EDF Lifecycle

[Marmora Man]

I have been away for a few weeks and, on my return, find the EDF less enticing than before. It seems to have moved rapidly through its life cycle - from a brawling, screaming brat interested in everything and charming everyone, then there was a brief period of maturity but now it has become an old and rather grey gossipy old lady.

At first it was intriguing to learn about the world thru' the eyes of the EDF, exchange views on new openings, ideas and opportunities. Then in its heyday there were interesting debates on politics, beer, food, chain stores v independents with strong views promoted and defended - usually, but not always, with balance and politeness. Now, it seems to me we, as a community, have become a little jaded. I don't find the new threads enticing enough to contribute - even the US election and the current recession don't seem to have sparked any real debate.

Where is the fire and passion that once there was?

[Ladygooner]

Why don't you start off a new thread and tell us about your travels? Did you get to Syria and Jordan?

[Marmora Man]

Ladygooner Wrote:

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> Why don't you start off a new thread and tell us

> about your travels? Did you get to Syria and

> Jordan?

I went but only got as far as Damascus. Great trip - great memories.

[Brendan]

I think it is a constantly changing and evolving entity. It has in the past sometimes been like a version of Newsnight but written by Salvador Dali and presented by Frankie Boyle. At the moment admittedly it more closely resembles The One Show.

We shall but see where to next.

[PeckhamRose]

Maybe it is you who has changed....?

[Brendan]

Are you suggesting that M Man had some kind of life changing experience on the road to Damascus? How very uncharacteristically biblical of you.

[SeanMacGabhann]

I liked Brendan's summary a lot!

MM - your ennui is one many people experience every so often. 'Tis the nature of the beast after all. Even without an ever increasing population on here - if you froze time at the point you thought it peaked - then the same voices would rise and fall

I find that just as many like-minded and engaging souls are joining but it is harder to locate and maintain an interesting thread simply because the spread and variety of people mean there is a much more diverse conversation going on - most of which doesn't interest me (or you by the sound of it) at the moment but it will roll the other way again

One of the highlights for me this year was seeing the Family Room take off in the way it has - and I think I might have posted on there only once - but one can see how valuable it is to many people. The fact that it is of no interest to me is neither here nor there

But if you want a fight.. ;-) I see on the bus forum that someone thinks the bus companies are laying off buses due to fuel costs - nothing to do with Boris dropping Ken's Venezuela deal as soon as he took office is it?

Personally

[*Bob*]

You know what it's like.. you've been away, witnessed exotic sights in far away lands, broadened your horizons - both literally and metaphysically - and returned with new priorities and a greater sense of what's important.

But don't worry - these futile feelings will soon pass.

Go and get yourself a bag of roast beef Monster Munch and put 'Judge Judy' on. There's no place like home, Dorothy.

[Keef]

I no longer bother looking at the majority of threads, but sometimes you can still dig up a gem. Besides, once upon a time we had great fun and games in our Quiet Room before it was ruined. Only fair that newer posters have their fun too. Basically though I agree it's not what it used to be, but lets not be like those tossers who like a band, but then go off them because they get popular and are just too comersial man! ;-)

[lard]

When things get dull and repetitive after the initial honeymoon period it's always the other person's fault.

[mockney piers]

Like viz, it's never as good as it used to be, which is why I spend no time here any more!!

Though in fairness, like Keef I rarely venture out of the Lounge, there're only so many M&S-coming-to-LL rumours you can cope with. It's still a great place to have surreal banter with the wits and grouches of the area though.

[*Bob*]

mockney piers Wrote:

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> Like viz, it's never as good as it used to be,

> which is why I spend no time here any more!!

You're down to a paltry 6 posts a day now.

[Brendan]

I remember when it was all still fields around here.

[SeanMacGabhann]

The EDF 3 years ago

http://www.jefflindsay.com/gif/apl/yellow-fields.jpg

The EDF 18 months ago

http://www.hbo.com/deadwood/img/episodeguide/season01/ep01_seth_sol_arrives.jpg

the EDF now

http://www.reviewlondon.co.uk/x/croydon-shopping-04.jpg

[Keef]

I like the idea of being a Pioneer!

[RosieH]

I like the idea of having a Beano

[Michael Palaeologus]

I would like to make jam in 2009.

Should we start an EDF jam and preserves club?

[Brendan]

I grew some strawberries this summer. Didn?t get enough to make jam though. There were barely enough to feed the local birds.

I like raspberry jam. How does one go about growing raspberries?

[SeanMacGabhann]

I think this thread may be degenerating in just the manner MM despairs of!

[Brendan]

What do you have against jam?

Does anyone know what time the post is coming today?

[ChavWivaLawDegree]

I got raspberry bushes from LIDL - 3 for ?2.50. I'll let you know if they grow anything and you can have a cutting when I have to prune them.

[Michael Palaeologus]

Post isnt what is was Brendan, much like Jam.

[Brendan]

3 in 1 oil, that?s the stuff you need for a jammed post box.

[JamesG]

Marmora Man Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I have been away for a few weeks and, on my

> return, find the EDF less enticing than before. It

> seems to have moved rapidly through its life cycle

> - from a brawling, screaming brat interested in

> everything and charming everyone, then there was a

> brief period of maturity but now it has become an

> old and rather grey gossipy old lady.

>

I disagree. EDF is more like Kevin and Perry; a mildly amusing caricature of adolescent children with behavioural problems. I am frequently disappointed with EDF or the East Dulwich Sarcasm or East Dulwich Smart Arse as it could be called. I believe the EDF could serve two good purposes; firstly to connect local people on specific issues of local interest. ?What?s the best curry house? My plumber is great. They?re going to turn LL into a motorway! Etc.? Secondly for local social networking and banter.

Unfortunately some regular contributor?s behaviour is just rude and un-amusing. I suspect behaviour they would never replicate in face to face experiences.

[mockney piers]

"I believe the EDF could serve two good purposes; firstly to connect local people on specific issues of local interest. ?What?s the best curry house? My plumber is great. They?re going to turn LL into a motorway! Etc.? Secondly for local social networking and banter."

That's what was attempted with the split between issues and the lounge, with the issues thread remaining much more tightly moderated. If you would like to see alterations in moderation policy then please do bring it up in the about the forum, as I know they love to hear all feedback, positive, negative and other.