As I stated in my previous blog I love history. So I joined a group that discussed Henry VIII and everything that has to do with him. I am a big reader also and I am normally reading about 4 different books all of different topics. I love the tv shows about Henry and his wives, also the movies and the books. I am constantly reading books and watching the history channel when shows about the English court are on. So when I was looking for an internet group to join that was my first thought, I love to hear about other peoples opinion on a topic that I am so focused on. So when I joined the group I was nervous about starting out a new topic with the other people in the group. I have never been a part of a internet group before so the whole process was new andscary for me, similar to this blogging experience.
To start the process of being accepted into the group I started off a new post to see how many people would respond to it, and I was shocked that within the first 2 days someone posted a response to what I had to say. I knew at that point that I had been accepted into this group and I could start a discussion with this other person. 2 other people joined in on our talk about Anne Boleyn and her portrayal in the different movies, TV shows and books that have been written. We all had similar ideas in the way that we thought that there was some basis of truth behind what is being said. We each thought of different scenarios that showed a different act that she did to get the reputation that she did. Our converstations were our own opinions mixed with different facts that we all knew. I felt that by multiple people responding to my post that I was welcomed to the group right away.
I saw in some responses there were a few disagreements and about 95% of the time we were all in agreeance with our topic. When there was an disagreement to anything that I had said, I went back and reread what I had said then read what they thought was “wrong” and then thought about how they could have misinterpreted what I meant, then I would respond to them so that we could continue the conversation without any misunderstandings. In some of the responses to my posts people start off disagreeing with me but in they end what they are saying is actually the same things that I had said. All of that makes me laugh because it is like they want to badly to prove me wrong yet they have no facts that disagree with me. In my most recent post I made a statement that I felt sorry for Anne Boleyn’s sister Mary, because from everything that I have read or watched about this family she is used and then sent away, so I do feel a little sorry for someone like that, and a member of the group wrote back to me saying things that added to my perspective of feeling sorry for someone that was used in a way that no one should be. I have never had the desire to be a part of an internet group, even if it is about one of my favorite topics. I joined for our class and that was it, I dont have time to get into a discussion with someone everyday unless it is my roommate and we normally talk about things that affect our everyday lives. I may occasionally check up on my post to this group just to see how many posts and responses I get.
I found very similar results when I joined my discussion group, almost 95% of the conversation was very similar and we seemed to agree on the same things. I think it helps that we were all interested in our topic as you joined a history site, and I joined a basketball site which is my passion. It makes me wonder though if people agree with other peoples comments just to stay neutral and not start controversy or drama with a new building relationship.
By: Stacey Nichols on February 19, 2009
at 5:19 am
I guess I must have hit upon feisty groups because one of them (I joined 3) did not allow comments that just said “I agree” or “cool” or whatever. If you posted, it had to be with new information or continuing information to a previous post. Any disagreements had to be backed up with sources to prove the fact right or wrong. Perhaps, it is because I joined “news style” communities that is not open to much opinion.
I, too, am an anglophile and I love English monarchy. Of course, each time I read the name Henry the Eighth I start singing. If you don’t know what song I’m referring to, then my age is showing and I apologize (smiles.)
By: Jen Souza on February 20, 2009
at 1:30 am
I think that is really cool that you found a group like that. I am not quite sure where you live, but do you think it would be possible to join a group or community like this one in your town? I, like you, don’t have the time or desire to join an online group and talk to them regurarly, but of course I did the same thing for the class and I joined a Gilmore Girls group (It was my fav. t.v show!) and I know that I would never be able to find a group like that around here!
I also think that it was a smart move to re-read what you had wrote when someone disagreed with you, sometimes a simple comma or an accidental use of a word can totally change your tone or point when writing on-line. I think it is funny that people have the desire to disagree when they don’t have facts to back up what they are saying!
By: Jen on February 23, 2009
at 7:48 pm
I think that it was great that you were able to find an online group about Henry VIII, how likely would it be for you to find a community or group like this outside of the internet? I joined a group about Gilmore Girls (It used to be my fav T.V. show!!!) and I am quite sure that I would not be able to find a group like this anywhere around my town!
I think that it is smart how you will re-read something if someone disagrees with you. Sometimes a lack of, or a missed placed comma or word can change your tone or even your point. When you re-read it gives you a chance to see if you made a mistake or if they have a valid point! It is funny that people will disagree with you even though they don’t have facts or they don’t even make sense (how you said some people will start out disagreeing with you and then in the end they are saying the same thing!). This makes me wonder if they think that controversy will make them more respected online?
By: Jen on February 23, 2009
at 7:55 pm