tell anyone how to talk, or what to type. I think that "banning" the pre-teens from the forum would be a huge mistake. Heather has kept us up to date on many things, from mud runs, to the pool, to school beginning. I would not have known a thing about the Junior High needing a cheerleading sponsor if she wasn't able to post.
If I see someone is posting "jargon" that I can't understand, I go on. I don't rant about it. And if you're upset about the spelling and grammar....Re-read the subject line of this thread. "Youngsters" is misspelled as 'younsters'.
I think a seperate thread would be a wonderful idea, however, I am against banning anyone with good intentions.
I know of only one or two forum members on here that are under 18. If there are more then that means they are posting in a manner that does not reveal their age. While I have only been posting a couple months I have visited this forum over the last two years. I am shocked that anyone has found youngsters to be a disruption of the forum. I like the idea of having an area for the youngsters on this forum just for them. With parental supervision I see no reason why they can't participate in any part of the forum that the family deems ok I see this as very PG rated. I am just totally caught of guard and shocked that anyone finds youngsters to be a problem on this forum.
David
p.s. While Devynn is not a youngster she is younger than most of us and I think her post is a great reason why we should allow "youngsters" also Heather is an asset as well.
You are so right! I just now saw my typo and intend to change it if I can. This thread in no way was intended as a gripe against the kids joining in. I have really enjoyed Heather and suspect we have a couple of others beginning to post. I thought it a neat thing to have their own thread, and if they wish to text message so be it. If they want to use it as a chat room, than's okay too. The adults use it that way too. I get to typing and thinking at the same time and sometimes when I go back and read I wonder what it was that I typed. And sometimes I forget to go back and read! LOL!
I text too.( takes me forever..but I get it done) . but like the "older ones" I type all the whole word and when I use the letter U for You.. I feel like I have really done something. ::)
I will see if I can find the time to add a board ( a thread is only one place in the coffee shop) but a board is a whole room....for the younger ones to get together and hang out..
If they use it fine.. if they don't fine.. 8) But they will have a place to call their own without us old grumps to contend with.
but it isn't a typo - I checked - the original title is spelled right. So what happened?
Quote from: Teresa on August 18, 2008, 03:09:35 PM
8) But they will have a place to call their own without us old grumps to contend with.
>:( >:( >:( who you callin an old grump?
I didn't mean to sound so crabby. :-[ I've been in a terrible mood ever since talking to what seems like every car salesman in the Wichita vicinity. Everyone is trying to sell me what I don't want! I don't want a car, I don't want a van! Give me a pickup for crying out loud!
So I apologize if I came across that way to anyone.
You didn't Devyn....
I didn't mean anything by it all.. only that most of us over a certain age kinda get set in our ways..and we tend to be a bit grumpy about things.. ;D
But its grumpy in a nice old kind of way..( I think) :-\
Devynn as usual you come across as a mature young woman with wisdom above your years. You have nothing to apologize for
Ha! Flo, I fixed the title! And Devyn you aren't grumpy, just carred out! LOL! Thanks Teresa for the new kids' room. I think they just might enjoy it, and what safer place to be with all us old youngsters to supervise. We can name Diane as the nibs for spelling, Wilma for puncuation and my self for queen of typos (I already am that!) BFFs for all!!! :D :D :D
Quote from: Teresa on August 18, 2008, 03:09:35 PM... 8) But they will have a place to call their own without us old grumps to contend with.
Quote from: flo on August 18, 2008, 03:13:29 PM
>:( >:( >:( who you callin an old grump?
I am an old grump! But I have been since I was a teen, so folks just have to deal with it.
I think it's okay for us to NOT like texting abbreviations, and okay to
talk about not liking texting. But it's not reasonable to talk about banning texting or people who use it. We have to save those kind of rules to ban lawyers and bankers. JUST KIDDING!!!
I think it's okay for people to text and to talk on the forum in text language ~ as long as they don't expect me to understand it. And I stick to my recommendation that they be required to translate when asked :-* Of course, I can look them up on GOOGLE if they bug me too much. I text Clay a lot when he's at work, so that he doesn't get interrupted while on the clock and can message me back when he's on break. I spell everything out and use punctuation, even on contractions. He gives me no end of grief over it too ::) and usually answers me "K" or "Yep"
Hey! You guys keep putting up Latin and French words, and I don't know those languages either! Except I think that "fromage" means cheese in French (Chris' High School Language class) and 'queso' means cheese in Spanish (Clay's High School Language class). Our family reallly likes cheese ;D
Younger posters here on the forum might like a separate thread, but I don't really see the need. I have lurked for a long time before ever posting here and I have not observed anything objectionable. Maybe annoying, but lets not kid ourselves, we all have the capacity to be annoying. Most of the time we don't even know we are being annoying, we just are. (Myself included!)
I finally tracked down the objectionable TEXTING post, and really people, big deal. All I saw was one friend teasing another in a way they both can relate to. Even though we all enjoy reading the posts, they are not all directed to everyone. There was no harm done that I can see. If you don't understand, just ask what they meant by that.
Why didn't a friendly forum regular let the person know in a kind and welcoming way that the texting -type of posting was annoying and hard to understand and maybe shouldn't be used in this type of forum? Especially as this person appears to be a newbie on this forum.
I like the idea of young adults posting with everyone else because I see you all as good examples of internet etiquette and fine friends and neighbors. Youngsters can learn a lot here, in a safe forum. I'm glad they prefer this forum over some of the trash they can get into on the dangerous internet.
It is done.. A new board is made..and the teens can post anywhere in the forum... they are welcome to roam and join in anywhere that they want to... but this gives them a "get away" place to get together with friends and talk about "stuff" ( that is interesting to them) if they want to.
Like I said... if they use it fine.. if they don't that is fine too.
We all have our favorite boards that we frequent.. This just gives them a a favorite if they choose to use it. :)
Good for you Teresa. Now everyone and Heather let the youngsters know they have a board.
David
Wow! I am impressed! :D :D
Since I think the Chat Shack should be for the younger generation I will post this here. Just a few guidelines that might be helpful for everyone to remember about the internet.
Educate Your Parents
Your parents spent more than a decade educating you and teaching you about things they know. Now it's your turn. Regardless of whether your parents are Internet novices or technology gurus, there are probably things you know about the Internet that they don't. This is a great opportunity for you to show them what you do online and, perhaps, help them get more out of the Internet themselves. Hey, it could be the start of a whole new relationship.
Basic Rules of Online Safety for Teens
The most important thing to remember is that when you're online in any kind of a public forum, you're out in public and anyone can read whatever you post. You should never post anything on the Internet that you wouldn't want known to the public at large. You should also remember that people you meet in cyberspace might not be who they seem to be. If you're in any type of public forum, avoid giving out your full name, your mailing address, your telephone number, the name of your school, or any other information that could help someone determine your actual identity. The same applies to your family and friends. Never reveal anything about other people that could possibly get them into trouble. The biggest danger to your safety is if you get together with someone you "meet" online. Remember, you never know for certain if people you meet online are who they say they are. If you do feel it's appropriate
Keep Your Identity Private
If you're in any type of public forum, avoid giving out your full name, your mailing address, your telephone number, the name of your school, or any other information that could help someone determine your actual identity. The same applies to your family and friends. Never reveal anything about other people that could possibly get them into trouble.
Never Get Together with Someone You "Meet" Online
The biggest danger to your safety is if you get together with someone you "meet" online. Remember, you never know for certain if people you meet online are who they say they are. If you do feel it's appropriate to meet with someone, discuss it with your parents and never go to the meeting by yourself. Arrange to meet in a public place like a coffee shop or mall that you, not just the other person, are familiar and comfortable with, and never go alone. The safest procedure is to have your parents talk with the parents of the other person and for both of you to bring your parents along on the first meeting.
Never Respond To E-Mail, Chat Comments, Instant Messages Or Other Messages That Are Hostile, Belligerent, Inappropriate Or In Any Way Make You Feel Uncomfortable
It isn't your fault if you get a message that is mean or in any way makes you feel uncomfortable. If you get such a message, don't respond. Instead, show it to your parents or a trusted adult to see if there is anything you can do to make it stop. Sending a response just encourages the person.
Talk with your Parents About Their Expectations and Ground Rules for Going Online
It's important that you and your parents are on the same "channel" when it comes to your online activities. This includes when you can go online, how long you can stay online, and what activities you can do online. Communicating with your parents doesn't mean that you have to give up your privacy. It just means that you come to an agreement based on mutual trust and understanding. While you're at it, perhaps you can help your parents better understand the Internet, what it can be used for, and how it is helpful for teens.
Guidelines for Parents
Talk with your Teens About What They Can and Cannot Do Online
Be reasonable and set reasonable expectations. Try to understand their needs, interests, and curiosity. Remember what it was like when you were their age.
Be Open with Your Teens and Encourage Them to Come to You if They Encounter a Problem Online
If they tell you about someone or something they encountered, your first response should not be to blame them or take away their Internet privileges. Work with them to help avoid problems in the future, and remember – you respond will determine whether they confide you the next time they encounter a problem and they learn to deal with problems on their own.
Learn Everything You Can About the Internet
Ask your teens to show you what's cool. Have them show you great places for teens and fill you in on areas that you might benefit from as well. Make "surfing the net" a family experience. Use it to plan a vacation, pick out a movie, or check out other family activities. Make this one area where you get to be the student and your child gets to be the teacher.
Quote from: Teresa on August 18, 2008, 02:10:45 PMI have had 2 members flat out say in different ways..that if the "children "continue to disrespectfully interrupt the adult conversations with their bad grammar and bad spelling and sassy attitudes.. that they will not be posting anymore.
I'm sorry... but that's the exact opposite of what a person needs to do. If someone comes in and does that, instead of leaving you need to politely correct them, kind of hint at what's expected on a forum (good english, etc.), and just simply teach them how they should act in those kinds of situations. If they aren't taught they won't learn and leaving won't teach them anything. I actually am a moderator on one of the largest Nissan forums online and have to do that all of the time. I don't "flame" them, don't put them down, I just calmly explain what is expected of them and try to teach them some decent forum (and life) etiquette. If they don't get the picture after a period of time... then you bash them and ban them. :laugh:
Quote from: Devyn-Leann on August 18, 2008, 02:50:56 PMI text. And I will be 22 on Saturday. I do spell out all words and try not to shorten anything.
Same here. I can't stand not typing words out fully... it looks too "thug" to me otherwise. :laugh:
Quote from: Devyn-Leann on August 18, 2008, 03:16:07 PMI've been in a terrible mood ever since talking to what seems like every car salesman in the Wichita vicinity. Everyone is trying to sell me what I don't want! I don't want a car, I don't want a van! Give me a pickup for crying out loud!
I recommending staying far away from Davis-Moore. Turns out they kind of screwed me on my recent vehicle purchase and I didn't realize it till now. Its mostly my fault as I didn't go over the contract very well at all but that's mostly because of this nasty habit I have in putting too much trust in people. If you do happen to go with them
(really anyone for that matter) go over the contract with a magnifying glass, or even better a microscope, and be sure to read everything word for word. They'll try screwing you anywhere they can. :(
I happen to be a very good at spelling, grammar, and writing. I also, know the difference between what shows up in this forum. Some of it is fast typing, posting incomplete thoughts, bad spelling, bad grammar, lazy, etc. While I have a casual attitude to how things are posted on the forum I notice that some of the people that complain about some of these mistakes need to examine their posted ideas. While I may not always speak or spell good I know how to do it well.
David
Hey, I probly drive y'all crazy with my writin :P i can speak the kings english perfectly well and know how to spell pretty well, but I have a relaxed manner of speaking and an accent some people say so I have a tendency to write like I talk which ain't exactly prim and proper LOL ;D
Pam, I always know exactly what you're talking about in your posts! I don't care if they're prim and proper. I'm not great with words. I'm not a big talker and it's hard for me to type my thoughts down in a way that others can understand them.
As for the car sales, I didn't ever even call Davis-Moore. I finally called a friend over at Augusta that I went to school with and she has exactly what I'm looking for. I really truly believe that above the "sign here" line on our mortgage agreement it says in very tiny not even readable words....."You are really going to get screwed."
The forum is a casual conversation. If your post can be understood you have done your job. If you can't understand a post ask for clarification. I don't think it would hurt a lot of us to spell better, use proper grammar; and learn a little lingo, pop culture from some of the "youngsters" on the forum.
David
David, thank you for posting the caveats for teens and their parents. I have been thinking about this thread all evening and am happy that I am not alone. Perhaps you could post this on the new teen site?
SDM the caveats I posted are important. I posted them here instead of the teen chat area because I think adults need to know them more than kids. Also, I am a big believer that they(teens, kids, youngsters)need a place where they can call their own and we stay out of, but can monitor to make sure everything is ok. I am more sure that the myspace kids are more privacy safe than people closer to my age. I hope that everyone reads my short rules both young and old.
David
dn my computer sits smack dab in the middle of the living room and my daughter has been taught that if you don't want anybody to know what you are doin or to know what somebody is sayin then it probly ain't somthin you should be doin. There have been a couple instances where people got inappropriate with her, all she had to do was say hey my moms right here and that was over in a hurry! There have been several people arrested in this neck of the woods for trying to meet underage kids, it kinda freaks you out.
If I had a kid and someone tried doing that, they would have more to fear than being arrested. :angel:
Mtcookson, from your posts on other subjects I know you are a smart, worldwise person. The point is if you don't set up rules and safety procedures which is common; by the time you know about the damage it is after the fact. I agree with you what would happen when I\you found out. Hopefully my few points will keep you and me from doing what we would do after the tragedy.
David
I'd definitely be strict about the computer and have strict rules on it... but there's always that small possibility something could slip up. Luckily I'm rather good with computers so even if they tried to hide something from me, it won't stay hidden. I'll definitely be sure not to teach them my hiding tricks until they're like... 40. :laugh:
Well, this old kitty just posted a shout-out to all my kittens on the new board...and David, I really think you need to post those admonitions on the board, too...Those kiddos are responsible enough to read them for themselves...and it would be in a convenient place for them to refer to in the future.
Mtcookson, I know what you mean. I happened to be born in the early 60's and studied computers since high school in the 70's. I even did some hacking in my day never doing any harm, but could if I wanted to.. I would never teach the bad things but with what I know I am maybe over vigilant when it comes to kids and novices on the Internet.
David
Quote from: Catwoman on August 18, 2008, 07:58:53 PM
Well, this old kitty just posted a shout-out to all my kittens on the new board...and David, I really think you need to post those admonitions on the board, too...Those kiddos are responsible enough to read them for themselves...and it would be in a convenient place for them to refer to in the future.
Catwoman, without the parents my post is so much less effective. If one of the smart responsible youth posted that info that would be great. I have more confidence in the youth knowing the safety rules than the Adults.
David