Quote Originally Posted by SPJ View Post
not all the time. I have been surfing many CMA forums in China, Taiwan, and south east Asia.

Usually, everyone knows about everyone. so most of the time, posters are just joking around.

for example, if a thread started with some questions, then answers are usually citing a link to a valid source. whatever you say without a verifiable good source will not be taken seriously.

if you said something about what you think, then the next post will be derailing it. such as have you eaten upstairs? are you hungry? I am cooking instant noodle, you may come.

previous post is considered upstairs to the current post. or tai shang.

the forum board is like a high building/hotel. moderators are called the owner of the building or lou zhu.

there is no noodle. it is simply an invitation to come over to my place and prove what you just said by exchanging hands. or meet in person then we discuss.

then you may respond by yes, I am coming, I will bring some wine and snacks (meaning friends).

good we are waiting for you.

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they are all mature and serious about their posts.

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if one backs down, then his talks/posts will be ignored in the future.

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several weeks later, both may come back and post that they both have a good time over the weekend. the noodle is good, the wine and snacks are good, too. meaning they both get aquainted in person.

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my point is that people already know people.

there is no point to prove anything on the forum board or it is a futile effort without meeting people in person.

so all the wasted arguments and posts will not be there.