Split post? Why are we all negative here...

OMG, Irony.

If anyone looks at Chipster's history of posts, he if far from chipper. In fact it's been commented on by members.

Just to throw some light on the subject.

(I could care less in general though, the "internets" are not that important)

but the thing is, i direct a lot of people to this board for information when they first move to park slope, and more often than not, they are completely disgusted with this board and it reflects really poorly on the neighborhood and its residents. (i should say i USED to direct them here... i've basically stopped after so many were terrified that they have moved to the most negative place on earth).

ALSO, this board seems to be a breeding ground for the local press (nymag, curbed, brownstoner, gawker, etc) in picking up stories about park slope that show the neighborhood in a negative light...stroller nazi's, psp parents list, tea lounge crap...almost all of that was started by something someone said here.

i think it's a real shame that 99% of all restaurants, bars and everything else on this board get panned before they've even opened.

i don't think this board is a very nice welcome for folks looking for information about our neighborhood.

i'm all for free speech and keeping it real, but i think it would be nice to represent ourselves as the liberal and open minded community that we are a little better by being a tad more tolerant.

is my post negative?

maybe if we are more negative, the sidewalks will get less crowded. i am willing to let people believe my neighborhood is sucky if it means i'll actually be able to make my way through it. besides, who takes anything on an internet chat board without a half-cup of salt?

I see touched a nerve there

Just sayin' "calling the kettle black" and all.

I agree we should all be a bit more positive, lets start by focusing on how we can improve our neighborhood. And build more community interaction. Get involved in or start a neighborhood association, even if it's only your block that's coming together.

I don't agree. Certainly, there's negativity and silliness (and I participate in much of it), but there is a LOT of positivity and a lot of good things that have come out of this board - group events (not that *I* go to any....cough cough, but I could), neighbors helping neighbors in need (I have had several people I have never met offer assistance when I've been sick or since I've been on crutches, and I have offered the same), recommendations for places (right now I'm going to a PT office recommended by BrooklynJack - I didn't even know the place existed), information on local events (including crime and community board meetings), advice (tv purchases, gardening, computer help, to name a few)...and believe it or not, lots of positive things about local establishments.

While I've seen people be very helpful here - I also find a lot of negativity. Places are criticized before they're opened, when a place is not liked by some and the place is successful they're panned for being successful, almost all posts go off topic into fighting & cursing (example - I once asked about places to buy a watch and got great advice - but then it turned into a fight about watches).

I've lived here for over 30 years and have seen a lot of changes - mostly good. But if I were considering moving here I might have my doubts if this was the only place I could go to get info about the neighborhood. Yes - I do want to see honest reviews of places - but I also get tired of the criticism of places before they're open (I don't see too many people here taking the chance of opening a business) - and while I also don't understand why some places that I think are mediocre (or not very good) make it - I don't feel the need to harp on it.

I don't find all the posters negative and have gotten helpful advice here - but I honestly dislike the constant cursing (no, I'm not a prude) - I sometimes feel like I'm looking at a board that is populated by 13 year old boys.

So yes - I will continue to come here but I do take the postings with a grain of salt.

belzjm wrote:
i'm all for free speech and keeping it real, but i think it would be nice to represent ourselves as the liberal and open minded community that we are a little better by being a tad more tolerant.

is my post negative?

No, I don't think so. I moved from PS to PH last year, so I'm checking the PH board more. When I visit the PS board, I'm always struck by the petty, minute details that people seem to post relating to shopping. restaurants, personal pet peeves.

The PH board seems more upbeat and in general very happy about the new businesses being opened on Vanderbilt and Washington. But then again, it's a different neighborhood with different demographic. More young people with less disposable income using the board to discuss creative ways of getting together, having fun, bartering services or getting discounts somewhere.

Do we need to have a big group hug?