Cliquey

**Gwyn Nicholas** · 10-01-2012, 13:30

In passing, (and not for the first time of hearing) a fellow member of the Forum mentioned that he felt the Forum had become Cliquey. Although I had heard this said on another occasion, I was still suprised to hear the comment and found myself becoming defensive toward the very suggestion (passively of course). After giving it some thought, I believe I know where he was coming from but still the very word Clique did and does not fit in my opinion and would be interested how other members feel. The way I view the Forum and its users is this:

Forum management and Technical staff. Run the Forum efficiently and maintain discipline stopping a Forum becoming a free-for-all. Clique - NO - open to suggestion for the benefit of the Forum.

Wizards. The specialist members who deal with things such as research, military and Regimental history etc. Clique - NO - anyone can ask and anyone can add what they have .

Contributors. The members who are willing to Sound off, Ask questions, start Discussions, tell jokes, have go at the funny caption competition etc etc. This category are willing to post (warts and all) regardless of what others think of their spelling, grammar or general ability as writers. Clique - NO - just people willing to make a contribution where others are not.

Aloof/Unworthy/Snipers. People who think they are above sharing. Those who believe that what they have to offer is not worthy of sharing or are too embarassed to share, which really is a shame and finally those who occasionaly will chip in to "rock the boat" (not to be confused with giving an honest opinion) Clique - No - anyone can be in this the easiest of categories.

Where do you sit, is the Forum "Cliquey". If you think so, get involved! A clique by it's very nature ceases to be if all and sundry can participate.

**dutchman** · 10-01-2012, 15:22

only clique (clickey) is my bones and joints but thats another thread for another day if i can remember what i said in the first place anyway off for my therapy .

**ap1** · 10-01-2012, 15:41

Hi Gwyn, I suppose it would be useful to know what was causing the person to feel that. Was it any particular area of the forum? A particular thread, comment or perhaps an action by the admin team? Sometimes its possible we could do things that are perceived differently from what we intended. Good thread.

**rikoshea** · 10-01-2012, 15:50

there are no clicks that i know of, there are sub forums that only individuals can contribute to, however there are a lot more other threads on here that can be added to.

**Lofty-25** · 10-01-2012, 16:12

Gwyn,

Like other social network sites, you are going to get those who contribute and those who will either 'thank or like' the post and not comment on it

I do not think there is a 'clique' on the Forum, it may seem that way, as the majority of threads/posts are by the same Forum members

I was once asked my a Forum member why one thread had been stuck on the Forum main page for so long (a couple of months), i replied that "it will remain there until another Forum member has another thread to post

So in that sense it might seem 'cliquey' (different thread/post, same faces)

Unless the Forum member feels there is a certain area of the Forum that he feels is 'cliquey'

**Gwyn Nicholas** · 10-01-2012, 16:47

Al, I believe, as Lofty above touched on, it is really about the same names appearing most of the time and in the majority of threads which is actually what is happening, the contributor category contributing - simple as and is no way down to being a clique. I dont believe there was anymore to it than that and certainly no direct indication to any particular part of the Forum. I personally do not feel that any part of the Forum falls into the category cliquey but that is only my opinion and I am genuinly interested in what others think, particularly those who perhaps feel they are unable to contribute for whatever reason.

I remember as a young soldier, the old boys telling the old tales of "the Wanchai warriors" Hong Kong days, the Waltzing Mat the selling of certain members of the Battalion (and this Forum) and more. Great stories that I never tired of, I was so envious. It is a shame that those stories and perhaps photographs of those days dont get an airing from time to time but the only people who can tell the tale had to be there. Perhaps I should pose the question.

**ivor43** · 10-01-2012, 16:48

hi all. no, i dont think it it cliquy. i agree with lofty that some members contribute more than others but that does'nt make it a clique. the Funny Caption Comp for instance may have over 100 views buy only 5/6 entries
and these frequently the same folks.
the only threads which are by their nature cliquy are those specific to a group eg drums or alphas reunion etc
so as a non military member i dont see any problem.

unless i am percieved as part of the clique

**steve bird** · 10-01-2012, 17:13

interesting this one gwyn,maybe the forum management
could arange a yes or no vote for us to find out my vote
is a big no to cliquey thank you.

Paul Hinge · 10-01-2012, 18:37

Gwyn's interpretation I feel is totally correct. If you check the visitors to the the site you can see many visitors and many don't contribute save pressing the like or thanks icon. I feel this is the most open chat room that exists and although FB is available this is a superb forum.
And perhaps if being a Royal Welchman or being someone who wants to support the forum because of its aims and principles is being cliquey then yes perhaps we are a clique.....but we are a clique of like-minded people who wish to debate and inform each other and I therefore make no excuses for being a forum member.

Hingey

**jcj** · 10-01-2012, 21:47

Being a member of 1 SWB and then 1 RRW and not having been a member of the RWF I suggest that I would feel more than most if this site was cliquey. Despite some interesting discussions I have never felt the site was cliquey,in fact I feel very much at home whenever I contribute to the site.