How unreal is this "Bulletin Board World"?? ... or is it close to reality??

There is quite a range of contributors, from across all age ranges and a variety of social backgrounds.

I, personally, would never kid myself that this forum represented "Sheffield". It does, however, produce a lot of valid opinions on most of the local and national concerns.

I do observe some posts on here that include untrue statements and then observe the threads that can follow them like sheep to the slaughter.

I watch the news and the vast amount of "spin" that goes on.

I observe a vast amount of repetition of subject matter (here and elsewhere).

How different (or not) are we?

Well its a good comparrison to what you have stated.
It is a very strong source of local news, opinons and drivell all in one room.

You're not suggesting Sheffield Forum isn't part of the 'Real World', are you? :o :suspect: :)

StarSparkle

To be part of the real world must be terrible. Imagine, Reality. It must be Hellish :hihi:

It's limited to people who have a computer, know about the forum, can be bothered to post and have an opinion. So, not totally real world but I reckon not far off.

Hmmm, it gets a bit messy when it becomes the real world...

Let me see....

Tony Blair has a cabinet who cannot behave themselves...
The general public want to see a change of leadership...

Nothing like real life, this place ;)

I have the feeling that SF does reflect reality. Most forumers have opinions on every conceivable subject, and of those who make light of a serious subject, I put it down to the broad sense of humour which again reflects reality in all forms of life. For verious reasons, some people don’t have computers and therefor don’t know about SF, but my guess is that their opinions coincide with those who do know of SF and contribute to it in a variety of ways e.g. helping people in their distress, trying to answer questions and making friends; albeit from a distance.

How unreal is this "Bulletin Board World"?? ... or is it close to reality??

There is quite a range of contributors, from across all age ranges and a variety of social backgrounds.

I, personally, would never kid myself that this forum represented "Sheffield". It does, however, produce a lot of valid opinions on most of the local and national concerns.

I do observe some posts on here that include untrue statements and then observe the threads that can follow them like sheep to the slaughter.

I watch the news and the vast amount of "spin" that goes on.

I observe a vast amount of repetition of subject matter (here and elsewhere).

How different (or not) are we?

I find SF a very interesting source of views, and valid opinions. However, a valid opinion is not necessarily one that I concur with. For example, I find a lot of posts by Depoix very interesting, as they appear to be made with genuine heartfelt expressions of anger, disbelief and concern. I do not necessarily draw the same conclusions as Depoix on various issues, but I do find many of Depoix's posts make a valid point. As such, I always like to read the views of Depoix.

I myself rarely watch the news, as I have eschewed ownership of a television. I try to read a daily newspaper and listen to the radio for my news. Sometimes, I discover what's in the news by simply looking at the current threads on SF! I think I've only ever started about 4 threads myself on SF, as I tend to be engrossed in reading the numerous topics that interest other SF members. In other words, I'm just plain nosey! :hihi:

If this board in any way reflected the "real" world we would be seeing a lot more lynch mobs roaming the streets with pichforks and torches looking for people to hang for smoking in pubs, wearing a burberry cap, or being an illegal imigrant, judging by the amount of pure hatred thats experessed when any of these groups are mentioned.

If this board in any way reflected the "real" world we would be seeing a lot more lynch mobs roaming the streets with pichforks and torches looking for people to hang for smoking in pubs, wearing a burberry cap, or being an illegal imigrant, judging by the amount of pure hatred thats experessed when any of these groups are mentioned.
but isnt that what the real world is about ? i can take you to places where you will hear folk giving there opinion on all the subjects you mention,and yes they probably will have a roll up sticking out of their mouth,the sun newspaper in their pocket and a pit bull on a lead, an hour later i could take you somewhere else where you will get a very similar opinion,but the person giving it will be sipping a gin and tonic and have the times on the highly polished table in front of them,when people are not happy they will protest,on here and in the real world,they will gather momentum until they feel something has been done to alter the situation,labour is now doing an about face on immigration and the iraqui war,it isnt altering its stance to much,but just enough to let the people know they have been heard

For me, it's interesting to read the things that are said on the SF. I can understand why a lot of people say that the contents do not reflect real life. Maybe on a social basis, during a lot of chit-chats, things are often held back a little bit. Of fear of being too OTT, or inaccurate, or unsure. Or coming across as bullying. It is indeed all these things that make people fight amongst themselves, and mis-interpret each other anyway. (Not that it doesn't happen here.)

My point is that, this forum fo reflect certain opinions and things in real life. Maybe in real life, we don't always get into such depths of conversation. For example, I cannot imagine myself sitting in front of Royjames and have a conversation, say. Yet, I can see some of the things he say, and at which angle he is saying it. I may not agree with it though, but then that's politics, isn't it ? (Or so I come to learn.)

I think the site do reflect the people. This site has a certain 'image', of hard working peopel who do not take any crXp. Whereas I've been on other sites. Some in the US, and I can now see their perception on other issues. We're only the products of our environments. It's just interesting for me to see it so differently, since I've lived in Sheffield for a long time, but never really given thoughts to how the city itself is portrayed or seen ! But I do now.

I didn't know we hate chavs so much, yet on some chavsite, Sheffield is claimed to be one of the biggest chav city there is (!) Things like that intrigues me.

I didn`t realise there was a real world .......... I thought this was it :suspect: :)

I didn`t realise there was a real world .......... I thought this was it :suspect: :)
You damn liar pete! The real world tastes of vodka and you know it! :P

Personally I think this site, whilst having posts from every corner of Sheffield society, doesn't really reflect the opinions of the majority.

Rightly or wrongly we do not have freedom of speech on here and the moderating generally tends to be overly cautious (this isn't a dig at the mods or admin). Thats just my opinion and i'm not even suggesting there should be freedom of speach... its an argument I'm not interested in, I can choose not to read it... it just stops this forum mirroring society.