Invisible Boundaries - the discussion

[loveofreason]

For the longest time our little forum has been small enough to operate on a sort of 'unspoken agreement' everyone-knows-everyone basis. We had a lot of trust (as much as we INTPs can ), relative openness and fun. Ideas were still the centrepiece, despite the wonderful insanities and quirks of our various personalities.

Members from that time have built up a lot of credit with one another.

Obviously for newcomers, this makes life difficult. As Cow has pointed out, the reality for a newcomer now is how to make a unique place for themselves where all the roles seem to be already filled...

...and I will add - MOST IMPORTANTLY - how to do that without transgressing the invisible boundaries that established members are well aware of.

Now having a set of rules written in stone is not to be desired, but we can have a discussion here.

So, what is and isn't tolerated? What is/isn't acceptable conduct? What do you perceive the boundaries to be? What do you expect of others and of yourself?

 

[Melkor]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

I think, as opposed to a rule list, we should have a fun, not entirely serious post which outlines the forum and it's devices, a few of the prominent members and what to look out for, as well as describing how you should act, all performed in a style that suits the forum, thus increaseing their education.

 

[loveofreason]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

Yes.

That is exactly what we need. I wondered how to ask the question without getting 'a list of rules', which is exactly what I don't want. I'm allergic.

But I must step aside to watch the drama as it is painted, because I'm meant to be the audience here - I'm conducting a review of the kingdom.

*Hands over the floor to the court's enigmatic, troubled, loved and hated orphan of royal descent and aspiring evil... Melkor....*

Actually, I have a suggestion now... we could tell this as an historic tale, taking turns at narration, with words from the relevant folk of each era, and have side by side a thread for any comments questions, extractions that may illuminate the tale and the morals 'invisible code of conduct' held within....

oh wait... no Melkor's suggestion should work better, but I want to incorporate the history of the forum into it...

 

[loveofreason]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

Aye.

And we really need Wisp to come along at this point and contribute his memories of the beginning.

But if you wish to provide an introduction now to lor that isn't too denigrating... no that should wait for your arrival on the scene, when you tell what it was like finding a hen-house full of plunder... just wait till we get to Cabbo.

from the lore of INTPforum: know the difference between the Ne driven evolution of threads (as seen here) and plain old Hijacking.

edit: Oh damnit!!! Just remembered I'm not meant to be telling you the boundaries from on high ...well, as an observer of the period I can make note of what I observed as well as any other member. Plans can change. Any little bits like the above that I add shall henceforth just be considered the lore or lor because I like plays on words. Don't stone me guys. And yes... we'll get there - we're taking the INTP route​

 

[Melkor]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

STONED UNTO DEATH!!!!!



WISP YOU LITTLE BUGGER!

GET YOUR FOGGY LITTLE ASS OVER HERE!

 

[Jules]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

I don't really want to spoil your fun with the tale and all, but isn't it a moderator's job to guide us poor users and to set some sort of code of conduct or something as we all move along and make history?
Isn't this partly what the PM function is for, along with the buttons and levers a moderator gets to use?

 

[Dissident]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

I wondered how to ask the question without getting 'a list of rules', which is exactly what I don't want. I'm allergic.

We'd be in trouble if she got a rash, Jules.

 

[Jules]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

Have more faith in lor

 

[Dissident]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

Oh, I have faith, on she (and us all) managing to do it without a list of rigid, prohibitive rules.

 

[Da Blob]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

How old is this forum?

When I got here a few months ago there seemed to be a real sense of community in the forum...Perhaps, that was more wishful thinking on my part than reality.

To get back on the old soapbox, who are we talking about when we use the word 'we'? Obviously, There is something of a 'Us' versus 'Them' dynamic going on (And I might be considered to be one of Them).

There is nothing wrong with the formulation of a Credo, A code of Ethics. a Manifesto.

It would not be a hard-liners Set of rules, but rather some friendly advice, (Hey, Kid if you want to be considered to be one of Us - this is what will be expected of you...)

I think the idea of a thread, perhaps fabricated/pre-planned between the Senior members might be useful in this regard.

I do believe, that you have something that is worth preserving/defending...
However, if something doesn't grows - it dies - So how does the forum grow out this situation...?

EDIT-afterthought 234654.8 Why have good people left the forum?
If one is contemplating the formation of a government, then it would seem that some information gathering from those who are no longer participating might yield some revelations..

Send a survey out to , say, those members who had a hundred posts or more but who don't contribute anymore... Ask them why they left...? What would bring them back?
On that note sending out a monthly 'news letter' to all members both active and inactive might be an interesting project

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

Some ramblings:

I don't get the "new people have to look for their own niche" kind of thing. Do I have a niche of my own? I just came (and stay) because I enjoy it regardless of what anyone would think of me. I try not to "play favorites" with older members over newer members but maybe I do.

It takes time to fit in I suppose. I think most people here treat each post on it's own merits and just because it may not get a response doesn't mean it is ignored or disregarded. Sometimes it just means that no one has anything to say to it. Simple acknowledgement posts like "I agree" or "LOL" might be nice but don't add to the discussion and I think most of us are driven to contribute more.

I don't see a need for set rules here. I think there are some basics that anyone should expect as a given on any forum. Show a modicum of respect to others, don't engage in illegal activity and no porn. There are plenty of porn forums if that is what anyone is into so no need to bring it here.

This place is different from what it was when I first came here and I wouldn't expect otherwise. Internet communities are dynamic and not staid. People will come and go and some will come back. Some will feel like they fit in, some won't and and won't care and other won't and will leave. It's just the nature of the medium.

 

[Ermine]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

I don't think it's necessary for newcomers to find a niche. I have been here practically since the beginning, and I still am not sure of my role. And I'm fine with that. Why try to fit into a role when you can be yourself and make a group of one?

For me, the big rules would be

- don't be obnoxious
- try to contribute something of value in your posts
- respect others
- no porn, illegal stuff, the usual forum protocol
- be nice, unless the cruelty is part of an understood joke.
- don't derail threads. It's really annoying. If you have something else to say, make another thread.

 

[inquiringF]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

ISTJ thread.

 

[loveofreason]

Re: Invisible Boundaries

I don't really want to spoil your fun with the tale and all, but isn't it a moderator's job to guide us poor users and to set some sort of code of conduct or something as we all move along and make history?
Isn't this partly what the PM function is for, along with the buttons and levers a moderator gets to use?

That's what we're trying to do now. Illustrate the history and culture of the place so that newcomers aren't left floundering. We're culture building, here and now, and everyone takes part in that, aware or not. I expect a level of awareness from myself and others, hence the effort to inform, talk about and share.

Up to a certain point it has happened without effort, but recently we reached the stage where the completely chaotic osmotic transferal of the cultural waters simply couldn't serve the size of the forum any longer. We simply need to devise a little something - a system - that delivers the information to, from and between everyone effectively to ensure we're all sharing a common understanding.

We are experiencing growth - abandoned, unstructured growth is tumourous. (And will be perceived as a threat by the organism, leading to defensive responses - I think we all clearly see this?) Informed, differentiated, defined growth is the expression of our aspirations. Better to call this development.

Having this discussion is not an attempt to freeze us in time with concrete rules, it is not an attempt to halt development. It is an effort to help new members integrate, and to incorporate what they have to bring.

Besides which I'm having fun reminiscing.

Don't forget that admins and mods are users too! (And human.) I much prefer a lateral network of shared responsibility - that is we are all capable of saying HEY! That kind of shit doesn't wash here! Watch your step! DON'T abandon your autonomy, self-responsibility or sense of personal authority.

Ideally I see a community of self-governing individuals. That requires from everyone the degree of personal development to get along with others creatively.

*I'm going to split the discussion/commentary from the story, so that flow can be maintained in the one, and issues explored in the other.

 

[Cegorach]

I can comprehend that many senior members may be unaware of the "social niches". When they arrived it was far less demanding to ascertain recognition and they didn't feel a need to fit a verifiable role, but as the forum grows so do the difficulties that arise, newer members may feel a compulsion to stand out and be acknowledged and if they were unaware of the "invisible boundaries" may become exceedingly obnoxious.

Now this may be inevitable, but setting aside guidelines as Lor has suggested will allow them to ease in with minimal indiscretion.

Giving new members responsibilities (jobs?), if desired, may ensure that they feel a certain amount of accountability and approval, but I am uncertain how this would be achieved... just throwing a random idea out there...

Try to think of it as natural selection. Only the best survive!

We should ask ourselves how we define "Respect", because it is probably the cornerstone for our guidelines.



I also want to point out that Lor and the other mods do an amazing job keeping everything running smoothly and I respect her/them immensely for it, but we cannot expect her/them to fix every single problem that emerges.

 

[Auburn]

This thread is very interesting...
And I know that I am only one person with one perspective, but I would like to just say:

I lean towards believing that the rare unity that was experienced here amongst a group of INTPs, of all people, came because -at that period of time- the forum had a significant amount of Fe developed users - namely: Nia, Waterstiller, EB, etc...

I know I probably sound redundant by now, with my continual elaborations of cognitive functions, but - It is Fe that is primarily concerned with uniting groups of people, and maintaining harmony amongst members. It is Fe that creates that warmth which a community needs.

This happeded here because of an honest to heart expression of affection from those members, and won't happen again unless such an affection was to somehow be expressed in all sincerity again. However, it obviously cannot be asked for, but is something given willingly - and also something that INTPs sometimes can't give willingly even if they wanted to...

Therefore I honestly don't expect this to ever happen again, seeing as how we INTPs are typically void of emotional expressions, and it was an anomaly to begin with.

I really don't know what I'm getting at, but I just thought I'd point out what would be necessary for that atmosphere to be reawakened, and possibly for those members who left to return. I don't mean to live in the past. I'm simply making an analysis of what I believe would be the necessary circumstances for the desired outcome.

But of course, the desired outcome might not even be what I think it is. Perhaps at this state, the most desired outcome for the forum would be simply to become a "smooth-running" community which is organized by "guidelines" which new members can recognize and simply adhere to. I'm not sure which...

EDIT: I'll be gone for a few days. Interested to see where all this goes.

 

[Da Blob]

I can comprehend that many senior members may be unaware of the "social niches". When they arrived it was far less demanding ascertain recognition and they didn't feel a need to fit a verifiable role, but as the forum grows so do the difficulties that arise, newer members may feel a compulsion to stand out and be acknowledged and if they were unaware of the "invisible boundaries" may become exceedingly obnoxious.

Now this may be inevitable, but setting aside guidelines as Lor has suggested will allow them to ease in with minimal indiscretion.

Giving new members responsibilities (jobs?), if desired, may ensure that they feel a certain amount of accountability and approval, but I am uncertain how this would be achieved... just throwing a random idea out there...

Try to think of it as natural selection. Only the best survive!

We should ask ourselves how we define "Respect", because it is probably the cornerstone for our guidelines.



I also want to point out that Lor and the other mods do an amazing job keeping everything running smoothly and I respect her/them immensely for it, but we cannot expect her/them to fix every single problem that emerges.

Hmmmm are you suggesting an initiation? My, that brings back memories, the good ol' days when hazing was the status quo...

It might be possible to set up a hierarchy of sorts. As it is now member titles are based solely upon the number of posts, perhaps some standards could be set in that regard, especially after the thing with Face's 1000th post , my 1000th post did not mean a thing to anyone but myself (perhaps that is as it should be)

If free men would govern their own selves, there would not need to be any other type of government - simply provide an opportunity for members of the forum to govern themselves.

Respect is a tough one and it is a very important component of any real relationship, I always took the concept at face value, to re-Spect a person is to look at them twice, not make snap judgments or to respond with knee-jerk reactions before examining their possible motivations for their actions and/or words...

 

[Cegorach]

I like your definition of respect!
Hopefully others will add their own perspective as well.


I always thought you were interesting.
Your posts are hard to respond to though, I find people accept more readily if you leave some questions for them to answer, that way they feel like they're being included.
Try giving people praise when they do something you agree with, small things like this can have a huge impact on how people perceive you.

 

[Da Blob]

I like your definition of respect!
Hopefully others will add their own perspective as well.


I always thought you were interesting.
Your posts are hard to respond to though, I find people accept more readily if you leave some questions for them to answer, that way they feel like they're being included.
Try giving people praise when they do something you agree with, small things like this can have a huge impact on how people perceive you.

Thanks for the the compliment(?) and the advice, I think that this forum has been a good place for me, although I have never been a people person - so your suggestions are quite novel ideas that never would have been generated from within...

Ummm I actually do praise people when they come around to my POV - does that count?

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

Ummm I actually do praise people when they come around to my POV - does that count?

INTP humor at it's finest.

 

[inquiringF]

This thread is very interesting...
And I know that I am only one person with one perspective, but I would like to just say:

I lean towards believing that the rare unity that was experienced here amongst a group of INTPs, of all people, came because -at that period of time- the forum had a significant amount of Fe developed users - namely: Nia, Waterstiller, EB, etc...

I know I probably sound redundant by now, with my continual elaborations of cognitive functions, but - It is Fe that is primarily concerned with uniting groups of people, and maintaining harmony amongst members. It is Fe that creates that warmth which a community needs.

This happeded here because of an honest to heart expression of affection from those members, and won't happen again unless such an affection was to somehow be expressed in all sincerity again. However, it obviously cannot be asked for, but is something given willingly - and also something that INTPs sometimes can't give willingly even if they wanted to...

Therefore I honestly don't expect this to ever happen again, seeing as how we INTPs are typically void of emotional expressions, and it was an anomaly to begin with.

I really don't know what I'm getting at, but I just thought I'd point out what would be necessary for that atmosphere to be reawakened, and possibly for those members who left to return. I don't mean to live in the past. I'm simply making an analysis of what I believe would be the necessary circumstances for the desired outcome.

But of course, the desired outcome might not even be what I think it is. Perhaps at this state, the most desired outcome for the forum would be simply to become a "smooth-running" community which is organized by "guidelines" which new members can recognize and simply adhere to. I'm not sure which...

EDIT: I'll be gone for a few days. Interested to see where all this goes.

You have to acknowledge that an INTP may have a desire for a community with an INTP atmosphere. They want the community to be directed with their strongest functions and augmented to sustain their temperament. INTPs focus on unemotional, impartial analysis which are vacuous of any immanent warmth or emotional consideration. This is an INTP community that should be developed to be appropriate for the type.

A place of harmony and assuagement could be suitable for the people who visit here, perhaps, although when we reflect on the nature of INTPs, we should assent that a benevolent ambience is unnecessary.

INTPs are malleable to their environment and should be fine within any that they acclaim. Is it vital for us to manipulate this environment into one which INTPs may and may not approve of generally? The community should be left to flourish without calculated intervention. The people within it should be the ones defining it and constructing how the feel of it is--which should formulate it into a place to their liking. There will be variables that work against the community's wish, but this will transpire anywhere and has to be accepted. It is incongruous for the admins to control every imaginable variable. Is it required for them to manage those which we can control?

This community should be fine with natural progression. intemperate rules and restrictions limit may limit the potential of it, but it is also possible for them to ensure the development of something advantageous. This is all hit and miss, wholly dependent on theories with varying but similar probability.

The wish for perfection is insatiable--difficult or impossible to ever reach. Have hope for massive improvements, but do not expect it to be realistic.

 

[Dissident]

I think that having specific projects and goals in which members could work together would form a sense of comradeship and respect naturally. For example:

If you guys want to do something cool and useful with this place - split the forum into more subcategories based on different branches of science, art and philosophy, and start gathering information en masse. Book Circles anyone? Web-based education as a hobby? Let the people who are talented in specific subjects put up tutorials and essays here. The possibilities are endless.

There were good ideas in Da Blob's University of INTPIA thread also, like the "Linkbrary". I think that this kind of thing would add a lot of value to the forum

 

[didyouknow]

(This makes me wonder, was I being obnoxious? And if I was, why didn't anyone tell me? )

Interesting. When I started I just got kind of lost, I remember searching through every section for something that appealed to me. There was so much information and discussion on science, art, religion. Of course, there were the funny (read: diabolical) threads also .

I remember this picture in particular, submitted by Anthile in the funny images thread that about sums up what it's like to be a newbie:

INTP Forum


(Also, what is the true purpose of INTPforum? Or the intended purpose?)

 

[Artifice Orisit]

Invisible boundries? What invisable boundaries?
...
WHO'S YOUR DADDY!

I love doing that, ahem, anyway.
The INTP community appears to be growing quite quickly, but it remains to be seen what will come of this. Perhaps some form of cultural expansion is in order, or a unification of thoughts and ideals (like an INTP freemasons).
I'm entertaining ideas of making my own INTP site to complement the community existing in this one; such could include:
-Webcomic
-File Dump/Information Resource Pool/ Virtual Secure Box
-INTP Cultural Items (INTP T-shirts, other stuff only INTPs would want)
-Conceptual Archive (think TVtropes.org but as an INTP ideas collection, or something)

Of course I'm probably to lazy to ever do any of this,
that said I know HTML, JavaScript & PHP, so who knows, maybe.

Edit: Cool image

 

[cheese]

inquiringF:

A place of harmony and assuagement could be suitable for the people who visit here, perhaps, although when we reflect on the nature of INTPs, we should assent that a benevolent ambience is unnecessary.

I think it's important to note that everyone's functions are slightly different, even if the overall effect is to place them within the INTP realm. For people with higher F, a "benevolent ambience" would be very much appreciated, and its lack would be a little distressing. For those with weaker F, the addition of emotional harmony would not take away anything from his enjoyment. Of course it isn't necessary, but it does make things more pleasant. Also, despite being INTPs the majority of us are still human, and susceptible to bias based on just a little unpleasant interaction - this could impede the development even of the purely intellectual and rational threads. An atmosphere of harmony breeds feelings of safety and belonging (world leaders understand this), leading to greater tolerance and open-mindedness - much more conducive to discussion.

Again, INTPs are for the most part humans with feelings, even if they aren't well understood, trusted or acted upon. The atmosphere of tolerance and harmony shouldn't negatively impact the cold rationality of postings (and may in fact boost it, as mentioned previously), so Ti will be left unharmed, and Fe strengthened. This is beneficial for everyone.

I agree that all attempts at improvement are hit-and-miss though. However even if we don't immediately succeed at least we eliminate one failure.

Everyone else:
What we're attempting here is actually quite massive and intimidating - we are building a community. This is no longer merely the INTP square of cool-headed discussion. It's becoming a home, complete with doormat. We're hanging up pictures and painting the kitchen. We're setting up couches and beds. We're culture-building, as lor said.

Does this scare anyone else?

 

[inquiringF]

inquiringF:
A place of harmony and assuagement could be suitable for the people who visit here, perhaps, although when we reflect on the nature of INTPs, we should assent that a benevolent ambience is unnecessary.
I think it's important to note that everyone's functions are slightly different, even if the overall effect is to place them within the INTP realm. For people with higher F, a "benevolent ambience" would be very much appreciated, and its lack would be a little distressing. For those with weaker F, the addition of emotional harmony would not take away anything from his enjoyment. Of course it isn't necessary, but it does make things more pleasant. Also, despite being INTPs the majority of us are still human, and susceptible to bias based on just a little unpleasant interaction - this could impede the development even of the purely intellectual and rational threads. An atmosphere of harmony breeds feelings of safety and belonging (world leaders understand this), leading to greater tolerance and open-mindedness - much more conducive to discussion.

Again, INTPs are for the most part humans with feelings, even if they aren't well understood, trusted or acted upon. The atmosphere of tolerance and harmony shouldn't negatively impact the cold rationality of postings (and may in fact boost it, as mentioned previously), so Ti will be left unharmed, and Fe strengthened. This is beneficial for everyone.

I agree that all attempts at improvement are hit-and-miss though. However even if we don't immediately succeed at least we eliminate one failure.

Everyone else:
What we're attempting here is actually quite massive and intimidating - we are building a community. This is no longer merely the INTP square of cool-headed discussion. It's becoming a home, complete with doormat. We're hanging up pictures and painting the kitchen. We're setting up couches and beds. We're culture-building, as lor said.

Does this scare anyone else?

True, true. I was simply wanting a community with stereotypical, classical INTPs. A strong Ti environment would scare away those that are strong with feeling; however, this may potentially cause people with a high potential of contributing to leave. The lack of harmony created through the t-styled atmosphere would affect discussions, but I was hoping the T's would have the rationality to be calm with people generally. I was thinking that whilst we are each individuals, individuals can be similar--and was hoping through this for a community of people alike. It would be unrealistic to expect someone to create a community of people who are very rational and logical overall, and restricting the community to these types of people would be narrow, potentially limiting potential. Plus, they're individuals, and, despite their rationality, they may have individual differences which result in conflict. But, if my unrealistic dream was correct, there'd be mainly rational, logical people that focus entirely on intellectual debate. Love, Long-time observer of community

 

[Da Blob]

When I first stumbled upon the forum (I still don't remember How that happened) I remember coming across the word, Community several times in the first posts I read. I was struck by the Possibilities... How utterly neat, a backwater from the Chaos that is the Web, where people seemed to form real relationships. Being older, the idea of hanging out with intelligent people of different ages from all different parts of the world, seemed like a truly amazing thing to be able to do. I went to the University of Chicago as a youth and there was a similar mix there..

So what does a community actually Need to survive as a Community?
One of my first thoughts was that every community needs a school. I think that for those New Members an Intro to INTP forum 101 could be a lot of fun (for the instructors)

I just think that a esprit de corps can be generated by those willing to make an investment in this this brand-new, first time in the history of human-kind type of 'structure'...

So what besides a school does a community actually need?

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

So what besides a school does a community actually need?

Food......for thought.

 

[LucasM]

Community:
-a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.
dictionary.com (love that site)

A disparage group of people with something in common. The INTPness is the glue binding us together, generally.

A typical community would have a school, a hospital, a police station, a recreation center, food, food, food, more food, transportation system, water system, etc... (physically)

School -> place to expand in our knowledge, share what we know.
Hospital -> place to help us better ourselves, improve in areas we are deficit in.
Police Station -> an intp-based set of guidelines. Not traditional sj system. Moderators come in here. The basic right to self-expression should be preserved.
Recreation Center ->
food, food, food, more food -> our food is our ideas
transportation system -> to facilitate movement from point A to point B of goods and services. The forum design and layout.
...

That is the environment.

But a community is nothing without the people.


And how to bring out the people?

Example.
Lots of patience.
I don't really know what else you can do.

I don't know. But I think you are all doing a GREAT job already.
I hope this post helps.

 

[Da Blob]

Food......for thought.

Okay, here is an example of what might be considered 'Trollish' behavior, I am going to answer my own question, or at least make some suggestions...

I live ina an area with lots of small towns - every town that has survived has a School, a Post Office, A Bank, A Community Center, and a Convenience Store...

These structures seem to address most of the needs of a localized community..

EDIT: well actually there is also one or two churches as well and sometimes a Library...

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

Okay, here is an example of what might be considered 'Trollish' behavior, I am going to answer my own question, or at least make some suggestions...

Methinks thou art getting paranoid

The difference between what I said and what LucasM said is that when he put some thought to it, he actually came up with something.

 

[Da Blob]

Methinks thou art getting paranoid

The difference between what I said and what LucasM said is that when he put some thought to it, he actually came up with something.

Yet yours was a good response - the sign of an Intuitive.

You know I have been told that I 'm 'getting' paranoid for 30 years, i wonder what's going to happen when or if I finally get it...

Which reminds me, those who called me paranoid 30 years ago, are still calling me names in my facebook group (70s University of Chicago Athletes and Friends)...
I wonder if the concept of having an INTPian facebook group as an extension of the Forum would be a way to strengthen relationships, of course anonymity would have to be discarded to a certain extent, but for those already on facebook it would be just a matter of expanding one's "Friends" list...

 

[Artifice Orisit]

I'm not sure if the INTP community will ever establish itself on facebook; as a community we would need to lose some of our introvertedness and of course, paranoia. But then by doing so would we not have changed the INTP definition, or just grown beyond it?
Possibly the first step towards this would be such "trollish" behaviour as letting each other know more about us; I suppose it is strange that we are so concerned about keeping our "true self" secret when INTPs as a whole are such open-minded & understanding people.

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

Possibly the first step towards this would be such "trollish" behaviour as letting each other know more about us; I suppose it is strange that we are so concerned about keeping our "true self" secret when INTPs as a whole are such open-minded & understanding people.

Just because we want to know everyone else's dirty little secrets doesn't mean we want to share our own. Perish the thought!

 

[Da Blob]

I'm not sure if the INTP community will ever establish itself on facebook; as a community we would need to lose some of our introvertedness and of course, paranoia. But then by doing so would we not have changed the INTP definition, or just grown beyond it?
Possibly the first step towards this would be such "trollish" behaviour as letting each other know more about us; I suppose it is strange that we are so concerned about keeping our "true self" secret when INTPs as a whole are such open-minded & understanding people.

I agree, I do not think that very many would take advantage of the option if it were offered. However, I would be glad to extend facebook 'friendship' to a number of people I have had conversations with here on the forum (even you!)...
I have an interesting group of friends on facebook, mostly professionals, there's actually quite a bit in common between the two groups (Univ. of Chicago and INTPforum).
I am currently reworking some 'vacation' photos sent to me by one such friend. I had a deja vu moment last night, doing so, the a__hole had climbed Mount Everest and had not told me, I tripped across that fact, when I noticed a similarity between his one of his 'vacation' photos and one taken at the same location at the peak by another friend...

http://intpforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=507&stc=1&d=1236385068

Anyway I digress

I think it would be a nice option, even if only a few INTPians chose to exercise it...

 

[Ermine]

I suppose it is strange that we are so concerned about keeping our "true self" secret when INTPs as a whole are such open-minded & understanding people.

It's not that I don't want to share. It's that I'm misunderstood so often I just stop sharing unless I'm coaxed into it.

 

[Artifice Orisit]

Well dear, please share your thoughts with us *offers a cookie*

 

[cheese]

This forum is like a special, private secret that makes me smile when I'm outside. Sullying it with facebook recognition would ruin it for me.

That's what I think now anyway.

 

[cheese]

inquiringF:
Thanks for your response.

I find it interesting that you think Ti would manifest purely as intellectual discussion. Couldn't it be put to work in other areas, eg fun?

Ti would put in place a safety net for emotional outbursts as you mentioned. However dominant T has the tendency to get riled at suggestions of incompetence - which unfortunately are also products of Ti. I thought this might be a problem. It was also an issue at INTPc I think.

Welcome by the way! (I'm not sure if you have been yet)

 

[inquiringF]

inquiringF:
Thanks for your response.

I find it interesting that you think Ti would manifest purely as intellectual discussion. Couldn't it be put to work in other areas, eg fun?

Ti would put in place a safety net for emotional outbursts as you mentioned. However dominant T has the tendency to get riled at suggestions of incompetence - which unfortunately are also products of Ti. I thought this might be a problem. It was also an issue at INTPc I think.

Welcome by the way! (I'm not sure if you have been yet)

True, but I was thinking there would be too much embarrassment in one displaying their emotions. They would not want to disgrace their reputation or credibility. Plus, there may be moderators that are very intolerant with emotions/disputes. They do not punish the person--only remove the offending material.

 

[cheese]

I was thinking they would not display their emotions overtly. It would express itself as veiled insults in posts, or subtle suggestions at the other's lack of intelligence. The whole thread could divert to name-calling (not very likely, but possible, and I've seen it happen before). This would detract from the desired intellectual discussion.

 

[chocolate]

I think Fe is always appreciated even by cold rationals (I`m basing this on myself being quite icy! )

I`m very interested to see how this place develops. I still feel quite new, but it was like at first sight. I have always wondered how the INTPs feel about having the other personality types around (question). I really like it here and feel good with everyone here but I`m also aware that I`m different and sometimes I refrain from posting in threads if it seems to me that the originator of the thread is looking for viewpoints from INTPs only and that having the E there would make my viewpoint not valuable. I am sure that I have misjudged the situation in many cases before. So I try to keep usefulness in mind. If I think relating to the N, T or P would be useful for others I post; if it seems clear to me the sum of all the letters is what is sought, I refrain.

On the other hand, I am glad that there is no rule about that. I was offended on another forum when I was locked out of a topic because it was for INTPs only (it was a very general topic (to me anyway)). Something about being told `you`re not allowed here` as I tried to reply just didn`t sit well with me.

 

[Da Blob]

I think Fe is always appreciated even by cold rationals (I`m basing this on myself being quite icy! )

I`m very interested to see how this place develops. I still feel quite new, but it was like at first sight. I have always wondered how the INTPs feel about having the other personality types around (question). I really like it here and feel good with everyone here but I`m also aware that I`m different and sometimes I refrain from posting in threads if it seems to me that the originator of the thread is looking for viewpoints from INTPs only and that having the E there would make my viewpoint not valuable. I am sure that I have misjudged the situation in many cases before. So I try to keep usefulness in mind. If I think relating to the N, T or P would be useful for others I post; if it seems clear to me the sum of all the letters is what is sought, I refrain.

On the other hand, I am glad that there is no rule about that. I was offended on another forum when I was locked out of a topic because it was for INTPs only (it was a very general topic (to me anyway)). Something about being told `you`re not allowed here` as I tried to reply just didn`t sit well with me.

That would almost be funny if it was not so sad. I can't imagine people forming US versus Them conflicts based on a list of Preferences. They should add a fifth scale as to which MBTI type do you prefer as company?

We seem to be pretty inclusive, Maybe the Motto of this forum should be " INTPians and their Friends, More friends are Welcomed!" I think a lot of us have been social outcasts at one point or another in our lives, and though we may lack compassion, I believe that we can at least understand when others can't...

 

[didyouknow]

I`m also aware that I`m different and sometimes I refrain from posting in threads if it seems to me that the originator of the thread is looking for viewpoints from INTPs only and that having the E there would make my viewpoint not valuable. I am sure that I have misjudged the situation in many cases before.

Of course you're welcome! Make sure though if the thread is discussing the INTP personality type, if you talk about yourself, make sure to say that you aren't INTP as to not confuse the data. Other than that, you can post everywhere you want.

 

[Melkor]

hrm...some valid points.


If you're an old timer, i guess I am too then, seeing as I joined first...


I'm with you on the whole radical forum change....
The forum does seem different.... and mostly because of the influx of non intps, and the loss of many good members.
I really do miss E.B, and Noddy...very much..


-Idea-



Couldn't we.......have a forum section, which only allowwed the oldest and most proudest members?

One which you needed a large amoutn of posts, a distant join date, and a general cleverness to enter?

I would exscuse myself from this, as I am largley to blame for the influx of randomness, but I think it would be good for those of the olden goldies who have little time for the rest of the forum, yet still wish to see old friends....just a thought...

 

[loveofreason]

And could this all be set on a floating city in the clouds?


Fusion... I think you'll find that a new sense of community is growing from the transformation of the very small group that we knew. It's a mix of new and old... a fusion.

(But yes, our monkeyspheres reach capacity at some point...then it takes a bit of reshuffling to keep ourselves up-to-date.)

 

[Da Blob]

Well, not being one of those that Melkor speaks of, I might say i certainly would not be offended if there was a section, perhaps that afforded some privacy to members that wish to maintain 'old' relationships without someone who was unaware of the antecedents and history barging in

I kinda miss EB, myself...

 

[Anthile]

At the very moment this forum will establish an "elite section" I will leave this board.

 

[Dissident]

Yes, I think that is a bad bad idea.

 

[Da Blob]

Hmmm History seems to happen so quickly in cyberspace.... It is as if we are extensions of the computers experiencing time in nanoseconds...
The idea of elitism, I do not think was ever broached... rather a quest for a return to 'intimacy' somehow.
However, that which does not grow/evolve eventually dies out, so if the Forum is to survive it has to adapt/change responding to change as a mixture of Threat and opportunity...