Are things seriously this horrible on Specktra?

[TDoll]

Geeeeeez! I read that whole thing through the link you posted and it was kind of shocking to me too. I like this site because everyone is so friendly. And about the "clique" thing they posted about...thats ridiculous because this site has a bajillion members that actually post! Ok, maybe not that many, but whatever. I've never noticed anything like that! I also think it's really well organized and very easy to navigate. I'm anal about organization and stuff like that so I'm pretty picky.

And unless you have dial-up, the site always runs smoothly and loads super fast for me! I've never had a technical problem whatsoever! I've loved this site from the second I joined and personally think that similar sites don't even compare! I haven't even been a member long AT ALL. I really love it here.

Ok, thats just my 2 cents! I think one person had a bad experience and all her friends on there jumped on her bandwagon.

 

[Janice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simply Elegant I think Specktra is really well laid out and easy to understand. While Specktra isn't the friendliest board I've been on, it's definitely still my favourite. It's still not bad though, there are a lot of friendly people here but in some sections sometimes conversations seem to get a bit out of hand sometimes.

Would you mind elaborating (privately if you'd like) on this, knowledge of the issues is really helpful.

 

[laperle]

I'm new as a member, but I've started coming here for make up info for some time now. so, i don't really have a problem navigating.

Since I've started checking Specktra, I've notice here what is present in every single community/group: certain individuals tend to be rude towards new ones. It sucks, but it does happen everywhere. Maybe those who aren't like that should be double nice-kind to show these others how to behave.

As for new members, it's clear they'll be anxious and checking answers for their first thread ever and they might end up frustrated because people sometimes just don't answer. IMO, this happens mostly because the thread title has no appeal or people simply just don't know.

My first thread was about a Sisley product and I was upset 'cos no one could help, but hey! this is not people's fault, the thread was very specific to begin with. The Recommendations section is the first place a newbie goes when she/he wants to ask something. I think it could be a bit more noob-friendly.

People who quit and just start hating on Specktra don't deserve the attention, because they don't bother trying to understand the community as a whole, wanting the community to fit their own interests and preferences.

I was new in a city once and people where really mean to me. I've learnt how to change that, but what I most value from that experience is not my hability to reverse a situation, but my kindness to all newcomers. Being new isn't easy.

I'd like to thank the initiative to question the waiting time between searches. And thanks the moderation for making it shorter.

Specktra is a very interesting debate forum. There's no way to please everybody, but you gals are doing a hell of a job to keep a very diverse group exchanging information.

 

[Beauty Mark]

Congratulations, Janice, you made it. You have fans and detractors. Seriously, you can't please everyone. Do you feel proud of the work that you've done with Specktra? If you don't, I'd say that you should. I feel like a lot of the people who post here, particularly in this section, get a lot of support they can't find in their real lives. That's an accomplishment, helping people like that.

Some people have an air of self-importance and think that if no one replies to their query, we're mean to newbies and don't care. Some people are probably snarky; I'm probably one of those people. However, I think the community is overall very nice and open to everyone

 

[TDoll]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice I don't think there is a social clique issue, but it was implied by a forum novice who doesn't spend any time here. Do you feel that Specktra is "cliquey"? Is there a certain group of members who are especially rude or snarky? Post counts are visible unless you navigate to the profile, I removed them from the user information area purposely. So I don't *think* that has anything to do with it. Do you think this has anything to do with the way some people claim to be treated?

I'm pretty sensitive to stuff like that too...I mean I think it would have rubbed me the wrong way when I joined if it was really that bad with the whole "clique" issue. Everyone was super sweet and welcoming to me when I joined and very supportive when I posted threads about problems or issues I had. And equally supportive and nice about makeup stuff too.

Honestly, I think some of that "clique" criticism comes from people posting their opinions on controversial topics (or even un-controversial ones) and people disagree and post their opinions as well. Then when people agree with those other people they might take it personally or feel ganged-up on. You just can't take stuff like that personally on a forum. And I think many of us don't on here because we're respectful to each other, even when we disagree. But some people don't take being disagreed with too kindly and misinterpret it as an insult. Then when others agree with that person...boom...there's their "clique". They're offended. Then they post mean things about the site because it rubbed them the wrong way. I don't think it's a problem, I just think that some people react differently being disagreed with than others. That's just part of being a member of a forum. You can't agree with everyone or expect everyone to agree with you.
That's got to be the issue, because if cliques and rudeness was a problem, it would be more apparent and I just haven't noticed it.

 

[blindpassion]

I was just about to respond to this and then realized that rbella had already summed up a lot of my thoughts.


imho, specktra is my second home, I am in love with this forum and all the women and men who participate in it. I have never felt so welcome anywhere else on the Internet. Specktra is amazing.

Like rbella said, its very easy for people to misinterpret text... when you cant see the persons expressions or hear their tone of voice, you just have to give people the benefit of the doubt, its really easy to misunderstand some ones intentions over the Internet.

I have rarely had a rude experience on specktra.
I find it to be very welcoming.

 

[meanjeanster]

wow...i didn't think there's any reason to complain! i guess some people are just NEVER happy but i love specktra.net!

 

[lovelyweapon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice Thanks for your comments, I changed the wait between searches to 15 seconds. The wait is to help keep server loads down, but I recently upgraded the server Specktra is on so we have more processing power.

The fact that you care so much about this forum and members' opinions are truly important to you, is enough to prove that Specktra already surpasses any other forum I have been a member of in terms of quality.

Judging a forum by its type of members (who join for free, mind you), when it's member count is 6,000+, is just a narrow-minded argument. If they expect all 6,000 members to be friendly 100% of the time, they have never stepped foot outside of their houses.

 

[xxManBeaterxx]

Wow, such major bull. With everything new you come across, every website and forum you have to get used to the navigation system. But i had no problems with specktra, the forums are neat and organized. And the search button is great also.

I can see some truth to when then they say since i dont have 28374923749237492837 posts i feel ignored, but sometimes some people just dont have an answer to their question and not everyone reads each post or thread, i dont see why the feel offended. And just like the real world there are all sorts of people who post here, some rude, some arrogant, but you dont hate the world for it, why should you hate specktra just because of 1 or 2 people, it doesnt make sense. I think this is a great site and they probably didnt spend enough time on specktra to learn to love it.

 

[fingie]

While I'm not as active as I used to be (I'm trying to change that, I swear!) I am much more comfortable here than I am over on LJ just because I feel like I get better feedback/criticisms from Specktra members. Sure, sometimes people can be snarky/catty but everyone has those days and sometimes it is just a miscommunication that comes with just text. I feel like you've made a great forum and I don't think that it's hard to navigate at all.

And like it's been said before, you can't please everyone.

 

[SMMY]

I'm sorry, but I can't stop laughing. They think this place is "mean"? Where have they been living all of their lives? Teletubbieland?

This is one of the nicest and most helpful communities I've ever been a part of. The few times I've seen heated replies, it's almost always warranted (ex: a person recently trying to pass off fake piggies, to get names and prices). People here are passionate about their MAC and I've always seen people try help others out when they have questions.

I think you can substitute the word "clique" with friends. It happens on every online community and is one of the best things about the net. New people don't have to work hard to fit in here, but maybe some individuals have "issues" with fitting into new places to begin with. Honestly, there aren't many friendlier and less snarky communities out there than Specktra.

For what it's worth, I don't think you need to rethink how you do things here. It is working just fine. And from my experience, someone is always going to be unhappy about something in a forum, its human nature.

 

[darkwater_soul]

Janice, for you just coming on here, asking questions and being concerned, tells me that this site is better just because the mod over on that LJ site is never around, and no one knows who they even are. You are great, along with your team.

 

[Shaquille]

Janice, I think those people are super sensitive.. I mean you've gotta relax.. I joined few months ago and I still do not know any people personally.. but that's okay, 'cause whoever wants to talk to me talks to me..
and if they really want to be famous, known, whatsoever they've got to make an effort and fit in.. if they just give up, then it's their problems.

And nope, I don't see any cliques here.. of course I've seen some people calling real names than nicknames.. but what the heck.. make some efforts for that.. just lurking isn't good enough..

I feel these people are just like Audrina of the Hills who is super sensitive.. lol

just my 2 cents

 

[kobri]

I would say that you can't please everybody, because I personally find LJ difficult to navigate and figure out. I had a much easier time here. Maybe you could have a noticeable link on the main page for newbies, a kind of site navigation tutorial. I know it took me awhile of talking to people before I knew about the new post arrow and I seem to find new little things all the time (how to multi quote). Part of it I learned from just looking around at things, but most of it I learned from the members. I don't find it intimidating here and I am a prety shy girl so if people were rude made it difficult to join in the discussion I wouldn't be here. Yes there are miscommunications, it's text you can't always get the way someone means something, but people are generally pretty good about explaining and not getting personal. I think this is a welcoming place.

 

[Shaquille]

Plus.. probably those people are jealous..

I have a friend who also has a blog and forum just like specktra (on the other side of the world though), and she has a competitor who tried to get on her way, said bad things about her.. and in the end most of us knew the truth..

she was jealous because her forum and blog does not have as much members as my friend does. So cheer up, Janice

 

[darkishstar]

I really disagree with what those LJ users said! I have never been part of such a welcoming and lovely forum such as this one. I think the whole.. people being talked down to.. are probably new users that don't read the stickies or rules and just post or make a thread about something that has been asked about already and then the veteran users here just redirect them by posting a pretty blunt statement (not saying this in a negative way, it's just a statement I'm making) and a link to the other thread. This may be off-putting, and this is probably what they're referring to I think.

And the thing about the make-up artists thing is RUDE. Why are girls always so catty? Saying that the MUAs stand around looking like hookers, no wonder they say things like that, with that sort of attitude of course people are not going to be the nicest people in the world to them. That is JUST rude. I cannot believe that. This is one of the few places where MUAs can vent on bad treatment or experiences at work, but as with everywhere else, retail really is the worst, people think they can treat others like dirt just because it is a service job. I appreciate that they have this board to vent, that the MUAs have a sanctuary, because well, I doubt they would find open arms on LJ.

I don't believe this place is cliquey AT ALL or people being snarky. It is HARD to translate sarcasm online in text, some people who may not be as careful at thinking out what they're posting can be taken the wrong way, but when this happens, usually a short explanation and everything is fine. I think we're a great community.

And I don't think navigation is hard at all. Then I again I mostly just use the forums.

There's a learning curve to any site until you know where everything is, so I really think that people are just finding ANY reason to bitch about Specktra. And the whole thing about a 20 page thread about the PRO card or B2M? That's not the forums fault, the forum or Specktra does NOT ask anyone to continually post in those threads, those should definitely be reference. That's completely out of anyone in Specktra's control and like I said, just finding a reason to bitch out Specktra. Which I think is rude.

That said. I love this place.
I LOVE Specktra.
And we all LOVE YOU Janice.

 

[SMMY]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kobri I would say that you can't please everybody, because I personally find LJ difficult to navigate and figure out. I had a much easier time here. Maybe you could have a noticeable link on the main page for newbies, a kind of site navigation tutorial. I know it took me awhile of talking to people before I knew about the new post arrow and I seem to find new little things all the time (how to multi quote). Part of it I learned from just looking around at things, but most of it I learned from the members. I don't find it intimidating here and I am a prety shy girl so if people were rude made it difficult to join in the discussion I wouldn't be here. Yes there are miscommunications, it's text you can't always get the way someone means something, but people are generally pretty good about explaining and not getting personal. I think this is a welcoming place.

Actually, this is a pretty good idea. I'm used to vBulletin based message boards, so I didn't have any problems here. (and not to beat on a dead horse) where I used to moderate, we had a fairly large community and a board that had been in existence for a number of years. Over time newbies would come in and be confused by how to navigate and even how to integrate into an established community. One of our mods wrote a brilliant little "welcome newbies" thread that linked to all points of interest, explained how to avoid pitfalls when posting and what inside jokes and terms were. It made it so much easier for new posters to fit in and less ruffled feathers.

 

[Dreamergirl3]

That is funny because I feel the exact same way in regards to the LJ community!

Janice, don't fret. The people who seem to dislike Specktra so much have probably had one or two bad experiences and from then on decided to bitch and moan about what a horrible forum it is, and that is bullshit. I mean seriously, give it a decent shot before you go off smack-talking!

As for navigation, I feel it's great. Probably could be a little better but I'm no web designer or mod so I couldn't even begin to suggest anything haha!

The clique thing...people need to get over it. Seriously. I've been here for 3 years and of COURSE I'm going to be chummier to people that I've seen over the years. Is it some sort of Mean Girls social hierarchy realized? Hell no. It's life. And if that intimidates you to the point where you feel you can't be a part of this forum then I feel very sorry for you because you're missing out on something amazing.

What cracks me up about the 'zomg ppl r so rude' deal is that I've never really encountered that to a point where it gets out of hand. You will have random people being out of line but it's nipped in the bud. If anything, I feel Specktra members don't allow rudeness and from what I've seen, will come to the victims defense nearly all the time. I know I've done so!

Specktra is an amazing and greatly inspiring place and I cannot tell you how much I owe you for creating it. I wouldn't know half of what I do now about beauty (and life thanks to Chatter) without it. In the three years I've been here it's done nothing but grow and mature instead of taking steps back, and has also helped me do the same in my personal life. I don't know about the critics, but that's what I look for in a forum

((hugs))

ETA: I should add one thing that I kinda gotta agree with though, is the 'ignore the newbie' deal. It's really apparent in the Recs forum. Example, if a newb posts, it'll get one or two replies, whereas if a mod does, they'll get 20. But I don't think that's something you can change directly, but to everyone else, lets not be scared of the newbs ^_^ lest we risk scaring them off in the process

 

[..kels*]

i don't think specktra is horrible by any stretch!!! that's the most ridiculous thing ever. you ladies work so hard on this site & it definitely shows. i've been a member since 2005 & have never had a problem with navigation/cliques/unfriendliness. i've always felt very welcomed & embraced by the community. i used to frequent LJ before i joined here & i remember thinking to myself how friendly & nice (almost too nice!) everyone was on specktra in comparison. i've made so many friends here & gotten to know a lot of amazing people - you guys are like a second family!

 

[aziajs]

Hmmmm....

I wouldn't say that Specktra is horrible and from reading that LJ thread it seems that's not the general consensus either.

Having said that I have had my issues with it. I do find some people to be rude but more so just abrasive/combative and I do see a cliquey atmosphere at times. I suppose, personally, when I need to take a break I do. I was absent from the site for about a year. My choice and it was the best thing for me to do. I came back and it seems better.