Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lawyertood]

Austin has his opinion about get-togethers and how they affect this board. I can respect the fact that he doesn't want to meet other posters and that people might adjust their posts because of this. I, however, use this board to offer advice, get advice, and to enlarge my circle of friends. I don't get into the serious debates. So for me the board is useful and the get-togethers have been rewarding. Also, I think by getting to know other posters reduces the flame wars. We all come from different backgrounds and have different viewpoints but we are not all such bad people. To meet or not to meet is up to the individual. So if people want to avoid the get-togethers that's fine. Don't knock us that do. Just be glad this board is not like some of the others. And, Austin, you are entitled to your opinion, I am not saying there isn't some truth to it, but in my opinion, it isn't ruining the board even if it is changing the dynamics somewhat. What do you all think?

[FlagWaver]

Agreed.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

I don't go to the get togethers because I just don't wanna.

*edited by Lemon: 12:47pm*

[Austin]

I am not knocking any person that seeks out others socially, as I am certain that a great deal of good comes from many of the get-togethers. I was merely warning of the dangers of the dynamics that could be created, and how they can effect decisions.

It apparently struck a cord of truth with a few, or they would not have responded so quickly and with such emotion. After all, if what I am asking is nonsense, will not the "average" person be able to recognize it as such? Is not the opposite true, as well?

The formation of opinions, attitudes, etc. towards posters might be unavoidable, as we are fallible, but is it fair to state that it could never happen/has not happened?

[desultude]

I hesitate to weigh in on this, but since it has been a concern of mine for a long time, I will.

I agree with some of the uncomfortable points that Austin makes. There is no avoiding the fact that after posting and discussing on the same board, and being in a foriegn country together, get-togethers are an inevitible result. The relationships of those who can get together are reinforced, and those who can't are relative outsiders.

But can't we be honest about the consequences? People who know each other and have deeper insights and information about them will respond to each other. Sometimes I consider not participating on the board as much as I do because I get so little response. I'm no slouch in terms of ability to make intelligent and informed contributions to discussions, yet I feel invisible sometimes. I'll throw out something that took a lot of time to research, and there is just no direct response. Not always, its not a total thing. But it happens enough that I am not getting the old Pavlovian positive reinforcement. When threads arise where posters are discussed, it is always the same usual suspects.

What can be done about it? NOTHING. That is life. You guys know each other, you have a developed relationship. It is Korea, after all, and since we haven't been introduced, I don't exist. And we all know that in Korea, Seoul is all and the rest is farmland, rock and temples. (the book Culture Shock Korea only references Seoul, this was my first insight into this mentality.) Maybe a delegation of the Seoulites could wander south to other regions and hold get-togethers?

That being said, I will continue to post because I ocassionally get responses, and, probably the real reason, I get to be an opinionated, didactic bitch with some impunity.

[just because]

I agree a lot with the above poster.
I think get-togethers are good but it is a little like Seoul vs. the rest. I wouldn't go because I like to remain a little anonymous because I'm not quite as politically correct as the other users which i respect. I'll give my honest opinions and experiences which some people don't like and react negatively too. Thats all cool because it is a discussion forum and I'm happy to hear other peoples opinions.
What is good about this board is that some people are Super intelligent about Korea. They are good to ask questions to and know what legal rights and responsibilities their are. I'm all for friendly community spirit but I don't think I'll go to the get-togethers until i grow up a bit. Some people on this board might want to punch my lights out.

[The Lemon]

[itaewonguy]

another excuse to drink!

[Tiger Beer]

Hmm.. interesting thread. Offline meetings and the ways they create the community.

Well, first, there are many who post who don't meet offline. Their posts still have alot of relevance and I don't even think in terms of 'have I met them or not'. I just take the posts AS IS.. and you DO develop 'online impressions' based solely on what you post and even moreso than meeting them in person. Everyone to me is basically who-they-are by what the post.

Responding to people on here online.. I respond to what they write and the words they choose and the topics and ideas they suggest.

There are lots of posters I've met on here.. but even though I've met them I might ignore the majority of their posts until they say something that makes me think about something or inspires me to reply to it.

Granted if you haven't met anyone.. it can seem like 'everyone' knows 'everyone else'.. but the its not really the reality.

Also, if you go to a 'get together' you'll find yourself talking briefly to people for something like maximum 5-10 minutes on the whole before one or the other of you is brisked away or interrupted by another new face and so forth. For example, there are many that go to the get-togethers, but I see the photos later and don't recall gettiing a chance to really talk to the majority that I saw in the pictures, etc.

Well, anyhow, regardless.. its true that 'some' relationships and alot of 'familiarity' is established because of 'get-togethers'.. but the mass majority of posters have never been to one.. and they still become and are part of the community very strongly.

Rapier, Buddy Bradley, Anda, Austin, Evil Penguin, Just Because, Desultude, Gord, Pyongshin, etc., and on and on.. there must be a good solid 40-50 posters who are established as regulars and posters.. many of which no one has ever met before by 99.9% of the posters.. but because and only because of their postings they make a mark and become familiar.

Its not about whoever you've met.. and most of us are so busy working.. and even when we do meet.. there is such a large group that its hard to form *strong* one-on-one bonds without putting in alot more effort.. so for the most part, in my mind, its moreso what you write about..

For example, I've met Lawyertood and he's a great guy.. but I'm not posting now because of that.. I'm posting now because the content of this thread is something I'd like to add to.

I've never met Desultude for example.. but she has alot of good points and alot of interesting things to say.. and while I've never met her.. from the content and quality of her posts.. I feel I know her just the same.. etc.

Also just as another note.. everyone creates an impression of themselves by what they post. So while there are many people I've never met.. they still exist and seem very real. When people do have their 5 minutes of talk time with another poster in a crowded setting.. half of that few minutes is devoted to saying stuff like 'I'd really like to meet that 'Just Because' for example or 'Desultude' or 'Austin' so even if you aren't there.. you are still very very real!!

[Austin]

Thank you for exercising a degree of restraint and maturity by calling me "too wussy."

I was posing a question for the board, and some have apparently recognized what I was alluding to in my previous post.

Most people know if I have something to direct towards an individual, I do. This was not the case, and though I do not appreciate the charge that you have leveled at me and the name-calling, there is nothing I can do about it.

[kimcheeking]

What Tiger Beer said. I couldn't say it better. Partial List of better known posters who as far as I know have never gone to a gathering. If I missed your name I'm sorry.

• rapier
  
• bulsajo
  
• whatthefunk
  
• weatherman
  
• matko
  
• corporal
  
• homer
  
• poscos trumpet
  
• Itaewon Guy
  
• Ryst Helmut (shoosh)
  
• Mokpochico
  
• Trinny (whatever happened to her)
  
• little mixed girl
  
• Hank Scorpio
  

[Tiger Beer]

[William Beckerson]

[kimcheeking]

[crazylemongirl]

If your new to korea, esp. as the lone waygookin in a place where no speaks the language and the expats seem a bit unfriendly it can be hard to meet people. A lot of my intial friends in Seoul were made through the board. Just a friendly face to go out and see the sites with, have a beer with etc.

What seems to be the problem is that a few posters seem to think that the mods develop Stockholm Syndrome due to having a few beers with poster X. Well, having been a mod for a grand total of three weeks, I let you know later.

Having maybe I should ask another question. Do you think posters who aviod social gatherings are more likely to come up with consiparcy theories that the mods are out to get them?

CLG