Smugness and iPhone

daviddogma

New Member
Bronze
Jul 5, 2007
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I stood in line on June 29th. I wasn't first in line, was somewhere around 100. I own a 24" Imac, and a Core Duo Macbook. I have both generations of Nano (8 gig), and gave away my 60 gig Video to my brother after I bought the 80 gig. I still have a 512 MB shuffle and a newer little green one. The Ipod and iTunes are we got me into the whole Mac thing. I have Parallels on my machine and occasionally run windows when I want to look through my two 200 gig harddrives full of porn. I have written a few random article reviews for different online sites. I have tested and owned many MP3 players and lots of other gadget/gizmos. This is not my living, I just do it for fun. I have a lifestyle that affords me time to do things I like to do.

I am writing all of this because the last few days are my first ever on any kind of Apple forum. This forum is truly a unique one. I post regularly on a Jeep forum, and a cigar forum. Maybe it is just because it is technology driven, but I have to say I don't understand the smugness and arrogance of a lot of the people posting in this forum. Everyone that disagrees is a troll. Or a crybaby. Let's face it, we are pretty much beta testing the iPhone. I have no problem with that. $600 is not a lot of money to me. But, why do you guys keep defending a device that has A LOT of room for improvement? Why can't we debate with a certain amount of objectivity, the real life pros and cons? "Well I don't ever use that feature...." is not debate. I remember when the Jeep Liberty (KJ) came out. We discussed it. Look back at those forums. Maybe I am new here. Maybe I am not wanted. I feel like I have something to add to this group. This is a new group is it not? Can we debate the iPhone and share interesting stories and emotions without....

I sure hope so. Maybe this room is too smug for me. Maybe it's not smug enough.
 

DeadSpider

New Member
Bronze
Jul 1, 2007
120
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45
Vacherie,Louisiana
You make some good points, I can not wait to read your
more of your post of ideas and opinions.

*EDIT*
Please do not take the above as sarcasm, as it was not intended to be.
 

daviddogma

New Member
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Jul 5, 2007
101
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0
You make some good points, I can not wait to read your
more of your post of ideas and opinions.

*EDIT*
Please do not take the above as sarcasm, as it was not intended to be.
I didn't take it as sarcasm. Here's my thought. There are a lot of new iPhone forums. One of them is going to be the main one. The one people go for the info and insight. Why not make it this one? We could establish a real community, like usenet used to be. Anyway, I guess I want to make sure I am surrounded by people who share and not name call, before I spend more time learning and sharing about this device. Sure, I am mad about the speaker phone not working properly, but we have a huge upside with iPhone.
 

mlass

Member
Silver
Jun 19, 2007
678
0
16
Good Post.

It would be nice, if someone wants to disagree with a Post that he just start his own no problem post. It makes no since to discuss an issue with someone that doesn't even agree there is a problem.

For example the volume issue. I can care less if someone volumes is OK. All I want to discuss it with people that have the same issue.
 

aubrgene

New Member
Bronze
Jul 5, 2007
35
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Los Angeles, California
As Albert Camus wrote: " The heart is the weak spot of the intellect" echoes some truth to your post. For some Apple enthusiasts, it's probably because of the novelty of the iPhone. They are protective of it and that's what makes it exciting----the honeymoon and emotions are triggered. They resent the 'bashing' of the iPhone. I was in line 29 June and waited with great anticipation. I bought the phone blind and have enjoyed my purchase ever since. Sure, it needs some improvements that's already been mentioned in the forum. It's something that could be resolved with software updates. I think a lot of of emotions are expressed because some complaints/issues are being discussed by some members here who does not even own the iPhone. If I'm being smug, then I'm guilty of it. No buyer's remorse here-- I still have the first iPod that I bought Nov. 9, 2001. Sure it's now obsolete, but I delight in knowing that I have it in my collection.
 

daviddogma

New Member
Bronze
Jul 5, 2007
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Good Post.

It would be nice, if someone wants to disagree with a Post that he just start his own no problem post. It makes no since to discuss an issue with someone that doesn't even agree there is a problem.

For example the volume issue. I can care less if someone volumes is OK. All I want to discuss it with people that have the same issue.
LOL It's true. "Mine works great! Did you take off the plastic?..." Are we going to get speaker phones that work via an update in the next couple of days? If not, you taking yours back on Friday?
 

rebelace

New Member
Bronze
May 30, 2007
193
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Beaumont,Texas
www.thechadburge.com
I think this forum is relatively tame. I have been on some forums where new people just get ripped apart. I have personally stopped surfing on here as much as I used to due to to many new people, to many repeat post, and frankly to many stupid questions. It gets very frustrating after awhile I come here seeking a good convo and end up getting asked the same questions most which cant be answered over and over.
 

Popdevil

New Member
Bronze
Jul 2, 2007
254
0
0
I am writing all of this because the last few days are my first ever on any kind of Apple forum. This forum is truly a unique one. I post regularly on a Jeep forum, and a cigar forum. Maybe it is just because it is technology driven, but I have to say I don't understand the smugness and arrogance of a lot of the people posting in this forum. Everyone that disagrees is a troll. Or a crybaby. Let's face it, we are pretty much beta testing the iPhone. I have no problem with that. $600 is not a lot of money to me. But, why do you guys keep defending a device that has A LOT of room for improvement? Why can't we debate with a certain amount of objectivity, the real life pros and cons? "Well I don't ever use that feature...." is not debate. I remember when the Jeep Liberty (KJ) came out. We discussed it. Look back at those forums. Maybe I am new here. Maybe I am not wanted. I feel like I have something to add to this group. This is a new group is it not? Can we debate the iPhone and share interesting stories and emotions without....

I sure hope so. Maybe this room is too smug for me. Maybe it's not smug enough.
I agree 100%. This is my very first Apple product. (I'm a MS guy). I like the phone very much but there is so much room for improvement as you said. I posted on this forum agreeing that the text and email section should allow us to change the sound and I was told to "TAKE MY iPhone BACK IF I DIDN'T LIKE IT". Fanboys are everywhere and I would have to put Apple fanboys up their with sony fanboys.
 

oembios

New Member
Bronze
Jul 5, 2007
67
0
0
I don't understand the smugness and arrogance of a lot of the people posting in this forum. Everyone that disagrees is a troll. Or a crybaby. Let's face it, we are pretty much beta testing the iPhone. I have no problem with that. $600 is not a lot of money to me. But, why do you guys keep defending a device that has A LOT of room for improvement? Why can't we debate with a certain amount of objectivity, the real life pros and cons?
Thank you for your very well written, logical and intelligent post.

I feel the same way you do, however the reason I'm not surprised about the nature of this forum (or nearly any Apple forum) is that there is a very unique "Cult Like" mentality that carries a lot of arrogance and an attitude that Apple can do no wrong. This translates into personal attacks towards any one who posts anything other than what these members want to hear.

That's why when being honest (which is also dangerous ground on this forum) and conducting a fair evaluation of the product most, (not all) of the members take it personally, drop down to juvenile level and personally attack the poster that was being honest and simply participating in the forum.

I have never in the last five years, experienced behavior like this in any of the many other other forums I participate in. A "normal" forum experience for me is always quite pleasant. Frankly this forum truly surprised me.

I'm a moderator on a computer forum where the members are mostly tech people, working in engineering, design, 3D work etc. They act like adults, respectful, intelligent and easy going. They are there to share experiences, help each other, and the result is a wonderful, beneficial community. When there is something that is wrong with a product, the person that reports it does not get flamed or attacked, like people do on this forum.

In addition, I'm also a moderator on a mobile phone forum, a luxury watch forum and a scientific instrument forum. None of these forums display the type of hostility, defensiveness, personal attacks, and crude langauge as I've noticed on this forum. Each of these are communities of like minded people, there to participate, learn, and assist one another in a mutually respectful manner.

Since I have been a long time Apple & PC computer user, and I work as a software designer, I'm still looking for a good iPhone site, but they are very hard to find.

I truly enjoy Apple products, and have used their computers for 10 years. I've had over 8 new PowerBooks, and 2 MacBook Pros.

I'm not being critical here, just reporting my experiences I've had on this forum. It's a shame that it is this way, but that's the way it is. Because I'm not one to quit or give up easily. After posting about 70 posts here which were very neutral and informative, I experienced the negative energy of others and how motivated they are to flame or be outright lewd in their langauge. So I created a new profile and tried again. However I'm having the same experience. As long as you are not truthful and only say the product is perfect or other false statements that are Pro Apple you are OK.

I'm going to give this some time and see if more regular mainstream tech, and other people join this forum which would balance things out. I remain positive that with people that are here to participate and contribute as you and I are the forum should improve.

Thanks again for your post, I was beginning to wonder if this forum would attract people like you.
 

i-Fred

New Member
Jul 3, 2007
8
0
0
San Carlos, CA
I wholeheartedly agree. I was happy to have found this forum at first, but after responding to a couple of posts (so I am now subscribed to them), I am greeted each morning with a barrage of insults from iPhone fanboys.
 

mlass

Member
Silver
Jun 19, 2007
678
0
16
This post brings up old memories. I remember the good old days logging on to BBS's and discussing issues or how different chat rooms where on AOL when you paid almost $3 an hour to be online.
 

oembios

New Member
Bronze
Jul 5, 2007
67
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I wholeheartedly agree. I was happy to have found this forum at first, but after responding to a couple of posts (so I am now subscribed to them), I am greeted each morning with a barrage of insults from iPhone fanboys.
i-Fred, thanks for your post.

I was beginning to wonder what I could have possibly said to warrant the outrage & anger from certain people.
 

kdarling

New Member
Bronze
Jun 20, 2007
425
1
0
NJ, NC, CO
Like others, I'm on quite a few forums, and have been moderator of others long ago.

The sheer idiocy of the "mine works, take yours back" posts are indeed discouraging.

But I'm slowly coming to the realization that a huge number of iPhone owners and posters are young kids. And a vocal group of them have no manners, assign objects deity-like attributes, have no life, etc.

Basically, you just ignore them. The intelligent people come through and are obvious.
 

oembios

New Member
Bronze
Jul 5, 2007
67
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0
Like others, I'm on quite a few forums, and have been moderator of others long ago.

The sheer idiocy of the "mine works, take yours back" posts are indeed discouraging.

But I'm slowly coming to the realization that a huge number of iPhone owners and posters are young kids. And a vocal group of them have no manners, assign objects deity-like attributes, have no life, etc.

Basically, you just ignore them. The intelligent people come through and are obvious.
Point taken, Well Said!
 

Heckler

New Member
Jul 1, 2007
19
0
0
I don't think the responses are that smug when someone actually posts a legitimate or constructive complaint/issue. We all recognize that the iPhone is not perfect and that there is allot of room for improvement and that there will be defective iPhones just like every other electronic device out there. But I think many are getting tired of hearing people complaining about lack of features that were fully known before the iPhone was even released or people automatically claiming the phone is junk when the issue is obviously user error. The iPhone will never have every individual feature that the 500,000+ users will want it to have. I think the responses are generally proportional to the tone that the original post was made in.
 

ja_vo

New Member
Bronze
Jun 17, 2007
236
0
0
Atlanta, GA
I stood in line on June 29th. I wasn't first in line, was somewhere around 100. I own a 24" Imac, and a Core Duo Macbook. I have both generations of Nano (8 gig), and gave away my 60 gig Video to my brother after I bought the 80 gig. I still have a 512 MB shuffle and a newer little green one. The Ipod and iTunes are we got me into the whole Mac thing. I have Parallels on my machine and occasionally run windows when I want to look through my two 200 gig harddrives full of porn. I have written a few random article reviews for different online sites. I have tested and owned many MP3 players and lots of other gadget/gizmos. This is not my living, I just do it for fun. I have a lifestyle that affords me time to do things I like to do.

I am writing all of this because the last few days are my first ever on any kind of Apple forum. This forum is truly a unique one. I post regularly on a Jeep forum, and a cigar forum. Maybe it is just because it is technology driven, but I have to say I don't understand the smugness and arrogance of a lot of the people posting in this forum. Everyone that disagrees is a troll. Or a crybaby. Let's face it, we are pretty much beta testing the iPhone. I have no problem with that. $600 is not a lot of money to me. But, why do you guys keep defending a device that has A LOT of room for improvement? Why can't we debate with a certain amount of objectivity, the real life pros and cons? "Well I don't ever use that feature...." is not debate. I remember when the Jeep Liberty (KJ) came out. We discussed it. Look back at those forums. Maybe I am new here. Maybe I am not wanted. I feel like I have something to add to this group. This is a new group is it not? Can we debate the iPhone and share interesting stories and emotions without....

I sure hope so. Maybe this room is too smug for me. Maybe it's not smug enough.
wow sis, its so nice to have someone like you in here, like the other guys said, i cant wait to see your post.

Thanks you

Javier Boffill
 

ColsTiger

Zealot
Gold
Mar 8, 2007
5,856
2
38
Columbus, GA
I stood in line on June 29th. I wasn't first in line, was somewhere around 100. I own a 24" Imac, and a Core Duo Macbook. I have both generations of Nano (8 gig), and gave away my 60 gig Video to my brother after I bought the 80 gig. I still have a 512 MB shuffle and a newer little green one. The Ipod and iTunes are we got me into the whole Mac thing. I have Parallels on my machine and occasionally run windows when I want to look through my two 200 gig harddrives full of porn. I have written a few random article reviews for different online sites. I have tested and owned many MP3 players and lots of other gadget/gizmos. This is not my living, I just do it for fun. I have a lifestyle that affords me time to do things I like to do.

I am writing all of this because the last few days are my first ever on any kind of Apple forum. This forum is truly a unique one. I post regularly on a Jeep forum, and a cigar forum. Maybe it is just because it is technology driven, but I have to say I don't understand the smugness and arrogance of a lot of the people posting in this forum. Everyone that disagrees is a troll. Or a crybaby. Let's face it, we are pretty much beta testing the iPhone. I have no problem with that. $600 is not a lot of money to me. But, why do you guys keep defending a device that has A LOT of room for improvement? Why can't we debate with a certain amount of objectivity, the real life pros and cons? "Well I don't ever use that feature...." is not debate. I remember when the Jeep Liberty (KJ) came out. We discussed it. Look back at those forums. Maybe I am new here. Maybe I am not wanted. I feel like I have something to add to this group. This is a new group is it not? Can we debate the iPhone and share interesting stories and emotions without....

I sure hope so. Maybe this room is too smug for me. Maybe it's not smug enough.
I don't really consider this an "Apple" forum. It is an iPhone forum, but not just for Apple fanboys.
 

bcaslis

Member
Bronze
Jun 26, 2007
144
0
16
Oregon
I agree with what you are saying, but I can understand some of the replies. When someone is heavily criticizing some point, it's easy to get defensive if the same point isn't an issue for you. I haven't commented myself on any of these issues but three things I've seen here and in other forums that really puzzle me:

1.) Calls go to voicemail when using data. Hello? It's plain old GSM, this is how it works. I see people livid over this, but every phone I've used with this technology is like this. Others are claiming it's not so, but I don't agree.

2.) Volume. People seem to livid over soft ringtones and call volumes. I don't want to criticize but I really have to wonder if these people are deaf. Are these the same people riding around in their cars with the speakers cranked to maximum? There is utterly no way I could miss the ringtone on this thing unless I was at a rock concert.

3.) Battery life. Maybe there are defective units but the battery life seems exceptional to me. I have seen that disabling the automatic search for wifi networks makes a huge improvement in battery life though.

So I agree that there is a lot more conflict here than I would prefer but experiences posted here seem to be extremely subjective.
 

Silverado

New Member
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Jul 6, 2007
332
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0
I stood in line on June 29th. I wasn't first in line, was somewhere around 100. I own a 24" Imac, and a Core Duo Macbook. I have both generations of Nano (8 gig), and gave away my 60 gig Video to my brother after I bought the 80 gig. I still have a 512 MB shuffle and a newer little green one. The Ipod and iTunes are we got me into the whole Mac thing. I have Parallels on my machine and occasionally run windows when I want to look through my two 200 gig harddrives full of porn.
TMI! I stopped reading right there.

I then came back and read the rest, and I agree with it.

People should be open minded about criticism... and, IMO, should not give TMI... Go ahead, call me a prude.
 

daviddogma

New Member
Bronze
Jul 5, 2007
101
0
0
Thank you for your very well written, logical and intelligent post.

I feel the same way you do, however the reason I'm not surprised about the nature of this forum (or nearly any Apple forum) is that there is a very unique "Cult Like" mentality that carries a lot of arrogance and an attitude that Apple can do no wrong. This translates into personal attacks towards any one who posts anything other than what these members want to hear.

That's why when being honest (which is also dangerous ground on this forum) and conducting a fair evaluation of the product most, (not all) of the members take it personally, drop down to juvenile level and personally attack the poster that was being honest and simply participating in the forum.

I have never in the last five years, experienced behavior like this in any of the many other other forums I participate in. A "normal" forum experience for me is always quite pleasant. Frankly this forum truly surprised me.

I'm a moderator on a computer forum where the members are mostly tech people, working in engineering, design, 3D work etc. They act like adults, respectful, intelligent and easy going. They are there to share experiences, help each other, and the result is a wonderful, beneficial community. When there is something that is wrong with a product, the person that reports it does not get flamed or attacked, like people do on this forum.

In addition, I'm also a moderator on a mobile phone forum, a luxury watch forum and a scientific instrument forum. None of these forums display the type of hostility, defensiveness, personal attacks, and crude langauge as I've noticed on this forum. Each of these are communities of like minded people, there to participate, learn, and assist one another in a mutually respectful manner.

Since I have been a long time Apple & PC computer user, and I work as a software designer, I'm still looking for a good iPhone site, but they are very hard to find.

I truly enjoy Apple products, and have used their computers for 10 years. I've had over 8 new PowerBooks, and 2 MacBook Pros.

I'm not being critical here, just reporting my experiences I've had on this forum. It's a shame that it is this way, but that's the way it is. Because I'm not one to quit or give up easily. After posting about 70 posts here which were very neutral and informative, I experienced the negative energy of others and how motivated they are to flame or be outright lewd in their langauge. So I created a new profile and tried again. However I'm having the same experience. As long as you are not truthful and only say the product is perfect or other false statements that are Pro Apple you are OK.

I'm going to give this some time and see if more regular mainstream tech, and other people join this forum which would balance things out. I remain positive that with people that are here to participate and contribute as you and I are the forum should improve.

Thanks again for your post, I was beginning to wonder if this forum would attract people like you.

I guess we are just going to have to stick together and at the very least share our own experiences with the product. And on that note, have you had any problems with the slider sticking? I couldn't take my first call of the day, because the screen wouldn't work. I had to do a reset on my iPhone.....