Is the Kopi-Talk Forum serving a good purpose?

[pegasi]

This got to be one and only watch forum in the world has kopi talk corner, making it Uniquely a watch forum.

I was about to talk about the bigger picture but you touched on that first.

Many regard SG-ROC as the most popular watch forum in SG. Some members, including of course the owners and admin and mods who moderate the forum for free, are proud and passionate about this forum. Just like many members here who are also members/users of some overseas forums, many people outside SG are also watching this forum and, watching us.

Are SG-ROC on par with WUS, TZ, Rolex Forums and the like? What kind of impression or image do people have when they talk about SG-ROC? I shall leave that as an open question.

Kopi-talk is indeed unique. It can be a strength of this forum or a laughing stock, if I may exaggerate a bit.

[TanWL]

I know of a popular forum that have the same thing and they call it The Cafe .

i think its unique, and cozy but than again i think its also a section that the mod team has to pay a little more attention to it.

This got to be one and only watch forum in the world has kopi talk corner, making it Uniquely a watch forum.

[louie]

I was about to talk about the bigger picture but you touched on that first.

Many regard SG-ROC as the most popular watch forum in SG. Some members, including of course the owners and admin and mods who moderate the forum for free, are proud and passionate about this forum. Just like many members here who are also members/users of some overseas forums, many people outside SG are also watching this forum and, watching us.

Are SG-ROC on par with WUS, TZ, Rolex Forums and the like? What kind of impression or image do people have when they talk about SG-ROC? I shall leave that as an open question.

Kopi-talk is indeed unique. It can be a strength of this forum or a laughing stock, if I may exaggerate a bit.

very well described, indeed a very thin line between laughing stock or an uniquely watch forum...

[pegasi]

As long as its not personal insult, defamation, twisted facts etc. Its hard to set rigid rules.

Kopi talk like kopi shop with kakis. Can go from serious to f sky f land f anything under the sun to relieve stress.

Where there is too many shooting down of the thread. Mod can close the thread.

Or like FB style, undesired posts be censored like some big organisation.

Quarrels are like sop drama. As Tbs channels says, characters welcome.

Generally agree with you, except that there are significant differences between a real kopi-shop and the kopi-talk forum.

In a real kopi-shop, one doesn't join the discussion of other tables of people he/she doesn't know, and what one talks is not heard by the whole coffee shop.

In a kopi-talk thread, the TS cannot choose who he would like to have in a discussion, hence disagreement and conflict are more likely to occur. Plus, what one posts are viewed by the public and so one has to be more sensitive about what he says about the subject matter or person.

[pegasi]

I know of a popular forum that have the same thing and they call it The Cafe .

That forum is governed by a different set of rules and guidelines, which include some of the things that some members mention in this thread. Their rules no.1 and no.2 do not exist in this forum. And there is a reason why those two rules come first.

Let's not go into detailed discussion of other forum's rules...

[Iceheller]

very well described, indeed a very thin line between laughing stock or an uniquely watch forum...

Yr avatar tell me u r just a joker like memaybe we all treading nearer toward the laughing side.

[alantannottam]

Alan, I recognize those undesirable behaviours that you mention. While some are easily identified, some could be grey or subjective. For example, personal insult, if someone posts something that results in another member feeling insulted, but the poster insists it's meant for fun only, then how? Do you expect the mods to proactively moderate such posts and apply their own judgement to ensure that those guidelines are respected?

Just want to better understand your thought...

Hey Pegasi, if an apology is offered, will the offended feel better? I am thinking of this myself, what will I do when i encounter such case. Anyway, I believe moderators are always on the ball, looking out for anything that's inappropriate. They are the owner of this forum, and we have to trust their judgement (they may see things clearer, since 当局者迷，旁观者清) to use the magical ban button.

[pegasi]

Hey Pegasi, if an apology is offered, will the offended feel better? I am thinking of this myself, what will I do when i encounter such case. Anyway, I believe moderators are always on the ball, looking out for anything that's inappropriate. They are the owner of this forum, and we have to trust their judgement (they may see things clearer, since 当局者迷，旁观者清) to use the magical ban button.

I guess it depends on if the apology is sincere or not, and what comes next

So basically you feel that the mods should be entrusted to moderate the posts in such a situation and take necessary action? I agree with that too, but I very much doubt the mods are currently doing that actively (if at all) without a set of clear guidelines that defines what behaviours are desirable/undesirable. The only set of rules I could find refers to the garage only ("Garage Rules and Regulations" under Forum FAQ).

[pegasi]

Appreciate all the sharing of thoughts so far. I hope more views could be shared here especially from those who are somewhat active in the watch-related discussions but shun away from the other kopi-talk threads.

We members have no say in how to run this forum but I personally believe members can help shape the forum for the better. That is, if enough people care to speak out.

i would like to hear what sg-roc community wants. do note that the decision on how to run this forum still remains in the hands of the forum owners.

[Iceheller]

So thread closed? Hahaha

[pegasi]

So thread closed? Hahaha

Appreciate all the sharing of thoughts so far. I hope more views could be shared here especially from those who are somewhat active in the watch-related discussions but shun away from the other kopi-talk threads.

We members have no say in how to run this forum but I personally believe members can help shape the forum for the better. That is, if enough people care to speak out.

[Iceheller]

Ouch!!!!

[Will99]

I’m a newbie, just to share some thoughts.

Interesting topic and really pick up a lot of interesting views along the way. Kopi talk indeed is a very vague term and I agree overly control may infringe the freedom of speech. It’s also very easy to go into argument over different views or meaningless exchanges till the cow come home, but at the end of the day there’s nothing to prove or gain. Keyboard heroes are not uncommon as not many walk the talk. Sometimes harmless exchanges can offer some “free” entertainment in this stressful society.

Generally my humble view / opinion or rather my practice is that I’d stay away or choose not to participate if the topic is not to my liking or only read when I have the time to kill. If someone provoke me, I’d probably clarify and walk away to spend my time on other important things or read other TS who offer constructive knowledge. In conclusion, my view is that there’s no harm with kopi talk until its gets personal or provocative, even so there’s no obligation to participate and Moderator will eventually take action (or not). Most of the time things only gets ugly or gain more attention when there are two hands (or more hands) to clap. Just my sharing, cheers.

[pegasi]

Illustration of the idea:

Wow mod arrow owner siah.

Warning...

Yr avatar tell me u r just a joker like memaybe we all treading nearer toward the laughing side.

1st infraction!

So thread closed? Hahaha

2nd infraction!!

Ouch!!!!

You are banned!!!

[watchristi]

kopi talk? yes it has its own purpose, otherwise why do visitors keep coming? in my opinion it is a place for anything u want to talk about, anyone can join or leave as they wish, and for those who just want to stop by, read, the curious etc. like most civil conversations people need to be respectful to each other, do onto others what you wish to be done to you. u want to act like an ass, u will be treated like one. there is certainly some commonality...love of watches and being part of a bigger forum, need to follow forum rules as well. i think some take it too seriously sometimes and say things they should not, and feel bad about it, so the golden rule always apply...don'r put into writing what u will regret later....it will always be there and cannot be undone. my 2 pennies worth.