In praise of After Hours (1 Viewer)

[BrianB]

I know that 'After Hours' gets some stick due to certain threads that degenerate into bad taste or pointlessness. However, I'd like to praise it a little - it serves a really useful function here on the HTF as a means to get to know each other better and share information/views on things outwith the realm of HTF.

Case in point, and my reason for posting this message, I asked a few questions about homeownership this morning, and I've had an abundance of replies with great information, great views, and great links to more detailed information.

I really appreciate the members of the HTF taking their time to help my wife & I out with our information gathering.

 

[Rain]

I couldn't agree with you more, BrianB.
I've always thought After Hours served a very useful and productive purpose, even if the posts are off topic of the main subject of the forum.
If nothing else, it gives us a chance to get to know each other a bit better, which I think in most cases leads to an increase in mutual respect.

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Brian,

I agree, and have always fought hard to keep AH around. However, like most great things, someone always comes along and ruins the fun for everyone else.

We just have to keep AH full of threads like the one you mentioned, and less a stage for people looking for a big audience for nonsense.

-Vince

 

[RicP]

We just have to keep AH full of threads like the one you mentioned, and less a stage for people looking for a big audience for nonsense

Get I get a "AMEN!"

 

[Steve Enemark]

We just have to keep AH full of threads like the one you mentioned, and less a stage for people looking for a big audience for nonsense.

"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men."

-Willy Wonka

 

[Scott Weinberg]

I'm a big fan of the After Hours forum as well. I realize it's not a "necessary" board to have on a HT-intensive site - but it gives the regulars a nice place to go "off-topic" and it also seems to prove extremely helpful for people dealing with "miscellaneous" issues.

Thanks for keeping it around.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Gentlemen,

This is very interesting for me to read --

especially since there have been many occasions

that we have almost shut down that area.

Please understand that there was a time when

90% of all the disruptions of this forum happened

in the AFTER HOURS area.

People just went out of bounds as far as posting

what is considered tasteful, and every day brought

a new problem and an evicted member.

Parker and I have never been fond of the AH area,

but as of late, it has been quiet.

As long as people respect that area and each

other we don't see any reason to get rid of it.

Thanks

 

[Ike]

I never really cared for After Hours, until I started hanging out there. It's just a great place for everything non-HT related, and I couldn't imagine closing it.

 

[Neil Joseph]

For a forum of this size, I think a section like the After Hours is needed. Could you imagine where those posts would end up if there was no section like that. There would be a lot more nonsense and venting in the other dedicated HT sections.

 

[Parker Clack]

The only reason that Ron and I started up the After Hours area (we used to call it the After Hours Lounge) was so people could discuss other things besides their home theaters, equipment, etc. So when things like the Super Bowl, World Series, etc. came up members could discuss those things in a specific area instead of in the general posting areas.

After Hours has since then become something in and of itself. I find that it really adds to the overall feeling around here that we are more than just a group of home theater fans. Many friendships have started and grown due to After Hours.

As long as the posting in this area remains civil we will keep this area open. It is when it gets out of control that the first thought that Ron and I have is to close it down.

Thanks to the hard work of our moderators and the efforts put down by our membership to keep this area under control After Hours has become a valuable addition to HTF.

Parker

 

[DaveF]

I also like the After Hours section; I think it benefits HTF overall, by helping members get to know each other in a little broader context, as well as providing some fun and occaisionally solid information (as seen in my recent question about non-prescription drugs).
Huzzah for the AHL!