What happened to this forum?

Mar 1, 2007 1:53 am

Fellow reps- I've posted on this board since 1997.  I've seen it all yet I am speechless at what has gone on (here) in recent times.  The diatribes, the useless rhetoric, the arguments that would be handled via PM much more effectively than by regular posts.  What's the deal?

Everyone has a "right" to post.  So be it.  Granted, at times we all use the forum to vent some of the daily frustrations' most of us face and seek advice accordingly.  Yet what has transpired over the past few months is unsettling, to say the least. A few suggestions:

- Ignore the trools. At all costs.

- if you have a "problem" with someone/some post then PM the person; everyone else does not have to be involved.

- Use the "search" function.  It will assist you immensely.

- I have no association or grudge against Edward Jones.  Never have and likely never will.  Still, why always is there such a vitriolic tone to anything having to do with EDJ?  Frankly, I could care less whether you are from a wirehouse, indy, bank platform, etc.  It just doesn't matter in the whole scheme of things.  Remember we are all in the same battle (and yes sometimes competing with each other) and act accordingly.  If one particular channel was that much better, then EVERYONE would flock to it.  All firms/platforms have their +&-. Leave it at that and focus on productive ideas.

- On a side note, I'd like to know how some individuals have the ability (i.e free time) to post hourly, on a regular basis.  I'm so immersed in daily business that I only peruse the forum during the early morning/late evenings.  Remember that 1 hour per day equals 24 working days a year.  Time (likely) better spent serving your clients and making business happen.  Just a thought.

I welcome your responses.  I have received a number of good ideas and motivation from this board over the years.  Posters' like TJC, Blarm, and Hutch come to mind, among many others. Even Put had some excellent advice/insight to add.

Let's make it happen.  Improve the content; inspire; motivate.  sSare what's working.  "It's all about the bucks kid.  The rest is just conversation."  At least as far as our jobs are concerned.

Mar 1, 2007 2:23 am

Good post Judge.  You should put this up in another category - not that many people use this section (despite the fact that it should be the section for an exchange of good ideas).

I have to agree - After a while the bashing just gets old.  I like to come here to get good ideas, and hopefully share a few of my own.  But instead I seem to get drawn into threads that do nothing more than pit one against the other.  Not real productive.  I have considered dropping out of the Forum altogether, but I still get some good ideas and feedback on occassion.

Mar 1, 2007 3:22 am

I agree with many of your points.  I have, in fact, been visiting the forum less often, and find that my productivity has oh what a suprise increased.

As for the trolls, at times they are so insipid it is difficult to ignore them.  That is what makes them trolls, I suppose.  In the end, though, if we respond to them were are merely “feeding the troll”.  'nuf said.

For all the time I feel I waste on here, I am even more amazed at the insanity perpetrated by some members.  I fail to understand how someone could expend the time or have the desire to have a conversation with themselves under multiple screen names.  That’s just plain odd.

Mar 1, 2007 6:58 pm

From your mouth to God's ears.

Like you, I found myself not able to access the site and had to change my screen name. Formerly TJC45. Thanks for the positive mention.

This forum can really help us all. From time to time I still get ideas here, but it has slowed. Still, I'm hanging in there as the cast is constantly changing.

I try not to get pulled into most of the crap that goes on here but at times find it impossible to sit on my hands. For example a few weeks ago there was a trol pushing Suzie Orman. I had some fun playing with this trol. A fun way to end the week.

As for the time it takes to post here, speaking only for myself, it's business first. Much of my biz is handled by staff, and is turn key. The fruit of much labor. I spend a lot of time waiting for bids on bonds, so, if I'm really bored I come here. My partner doesn't like it, but at a certain level of production, it's kinda tough for her to say anything, let alone argue with success. So as far as she's concerned, if BondGuy wants to blow off some time, so be it. I justify the time I spend here by trying as much as possible to be a resource. I believe in Karma. What goes around comes around. If I can help someone here, somewhere, some time, it will come back to me.

Mar 1, 2007 7:25 pm

[quote=BondGuy]

From your mouth to God’s ears.

Like you, I found myself not able to access the site and had to change my screen name. Formerly TJC45. Thanks for the positive mention.

This forum can really help us all. From time to time I still get ideas here, but it has slowed. Still, I'm hanging in there as the cast is constantly changing.

I try not to get pulled into most of the crap that goes on here but at times find it impossible to sit on my hands. For example a few weeks ago there was a trol pushing Suzie Orman. I had some fun playing with this trol. A fun way to end the week.

As for the time it takes to post here, speaking only for myself, it's business first. Much of my biz is handled by staff, and is turn key. The fruit of much labor. I spend a lot of time waiting for bids on bonds, so, if I'm really bored I come here. My partner doesn't like it, but at a certain level of production, it's kinda tough for her to say anything, let alone argue with success. So as far as she's concerned, if BondGuy wants to blow off some time, so be it. I justify the time I spend here by trying as much as possible to be a resource. I believe in Karma. What goes around comes around. If I can help someone here, somewhere, some time, it will come back to me.

[/quote]

I certainly appreciate the wisdom you offer here.  There are a select few who make this forum a worthwhile place, and you are one of those few.
Mar 5, 2007 4:55 pm

Good posts by all...

Peace to all...