Manatee Mentors 2016 - Closed (Page 82)

Yup, it's all our fault!  (then pages of whining, promises to make changes, the usual)

I'm so glad that you're seeing improvement!

We are sucking the life out of the TT threads? 

Happy birthday Judi!

I believe it was Mark Twain that said "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated." I think the same can be said for BT. It may not be what it once was, or what someone thinks it should be, but that doesn't mean it is not what it needs to be at this time. 

There was a time where I was a bit more up in arms about this sort of thing, but to me, the Internet in general is ever evolving and BT will be doing the same.

ETA: As a member of this group for a couple of seasons now, I think I can safely say that while we have a wealth of info tri related in here, there are some other discussions that the average BT'r would not find helpful.  And that is fine, it is what it is. Friendship, support and motivation go a long way.

X2!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDI!

That's the idea, but don't think it's really that true. Not to the extent some would like to believe at least. What I've seen is that many who stay in the mentor groups don't like the main forums that much and are not likely to post much there if these groups went away. They're more likely to go find someplace else that would better replicate these groups. There is a big difference in feel between the two. The forums have a bigger, wider range of respondents bringing all kinds of personalities, but have more narrowed topics. The mentor groups are more about living and being friends. Most of what we discuss in here would not really come up on the main forums as it's sharing how our lives are going or excitement over getting new stuff.

RE: Manatees sucking the life out of BT

I check both TT and dabble in PCoJ forums as well, so I feel like I'm relatively active outside of here.  With that said, I can see how an outsider would see this group as a problem when it comes to participation.  Left Brain (never thought I'd mention that guy in here) made a good point that people like feeling like they're part of a select group, and this group made for a good example of that.  And why wouldn't people want to be a part of this?  Everybody is encouraging each other, and we have people like Chris and Janyne that put in a TON of effort into making sure everyone gets responded to and everyone feels involved.  I don't think they get enough credit for doing that, by the way.  

The problem is that same kind of community isn't conducive to a forum that is dedicated to discussing triathlon training or events in triathlon.  I'm not sure if you posted a life struggle in TT that it would even get a response, much less the support that you're seeking.  However if you posted about something happening in your life here, then I can by name think of at least 5 users that are likely to respond in a supportive way.  

Part of me feels like it's not so much that people are hiding in this thread as there just isn't a lot to the site outside of the thread.  It's kind of a vicious cycle.

RE: My rib injury

I think I'm past the injury being a hinderance, as I've gone through a few workouts where I'm holding back less and less.  There's no pain there now, but I do feel something there.  Wouldn't call it discomfort, but more like a threat from my body saying "don't go too crazy with this".  So for now I'm keeping an eye on it, but I think I'm good.

Matt - sorry to hear about the rib (file this under me getting caught up - bummed I was out of the loop so long!), and glad to hear it's not holding you back.  How'd you injure it? Wondering, do you feel stronger (leg-wise) having had to scale back for a time?

I'm recalling several, maybe apocryphal, stories about people coming back way harder after a non-leg injury forced some down time.

Ben - sorry to hear about the shoulder (again, getting caught up).  Not to rehash too much, but what happened?

As for BT busyness, I guess I see the point about mentor groups, but not really as a negative (per others' comments). They are open, in the main...  I, too, try to jump in when able on TT and such, but there seem to be both fewer threads and more immediate responses (so it seems there are fewer chances to respond without just repeating/piling on). 

I was more concerned that - or maybe just wondering if - perhaps the blush was coming off the triathlon rose in general.  Like BT, the internet, houseguests and such, I was wondering if tri had it's moment (decade?) in the sun and there was just less interest out there.  Will be interesting to see how crowded races are this season and if other race types gain traction (like those awesome looking run-swim-run-swim-etc. overland European races).

Haven't toured the "other site" yet, but will check it out this week, too.  Anyone know if ST has slowed, or is it as active (and occasionally toxic in a mostly amusing way) as ever?

and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDI!

Originally posted by DaveL

Originally posted by JJ-

Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by Jet Black

Originally posted by mcmanusclan5

So, ummm.... a quick question.

Was tooling around BT to get caught up and it seems like it's sooooper quiet - and maybe has been for a while.

Has traffic really slowed here the past 10 months or so?

Just wondering what y'all think.

Matt

Not sure, I have pretty much just stuck with the manatee thread and nothing else. I do know they changed the organization of the forums awhile back.

There has been at least one thread about it and that thread even discussed the fact that the mentor groups are part of the downfall. As a matter of fact this group was specifically mentioned.  I venture out in to the other waters occasionally. I generally don't comment because I feel like folks more experienced than I usually have the answer covered.

Why is this group part of the downfall?

I did read that thread and even posted in it. I think the point being made what that there was a wealth of information in the groups and it was unfortunate that it wasnt being shared in the main forums. It kind of, sort of, makes sense in a far reaching way but I think is a bit of an exaggeration. I hedged my bets and joined the group

I kind of get it too but it may also be a reflection of what people want to get out of the forum. I don't have a lot of general questions any more since I've been doing tri for almost 7 years and not training very seriously at the moment.  I am certainly not interested in some of the cranks on the main forum who harp on the same points over and over again - and in not such a friendly way.  Back to my point, I am at the point where I enjoy the social part of the forum which isn't really the intent of the main forums - where we can talk tri, general life and 'know' each other a little better here. I actually think it's a selling feature that there can be groups like us. Otherwise, i probably wouldn't have much use for the site. 

"Matt - sorry to hear about the rib (file this under me getting caught up - bummed I was out of the loop so long!), and glad to hear it's not holding you back.  How'd you injure it? Wondering, do you feel stronger (leg-wise) having had to scale back for a time?"

Two weeks ago on my last set of leg press I heard and felt a pop in my lower left ribs that began to hurt later on as adrenaline wore off.  I think may have bruised it, because it seems OK now.  At first I was afraid I broke it while going down a bit too aggressively in my rep.  I'm doing full barbell squats now, and have worked my way up to 245 lbs for my last set.  I'm definitely getting stronger over.  Pretty sure that it's not going to help my triathlon times, but I'm not worried about that atm.

Originally posted by juniperjen

Originally posted by DaveL

Originally posted by JJ-

Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by Jet Black

Originally posted by mcmanusclan5

So, ummm.... a quick question.

Was tooling around BT to get caught up and it seems like it's sooooper quiet - and maybe has been for a while.

Has traffic really slowed here the past 10 months or so?

Just wondering what y'all think.

Matt

Not sure, I have pretty much just stuck with the manatee thread and nothing else. I do know they changed the organization of the forums awhile back.

There has been at least one thread about it and that thread even discussed the fact that the mentor groups are part of the downfall. As a matter of fact this group was specifically mentioned.  I venture out in to the other waters occasionally. I generally don't comment because I feel like folks more experienced than I usually have the answer covered.

Why is this group part of the downfall?

I did read that thread and even posted in it. I think the point being made what that there was a wealth of information in the groups and it was unfortunate that it wasnt being shared in the main forums. It kind of, sort of, makes sense in a far reaching way but I think is a bit of an exaggeration. I hedged my bets and joined the group

I kind of get it too but it may also be a reflection of what people want to get out of the forum. I don't have a lot of general questions any more since I've been doing tri for almost 7 years and not training very seriously at the moment.  I am certainly not interested in some of the cranks on the main forum who harp on the same points over and over again - and in not such a friendly way.  Back to my point, I am at the point where I enjoy the social part of the forum which isn't really the intent of the main forums - where we can talk tri, general life and 'know' each other a little better here. I actually think it's a selling feature that there can be groups like us. Otherwise, i probably wouldn't have much use for the site. 

When I first found BT I frequented the forums a lot.  I did not post much, but I read them a lot.  After a couple of years, I got tired of reading and hearing the same thing over and over again.  I understand this is a beginners' site, so people have the same questions, so I don't begrudge the question/answers; I just had no use for it anymore and grew tired of it.  And, I agree, there were always a few people who were one note wonders and wanted to share that note -forcefully, with everyone else.  Usually I found the note out of tune

I like the interaction of our little (ok, not so little) group.   I forget who said it, but I agree that Janyne and Chris do a great job of keeping this thread as great as it is. 

 Rib injuries can take a really long time to heal, so I'm glad your feeling better so relatively quickly! 

Thank you both, but for me, it is simply a part of caring about others. I find this group has been helpful to me (as I have mentioned in the past) with way more than triathlon. As a nearly 50 year old man, the ability to continue growing is not something I take lightly. And I thank all Manatees past and present for helping me continue to grow.  

Originally posted by amd723

Originally posted by juniperjen

Originally posted by DaveL

Originally posted by JJ-

Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by Jet Black

Originally posted by mcmanusclan5

So, ummm.... a quick question.

Was tooling around BT to get caught up and it seems like it's sooooper quiet - and maybe has been for a while.

Has traffic really slowed here the past 10 months or so?

Just wondering what y'all think.

Matt

Not sure, I have pretty much just stuck with the manatee thread and nothing else. I do know they changed the organization of the forums awhile back.

There has been at least one thread about it and that thread even discussed the fact that the mentor groups are part of the downfall. As a matter of fact this group was specifically mentioned.  I venture out in to the other waters occasionally. I generally don't comment because I feel like folks more experienced than I usually have the answer covered.

Why is this group part of the downfall?

I did read that thread and even posted in it. I think the point being made what that there was a wealth of information in the groups and it was unfortunate that it wasnt being shared in the main forums. It kind of, sort of, makes sense in a far reaching way but I think is a bit of an exaggeration. I hedged my bets and joined the group

I kind of get it too but it may also be a reflection of what people want to get out of the forum. I don't have a lot of general questions any more since I've been doing tri for almost 7 years and not training very seriously at the moment.  I am certainly not interested in some of the cranks on the main forum who harp on the same points over and over again - and in not such a friendly way.  Back to my point, I am at the point where I enjoy the social part of the forum which isn't really the intent of the main forums - where we can talk tri, general life and 'know' each other a little better here. I actually think it's a selling feature that there can be groups like us. Otherwise, i probably wouldn't have much use for the site. 

When I first found BT I frequented the forums a lot.  I did not post much, but I read them a lot.  After a couple of years, I got tired of reading and hearing the same thing over and over again.  I understand this is a beginners' site, so people have the same questions, so I don't begrudge the question/answers; I just had no use for it anymore and grew tired of it.  And, I agree, there were always a few people who were one note wonders and wanted to share that note -forcefully, with everyone else.  Usually I found the note out of tune

I like the interaction of our little (ok, not so little) group.   I forget who said it, but I agree that Janyne and Chris do a great job of keeping this thread as great as it is. 

That's interesting you mention the bit about it kind of being the same thing over and over again. I suppose a site with beginner in the name with perpetuate that. Not that it's a bad thing. It's almost like TT should be the first stop where a newb can, ask for directions, so to speak. And then move into a mentor or challenge group to continually grow. I think even as I write this it seems like there is something missing there, but it also seams the mentor groups are key to the process and not the opposite. 

It was back in November, blew my collarbone to pieces in a mountain biking accident. Went in for surgery and had a plate put in to hold things together. It's like 6 months recovery for everything to fully regrow. Was in a sling 24/7 for over a month.

Originally posted by Asalzwed

Originally posted by amd723

Originally posted by juniperjen

Originally posted by DaveL

Originally posted by JJ-

Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by Jet Black

Originally posted by mcmanusclan5

So, ummm.... a quick question.

Was tooling around BT to get caught up and it seems like it's sooooper quiet - and maybe has been for a while.

Has traffic really slowed here the past 10 months or so?

Just wondering what y'all think.

Matt

Not sure, I have pretty much just stuck with the manatee thread and nothing else. I do know they changed the organization of the forums awhile back.

There has been at least one thread about it and that thread even discussed the fact that the mentor groups are part of the downfall. As a matter of fact this group was specifically mentioned.  I venture out in to the other waters occasionally. I generally don't comment because I feel like folks more experienced than I usually have the answer covered.

Why is this group part of the downfall?

I did read that thread and even posted in it. I think the point being made what that there was a wealth of information in the groups and it was unfortunate that it wasnt being shared in the main forums. It kind of, sort of, makes sense in a far reaching way but I think is a bit of an exaggeration. I hedged my bets and joined the group

I kind of get it too but it may also be a reflection of what people want to get out of the forum. I don't have a lot of general questions any more since I've been doing tri for almost 7 years and not training very seriously at the moment.  I am certainly not interested in some of the cranks on the main forum who harp on the same points over and over again - and in not such a friendly way.  Back to my point, I am at the point where I enjoy the social part of the forum which isn't really the intent of the main forums - where we can talk tri, general life and 'know' each other a little better here. I actually think it's a selling feature that there can be groups like us. Otherwise, i probably wouldn't have much use for the site. 

When I first found BT I frequented the forums a lot.  I did not post much, but I read them a lot.  After a couple of years, I got tired of reading and hearing the same thing over and over again.  I understand this is a beginners' site, so people have the same questions, so I don't begrudge the question/answers; I just had no use for it anymore and grew tired of it.  And, I agree, there were always a few people who were one note wonders and wanted to share that note -forcefully, with everyone else.  Usually I found the note out of tune

I like the interaction of our little (ok, not so little) group.   I forget who said it, but I agree that Janyne and Chris do a great job of keeping this thread as great as it is. 

That's interesting you mention the bit about it kind of being the same thing over and over again. I suppose a site with beginner in the name with perpetuate that. Not that it's a bad thing. It's almost like TT should be the first stop where a newb can, ask for directions, so to speak. And then move into a mentor or challenge group to continually grow. I think even as I write this it seems like there is something missing there, but it also seams the mentor groups are key to the process and not the opposite. 

We have a winner!

Originally posted by jmkizer

Originally posted by Asalzwed

Originally posted by amd723

Originally posted by juniperjen

Originally posted by DaveL

Originally posted by JJ-

Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by Jet Black

Originally posted by mcmanusclan5

So, ummm.... a quick question.

Was tooling around BT to get caught up and it seems like it's sooooper quiet - and maybe has been for a while.

Has traffic really slowed here the past 10 months or so?

Just wondering what y'all think.

Matt

Not sure, I have pretty much just stuck with the manatee thread and nothing else. I do know they changed the organization of the forums awhile back.

There has been at least one thread about it and that thread even discussed the fact that the mentor groups are part of the downfall. As a matter of fact this group was specifically mentioned.  I venture out in to the other waters occasionally. I generally don't comment because I feel like folks more experienced than I usually have the answer covered.

Why is this group part of the downfall?

I did read that thread and even posted in it. I think the point being made what that there was a wealth of information in the groups and it was unfortunate that it wasnt being shared in the main forums. It kind of, sort of, makes sense in a far reaching way but I think is a bit of an exaggeration. I hedged my bets and joined the group

I kind of get it too but it may also be a reflection of what people want to get out of the forum. I don't have a lot of general questions any more since I've been doing tri for almost 7 years and not training very seriously at the moment.  I am certainly not interested in some of the cranks on the main forum who harp on the same points over and over again - and in not such a friendly way.  Back to my point, I am at the point where I enjoy the social part of the forum which isn't really the intent of the main forums - where we can talk tri, general life and 'know' each other a little better here. I actually think it's a selling feature that there can be groups like us. Otherwise, i probably wouldn't have much use for the site. 

When I first found BT I frequented the forums a lot.  I did not post much, but I read them a lot.  After a couple of years, I got tired of reading and hearing the same thing over and over again.  I understand this is a beginners' site, so people have the same questions, so I don't begrudge the question/answers; I just had no use for it anymore and grew tired of it.  And, I agree, there were always a few people who were one note wonders and wanted to share that note -forcefully, with everyone else.  Usually I found the note out of tune

I like the interaction of our little (ok, not so little) group.   I forget who said it, but I agree that Janyne and Chris do a great job of keeping this thread as great as it is. 

That's interesting you mention the bit about it kind of being the same thing over and over again. I suppose a site with beginner in the name with perpetuate that. Not that it's a bad thing. It's almost like TT should be the first stop where a newb can, ask for directions, so to speak. And then move into a mentor or challenge group to continually grow. I think even as I write this it seems like there is something missing there, but it also seams the mentor groups are key to the process and not the opposite. 

We have a winner!

I keep thinking there should be sort of an open forum for more experienced people to ask questions but it is just so important for those answering to have a solid understanding of the persons background and goals before they can answer. I just don't know if a forum like TT could provide that. I love the idea of everyone being able to have visibility to this kind of information sharing but without that context it just doesn't work. 

How do you inject that kind of context and relationship building into a forum? I just don't know.

Had some of those this past weekend too.

Originally posted by Asalzwed

Originally posted by jmkizer

Originally posted by Asalzwed

Originally posted by amd723

Originally posted by juniperjen

Originally posted by DaveL

Originally posted by JJ-

Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by Jet Black

Originally posted by mcmanusclan5

So, ummm.... a quick question.

Was tooling around BT to get caught up and it seems like it's sooooper quiet - and maybe has been for a while.

Has traffic really slowed here the past 10 months or so?

Just wondering what y'all think.

Matt

Not sure, I have pretty much just stuck with the manatee thread and nothing else. I do know they changed the organization of the forums awhile back.

There has been at least one thread about it and that thread even discussed the fact that the mentor groups are part of the downfall. As a matter of fact this group was specifically mentioned.  I venture out in to the other waters occasionally. I generally don't comment because I feel like folks more experienced than I usually have the answer covered.

Why is this group part of the downfall?

I did read that thread and even posted in it. I think the point being made what that there was a wealth of information in the groups and it was unfortunate that it wasnt being shared in the main forums. It kind of, sort of, makes sense in a far reaching way but I think is a bit of an exaggeration. I hedged my bets and joined the group

I kind of get it too but it may also be a reflection of what people want to get out of the forum. I don't have a lot of general questions any more since I've been doing tri for almost 7 years and not training very seriously at the moment.  I am certainly not interested in some of the cranks on the main forum who harp on the same points over and over again - and in not such a friendly way.  Back to my point, I am at the point where I enjoy the social part of the forum which isn't really the intent of the main forums - where we can talk tri, general life and 'know' each other a little better here. I actually think it's a selling feature that there can be groups like us. Otherwise, i probably wouldn't have much use for the site. 

When I first found BT I frequented the forums a lot.  I did not post much, but I read them a lot.  After a couple of years, I got tired of reading and hearing the same thing over and over again.  I understand this is a beginners' site, so people have the same questions, so I don't begrudge the question/answers; I just had no use for it anymore and grew tired of it.  And, I agree, there were always a few people who were one note wonders and wanted to share that note -forcefully, with everyone else.  Usually I found the note out of tune

I like the interaction of our little (ok, not so little) group.   I forget who said it, but I agree that Janyne and Chris do a great job of keeping this thread as great as it is. 

That's interesting you mention the bit about it kind of being the same thing over and over again. I suppose a site with beginner in the name with perpetuate that. Not that it's a bad thing. It's almost like TT should be the first stop where a newb can, ask for directions, so to speak. And then move into a mentor or challenge group to continually grow. I think even as I write this it seems like there is something missing there, but it also seams the mentor groups are key to the process and not the opposite. 

We have a winner!

I keep thinking there should be sort of an open forum for more experienced people to ask questions but it is just so important for those answering to have a solid understanding of the persons background and goals before they can answer. I just don't know if a forum like TT could provide that. I love the idea of everyone being able to have visibility to this kind of information sharing but without that context it just doesn't work. 

 

How do you inject that kind of context and relationship building into a forum? I just don't know.

It seems to me that in today's day and age, if I have a question about a certain aspect of something, I use Google and go from there. But, to get a better answer based solely on me and my needs and abilities, it is better to hear from people that might have a better idea of me. So, I ask here and get a more informed answer. Also, if I hear from this group that I am doing it "Wrong" than I need to look at the question a bit more critically.  But if I throw it out to a mass of people that may not know me and my particulars and I hear the same thing, how do I react to that?  Sceptically?  I've seen enough "Your seat is too high" answers to put much stock in them.  These are simple examples of why I think the mentor threads like this one will always be a better source of info for me.

But again I do understand that everyone is different, so a little bit of everything goes a long way. And I also know that a goal of making everyone happy is a sure fire way to fail.