Maine posts.... (appointed, real estate, crime) - (ME) - City-Data Forum

mollysmiles · 06-13-2007, 11:29 AM

Have any of you noticed that recently there have been a number of negative posts about Maine from newly registered users? Typically, their location is not mentioned, and if you click on their name they have no other posts except the negative ones toward Maine. Am I just watching to much crime drama on TV? Would love to know if you've noticed it too or if rural Maine is finally getting to me!

Maine Writer · 06-13-2007, 11:57 AM

I'm new here and disappointed that the trolls aren't just allowed, they're fed.

Coaster · 06-13-2007, 12:52 PM

Many of the state forums here attract people who don't like a particular area or state. We had another one here a couple of months ago, but she at least would engage in discussion rather than the hit and run trolling we're seeing now. Maybe it's kids who are out of middle school for the summer and bored.

I should add, I make a distinction between posters who have legitimate criticisms and those who just like to stir the pot. And I agree that we shouldn't feed the trolls, but they're so rare here it can take a while to realize what they are.

DavidoftheNorth · 06-13-2007, 01:41 PM

By and large, I believe, the negative posters are real estate agents from New Hampshire. Sour grapes.

Mark S. · 06-13-2007, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidoftheNorth

By and large, I believe, the negative posters are real estate agents from New Hampshire. Sour grapes.

Heh-heh. That's funny.

I dunno. I have a hard time getting too worked about it. The thing that attracted us to Maine is that compared to so many places in the country, it is still relatively unspoiled. There are still communities in Maine where I can give my kids the kind of upbringing I enjoyed. Sure Maine has its problems. What state doesn't? But so far, I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

But if the reputation of Mainahs being a bunch of flannel-clad xenophobes who eat moose while they walk uphill (both ways) in the snow to school ... well if that reputation helps to stave off a huge population increase, then I'm not so sure it's a bad thing.

mollysmiles · 06-13-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark S.

Heh-heh. That's funny.

I dunno. I have a hard time getting too worked about it. The thing that attracted us to Maine is that compared to so many places in the country, it is still relatively unspoiled. There are still communities in Maine where I can give my kids the kind of upbringing I enjoyed. Sure Maine has its problems. What state doesn't? But so far, I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

But if the reputation of Mainahs being a bunch of flannel-clad xenophobes who eat moose while they walk uphill (both ways) in the snow to school ... well if that reputation helps to stave off a huge population increase, then I'm not so sure it's a bad thing.

I agree!

mollysmiles · 06-13-2007, 02:26 PM

David, lol--that was funny

And Coaster, I remember taking a couple on the chin from the one from a couple of months ago.....thankfully one of you guys reported it since I was such a newbie I didn't know how! lol

well, glad to know that I'm not imagining it and being overly sensitive. I do appreciate opinions different from my own, I just don't like the attitude. I have 3 teens....I can get attitude any time I want!

Acadianlion · 06-14-2007, 04:51 AM

I belong to quite a few user groups or "chat" rooms like this forum. In all of them sooner or later, there will appear someone who is belligerent, argumentative, negative, hostile or downright sociopathic.

Over the past few months I have found relatively few here, but occasionally there have been some who are just plain negative.

I think it is most useful to take people exactly as they are. Someone's sour attitude can be ignored, or if there is some basis in reality, then it can be a point of learning.

But whatever the case, I have found that the Internet emboldens a lot of people to say a lot of things that they would never be able to say without the anonymity of a "handle" other than their given name and with their location carefully hidden by device or guise. It is possible to be very belligerent and authoritative when the curtain that is used for concealment can't be whisked aside.

mollysmiles · 06-14-2007, 06:59 AM

good point Acadianlion....and I think ignoring them is the best solution, especially if they're tip-toeing that line of bad attitude vs. reportable behavior! It's best just to continue the thread as if their post never happened, or if it's a thread they've started, let it die.

BTW, tried to rep you....but it says I have to spread it around...

Lubec mason · 06-15-2007, 04:57 PM

Try liveing in Mass. I can look out my front door and see gangs, drug dealers and users. And every morning I need to chase bums out of my dumpster. I grew up in a town that turned into a city in the course of 12 years. Nothing like the beautyfull state of Maine. That I am proud to say will soon be home to me and my family.