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We've been going to STJ since the 80s, but it's changed in ways that make it less of a good match for us. So next month we're going to Virgin Gorda. We've been there on a day trip, but this is the first time we'll be staying there. I had a lot of research to do and it gave me a fresh taste of being a newbie on a forum. I'd researched our trip to Hawaii last year, but the memory of the newbie experience fades.
I found the TTOL BVI forum most useful. I recognize that I wanted info and preferred to get it in a particular way. I didn't want to do a search or be directed to faqs. I wanted to be able to have interaction with patient, helpful people who loved a place and were willing to take the time to answer questions about that place for me--questions that had been asked and answered countless times before. And they were so kind, welcoming and helpful. No one was trying to whip the newbie into line. Nobody seemed bothered by my questions. nobody seemed interested in making the process more efficient. They seemed to enjoy the interactions. The forum also stays pretty much on topic and the moderators will lock a thread that's straying too far afield. I find that I like that. I'm going there to research, not hang out.
Different people had different opinions or conflicting facts. My job was to sift through it to try to discern who seemed to know what they were talking about and who I felt might have a taste somewhat similar to mine. . I tend to give more weight to to people's firsthand personal experience rather than sharing what they heard or read. With reviews, I usually toss the best and worst and find the truth somewhere in between. There didn't seem to be any nasty, mean-spirited bickering. The few disagreements that I saw remained quite civil and respectful.
It kind of inspired me to try to be more patient and helpful on forums. People just like me are asking basic questions that they really want answered. They're eager and excited. They're happy when someone takes time to help them. And they enjoy not just getting the info, but the interaction involved. I'm now trying to think of logging onto forums as going to work in an information booth. Of course people are going to ask the same questions again and again. That's what the job's about.
Anyway, we seem to have a pretty good trip planned to VG. I appreciate the help I found on that forum and appreciate the spirit in which it was offered. I'll try to keep the memory fresh and respond to people and their questions in the same kind, patient helpful way that I experienced. And when I can't, hopefully I'll log off quickly.
Excellent point. I think forum moderators have much to do with forum content and, when they're basically absent, things go haywire. Have a wonderful time in VG. Cheers!
Lex - I really enjoyed reading your post and hearing your take on being a "newbie" and on the process of seeking information and targeted discussion through a forum. The BVI board you found sounds like a place that not only welcomed you but helped build your enthusiasm for your upcoming trip. Just wanted to say I appreciate your insights and that I wish you an absolutely great time!
- Margy
Today's reliance on forums, blogs and social networks such as MySpace reminds me of when people at large first hit the Internet. Up until the mid-90s, the 'net was only accessible if you were able to install the lovely Windows socket files and deal with setting the jumpers on and resolving hardware conflicts for those delightfully frustrating Win Modems (which were much more affordable). Once online, there were no places to go that would build your web site for you, you had to know how to code for yourself, for the most part.
Once online, you'd encounter intrepid souls such as yourself, who knew a lot or were hungry to learn a lot in order to get the best use out of the tools available - and especially thrilled to be able to improve on the same tools. This sense of intellectual confidence was met by those of a similar psychological bent, and the flame wars produced winners and losers, but everyone was operating from a similar position.
Then, all computers began to include modems and AOL grew, and the net was soon met by a population that was sort of walking around in wonder, touching this and poking that. These are "newbies" in the truest sense of the word. I know that when I am seeking technical support, I first go to the knowledge base and search to see if my problem has already been encountered and resolved. If this fails, then I ask for help from live people. I actually prefer this, it's more efficient. Similarly, when I go to a forum, I like to check the navigation links, which generally contain what I need to know without even asking a question. Then I lurk and join the conversations that interest me.
This is my style, and I've enjoyed it for many years. I do work in the hospitality industry, by the way. When I see a question that's been asked a million times, I prefer to direct the person to a navigation link that's already on the page because I feel that this will encourage them to locate the tools that someone took the time to build.
Lex, you have given a very interesting perspective from a person who prefers more social networking (not just mere conversation, because you are working on something, after all)... and I'd like to say to my colleagues, if I may be so bold, that if you swing more my way than Lex's way, that you allow our Lexes to be... because there are also experts on our board who are a lot like Lex, and they enjoy lots of interaction and sharing. When I have a personal experience to share, I do so as well. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. It is NOT what you say, but HOW you say it.
We too found that St John is no longer the wonderful place that we first enjoyed in 1988. Over-Building, crime, bad attitudes and crowds have injured one of the most beautiful places in the world.
We have been to Virgin Gorda twice and will return. While it can't compete with the beauty or the restaurants of St John, it has a simple ambiance that is very appealing. Outside of the cattle stampede at the Baths, there are few crowds and the hidden beaches are great. We also enjoy small boat trips to Anagada and other small islands in the BVI. We once chartered a sailboat for a leisurely wander from island to island.
Enjoy your visit.
Lex, I loved your post. Unlike some of you we only recently discovered STJ (2002) but I can definitely understand some of these concerns. Last year we discovered Virgin Gorda and LOVED it. We will be staying there for a week in June prior to our week in STJ. TTOL is a great board. I've learned so many things there and they are getting me pumped up to try a cat charter sometime in the future. I hope your trip to VG is wonderful. I hope to hear all about it!
ADavis--
You mentioned something that I found really interesting. When I'm dealing with a computer question, like you, I always exhaust the manuals and knowledge base before asking my question on an interactive forum. I only do that as a last resort. And while I greatly appreciate the help I receive, I don't get the enjoyment out of the interaction on a tech forum that I do on a travel forum. I guess I go there solely for the info.
But with vacation info, I'm much quicker to ask my questions and part of it is that I do greatly enjoy the interaction. Maybe that shouldn't surprise me---I get much more enjoyment out of a conversation about my vacation than I do about the printing problem that I finally resolved.
It's been my experience that there are no "stupid questions". Even if I feel I've already answered what people are asking, I don't take offense or become irritated. I just feel that I didn't answer it in a way that helped them. So, I try coming at the answer differently. Patience really is a virtue. When I'm patient, people relax, we connect, & often have a nice time.
My question for you is what is it you are looking for in an island? Maybe VG is your new home away from home. Maybe we who are reading & answering you could suggest another one. Have a great time (sounds like you will). If you want information about any other island, just ask.
Lex:
That's very true, what applies in one place may not apply in another.
As for St. John, I feel that it has been cursed by its own popularity and the failure of local lawmakers to attend to its explosive growth. It's the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands (if you do not count the newly-acquired Water Island), and 2/3rds of it belongs to the National Park. That does not leave much to wrassle over, and yet the bell dings on yet another round!
Virgin Gorda, by contrast, is just like I think St. John was "back in the day". I love Virgin Gorda too!
