SOCNET - could we learn from this?

[CX20]

I've read about "SOCNET" for quite some time now on these forums, so I decided to pay it a visit. I was reading around and I came across this posting by one of the admins.

As a "BTDT" or whatever we call it around here, I'm getting a bit fed up with the childish attitude of some of the people on this forum. Personally I think we need something like this on this forum, especially in the light of the recent "World SOF Rating" thread, which is just yet again another "Who is the best SOF" under another name.

I'm aware that people want to talk about these things, which is perfectly ok, but don't make out that you know things when all you've done is read a book or watch the Discovery Channel. I still find it hard to believe that someone once told me I was flat out wrong, over something that I've done in my service every day for the past several years, when all he'd done is watch a documentary on TV. That is happening more and more around here.

Even if you don't agree with what I've said above, just read the text and post your thoughts please. I've highlighted bits in bold that are especially relevant. I'm not talking in general about SF, that is just the example given in the text. It could be any such unit.

It has been brought to the admins attention that there are a lot of people, intentionally or not, posting erroneous information about SOF units which they are/were not a member of. Please refrain from posting information that you do not have first hand experience with. IE: If you were not a member of an SF unit, do not post about the Q-Course or SFAS. If you are a Ranger, don't post your guesstimations about BUD/S, etc. We have people already on board who are actively involved in these programs, as well as others, and who go out of their way and spend a significant amount of their personal time to provide correct and timely information. Erroneous information or guesses about these programs or units is not appreciated and has a tendency to undermine the hard work of the people who actually have the correct info and work hard to see that only correct info is put out on this site. Individual units also have different OPSEC issues that you may not be aware of since you are not a unit member. This could cause you to provide info to the public that you may be privy to from working with said unit, but which the unit in question does not want on the net. We have a deserved reputation on this site for providing the best information available on the net about our SOF units, without violating the Operational Security of those units. Please help us to maintain that reputation by posting information about what you have experienced firsthand only. That is not to say that you shouldn't post anwhere but your own units forums. It's fine if SEALs want to post in the SF forums for example. But leave the questions about SF to be answered by SF personnel and vice-versa. This not singling any person or unit out. It has become a widespread problem on this board and we are taking measures to stop it. This insures that this board remains a place where YOU want to be.

[Marsuitor]

I'm divided in my view on this. I've never posted myself on SOCNET as i really have no reason for it. It's tons of information to be had there, but only if the people there deem you "worthy". If not you'll most likely be flamed and banned. Having a similar system here would probably keep the worst of the lot at bay, but a mini-police state might keep people from posting interesting threads or asking serious questions about such topics out of fear of the above. But.. i am getting tired of people who talk seriously about death-marches and how Serbs/Albanians are scum.

A stricter line would be welcomed by most i believe, especially going for stuff like SF-selections, who's best etc. But in all, i already see this board as a kind of friendlier and forgiving version of SOCNET, and too much change isn't necassary IMO.

Cheers,
Marcus

[Truthsayer]

If people would only post about their personal experience it would be a much slower forum here.

Maybe nicer, but slower.

However, I _do_ agree on that threads like "wich SF-unit has the biggest ****?" should be locked and killed right away, since it has no bearing in an forum like this.

[Ichhabe]

Q-Course? Never heard of it. And actually, I ain't curious about it either. :D

[Royal]

I don't post much on SocNet - 'cos I stick to what I know (RM in particular, and UK stuff in general) about kit, training and Ops I've got experience of.

I rarely go to the general forums (mostly 'cos they are even more US orientated than here). IMHO that is one of the strengths here. On the other hand I'm getting increasingly pissed off with the inability to debate rationally here. Hence my non-input about recent events in Iraq.

[Mr Gently Benevolent]

I am f*cked if we just stick to the BTDT type knowledge unless unless you want to talk about wire splicing, fish and tapeworms. :)

[Herrmannek]

I say fucck SOCNET there is to much forums like it out there. I don't need another one :), We are succesfull internet society with common intersts if someone doesn't like ***** size threads he shouldn't read them(I don't maybe excluding polish-russian wars with are symptoms of healthy traditions :) )...I also think that our profile isn't high speed, to say it clear special forces are boring... ;)

[cut]

Personally I think we need something like this on this forum, especially in the light of the recent "World SOF Rating" thread, which is just yet again another "Who is the best SOF" under another name.

That happens less and less, this particular thread was an old one from last year that someone resurected. I think that problem has been dealt with.

[Mr Gently Benevolent]

I just visited www.socnet.net and it was not what I thought was, its very laid back. :)

[G1]

Totally agree with the thread author. "The best" threads are just pointless, the concept itself is idiotic and the last shreds of intelligence are swept away by the inevitable flamefest. No offense to any such thread authors, I would just like these kinds of threads to go away. A lot more tighter controls of flaming would improve this forum lots, maybe some of the more mature, experienced and neutral members could be recruited as moderators if the current ones have their hands full?

My 0.02 euro. :)

[Hellman109]

Sometimes the responses here are damn funny, far from true or proper, but damn funny.

Funy stuff = keeps it more interesting.

I just dont click on flame war threads.

[hank]

I'm divided in my view on this. I've never posted myself on SOCNET as i really have no reason for it. It's tons of information to be had there, but only if the people there deem you "worthy". If not you'll most likely be flamed and banned. Having a similar system here would probably keep the worst of the lot at bay, but a mini-police state might keep people from posting interesting threads or asking serious questions about such topics out of fear of the above. But.. i am getting tired of people who talk seriously about death-marches and how Serbs/Albanians are scum.

A stricter line would be welcomed by most i believe, especially going for stuff like SF-selections, who's best etc. But in all, i already see this board as a kind of friendlier and forgiving version of SOCNET, and too much change isn't necassary IMO.

Cheers,
Marcus

I second that, I only come here because its fun and I have sense enough to never post anything about SF/SOF because I wasn't one. But if this place was like SOCNET I just wouldn't come here. Its cool if that is what Hood wants but it is not for me. I do think the missions are different - the name of this place is militaryphotos.net and anybody can post them. Doesn't seem like a SCONET type requriement is warranted in a site obviously geared towards people like me - nonmilitary with and interest. Just a thought.

hank

[spectre5]

Well said! Let's all be friends! (not gonna happen in a million years)

But Aye!