CMC = Computer-Mediated Communication

[Eagle's Nest]

Hi to all my new friends here and places not flagged. I noticed that a certain thread has been locked and thought that it would make for an interesting dialogue if one looked at communication ability with various media and experiences with that media rather than age of the user.

For example, my hair is going gray, my beard is going white and I have been teaching for 30+ years. By definition, I am old. According to my grandchildren, I am older than dirt. Yet, when it comes to this CMC environment, my age hasn't made me a dinosaur, but more of a "facile" user of the environment.

I admit that being a "user" of e-mail and discussion groups since 1990 (university accounts using PINE) and being a computer user/teacher since 1981 as well as a published author on CMC and second-language learning (an on-line publishing project with other "oldies" in the early to mid 90's) does make me a dinosaur even here in cyberspace. Yet, that oldness isn't about some geriatric/alzheimer lack of with-it-ness (yes it is a word - LOL).

So, back to the topic .... how does CMC enhance your life, your relationships (both virtual and face-to-face)? How do you find ways to avoid the communication black holes caused by the lack of non-verbal cues (remember that up to 90% of what we communicate is outside of the words we use)?

I look to the "young 'uns" to help us old codgers out here as we are obviously (this is of course tongue-in-cheek for those who are held captive by the printed word and sees the printed word as gospel) not "with-it".

Now, I will put back in both of my hearing aids (these are real, folks) and listen in.

eagle (but not a bald one)

[George61]

Without visual clues, you have to rely on knowledge of a writer's style.
As you will have realised from my style, I am a serious, old bloke without a grain of humour, who takes umbrage in large doses. (It's better than tequila)

I am a serious, old bloke without a grain of humour, who takes umbrage in large doses.....no, wait! That's Hamish! I'm the other old bloke in the corner with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
What was the question again??

A sense of humour varies from person to person. One who is funny and comes across as funny is easier to "read" than someone who thinks he is funny, but writes in a way that leaves you in doubt. What am I saying here? I'm m'kayed if I know!

[Hamish]

george61 said:

...I am a serious, old bloke without a grain of humour, who takes umbrage in large doses....

You misspoke. You meant "...without a grain of wit, who takes Geritol in large doses."

george61 said:

What am I saying here? I'm m'kayed if I know!

You're tell US!?!

[George61]

You misspoke. You meant "...without a grain of wit, who takes Geritol in large doses."

I've often wondered.."What the m'kay is Geritol?"

[Lotus Eater]

I had forgotten about PINE. How we move on!

I find it hard to define my own 'voice' on something like this forum. On my emails back home that tell the story of my life in China my friends tell me it is the same as listening to me talk, and they claim they can see the change in my view of the world since I came here.

I can tell when I am not using my own voice (the structure and accent changes in my head), but can't specifically define it. I do use more exclamation marks, more emphasis indicators and so on to try to clarify what I am doing. I use the smilies because I don't want to be misunderstood.

I can read tones reasonably well for the people who post regularly - and for people who send me SMSs regularly. But new voices take a while in this communication environment to 'hear'. If I have met the person as well it is easier to hear their tone in the posts.

[Ruth]

I'm not exactly new to communication via computer. I used computers in my job situation for years and my role was communicating with the employees on behalf of the bosses and communicating with head office. However I never participated in a forum before coming to China.

I email people back home the way I talk. They know me and I think it comes across as 'me'. I write here at the forum in the same way. I hope people are reading the tone and intent of what I write.

What Lotus said about regular posters here - we kinda get to know people and their styles. Those I've met in person are pretty much like they write here. We've gained many new members lately (a really good thing, BTW). As they post and share their questions and experiences, I read the posts and I'm beginning to sort them all out.

Humour is tricky in this environment, as was recently displayed on the locked thread. That's why it's good to throw in a smiley or two to clarify.

how does CMC enhance your life, your relationships (both virtual and face-to-face)?

Keeps me in touch with people back home. Allows me to share China with those who will never have the opportunity to visit. This forum provides me a place to share the experience with those who are also experiencing it, stress relief, great teaching ideas, new friendships I wouldn't have made otherwise. Enriches my life.

[gengrant]

No, what George meant to say was:

I'm the other old bloke in the corner with tongue firmly planted in between Hamish's cheeks.

[George61]

tall said:

No, what George meant to say was:

I'm the other old bloke in the corner with tongue firmly planted in between Hamish's cheeks.

You bastard!! There is NO WAY! I would have ever said that....let alone do it! That's absom'kayinglutely dism'kayinggusting!!
Hey! That Robocop is a smart little bastard, ain't he?

[nolefan]

Why do i get this queer feeling that it's open season on George?

[George61]

Why do i get this queer feeling

You've read Gonzo's post on Jen2003, perhaps??

[Mr Nobody]

That's OK, GG, we still accept you now you have come out of the closet.





You will just have to tell your wife gently.

[Stil]

Although there is of course, a lack of physical cues when communicating on the internet, this can also be an advantage. Not having preconceived notions from stereotyping based on looks allows people to focus on the message and make initial opinions without subconsciously thinking about the differences between us whether they be racial, age, economics etc.

George is the perfect example. Had I first communicated to him in person I most definitely would run screaming, but now, even though I know what he looks like, I can accept him (almost)

[Hamish]

no. no, No, No, NO NO NOOO oooo!!!!

You are still young. It is NOT your time yet!

Run screaming!

[Mr Nobody]

This is why I put my photo up as my avatar, so people will know the real me.

I am told that Hamish looks like his, too.

Lotus definitely ACTS like hers - both the spinning tigger and the dancing geisha.

Others are probably similar.

George: geritol.com/information.aspx

It looks the same as the stuff people give to kids to help them grow strong. Rebottled iron and vitamins. Isn't marketing wonderful?

(If they added a good healthy dose of alcohol, it would do wonders.)

[uberzilla]

tall said:

No, what George meant to say was:

I'm the other old bloke in the corner with tongue firmly planted in between Hamish's cheeks.

Damn it. That just out did any of my chicken slams.

Actually this is an interesting topic. I got started in really aggressive philosophical & science debate forums. I got bored with the repetitiveness. You can only deal with people asking you, how you know you exist, so many times. ;D

This type of casual interaction is very different for me. I am not much for, or good at, small talk... just cheesey comments, and avatar "character assasination" (which I guess by now is pretty evident).

It is pretty cool being able to talk to people around the world.

Final quick note: George I did not see this thread before putting your chicken in a dress. ;D

Final quick note: No flags for me. I am only loyal to property rights starting with the individual. Oh ya, and the right of all Hooters waitresses to do jumping jacks in public.