Why participate in a discussion you are not interested to?
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
Calgary, Alberta
April 21, 2011 6:12am CST
there are people here who participate here in discussions where they are not interested and post some irrelevant and off topic. lets say you created a discussion about your favorite Television program, the reason you created it because you love the show and you noticed that there are some fans of that show here mylot, then suddenly someone will post there just to say they dont watch the show and they hate it and stuff.... You are not even asking that person if they watch that show or what they think about that show.... You just want to talk about that show with those who watches that show.
Then I remember i created a discussion that is kinda science fictiony, to talk with some nerd members here, then suddenly someone posted just to preach his religion and how much he disagree about the science fiction stuff I am talking about, Its like religion has nothing to do with fantasy and i'm not even asking people if they believe in stuff.
Or lets say you want to talk about your favorite singer, then suddenly someone will post and ask you who is that singer and why do you like singer.
--------
Why participate on something you have no knowledge of?
Why join a discussion and be off topic and irrelevant?
Why participate on something you are not interested with?
6 people like this
20 responses
@nsawork (28)
• India
21 Apr 11
any discussion actually adds to the knowledge that you have and it is a better option to be in the discussion that you like. but most of the times the discussion will not be what you like at all.
but many times fantasy and religion are subjects that anyone will be able to respond and connect with and i am slo very much deeply touched by them
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157678)
• United States
21 Apr 11
You know, Capt. I agree here. I see people who complain about the quality of the discussions available to them a lot. In which case they really should just go ahead and start a discussion that appeals to their interests and that will allow them to participate fully.
1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
I think i may stop doing discussions for now, I will just participate and try to be a model responder for a while.
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
I think there are times when people cant find discussions they like so they will try to get in just to pass for a day, if they cant find discussion that they will like, why don't they make their own.
1 person likes this
@abbypringles (1613)
• Philippines
21 Apr 11
This one puzzles me too.. And yet, you can easily tell if a person is bluffing. I thought the whole idea of a discussion here in mylot is to add something of value to the discussion whenever you make a post. This is what the "interests" are for so you can find discussions that you enjoy talking and discussing with other mylot friends. Hence, for me, I always make sure to choose discussion that I like talking about because that is when I can enjoy here... while earning, instead of looking at it the other way around.
2 people like this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
I had seen so many people here who participate to discussions so they can reach 500 points and be able to copy paste, while others are trying to follow a certain quota. I can see contradictions in a person's post if they were interested or not. I also caught a person in a discussion saying he loves the singer being discussed and act like its his favorite singer but I can smell something fishy he is lying...
Then there is a person who posted in a discussion (not created by me) about a movie and he said," sorry I dont know this movie and I will nevber watch it, i'm not inerested have a nice day"
Then in a discussion about food (I dont make food discussion anymore, for many reasons, cultural differences.) there will be people who will post just to say, yuck disgusting, I dont eat that. telling that in the face of a topic starter who loves to eat that.
@abbypringles (1613)
• Philippines
21 Apr 11
That is rude! I guess these people are really just trying to meet a quota and would post in a discussion no matter how irrelevant their posts are. I guess they are unaware or simply do not care about the reputation since others are also rating you based on the quality of your responses here. I do not know their motivations but I think that is highly disrespectful to posts stuffs like that, and to not even justify their posts or for making such negative or contradictory comments is downright rude.
1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
They will use an excuse that they have right to express their opinions but obviously what they say is not even an opinion since it doesnt have relevance or depth regarding to the topic. Its like people are talking prison break and someone will try to make the topic into Hannah Montana. Others were flame baiting.
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
21 Apr 11
I never participate in discussions that I am not interested in. There are so many different topics here, and I prefer to spend my time on the topics that I find interesting. I think there are different reasons why some people write about topics that they are not really interested in. Some people probably do it, because they focus on the earnings or because they are friends with the person who started the discussion and want to write something even though they don't really know the topic.
2 people like this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
22 Apr 11
they didnt know that this place is quality over quantity, Its like posting in a discussion about pancakes when they dont even know what is a pancake and they don't care about pancakes. or there are discussions where you are not asking people if they believe on something, you topic is about something else.
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
21 Apr 11
hello ALbert,
Maybe for the sake of earnings.
I don't participate in any discussion that i can't relate with,unless the topic starter is a close friend where in i can just say "i am sorry,i can't relate" ...and will have a lively inter-action to make the topic kicking in.
But eversince,i really don't participate to topic that i can't relate with.
Why should i make myself look like dumb right?
And it's really annoying to receive such response hehehe...
cool captain...drop the anchor and relax 
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
22 Apr 11
someone used this excuse: Because topics are fun if you have someone that disagrees with you. Geez its a double face palm, Not all topics are about agreeing or disagreeing, Not all; topics are about yes or no. There are many topics that needs knowledge and interest.
So some of them think its being productive. They didn't know its being useless and annoying. I wish they get a taste of their own medicine everyday.
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
21 Apr 11
Hi Capt Albert Whisker: You are totally right. It makes no sense to participate on a subject that you clearly don't like. I don't like when this happends on my discussions. It's actually annoying. That's the reason why I am pretty selective wityh the discussions I participate. If I don't have anything important to say or if I don't like the subject I won't talk. There are so many discussions here that you can easily find the ones that are for you so there's no reason to do this.
ALVARO
2 people like this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
22 Apr 11
I always try to not do that because I know how it feels and i want to be a model member so people will see the right way how this site works. They didn't know that its frustrating. Its not really productive on their part. I just hope the moment they reached 500 post and be able to cut and paste, which is what they wanted, they will stop doing it but Its much better if they will try to get 500 post the legit way, by being productive members,
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
21 Apr 11
I can't say that I am one to participate in a discussion I am not interested in and or for the sake of posting. I am very active and do have a lot I can share/advise and or humbly reply with, so I feel do okay with my responding.
I have had a few friends ask me to respond to be able to close out discussions and I have not had any knowledge with the TV show for instance but that being the case I have gone online and researched a bit and provide a link which will substantiate my response.
I really can't speak as to why others do it though, they may just be doing so for the sake of posting, maybe??
But we all know nothing is private here and many can see all.
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
22 Apr 11
I dont ask friends anymore to post to my discussions anymore since its better to have people respond because they like it not because they were my friend and they were obligated to participate. There are things I just learn as days gone by. Posting for the sake of posting is most likely the reason ebcause most people who does this do very short comments , a lot fo them will type one short sentence and say have a nice day and happy lotting. That is their usual habit. some of them on the other hand will post tot he discussion just to preach religion (guess what the discussion is not about religion and I didnt even mentioned God on it) Its a discussion about technology and science.
@GardenGerty (157678)
• United States
21 Apr 11
I can think of two or maybe three reasons that someone would do this, and I do not think the first one really applies to you. First reason: Your discussion has had no responses and this friend of yours wants it to get going, so even though they know nothing about it, they respond, to make it come back up in the "recent" tab.
Second reason: They have set themself a quota of responding to a certain number of discussions daily, instead of just participating where they are engaged and knowledgeable. You are part of their goal.
Third reason: They want a platform for their beliefs, even if they are not really related to the discussion. It gives them a place to spout off and "impress" everyone with what they think they know.
None of these things is really in the realm of quality participation, though. I can understand your frustration.
Second reason: They have set themself a quota of responding to a certain number of discussions daily, instead of just participating where they are engaged and knowledgeable. You are part of their goal. Third reason: They want a platform for their beliefs, even if they are not really related to the discussion. It gives them a place to spout off and "impress" everyone with what they think they know. None of these things is really in the realm of quality participation, though. I can understand your frustration.2 people like this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
actually my friends here never did that to me since most my experience with this are with people with post below 500. After few moments I actually get to see what is going on their mind. There is an exception of a person though but I think i rather forget about it.
I think i and encountered so much of those "preachers" who will try to make every discussion into a church service. I guess they were using mylot for their missionary stuff.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
22 Apr 11
WHile I see your point of view I have also participated in select discussions where I do not know anything ; but they would be in my friends' discussions, especially close friends who would definitely expect me to be there . I would say that I am not in a position to write about the topic.It is just by way of participatioN.However, I do not do this with all .
1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
23 Apr 11
I might appreciate though if they were really interested and are willing to learn about it but there are people here who just post for the kicks of it. Its easy to know if the person is being pointless and useful.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
21 Apr 11
Hi yes I have seen those responses too and wondered why did you
bother as you did not even know what the heck I was talking
about. The person had never heard of the author or the book
I was talking about and went on and on why he disliked fiction
and why was I not reading other genres. I was going whydid you even bother as I was asking others what they thought of the latest stephen
King book. I was not asking what types of books did people like pr
if they liked stephen King's books at all.I noticed one of the
responses I got was indeed deleted and it was one I had madethe
comment, You did not read my discussion. the reason given for the deletion was this response did not add to the discussion.
1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
I notice that there are times that times admits actually delete those post even if you didn't report them. I was really hoping for a good karma so I don’t just participate to discussions if it’s going to have no relevance, I started to realize that even if a person disagrees to an issue, it can be acceptable if they know what they re talking about. If they can really help the topic to push through, but if they will just try to go there because they want ability to copy paste, it’s kind of disrespectful but for sure we cannot stop them. I will just care for those are actually interested. It’s easy to know if they were interested or not. It’s easy to know if they were pretending to know something.
I experienced something similar to the story you just shared and I also see people who experienced those circumstances. Its upsetting though if its the only response you get, If they want to be respected, they should learn to be respectful.
I think some of them though are just flame baiting. but I wont fall for their trap.
@ckyera (17332)
• Philippines
24 Apr 11
hi captain!
maybe they just want to irritate you? haha since they know that you hate those kind of responses? haha just kidding!
or maybe they didn't read your disclaimers? i remember you putting disclaimers in your discussions to get rid of those kind of responders...but too bad they still bothering you and ruining your topics...
anyway, what i think about it is just they only want to have more earnings, since they think that its 'the more you post, the more you earn thing' they don't mind if they post something relevant or what, or maybe they think that their post is relevant? hehe
sometimes i am guilty of responding in a topic that i have no knowledge at all, but after participating on the said discussions, i was able to learn something new.
i think i have learned many things from the discussions that you have started before and since most of your topics are kinda new to me, i am forced to research a little to get even a bit idea. i remember those topics on folklore and other interest topics that you started.
i am just a bit sad that i was not able to participate in most of your started topics these days, since i don't really have an idea about those and that i am not watching those tv shows that you want to talk about...
1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
25 Apr 11
I know no one can stop it but in a way i was expressing this in the behalf of frustrated thread starters, 
It may try to change the habits of some people here. I think there are those topics created to add knowledge so even people with no knowldge can have fun but yeah there is those so called target audience discussions. sometimes I need to make some target audience discussions because playing safe will bore the heck out of me but there is a risk of those people to post. Speaking of Tv shows, I'm satisfied on that department because there are some people who watches it who happens to be here, only 3 people but its a party enough for me. Most people here like news discussions, specially the controversial ones. I also do Nostalgia ones since people love being nostalgic and in a way responses have a variety but not the negative kind.
What trigger me to do this discussion is not my discussion but someone elses discussion, That person is frustrated because she get useless responses.
It may try to change the habits of some people here. I think there are those topics created to add knowledge so even people with no knowldge can have fun but yeah there is those so called target audience discussions. sometimes I need to make some target audience discussions because playing safe will bore the heck out of me but there is a risk of those people to post. Speaking of Tv shows, I'm satisfied on that department because there are some people who watches it who happens to be here, only 3 people but its a party enough for me. Most people here like news discussions, specially the controversial ones. I also do Nostalgia ones since people love being nostalgic and in a way responses have a variety but not the negative kind.
What trigger me to do this discussion is not my discussion but someone elses discussion, That person is frustrated because she get useless responses.
@la_chique (1498)
•
22 Apr 11
I think its called trolling.
I have noticed many people here on ML will just post for the sake of it. Maybe to get their earnings up, but they dont realise that they have to be posting useful things to get any money back for it.
I dont think there's much wrong with someone asking you for further information about something though. Just so long as they dont come along and make up a load of things about how bad something is for example without knowing anything or having any experience about it. Them asking questions is technically furthering the discussion because once they have thay info, they can make some constructive feedback. Well that is my opinion anyway.
1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
22 Apr 11
asking questions in a way might make them useful and interested though but commenting random stuff or saying they were not interested and they don't know what is it or posting there just to say they were not interested is kinda insulting. its like a slap on the face. In a way yes it could be a form of trolling, I just dont know if they were aware that they are a bunch of trolls.
@topffer (42156)
• France
21 Apr 11
Hello Albert,
I am hailed by "just to say they don't watch the show and they hate it" : alright, it is negative, but I think you can enter a discussion about a show and say that you hate it if you explain why, and I am sure you are enough open minded to accept this and discuss. I think also that curiosity is not a crime : I responded to a few discussions about artists that I did not knew, just after a little research online, and because I found them interesting and I could make a profit of the knowledge of the starter.
Being off topic and irrelevant in a discussion are other things : I never respond when I get such a response... Do you think that those who are doing this will respond to this discussion 
?
?2 people like this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
to think of it, you are not asking that person if they watch the Tv show or not, You talking about the events of the latest episode. Then out of a sudden there is that person who is collecting points. Most like they could be so they can collect points. Actually its easy to read if a person maybe interested even if they have no knowledge of the topic but usually I get this from some newbies.
@AdalieM (1134)
• United States
21 Apr 11
You mean, I can't no longer preach the sermon, talking about ghosts and Science fiction is against my values
This is why I don't bother starting new discussions, I want people to read my discussions only if THEY ARE INTERESTED, but guess they aren't because usually I get a reply that has nothing to do with my topic, or that they are against my beliefs.
People around here participate in discussions they are not interested to ruin them or they are just rushing by thinking about the earnings instead of the discussions.
This is why I don't bother starting new discussions, I want people to read my discussions only if THEY ARE INTERESTED, but guess they aren't because usually I get a reply that has nothing to do with my topic, or that they are against my beliefs.
People around here participate in discussions they are not interested to ruin them or they are just rushing by thinking about the earnings instead of the discussions. 1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
Its also weird there will be people who will bother posting just to convert it into something else and try to find loop holes to make it a flame war. Interest are created for a reason for sure, so people for the same interest can gather together. I think many people have quit mylot for this particular reason alone. There are also people who were doing it because they will like it. But thankfully I am cool as the artic now to stop my self from getting to the boiling point.
They were now using this excuse: I'm just being true to my self, Its my right, and much more crap.
Adalie you cans still do discussions you love since you have the friends who are interested to them.
@katrinapaz (2436)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
i think they just want to voice out their own opinion about the discussion and they just want the others to know that not all agrees with it. It is fun that others may disagree so that we can see other sides of the story and also we can have a much animated discussion.
1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
22 Apr 11
Its not agreeing and disagreeing, if there is an issue where there is a side between red and black then there is an issue to be agree and disagree with.
lets say you created a discussion asking people what would they do in a certain situation and their answer will be irrelevant and has nothign to do with the topic. In other words they posted not because they not the topic but because they are collecting points.
There is no agreeing and disagreeing if you create a discussion asking where you dont ask if they agree or disagree.
Not all topics have somethign to do with agreeing and disagreeing. there are topics that only needs people with knowledge or itnerest in the topic.
Why respond in a discussion about asking people what is their favorite beef recipe when you dont eat beef and you dont like beef. Did you get it what I mean now.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
22 Apr 11
Hey CaptAlbert~That is something that I would like to know too. If
you're not interested in a topic or know nothing about it then stay
out of it! You arent't going to earn anything anyway! You don't get
paid unless you write something of substance that makes sense. People
have different reasons for being here and everyone has the right to
their say. But, if you really give myLot a chance you can have alot
of fun and learn stuff and make some good friends, Right Capt, MY FRIEND!
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
22 Apr 11
I wonder how would they feel if people did it tot hem too, I wonder how will they feel if every discussion they have will be their own kind. The interest categories are created for a purpose, to build communities of people who interested in certain categories of topics,
@rosekiss (30380)
• Eugene, Oregon
22 Apr 11
I only respond to discussions that I can give input, but there are others that respond I think so they can earn, and that is all, and that is sad. It makes me wonder how many others they respond to. It really doesn't make sense for someone to respond to discussions they can't even give a proper response to. If I see a discussion and it is interesting, and I can give my input, then I will, otherwise I will just leave it alone. Take care, and happy mylotting.
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
22 Apr 11
I really wish those people will get to read this to make them, know that they cant just participate in every topic that there is. They have to be interested in it and must have knowledge about it. Or at least they will try to do some research so they can be productive.This place is teamwork and not a 1 man show.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
21 Apr 11
Hiya Captain 
Exactly my point. I too support this and never hop on any discussion where I cannot add value. Just becasue where I am not interested will not help me to write anything on it.
Not doing this helps only in spreading a wrong impression about oneself and also at times leads to misunderstanding and hatred.
Exactly my point. I too support this and never hop on any discussion where I cannot add value. Just becasue where I am not interested will not help me to write anything on it.
Not doing this helps only in spreading a wrong impression about oneself and also at times leads to misunderstanding and hatred.1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
I learned to be chill right now since rage will lead me no where. some say though its language barrier, It makes you wonder what is on their mind. I'm considering to try sway them to a different direction but I realize, I will just skip to the next comment and i will be fine.
@akp100 (13640)
• India
21 Apr 11
Hi
Well its true. If someone has no knowledge or interest in topic then he/she should avoid it instead of typing something unrelated to discussion.
I always take part in discussions as per my interest. I really don't want to make mess if i have no knowledge about something.
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
It doesnt stop people though since their main interest is making money, The only reason i never left mylot is because of some people I enjoyed talking with. There are also peopel who were trying to get attention, they were trying to make a harmless topic into a debate that leads to flamewar.
@joystick (1675)
•
21 Apr 11
I think that there are alot of people that tend to just not get the time to keep going back to a discussion that they have either started or answered.I only start a discussion that i like, as well as reply to discussions that i can answer as well as what i am interested in, other wise i feel it is pointless.
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
Have you encountered this: they will post to your discussion just to say "I dont Know, have a nice day"I am starting to get use to them , Some of them though were flame baiting.
The term "Have a nice day" seemed like an indication they want to be left aloen to what they were doing.
I am starting to get use to them , Some of them though were flame baiting.
The term "Have a nice day" seemed like an indication they want to be left aloen to what they were doing.
@gloria14r (67)
• India
21 Apr 11
What you said is true, but someone is not supposed to criticize someone else thoughts, thats bad i know, but you cant help people and you really cant keep them from doing so; Don't freak out, thats okay, just ignore them. Even i don't like many people doing that, commenting something against it, instead scribbling some positive thoughts on the subject. Most people here are for earning money and few for fun, and everyone has liberty to write their thoughts on any discussion, so ignore those responses that are not really meant for you.
1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
21 Apr 11
There are times I ignore them but there are times I am asking them what is their point in posting tot hat discussion.. well they dont respond because most likely they are busy catching up their quota. I created this topic though because I want them to state their side on why they do it.
