As an "outsider" to the world of "hardcore" swimming ...
Former Member
I swim a lot and really enjoy it. It's something I've done all of my life, growing up in Southern California, and it's my main form of exercise. I'm good at it, but I do it primarily for health and enjoyment.
I've noticed from lurking around this board for several years that there seems to be a very self-congratulatory, cliquish tone to many threads and posts. It seems like it's often a small group of people who post relentlessly, as if they are engaged in some sort of private conversation where they're trying to outdo each other.
Maybe I'm the only one who feels that way. Maybe that's part and parcel of the world of "hardcore" competitive swimmers. Or maybe it's because there wouldn't be anything else to talk about, unless there weren't a constant focus on who's the "best" at this or that.
A race is something that happens once in a while, whereas a lifetime of swimming lasts, well, a lifetime. Yes, it's great to break a certain time in a certain race, but it's also great to have the self-discpline to keep at a daily swimming program and work on improving one's technique and endurance. Both are valid, and, to my mind, neither is more worthy of praise than the other.
Jim Thornton, if I recall correctly, noted a while ago that there were a lot of people lurking around the board and not really participating. If that is the case, I would propose that may be due to the general off-putting tone of things on here. (I won't give examples at this point, although I could.)
Former Member
It's spelled "color" :frustrated:
Happy? ^.^
You can spell it wrong if you like. :banana:
Perhaps a sticky thread (note my familiarity with message-board lingo) dedicated to "outsiders" or fitness swimmers, where talk of competition and inside jokes are discouraged, would be a good idea. What say ye moderators?
The only thing this would encourage is for posters to feel even more of an outsider. They would never see the personalities who post here, nor gain the tips and challenges. Yes, I'm a fitness swimmer with no intention of competing again, but I have learned so much. Worked on SDK's this morning, in fact, even though I will never use them in competition.
I think you need to eat something fattening, listen to the B-52's, watch The Simpsons...anything to lighten up.
The general discussions area might appear to be the mosh pit of the forums to the outsider. But the banter seems to be always welcoming to those who want to join in. There's very good information to be found, and invariably the swimming related topics stay on course regardless of how many side bars get thrown in.
The way I see it, a forum is like a buffet. Just because they're serving calf's liver with bacon and onions doesn't mean you have to put them on your plate. Somewhere down the line, something preferable will appear.
Okay guys, from now on there will be
No Joking
No Horseplay
No Tomfoolery
No Giggling
No Smirking
No Innuendo
No Winking
No Nudging
No Improper Thoughts
No Shenanigans
No Abstract Expressionism
and most of all
No Yucking It Up
Dramatis Personnae Continued:
Allen Stark, an incredibly decent fellow born with one of those bowl-legged conditions sometimes mistaken for rickets but which has left him with an ability to swim like the most slippery Rana pipiens you ever did see squirt its way through a lily pond!
How did you know I was bowlegged?
This thread is hilarious. The last quarter of it has become a sort of experimental jazz version of the original poster's objection, which is, of course, the universal sibling response to a complaint. As in: OKAY I'LL DO THAT THING YOU'VE ADMITTED YOU HATE FIVE THOUSAND TIMES IN A ROW UNTIL YOU EITHER EXPLODE OR BECOME APPROPRIATELY NUMB TO OUR HAZING BECAUSE UNDERNEATH IT ALL WE REALLY DO LOVE YOU.
Nice! lol It's the "law of unintended consequences."
Geek,
Now that I'm pretending we've never met and de-clique-ing you, I have taken umbrage to that horrific personal attack you launched above. John and I will be around to drive over you with our fire engine red Durangos.
This thread is hilarious. The last quarter of it has become a sort of experimental jazz version of the original poster's objection,
Magnificent description!
Dramatis Personnae addendum
Mermaid: the queen of a long-legged tribe of Amazonians, scattered hither and yon from yoga studios in Santa Monica to bra-protesting corners of Reading, Pa, who share in common a Facebook desirability rating so Zarathustrian that the Greek gods have taken note and are thinking of punishing such hubris by turning the lovely lasses into a new species of orchid pollinated exclusively by squirrel monkeys.
Anyone remember when KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) used to have fried chicken livers on their menu? I actually ate them as a kid. . .
I wish all you people would stop talking about all the crazy delicious food I love so much. It's discussing things like this that may lead me back to my ATFness.
sftom,
I feel your pain. It is often tough to wade through the inside jokes, banter and clique trash to get to actual information. Since you are familiar with forums, you probably recognize this activity and I hope it does not totally turn you off to this DF. You undoubtedly have your own labels for those who have "helped" you while not releasing their death grip on inside references amongst one another. You will be welcomed with one hand and smacked in the head with the other if you fail to understand the subtle nuances of the reigning clique. Ignoring their histrionics is the best advice I can give. The fact that they have now labeled you (HTT, turnip) can work in your favor if you are inclined to push their hot buttons for fun (and have a thick hide for the responses).
Welcome to the USMS forums. Lurk to your heart's content or post when you feel the desire. We'll all be here.
