The "Unheard" Voice, first time poster thread

[BMC John Phillips III]

You probably clicked on this thread thinking where is he going with this? Well I was just reading the thread behind the closed door about military.com and the last three posts there were made by the 3 most frequent posters. That got me thinking...

This is the Unvarnished Truth and we get lots of views but generally the same people tend to post more frequently than others. I think the posts being made are good ones as evident by the number of views they receive and our membership numbers have been steadily improving (conspiracy theory related or not).

Getting to my point and trust me I have one... Since there seem to be a lot of views on threads but a limited # of people posting on them I want to know why.

I can speculate that there are people that agree with what is being posted and just don't want to restate something someone else has already said. Then there are probably people that are reading and just don't want to post their opinions for whatever reason.

OK, so here's what I am getting at, I labeled this thread the "Unheard Voice" to try and solicit a post or two from people that fit the criteria of reading several threads but not posting a lot. I would like to see this thread replace the Boot Camp thread as the most frequent first time posting thread.

So if you are a frequent visitor to the site and just not a frequent poster or have never posted before, can you please entertain me by posting the answers to the following:

1. Why you like "The Unvarnished Truth?"
2. What keeps you coming back? and
3. Why you don't post often or at all?

I hope that's not too much to ask and I really don't want this thread to take on too many side bar conversations so if you would, please reply back with 1., 2., 3., followed by your answers. If you don't have an answer for each one, just answer the ones you want.

thank you for your support ;)

[CMC Isherwood]

I'll bite,
1. The ABSOLUTE #1 reason that I like this site, is the fact that there is no anonymity. No cowards can hide behind nicknames here.
2. Pulse check of field perceptions and to chuckle (at times), how far off base some things get. If folks have questions, go to the sources (whom ever they may be).
3. I simply do not have time to respond to every issue, I have an email in-box that occupies a bunch of my inability to type already! I usually see Chiefs that I personally know, addressing the concern so NO input from me required.

[BMC Trent Spiroff]

1. Why I like "The Unvarnished Truth? I don’t have another Chief down the hall I can go talk/listen to. It’s rare I get any face time with another Chief and I’m terrible at networking to where I have a list of numbers I can call and bounce issues off of. Some of the threads provide good insight and information. Some threads have views and opinions I share, and they provide affirmation of my views/beliefs.

2. What keeps me coming back? Some day, I’m going to start unloading. I might need my own section. I like to see what's new. What's happening.

3. Why I don't post often or at all? For the threads that interest me… ...either it’s already been said, maybe I don’t have anything to add. At work, I don’t have the time to skim the threads. I usually peruse the threads at home during intermission from offspring activities, and those intermissions are short. Occasionally I’m allowed some free time.

T.S.

[ASTC Ronny German]

1. Why you like "The Unvarnished Truth?"
I like this site because I like to keep up to date with the different issues that are going on around the Coast Guard (not only in my shop or unit). Also like stated already it's good to know who you're talking to and the discussions here are very civil. And lastly because CMC Isherwood posts here! ;)

2. What keeps you coming back?
Usually I visit the site after I check my e-mail, before attending my units morning engineering meeting while I drink my morning coffee.....kind of like reading the morning paper.

3. Why you don't post often or at all?
I have to admit, there are usually some topics I would like to respond to, but by the time I get my thoughts together and try to post a well written response, someone usually beats me to the point I was going to make.

All in all, I really like this site.

[CWO Jay Greiner (BMC)]

Why you like "The Unvarnished Truth"?
I will agree with Kevin anonymity. You can not hide from your name. And I like to see other Chief's point of views on different subjects. Most of the posts have useful insight on thier views.

What keeps you coming back?
Checking for new subjects and/or any new posts on older subjects. I actually use some of the info from this site to help in in my office.

Why I don't post often or at all?
I only check this site in the evening at home and this is usually done after dinner or while my daughter is watching Dora. By that time usaully the rest of the CG has had time to post their views and it takes me a while to read them. I do not, or very seldom, view this site at work.

I feel this is a very good sight and is worth my time to visit, if it was not I would not keep coming back.

[AMTCM John Long]

I think the common themes for posting are:

1. Folks know who they're talking to
2. Excellent info tool to learn about all things CG
3. E-fellowship
4. No pissin-n-whinning :mad:
5. An alternative to other sites
6. The only CG Chief's site out there (that I know of)

I think the common themes for not posting are:

1. Some folks are not sure about the subject at hand and don't want to look
foolish if they mis-speak. :o
2. Some folks are content to just read
3. And yes...it could be this place is boring to them. :eek:

[PACS Steve Carleton]

Coming from a big poster:

I love the use of ranks and names. Keeps us all accountable!

To the people who say that everyone else has expressed the same opinion that has already been posted:

Go ahead and post your view, even if someone else says it, there is nothing like strength in numbers, and we have already established that people read our site. Master Chief's Bowen, Isherwood, James have posted. I also know that Master Chief Jennings from the 9th reads this occassionally, since he used to stop by my office and chat about things I posted here when he was the LANT GB. I'm willing to bet that some senior officers have perused our site as guests. I definitly know that some of our junior enlisted people read through this, because I have the e-mails to back it up when they sent their opinions to me.

[ETC Joe Jester ret]

1. Why you like "The Unvarnished Truth?"

The main thing I like is the fact there are no anonymous posters. Anonymous posters tend to be more willing to execute a personal attack vice concentrating on arguing against a message.

2. What keeps you coming back? and

It keeps me somewhat current with the current CG ... without digging out all the information at the directives and pubs website.

3. Why you don't post often or at all?

I only post on topics I strongly believe in ... at the three sites I visit or on threads where my opine might be of help to someone.

The three sites I visit are military.com forums, an electronics forum, and of course, this Chief's forum. If someone asked me in January when I joined, if I would have a hundred posts by my first anniversary ... I would have doubted it, but that appears to be within reach.

[ETC Ken McKinley]

1. Why you like "The Unvarnished Truth?" Like others have already stated no anonymity. You know who and where the person posting is at and possibly the experiences they are drawing from to be making the statements that they are.

2. What keeps you coming back? With being in the middle of cornfields and only having 5 people here visiting this site along with military.com provides a way to keep up with what’s going on in the Coast Guard.

3. Why you don't post often or at all? Past experiences of posting on forums have left a bitter taste in my mouth with members taking and twisting my words to suite their needs. With people not hiding behind false names I don’t see that happening here and I may begin posting more, time will tell.

ken

[SKC Raymond Kurtz]

1. Why you like "The Unvarnished Truth?"
2. What keeps you coming back? and
3. Why you don't post often or at all?



1. There is accountability here, I know that I am discussing an issue with someone that is actually who they say they are. I like the professionalism, the differing opinions and the wide range of experience.
2. I might learn something.

[BMCS Ian McVicker]

1. Why I like "The Unvarnished Truth? I don’t have another Chief down the hall I can go talk/listen to. It’s rare I get any face time with another Chief and I’m terrible at networking to where I have a list of numbers I can call and bounce issues off of. Some of the threads provide good insight and information. Some threads have views and opinions I share, and they provide affirmation of my views/beliefs.

2. What keeps me coming back? Some day, I’m going to start unloading. I might need my own section. I like to see what's new. What's happening.

3. Why I don't post often or at all? For the threads that interest me… ...either it’s already been said, maybe I don’t have anything to add. At work, I don’t have the time to skim the threads. I usually peruse the threads at home during intermission from offspring activities, and those intermissions are short. Occasionally I’m allowed some free time.

T.S.

Trent, I wish you did post more often. I always liked hearing your point of view when we were at the Chiefs Academy. Granted, I was on Vicodin half the time due to my ribs, but you always seemed to have good input.

IAN

[FSC Jayare Parker (Ret)]

1. I like this site for the same reasons most have allready posted about all those anonomous posters and back stabbing at that other site which is why I don't post much over there anymore. I also like the networking with other Chief's and seeing some of the others I know or have been stationed with during my CG career.
2. I keep comming back to see what others have to say about some of the questions and topics that are discussed here. Some of the pictures in the After Hours thread are great also. (hat boxes, fishing, hunting, even the motorcycle pics)
3. Well as far as the why I don't post often here is - I am actually the FS with the most posts here so that don't apply much to me. I do come to this site almost every day to check things out. (I work nights as a club manager of the Golden Anchor) so I am here during the day (at home) and never from work.

Does anybody know if when others from that other site come over here to check things out do they get recorded as viewing? I know there are a lot of E6 and below and Officers too that check out this site so I was wondering if their viewing counted as views since they are not members?

Jayare

[BMCS Mark Stauffer]

I like it because you know who you are talking to, unlike other common forums. Knowing who is speaking you can either discuss things through the thread, IM, e-mail or call them up. I enjoy seeing the different points of view.

I keep coming back because there are some very interesting threads. I particularly like the Chief's Mess where things are discussed behind closed doors. It helps provide me with tools if I find myself in a similar situation.

I don't post more often because by the time I look through the thread and get to the end somebody has already stated my point of view. I'm not big into repeating the same thoughts. It also seems like by the time I get to the end of a thread JP3 has ticked somebody off and the thread is 90 degrees off course. But mostly I don't post more often because I'm a day late and a dollar short.

[BMC Ralph Williams]

1. JP3 keeps me laughing.
2. Very good policy discussions.
3. Someone has aleady posted what I would of said.

Have fun,
Ralph

[BMCM Deane Smith]

I would like to see this thread replace the Boot Camp thread as the most frequent first time posting thread.

WHY? Please Explain.

[BMC John Phillips III]

At the risk of proving BMCS Stauffer right, that's probably a question that could have been asked in a private message. However since it was asked here, I will answer it here.

It's quite simple actually, the bootcamp thread has the most 1st time posters and if you go back, the last 4 pages, there are at least 4 people that still only have one post. It also has the majority of lower total posters. That tells me two things, people are reading the boards and only adding remarks to questions that no one else would offer the same answer.

Ex: ask me about XPO's marking EPO's and my opinion might be the same as yours. Odds are 50/50,

ask me what boot camp company I was in and with only 60 people in my company the odds are greatly reduced that I would have the same post as anyone else.

That is where I came to the deduction that people weren't adding their 2 cents because it would only mirror what someone else has already said. That deduction is also evident through some of the responses so far. Although I have to say Ralph is getting my vote for best response yet.

So to answer your original question I wanted to get some of the lower # posters to be more active and apparently it is working. Look at BMC Spiroff, I think he's equalled his previous total posts numbers in one day.

I hope I was able to give you the answer you were looking for and for the sake of getting this thread back on track, I would like to hear from more of the lower posting members, it might help if you are reading the thread backwards (from most recent to oldest) that you stop here and post your answers, that way you don't feel like you are stating the same reasons as someone else or have to say something like, "the same as so and so..."

1. What you like about the Unvarnished Truth
2. Why you keep coming back and
3. Why you don't post that often or at all?

edited to add: great posts and answers so far, keep 'em coming in!

[MKC Craig Thorngren (Ret)]

JP,
1. What you like about the Unvarnished Truth
A. Couple of reasons. First and foremost you know exactly who your talking too. No false names to hide behind and the garbage that usually spews when some one has no fear of being identified. Second, it's a great reality check for me on certain subjects. I'll read a post and say "right on", then someone else will post something and make me stop and think about their point of view.

2. Why you keep coming back
A. See answer #1

3. Why you don't post that often or at all?
A. Out here on Attu the internet/intranet connection is incredibly slow, in fact we just switched from an earthnet satellite dish to a microwave relay. It was suppose to be faster, the folks who installed it say it's faster, but it now takes almost three minutes to open up one message in CGMS (that's after waiting to log on for close to ten...), and sometimes as long to open an email with a small attachment, you really have to say something that interests me, or if your asking for help, something I could help with, otherwise, I'd be at the computer all day long, and there's alot of snow that needs to be moved this time of the year...

Craig

[BMC John Phillips III]

Interesting that we have over 400 views and not so many replies...3 questions. Think of it like this, one post here gets you another year on your membership! :D

[BMC M Thompson]

I don't post often because I learn more by listening and reading than I do by talking or posting. Although a lot of the posts bring up some interesting food for thought. I am not very computer savy so I don't know when someone is being sarcastic or serious due to no changes in voice inflection, it's all so confusing...................



Troy

[MSTC SJ Natale]

1. What you like about the Unvarnished Truth
Like others have said, no hiding behind made up names, keeps rif-raf and time wasting bickering WAY down.
Also I like being able to get a different perspective on issues from my peers. In the past I would quickly analyze a situation and come to a conclusion. I can now look around and see other conclusions to the same issues. My rating has its own website, that used to be all I needed as an MST, but now that I am an MST that is also a CPO, I am looking at this CG thing in a totally different way. And this site sure gives me some perspective, espcially since I am the only CPO at my unit.


2. Why you keep coming back
Always looking for new info.


3. Why you don't post that often or at all?Not really feeling the need to...yet

[SKC Ronald Brumble]

I must say I'm so glad you all are posting your thoughts here. JP3, 400 views might be folks like me that were going to stay out of it. I have viewed this thread about 15 to 18 times. Just about once for every post on it, this is post 21 I think.

So, if you add up all of those, then you would have a unusually high view rate. I was not going to post anything but since you brought up the # of views thing I figured I should point that out.

The #1 reason I like this site. No hidden names. I know who I'm talking to. I can call most of these folks if I felt I needed to get some info.

[OSC Brian K. Brandon]

1. Why you like "The Unvarnished Truth?"
2. What keeps you coming back? and
3. Why you don't post often or at all?


1. I would have to say the reason I like is board is because of the same reason most others have stated. You know who you are talking to. I also check out other "special interest" boards, but this is the only CG related board I watch. I gave up on Fred's Place (aka Military.com) because there is no accountability to it.

2. I keep coming back so I can learn from the experience of my fellow Chiefs. There is a VAST knowledge base on the board, and much more expertise than I could ever hope to muster on my own. Here at the CPO Academy, our class has 1020 years of experience between us! That's not counting the instructors.

3. I don't post often because usually what I would want to say has already been stated.

[ETC Pat Kaschube]

1. A great source of information, humour and a place that continually provides a reminder for me to not get complacent.

2. Information, Information, Information

3. I post when I have something to say. Sometimes I loose interest in a post if two or three folks start having a "personal" posting war. Also, I'm still learning when to shut up. Something my Dad told me to do a long time ago. God gave us two eyes, two ears (and in this day and age two hands) and only one mouth for a reason.

[BMC Matthew James]

1. BMCS (Now BMCM) Slesh "encouraged" me to check out the site during CCTI a couple of years ago.

2. I don't come back nearly as often as I should. I'm convinced this site is bar none the best source of information and feedback on what we have going on in the mess.

3. I post when I think I can contribute. I'm wary of starting new threads considering the more experienced members generally get on top of an issue quickly. I too am also hesitant to post some questions because I don't want to turn this fantastic resource into simply a place to whine.

Proud to be a member of the mess.

Matt J

[MSTC SJ Natale]

Why do we all come here, I think its quite simple....its a "CYBER MESS". Or "Virtual Mess", or "Internet Mess", whatever you want to call it,

ONLINE CHIEFS MESS.

[MKC Curtiss Diehl]

1. Why you like "The Unvarnished Truth?"
I like this site because we as Chiefs are able to talk about anything and everything.
2. What keeps you coming back?
I am able to pick up new ideas and other tidbits that I use to improve myself. There is alot of knowledge here that is given freely and I respect what is said wether positive or negative.
3. Why you don't post often or at all?
I find that my ideas have already been stated or at the time I don't have a reply.

[ETC John D Zidek]

1. Why you like "The Unvarnished Truth?"

I do like the fact that there is no hiding or personal attacks, but what I like most is that what you see here is what I think a mess should be. Chiefs sharing their thoughts, opinions, ideas, and lives.

2. What keeps you coming back?
Waiting for someone to post that one thread that everyone really sinks their teeth into...The one that everyone has a Strong Opinion of, that they are willing to defend. That Debate we get when folks put some effort into their responses and let you know Why they feel the way they feel.

3. Why you don't post often or at all?

I have been trying to get in here and post atleast once a day. I would post more, as everyone has said if someone didnt beat me to my point.