Does TVF ever affect your mood?

[Wavefloater]

Some days it seems that reading the threads here is not a good thing to do. It’s what I might call psychological poison. It’s occurred to me that there is so much inane bickering, insulting and general negativity at this forum that spending a lot of time here, reading the posted comments, is not good for one’s outlook. I’m intelligent enough to know when some a**hole is just trying to be a nasty SOB and get reactions, and I take those types with a big grain of salt. But even knowing that to be the case, when one’s bombarded with negative trashy posts, which seems to be the case too often, it starts to dampen my mood. I’ve actually got to the point recently where most often I don’t read anything past the OP because too many of the comments are depressing (for a number of reasons).

Certainly, TVF is useful for getting information, but as a venue to discuss the politics and culture of Thailand or other concerns, it’s not good for one’s outlook.

I know there is a core of members with thousands of posts that live, breath and eat TVF who might not agree with or like what I say, but I feel it’s a valid point and one that others might consider.

And of course, I invite people to make their comments, whether they agree with anything I say in this post, disagree, or even feel an insult is warranted. It makes no difference to me because it’s very unlikely I’ll see them. Actually, I now find myself wandering away from TVF for very long periods and only returning for specific information, so blast away at me here if that's your style. Perhaps I might even see what you said in a month or two when I look in again.

BTW, I didn’t start this thread just to make negative comments about TVF then run away. My real intention is to point out something I think people should be aware of. Perhaps some people are being negatively affected by this forum without realizing it, and awareness of that possibility might be helpful.

[cooked]

I see that you have 543 posts to your name. I have about 1800 I think and I remember at one point going through the same process as you now. I'm sure that many fall by the wayside at the beginning, but believe me it used to be much worse! Some people seem inherently unable to post anything positive, others seem to mellow with time and actually agree with me from time to time.

There are many frustrated, unhappy Farangs in Thailand, stuck in a trap here due to activities that maybe weren't sensible on their part, you see their steely, 'don't come near me you piece of shot' look everywhere.

[JLCrab]

I would say just the opposite -- my mood affects what on TV/F I choose to write or that to which I respond.

[Eesat]

Have to agree with the OP,it's one of the most depressing forums I've ever seen in my life!

[benalibina]

Personally since joining this forum i have been confirmed on many previous thoughts/opinions about LOS which i had forgotten about. I can read through the constant negativity or exageratingly positive comments of regular posters. I consider this website as a good source of information and i read topics which are of interest for me. Depending on my mood of the day !!

[lannarebirth]

Only when I get suspended does posting here affect my mood. That seems to be happening more and more often and frankly it is hard to comprehend. I mean it's one brilliantly insightful post after another.

I get what you mean about the negativity though and I put it down to this; many TV members spend less time choosing a wife than deciding what car they might buy. If they had spent more time in choosing a wife and learning some of the Thai customs, I think there would be a lot less negatibity.

Edited July 4, 2013 by lannarebirth

[NCC1701A]

Yes this a very depressing forum. I think there are many people here suffering from depression with a few beers thrown in the mix. Chronic negative thinking is a symptom of depression. However the level of negativity does seem to be related to the topic of the thread. Positive threads like healthy eating and organic farming attract positive people and positive comments.

The first PM I received on this forum was a warning I would die in Thailand.

I am sure the person felt they were being helpful and doing me a favor.

So try not to get dragged down by all the negative people going on about horrible news stories or the chronic Thai bashing. Don't contribute to it.

[David48]

To the OP ... on Thai Visa, go to the place that you enjoy the most.

Sure, the General/Pattaya/Phuket Forums are robust.

But, for me, the real gems on Thai Visa lay in the other Forums.

You could not get a finer bunch of guys then down on the Farming Forum, or more creative then the Photography Forum.

When I read the posts in General ... or now that you have been moved to the Pub ... it's a lark, a bit of fun.

Makes me more then

Then you see a newbie asking the best way to send his new love money to Udon via Western Union and can't understand why or how she collected it in Pattaya ...

If a particular poster gets under your goat ... there always is the 'Poster Ignore' button so his (or her) negative posts don't affect your day.

Maybe develop a PM with a few members here who have the same thinking as you ... I've done that in the past and have really enjoyed it.

For a laugh, have a read of ... so-i-was-on-a-bus or how-to-grow-a-chicken ... may lighten your mood.

Check out watutsis-photos-bangkok-street

Like most things in life ... go to the place that you enjoy the most.

.

[smokie36]

The weather has a greater influence.....or my gf's mood.

Alcohol affects it....as does work at times.

TVF is way down the list.

[krisb]

Have to agree with the OP,it's one of the most depressing forums I've ever seen in my life!

Could also say it is what you make it.

[ABCer]

Not a chance in the world!

Sometimes I get annoyed by some posts.

Sometimes I get involved in an argument.

I can be acidic, caustic, sarcastic or ironic in my comments.

Sometimes I get rude 'insulting' remarks.

These I ignore as coming from people who do not know better ways.

TV may be entertaining sometimes, but never ever can change my mood!

Edited July 4, 2013 by metisdead
Unnecessary usage of bold font reset to normal.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Everything I do has to be fun, or why do it?

Posting on Tv is fun, reading other peoples posts is fun.

Jeez, why do you guys make everything so difficult?

[how241]

The weather has a greater influence.....or my gf's mood.

Alcohol affects it....as does work at times.

TVF is way down the list.

+1

[I Like Thai]

Never, it's just an internet forum. Sometimes topics can be serious, other times just a bit of fun. But in either case it doesn't bother me what other people write.

[BuriramRes]

Have to agree with the OP,it's one of the most depressing forums I've ever seen in my life!

If you believe that, then why do you read it? I liken it to alcohol addiction. If it affects you too much & you have the fortitude to give up, then switch it off for a while. If you cannot do that then you are addicted and need help.

Sometimes I like it (but just skim the comments) some times I get mad at myself for wasting time & switch off.

[Eesat]

Have to agree with the OP,it's one of the most depressing forums I've ever seen in my life!

If you believe that, then why do you read it? I liken it to alcohol addiction. If it affects you too much & you have the fortitude to give up, then switch it off for a while. If you cannot do that then you are addicted and need help.

Sometimes I like it (but just skim the comments) some times I get mad at myself for wasting time & switch off.

It's like watching a motorway pile-up?

[mad mary]

I felt fine until I clicked on & read the OP ...Now I'm bloody depressed too!!

[Jingthing]

Let me check ... yes.

Potentially positively and potentially negatively. It all depends.

Lots of stuff happens here and some of it can have meaning in the real world, such as when you give or get useful practical advice either about visas or actual practical stuff about living in Thailand (like plumbing for example).

[gerrythepoet]

As long as you do not take things personally and switch from one forum to another it's great fun.

I am always guaranteed a laugh before heading home after work. The latest news keeps me up to date and the issues that come up with expatriates and the locals is wondrous in itself.

I must admit there are a few stirrers but that's life. Today reading about Chalerm is enough to crack anybody up. He will arrive at 9am at the Labour office but what time will he leave for his other urgent calls.

I was wondering if Thaivisa actually had merchandise for sale like T-shirts. Good way to travel around the place and "Oh! are you a reader or a poster on TV?"

[super22k]

Ilove ThaiVisa. I have learnt so much about immigration,banking and the Thai way of life. Do not forget most Ex-pats came here with the Land of smiles expectation waving an olive branch only to be disappointed. It is difficult to be optomistic if you have been cheated out of money at a night market,ripped off by a Tuk-tuk driver then get back to your Condo or hotel to see a receptionist with a face like a bag of hammers.

It is frustration and ThaiVisa is an outlet for that frustration. Thank you ThaiVisa! Keep up the great work.

[rotary]

Reading TVM confirms my thinking there are still some people with common sense. It also confirms my thinking there are quite a few folks a few pence short of a pound.

[squarethecircle]

to see a receptionist with a face like a bag of hammers.

I'm curious what you mean by "a face like a bag of hammers". What an image.

To the OP, yes it affects my mood, sometimes pisses me off, sometimes makes me depressed, but I keep coming back to the site, just like I have kept coming back to the country, over the past couple of years. As Ken Kesey put it, "take what you can use, and let the rest pass you by."

[iancnx]

When I first joined 6 yrs ago (?) I thought it was dismal. Full of really sad grumpy bas-:;s. I once went to one of the annual party's in CM..... OMG!

Now there seems a better bunch and I enjoy exchanging views and civilised discussions. I have been a lot more active recently as the self build project nears completion. Without doubt TV has a truly excellent knowledge base and I learn something new nearly every day. So for me that's good!

[tilac2]

I totally agree with Wavefloater. I'm often reluctant to comment or give suggestions because of all the cynical smart alecs who colonise this ThaiVisa forum. Then I see other forums of newspapers and I see even more silly, insulting abuse (the 'Daily Telegraph' of London is one of the worst). Would people make such comments if they were face to face? I doubt it.

I'm not saying I'm not guilty myself, by the way: I've posted some cynical, smart alec posts myself.

Anyway, just to applaud Wavefloater for a decent attitude, and I hope it takes root.

[jojodontyouknow]

The weather has a greater influence.....or my gf's mood.

Alcohol affects it....as does work at times.

TVF is way down the list.

I love those pancakes too!! And hoisin sauce!!

[Cooperlicious]

Yes I agree, I stopped reading the comments on this site a long time ago (This one priced up my ears though). I love to get the news updates and check visa information which is really great here. However i cant stand the bickering/general negativity/fear mongering/insulting/etc, in the comments.

I've lived in Bangkok for more than two years now and have nothing negative to say. I really love the place.

[mad mary]

Yes I agree, I stopped reading the comments on this site a long time ago (This one priced up my ears though). I love to get the news updates and check visa information which is really great here. However i cant stand the bickering/general negativity/fear mongering/insulting/etc, in the comments.

I've lived in Bangkok for more than two years now and have nothing negative to say. I really love the place.

How much for your ears?

Don't you think your post is negative too? (Apart from the cuddly,warm feeling you portray about BKK)

[marell]

Not really. But it's also kind of like six of one and a half dozen of the other. Sometimes there are too many angry, negative comments (which is unfortunate) but there are also a lot of balanced, intelligent and even entertaining perspectives (which is fortunate). Don't let the former bother you and draw value from the latter. Like most things, it is what it is.

Edited July 4, 2013 by marell

[winstonc]

When I first joined 6 yrs ago (?) I thought it was dismal. Full of really sad grumpy bas-:;s. I once went to one of the annual party's in CM..... OMG!

Now there seems a better bunch and I enjoy exchanging views and civilised discussions. I have been a lot more active recently as the self build project nears completion. Without doubt TV has a truly excellent knowledge base and I learn something new nearly every day. So for me that's good!

i only read your posts cos i love your avatar,,,its fab honey,,,,,,,

[winstonc]

if you take it too seriously ,,your unbalanced i fear,,,im sure every country has a forum similar except north korea,,i wouldnt dare say anything bad about the new great leader,,fat bstard,,,hahahahaha,,dont call me cynical,,,, ,,,,,it does however provide me with great information though,,so keep calm and carry on,,,happy 4th to you americans on here,,,,,,