I have a bit of a love/hate (like/dislike) relationship with Bedlam.

I like the fact that the world can be discussed without that phrase NTR being used.

I like being able to talk about the bannings of the stupid, trollish and out of control. (as long as moderation is not placed in disrepute)

I like that you can discuss matters without copping all the trolls, idiots and the self important blathers who consider it's their job to take over any thread that piques their interest. The posters who take exception with everyone elses opinions, and rack up 20 or 30 posts answering them all. You know who I mean, we could take a poll.

I like the fact that you can get to know and become closer to some of the inmates to the point where you are happy to meet them in real life without qualms about what they may be really like. (I've met at least 3 people from here)

I like the fact I can use irony and sarcasm here and many recognise it as such.

I dislike some of the sameness (staleness) of many threads caused no doubt by a lack of a steady flow of new posters.

It's a bit cliquey at times, which I guess contributes to the lack of fresh posters.

I dislike the fact that there are a few here who post multitudes of one liners seemingly just for the sake it.

I don't like the fact that OOTB has become largely about American politics.

I don't like all those silly little "I like ..... " threads that evolved from a desire to assuage irate Americans who took great exception to the suggestion they may be a little thin skinned.

I like that post OC

We tend to self moderate a bit.

This is a good point, you can be critical of someones post here and you are not necessarily in an other fire fight, although that does happen, generally people take it on the chin and move on, or retaliate of course

You asked: What would you like Bedlam to achieve?

I really don't have an answer to that. I am thinking "this is an elevated forum but it feels predominantly like a silly-post backwater. Who can be happy with that. What is the benefit of being a Bedlamite and what does Thai Visa want it to be for".

You said: As for the less reputable sites, whatever that might mean, I am not sure there is any status conferred, or maybe I am not elevated enough to fully enjoy said status

like Secrets and Pattaya Addicts etc,

Why don't TV start by creating weekly/monthly competitions or something on the site? That might encourage more traffic to it.

Well, you have achieved something Croppy, you appear to have OC, the shapeshifter and myself almost agreeing with each other, a never before achieved feat.

Anyway, it seems a little empty to be of such a critical nature, when there appears to be very little in constructive feedback to supposedly improve the situation beneficially.

As for the other sites, I don't know them, but I hope there is more to being an elevated member than nudity and full on flames, I do note your response it wouldn't be appropriate here, it just isn't in the business plan and wouldn't suit the vast majority of members here.

Competitions are good, we have one here occasionally, start one off, a lot of us will enjoy.

Oi....a couple of us have been trying to bedlamise this thread....why did you have to go and ruin our efforts?

Because a thread is in Bedlam proper, it doesn't have to be Bedlamised, it is sometimes beneficial to try and eek out some plus points without having to skip the more mundane responses in a sort of serious post.

Well, that put us in our places.

Some great responses and observations. Thanks.

I like bedlam because i recognize the names here, whereas elsewhere there seems to be new people joining everyday.

nud_e photos? Hmm. I like to keep my imagination running... But endure in a fairy dress with his magic wand would be amusing...

From last year's holiday snaps:

Lookin good

Hey cropper, has no one mentioned the 'Special' forum that you get access to at 10,000 posts? I'd say more but then I'd have to shoot you!

From last year's holiday snaps:

I think you pulled, according to the look on the Monks face

Hey cropper, has no one mentioned the 'Special' forum that you get access to at 10,000 posts? I'd say more but then I'd have to shoot you!

Didn't help Sriracha John... banned with 25,810 posts to his name. (Must have done something particularly naughty.)

Hey cropper, has no one mentioned the 'Special' forum that you get access to at 10,000 posts? I'd say more but then I'd have to shoot you!

Didn't help Sriracha John... banned with 25,810 posts to his name. (Must have done something particularly naughty.)

Yeah, shortly after he got into the 'Very Special' forum that needs 25,000 posts!

(Must have done something particularly naughty.)

Only posting, enough to drive any one to drink

There's a 'Very, Very Special' forum for 50,000 posts and not even 'classifieds' is a member of it!!!

Hey cropper, has no one mentioned the 'Special' forum that you get access to at 10,000 posts? I'd say more but then I'd have to shoot you!

I'll take that option thanks.

What about a forum that that won't let you post if you have more than 100 posts? A creche.

Here is my attempt to improve Bedlam:

It's not much but it's well meant.

What about a forum that that won't let you post if you have more than 100 posts? A creche.

Maybe a "sin bin" would be a good idea.

What about a forum that that won't let you post if you have more than 100 posts? A creche.

Maybe a "sin bin" would be a good idea.

You might be on to something there, but with a twist - having a "Sin Bin" thread for those who have sullied or tarnished themselves in whatever form, especially during the weekends, and who wish to now unburden themselves - in print.

Like a Thai Visa Confessional but with less sympathy and no absolution.

..Im doing the faux pas thing of answering within a quote

Having been on here for 2 weeks now and observing the traffic and topics, can I ask what Bedlam is supposed to achieve, if anything? - Why would it need to achieve anything?

Presumably it allows people to feel they have achieved a certain status with their number of posts, and that they can be trusted to not post rubbish or get into trouble too much on here, and fair enough, but that said, many people who are very active on the main boards simply do not bother with Bedlam at all. - Oh no, no no no, please..Bedlam almost all about posting rubbish..thats half the fun. Bedlam = status..bwahaha! Go on..tell us another one! Hmm..yeh...many people who are very active on the main boards simple do not bother with Bedlam at all.. erm, your point being?

Usually when you get elevated to something you get some kind of value-added. On the Bedlam board I find it is the opposite. The cut and thrust, and most of the wit and spark is on the main boards. However there are some great topics on here – the “Short Ones” and some of the photo threads are good, but by and large the board could just as easily be relocated to a more “fun” general section without too much trouble. Who says we are being "elevated" by having this forum? I guess i would personally equate it as being more like a staff smoking room or something like that. Somewhere to hang out a bit and kick your shoes off.

If you look on the elevated sections of some of the less reputable forum sites it is easy to see what elevated status confers, but that is completely inappropriate for the TV business model.

So I can't quite get my head around the Bedlam board. Im really sorry you dont get the concept of basically a virtual chill out room. Which, Bedlam, very humbly (imo) offers.

Maybe if Mods (or members were encouraged to) post more provocative/interesting/topical threads it might help, but that might detract from the strength of the non-Bedlam boards. As another poster has mentioned. Bedlam has been bubbling along for a good many years. If it aint broke, why fix it? I think most who come here, and stay here, get the point of it, and enjoy it. BUT, by all means, post more provocative/interesting/topical threads..you are most encouraged to do so!

Maybe a more elitist feel to being/becoming a member might do it? Elitist? Seriously? Online Elitism? lawl

Or offer Bedlam members something? How about discounts at selected forum sponsors, per number of posts? Bedlam is just a space..a little pocket of space for members to chill. Its not promoting anything, its just a gathering place really. Its not a Gentlemans club or anything along those lines. Who in all honesty wants that kind of thing online anyway?

Or is everyone happy with it as it is? Well..why not do a poll?

It just feels moribund to me, but I will keep at it. OOh i had to look up moribund. Nice word. Why not just see Bedlam is a living room/staff room/chill out room sharecropper. Dont expect it to give you anything. Just come in whenever you feel like it and see if there is anything interesting around. If nothing takes your fancy, start up a convo(thread) yourself, or gulp your coffee down and leave. If you view it in that way, maybe you will enjoy it more...?

All observations welcome. I am just trying to work it out as a newbie on the board, not start a punch-up. Well..welcome to Bedlam! Check out the pinned threads about Bedlam and, as I suggested, try not to think too hard about what Bedlam should be, and just enjoy it for what it is.

..Im doing the faux pas thing of answering within a quote

Having been on here for 2 weeks now and observing the traffic and topics, can I ask what Bedlam is supposed to achieve, if anything? - Why would it need to achieve anything?

Presumably it allows people to feel they have achieved a certain status with their number of posts, and that they can be trusted to not post rubbish or get into trouble too much on here, and fair enough, but that said, many people who are very active on the main boards simply do not bother with Bedlam at all. - Oh no, no no no, please..Bedlam almost all about posting rubbish..thats half the fun. Bedlam = status..bwahaha! Go on..tell us another one! Hmm..yeh...many people who are very active on the main boards simple do not bother with Bedlam at all.. erm, your point being?

Usually when you get elevated to something you get some kind of value-added. On the Bedlam board I find it is the opposite. The cut and thrust, and most of the wit and spark is on the main boards. However there are some great topics on here – the “Short Ones” and some of the photo threads are good, but by and large the board could just as easily be relocated to a more “fun” general section without too much trouble. Who says we are being "elevated" by having this forum? I guess i would personally equate it as being more like a staff smoking room or something like that. Somewhere to hang out a bit and kick your shoes off.

If you look on the elevated sections of some of the less reputable forum sites it is easy to see what elevated status confers, but that is completely inappropriate for the TV business model.

So I can't quite get my head around the Bedlam board. Im really sorry you dont get the concept of basically a virtual chill out room. Which, Bedlam, very humbly (imo) offers.

Maybe if Mods (or members were encouraged to) post more provocative/interesting/topical threads it might help, but that might detract from the strength of the non-Bedlam boards. As another poster has mentioned. Bedlam has been bubbling along for a good many years. If it aint broke, why fix it? I think most who come here, and stay here, get the point of it, and enjoy it. BUT, by all means, post more provocative/interesting/topical threads..you are most encouraged to do so!

Maybe a more elitist feel to being/becoming a member might do it? Elitist? Seriously? Online Elitism? lawl

Or offer Bedlam members something? How about discounts at selected forum sponsors, per number of posts? Bedlam is just a space..a little pocket of space for members to chill. Its not promoting anything, its just a gathering place really. Its not a Gentlemans club or anything along those lines. Who in all honesty wants that kind of thing online anyway?

Or is everyone happy with it as it is? Well..why not do a poll?

It just feels moribund to me, but I will keep at it. OOh i had to look up moribund. Nice word. Why not just see Bedlam is a living room/staff room/chill out room sharecropper. Dont expect it to give you anything. Just come in whenever you feel like it and see if there is anything interesting around. If nothing takes your fancy, start up a convo(thread) yourself, or gulp your coffee down and leave. If you view it in that way, maybe you will enjoy it more...?

All observations welcome. I am just trying to work it out as a newbie on the board, not start a punch-up. Well..welcome to Bedlam! Check out the pinned threads about Bedlam and, as I suggested, try not to think too hard about what Bedlam should be, and just enjoy it for what it is.

Thanks for your comments. I suspect it is horses for courses with Bedlam.

I can see some advantages to posting on here and will continue to do so, especially non-Thailand stuff.

..Im doing the faux pas thing of answering within a quote

Maybe by certain unreasonable standards, but it makes sense here. You answered serious questions with serious replies to each question.

..Im doing the faux pas thing of answering within a quote

Maybe by certain unreasonable standards, but it makes sense here. You answered serious questions with serious replies to each question.

...and it made it easy to follow.

(it's not unreasonable Ian, because so often (I imagine) replies would forget/neglect to distinguish the reply from the quoted post. That would cause great confusion and unfair misunderstanding.)

I just did it too, in a worse way, by altering your post when quoting it ....so where should the line be drawn? (there's a pun there considering my alteration )