long-winded redundant reviews on CURRENT MOVIE forum

[The Heart Collector]

Yo I'm gonna complain about Current Movie forum. Essentially current movie is chockful of redundancy and long-winded nonsense.

I am inside a movie thread. Say, Iron Man. I already know what movie it is. I already know who stars in it. Etc. If you saw the movie two weeks after it was released, you don't need to write 3 paragraphs about who stars in it, what the plot is, etc. It's a movie thread. It's not your blog. There's a conversation going on, essentially. I'm not saying reviews can't be long, I'm saying lots of people just put in a load of horseshit in order to make it more review-like or something. Which would be fine if this was your blog, but it isn't... it's a conversation. There is absolutely no need for any review on any thread to say "so and so stars as" or to give a summary of the plot.

Anyway the majority of people don't do stuff like this, and its better in some threads than others, but seriously.

For that matter, after a certain while, can we just, y'know, critically discuss the movie? I don't need 15 separate people with 15 separate pagraphs telling me Robert Downey Jr. "was born to play the part".

These are just some nagging trends I see. I don't think they're awful or anything, but I think we would have a better forum if we had more discussion and less attempts at making reviews/blurbs. Since after all it is a discussion forum, not a folder for reviews.

[The Postmaster General]

I support any topic that takes issue with the discussion element of the forum being ignored.

On other topics, not related to reviews, I have complained "this is a discussion board, not Yahoo Answers" because it seems that an entire discussion will be ignored in lieu of someone not having read it and thinking they are answering something that's not really the point of the conversation.

I can't remember which movie it was (airplane?) but at times it reminds me of that guy who runs into a scene randomly and goes "Jane is getting fat!" and then disappears again.

This all just stems from a peeve I have of people rather being heard than actually engaging in what's happening.

When I first started reading your complaint THC, I was planning to be against where you were taking that point --- I must say though, you speak the truth

I do make random comments from time to time, but what isn't seen is the amount of times that I'm planning to post a random comment, but see that the discussion turned into something different than where it started, and I refrain. When I see that behavior not happening, the thread read like that old SNL sketch where this guy would tell a joke based off a set-up from like five responses ago, and everyone would just look at one anohter --- or even at times coming off like that Tom Hanks' sketch "Mr. Short Term Memory"

- Wait, wasn't Rupert in Cemetery Man?
- Why yes, yes he was. Great flick.
- You know what else though, he was in INspector Gadget.
- Oh, that was a let down.
- No doubt. Good effects though.
- Yeah, okay I guess, but I wish they'd done it animated
- Nah, live action can look good like Transformers
- Oh, god, Transformers
- Man, that chick in Cemetery Man had a nice rack.

[The Heart Collector]

I don't mind your off-topic comments. :)

[X-Nightcrawler]

I'm pretty sure many (most) of those reviews with all those tidbits you already know are copy/pasted from, well, schmoes' websites/blogs/etc. Or, if not, also written to be pasted in their websites/blogs/etc.

Your inability to go "Oh wait, I know this, time to go to the next paragraph!" is hardly a good reason for them to edit them before pasting them there.

[The Heart Collector]

Um, yes it is. By definition. If the words aren't read, then thats a good reason to not post them, since they exist to be read.

[X-Nightcrawler]

Um, yes it is. By definition. If the words aren't read, then thats a good reason to not post them, since they exist to be read.

Then re-read my post. Then dance in the shower of irony.

That forum isn't the only venue in which they will be read. Many of those also go in blogs and websites. Gasp! No need to ass themselves to edit it because you have some condition where you can't skip paragraphs.

[The Postmaster General]

Actually, what's ironic is that THC has edited his original post. I believe he initially mentioned what you said X-Nightcrawler, that he gets that sometimes they are copied from websites and blogs.

His point still stands, and even more so on that condition. How the fuck would you feel if you were having a discussion about The Lion King and all of a sudden I just started reading to you word-by-word an essay I wrote a few years back about The Lion King - not taking into account anything that was said, or where the topic is currently at.

Sorry, but it borders on saying your cat's breath smells like cat food when you are having a discussion about feline behavior in domestic house cats vs. feral cats.

While it's presented as such, the issue isn't as much with bloated reviews as it is with people not taking part in a discussion, or recognizing that they are repeating something that's already been established. It's superfluous, unneeded and not conducive toward a decent discussion.

There's exceptions when copying over a review works just fine, but never exceptions for walking into a thread and posting without having any idea what's going on.

[X-Nightcrawler]

ll stands, and even more so on that condition. How the fuck would you feel if you were having a discussion about The Lion King and all of a sudden I just started reading to you word-by-word an essay I wrote a few years back about The Lion King - not taking into account anything that was said, or where the topic is currently at.
In a forum?

I wouldn't mind, because I can put your word-by-word essay on hold, skip it, and read the posts by the people who are in the conversation. When that's done, I go back to your essay (which I'd love to read! :D). I get that in an actual conversation that would suck to have some schlub blurt out something else about the movie randomly, but that's a completely different thing. This ain't an actual conversation. I can choose to skip what one has to say if I'm not interested and instead choose to read what I'm interested in. If this wasn't a forum and we were discussing this, I'd agree with you 110%.

I don't see why every post in a thread should pretain to one conversation and one conversation only, especially if both conversations are still about the same movie. Maybe someone doesn't give half a shit about what's being said, just wants to put his thoughts about the movie, then leave.

But either way, I totally apologize. I got caught up in that fad where everyone tries to invalidate rants like this section isn't made to rant about nonsensical things.

[The Postmaster General]

I see where you are coming from, but I think some of us do make efforts to read every post and it's not always clear what you are getting into. Sometimes you can be pretty deep into a post before you realize what's going on.

You are right though, it's just a matter of a quick flip of the page down button. I think there is just some resenting happening by people who feel compelled to hear what everyone wants to say.

It's a mental condition, maybe. A indictment on the overall quality of the boards - probably not.

[EvilHenchman]

These are just some nagging trends I see. I don't think they're awful or anything, but I think we would have a better forum if we had more discussion and less attempts at making reviews/blurbs. Since after all it is a discussion forum, not a folder for reviews.

I could see how tiresome that would become. Besides, don't we have the "reviews" section on MyJoBlo if peeps want to fully articulate how much RDJ was born to play Iron Man? (Cuz, ya know, he was. Chaplin? Feh.)

As for kind of going off the rails a bit within a thread, I think it's okay. RL convos digress and meander too, and I approach these board discussions in that same sort of jazzy way.

Besides I like me a good non-sequitur every now and again.

So, who's this chick in Cemetary Man with the nice cans?

[jackson13]

Im all for long-winded reviews. It shows someone took their time and cared. We recently started a summer movie program at work to compete with the childrens departments summer reading program. All we ask are people who rent movies from our library log onto our website, click on the correct link, identify themselves and write a review. Every week we pick a winner and that person gets free rentals. Few people have done it, cause it just started, but the ones who have have literally been writing reviews that say:

"This movie was good."

So I would really love it if someone wrote a huge review and put their time and effort into it. That would be an automatic winner in my eyes.

[Shinigami]

I was about to say that it's rare for a discussion to break out in Current Movie Talk, because most of the schmoes just post whether they liked/disliked the movie, a rating, then move on. At least, that's the way it always seems. Then again, has anyone read the Speed Racer thread? There's an epic discussion/argument. I've enjoyed it.
While it would be great if that stuff developed in other threads, I think people should expect less and less of it the more popular joblo.com becomes. Eventually, it's going to be diluted of hardcore movie fans, not to mention of its community. X-Nightcrawler said that a lot of people copy/paste from their blogs, and I'd believe that, considering a lot of these long-winded reviews are from schmoes with 20 or slim to nill' posts that are just trying to get more exposure in their reviews/blogs/writings, than actually contribute to the community. It's the same reason why a lot of people don't seem to read the long threads - they just pop in with their comment, even though it's been repeated a good dozen times. Chalk it up to different strokes for different folks, but I can see how it would get annoying for people that are here to discuss films, not shit' around online or paste from their blog or whatever. But all things considered, the forums are in way better shape than they should be. Threads are still about movies (no matter how often I try to thwart that :D ), schmoes are still dedicated to long conversations and discussions and arguments about films they love...there's still a lot of passion here, no matter how popular the forums are. This is a really resilient place.


By the way jackson13, that's awesome. I'd give you a thumbs-up, but I don't know what to type for the icon, so...imaginary thumbs up!

[The Postmaster General]

Shingami brought up some good points that I think points to where the web is evolving - that whole Web 2.0 concept that I had to recently look up.

From the Britannica Illiterati:

Web 2.0 is a term describing the trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to enhance creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users. These concepts have led to the development and evolution of web-based communities and hosted services, such as social-networking sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies. The term became notable after the first O'Reilly Media Web 2.0 conference in 2004.[2] [3] Although the term suggests a new version of the World Wide Web, it does not refer to an update to any technical specifications, but to changes in the ways software developers and end-users use the Web. According to Tim O'Reilly:
“ Web 2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the Internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform.[4] ”
Some technology experts, notably Tim Berners-Lee, have questioned whether one can use the term in a meaningful way, since many of the technology components of "Web 2.0" have existed since the early days of the Web. - source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0


I think the plan of action is that us dinosaurs need to get used to this, and adapt.

Oh, and this is EvilHenchman:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001197/
http://www.smokingcelebs.com/f/anna7.jpg

NSFW: http://www.vilaalpina.blogger.com.br/Anna%20Falchi.JPG
NSFW: http://frankspaccino.maciste.it/materiale/fotoblog/11546_foto_1098459963_anna_falchi004_Visualizzazio ne_Web_-_Media.jpg

[someguy]

can i make a thread called long-winded redundant posts by the heart collector

[MoovEDude]

I agree with THC - chalk it up to juvies on the forum - long winded reviews that include plots, etc after a flick has been out for at least a week is redundant and stupid

[CyclicNightmare]

I'll take this one step further. There should be NO reviews in the Current Movie Forum. We have a Movie Reviews Thread. The current movie threads should be opinions and discussion only. We don't care about your ratings.

[Mr.HyDe807]

I'll take this one step further. There should be NO reviews in the Current Movie Forum. We have a Movie Reviews Thread. The current movie threads should be opinions and discussion only. We don't care about your ratings.

At this point i would like to apologize for putting up my review of The Happening in the current movie forum.:D

[DarthWade]

Just to make a complaint about reviews, I really have to say I can't the ones from AICN. Often you'll get the big story about what X did that day, how he drove here and there, where he went to supper, who he talked with, and what they talked about...what he bought at the store..what color shirt he's wearing...etc...then it's the review.

I have nothing against them (the writers), but man I hate having to read about someone's life to get to a review. And yes, I do skip ahead. :)

[LordSimen]

I'd just like to take this time to point out that most browsers have this little scrolly thingy on the right hand side of the screen. It has magical powers and I think it just may solve the problem here.

[EvilHenchman]

I was just joshin' about the Cemetary Man chick, Bubba. But thanks for the links anyways... (I'd give you a "thumbs up" but, like Shinigami, I'm clueless with that.)

[The Postmaster General]

I was just joshin' about the Cemetary Man chick, Bubba. But thanks for the links anyways... (I'd give you a "thumbs up" but, like Shinigami, I'm clueless with that.)


The truth is that I probably did it more for me than you. :D

(goes back up and clicks on links)

[Monotreme]

I always post the reviews I write in the corresponding Current Movie threads because they pretty much articulate my thoughts about the movie, which is the purpose of the Current Movie threads. So if it is preferrable to pretty much say exactly what I have written in my review but in a less review-like manner, then I'll do it. As it is now, though, I certainly don't see what the problem with it is at all. If you don't want to read the whole review, just skip over it and move to the next post. Big deal!

[The Postmaster General]

Monotreme, I was actually going to use you as a positive example of reposted reviews, but got lost in Fulci's acting talents. So I apologize for not chiming in earlier since I generally like to consider the best of both sides.

You preface all your reviews by saying you're copying it from you're review. I think part of the issue people may have is that they feel like they are getting roped into reading a review. I, and so many others, appreciate your reviews. I appreciate that the first thing I read from your reviews is "Hey, this is what I posted, etc."

I think you are right that this isn't such a big deal, and I honestly feel like the problem, at least for me, is that like I said, there's a feeling that you're wasting a few seconds too many when a paragraph you are like, "Oh, okay, this isn't what we were just talking about."

To inject you into my above example:

- It was good, but not the Goodfellas people want it to be.
- I think it was just different, but still just as good.
- Right, you can't totally compare the two because one is more like straight up crime thriller, the other more a dramatization showing life in the mob.
- Hey all, here's what I had to say about The Departed in my movie review...
- Cool, I'll check it out when I get a chance.


IMO, the difference is all about flow and recognizing that there's other people involved. It's just a peeve, probably.

Unless I'm mistaken, in the politics forum, THC has posted multiple posts in a row to fit in an article that was copied from another source, and I'm not sure has prefaced them as articles... Don't totally remember though, which shows the actual gravity of the 'issue' at hand.

[someguy]

so you think thc was just raged over current movie reviews getting more of a reception than his i'm not there analysis

[Brando @$$ Fat]

I always read the rating before I read the review (which I almost never do). It seems pretty pointless to read a 30+ paragraph essay on why a movie like There Will Be Blood deserves a 10/10. Those reviews are almost as useless as when someone gives it a 1/10 and doesn't take the time to explain why.

I'll just go out and say it: if I had a magazine, I would hire none of you.

[CyclicNightmare]

This is a bigger problem than I ever realized. It seems everyone just wanders in there, posts their review and rating, sometimes it's short and sweet, whatever. Then goes out. No discussion. No back and forth.

That type of shit should be in the Movie Reviews section. The Current Movies should be reserved for DISCUSSION only. I don't give a shit if you gave it a 4/10. This isn't your blog.

[BanksIsDaFuture]

Im all for long-winded reviews. It shows someone took their time and cared.


All agreed.

*slams gavel*

[LordSimen]

Ever since I joined the board I've always seen that section of the board used as a "now you've seen the movie, throw in your two cents about it!" Which for some simply translates into a review. I see no problem with it. If you don't like it, don't read it.

[CyclicNightmare]

I hate that. It gets used so much around here. "If you don't like it, don't read it." Well if everyone stopped reading everything they didn't like, and the things they don't like continue to happen, people would stop coming here. It's bullshit.

Yes I realize the current movie threads have always sort of been that way. But I never really stopped to consider that they SHOULDN'T be that way. We have a thread for reviews. It's much more fun to discuss movies than to pop into a thread, paste a review and then leave. That contributes nothing to the forum.

[notchreturns]

I rarely read reviews here.

Half the time they just try to come off smarter than they really are and feel the need to write like Ebert Jr. when he actually wrote good reviews.

[CyclicNightmare]

This makes me angrier and angrier now that I'm so aware of it. Stop posting reviews in the Current Movie Threads! If I wanted to read your review, I'd go to the reviews forum.

Why is this rulebreaking continuously allowed?

[LordSimen]

Sorry, but I seem to have to repeat myself: If you don't like it, don't read it. It's just a review. It doesn't hurt you, it doesn't hurt anyone. The threads are dedicated to you expressing your views on current movies and for some that is simply a review. Who gives a shit?

[Scarfather]

This is a bigger problem than I ever realized. It seems everyone just wanders in there, posts their review and rating, sometimes it's short and sweet, whatever. Then goes out. No discussion. No back and forth.

That type of shit should be in the Movie Reviews section. The Current Movies should be reserved for DISCUSSION only. I don't give a shit if you gave it a 4/10. This isn't your blog.

I hate that. It gets used so much around here. "If you don't like it, don't read it." Well if everyone stopped reading everything they didn't like, and the things they don't like continue to happen, people would stop coming here. It's bullshit.

Yes I realize the current movie threads have always sort of been that way. But I never really stopped to consider that they SHOULDN'T be that way. We have a thread for reviews. It's much more fun to discuss movies than to pop into a thread, paste a review and then leave. That contributes nothing to the forum.

This makes me angrier and angrier now that I'm so aware of it. Stop posting reviews in the Current Movie Threads! If I wanted to read your review, I'd go to the reviews forum.


http://johnstodderinexile.files.wordpress.com/2006/07/shock.jpg

Reinforce the levees!

[bigred760]

This makes me angrier and angrier now that I'm so aware of it. Stop posting reviews in the Current Movie Threads! If I wanted to read your review, I'd go to the reviews forum.

Why is this rulebreaking continuously allowed?

Why is it rulebreaking? Is there a rule that says you can't post a review in the Current Movie Forum. This mean that you can't discuss movies in the Movie Review section; cuz if not than you'd better report somebody cuz it's going on over there too. They are talking about the Current Movie, and I've seen plenty of discussions stem from a particular review. I've seen people post reviews in the Current Movie section AND the Movie Reviews section. It's good times.

Like people have said, if you see a rating at the bottom of the post . . . don't read it and move on.

[bourahioro]

I'll take this one step further. There should be NO reviews in the Current Movie Forum. We have a Movie Reviews Thread. The current movie threads should be opinions and discussion only. We don't care about your ratings.


Agreed 100%. The thing about the Current Movies forum is that it's a place for discussion with little possibility of spoilers, the Movie Review forum is the place to post your reviews and dump spoilers and wax poetic about the fan-boy geek hard-on you got over the "born to be" portrayal of Tony Stark by RDJ.

Anyway, I also agree with what TheHeartCollector said in his innitial post.

[CyclicNightmare]

Why is it rulebreaking? Is there a rule that says you can't post a review in the Current Movie Forum.
BASIC RULES & GUIDELINES:
1) You do not disrespect, insult or put down your fellow movie fan on our board. Civil debates only.

2) You MUST be at least 15 years of age to join our board. Even if you're older than that, we expect you to post constructively, maturely and with sense. Basically, post with some weight behind it. If you've joined just to crack wise...you will be banned.
3) Think before posting!

A) Post in the correct forums
Is that unclear?

[Criminal Rock]

i live in a shower and im all out of shampoo

THC, when are you going to actually start collecting hearts? non-symbolically... don't mean to be off=topic. I'm waisted on scotch and champagne, and more acho-hall-like things\\

sorryness.

[X-Nightcrawler]

i live in a shower and im all out of shampoo

THC, when are you going to actually start collecting hearts? non-symbolically... don't mean to be off=topic. I'm waisted on scotch and champagne, and more acho-hall-like things\\

sorryness.

Everyone in favor of making this "Drunken Post of the Year"?

*hammer slam*

See you all in the next meeting.

[LordSimen]

Is that unclear?

Current Movie Talk
Discuss current films playing in theatres right now & box-office stuff.

A review of a film in theaters is discussing a current film playing in theaters right now, no? It surely has sparked lots of discussions as far as I've seen it.

[The Postmaster General]

Rant style and rant cake
I eat pollywaddle do da bake
Randy Jackson and of the Redwoods
Kirkwood Smith flaking on the goods
I don't see a cake rant that might ache
Everywhere I see rant style and rant cake

[CyclicNightmare]

A review of a film in theaters is discussing a current film playing in theaters right now, no? It surely has sparked lots of discussions as far as I've seen it.
Movie Reviews
You be the critic! Post your movie/dvd/video reviews here...
That's where I think reviews might belong. But what the fuck do I know?

[LordSimen]

That's where I think reviews might belong. But what the fuck do I know?

That's the OFFICIAL place for reviews, but there's nothing on the rules that state you can't post your reviews (WHICH ARE DISCUSSING A CURRENT FILM IN THEATERS) in the current film section.

How far are you going to take these rules literally? I suppose we should get pissed off at everyone discussing a horror movie in the current movie thread instead of the current horror movie thread or shit like that. Really, there's no point.

And I've always considered the current movie section to be dedicated to CURRENT MOVIES while the review section is used for movies that aren't so current. But then again, that could be just me.

Why do you care so much? If you don't like it, don't read it.

[CyclicNightmare]

Why do you care so much? If you don't like it, don't read it.
It shits all over the idea of DISCUSSION. For every review that starts a dialogue, there are at least 5-10 that do nothing but take up space. If people wanted to read reviews, they can go to the reviews section. If they don't like the reviews, then don't go to the reviews section.

[LordSimen]

It shits all over the idea of DISCUSSION. For every review that starts a dialogue, there are at least 5-10 that do nothing but take up space. If people wanted to read reviews, they can go to the reviews section. If they don't like the reviews, then don't go to the reviews section.

For every post that starts up discussion, there are 5-10 that do nothing but take up space. Should we stop people form posting in general now?

[CyclicNightmare]

For every post that starts up discussion, there are 5-10 that do nothing but take up space. Should we stop people form posting in general now?
No. Just stop them from posting in the wrong place.

[X-Nightcrawler]

Uhhhh shouldn't this go in "Site Suggestions/Questions"?

I mean, it's a RANT, but it's also about the SITE! It's almost as if . . . you could post a REVIEW, about a CURRENT MOVIE.

Who knew internet could be flexible?

[CyclicNightmare]

Uhhhh shouldn't this go in "Site Suggestions/Questions"?

I mean, it's a RANT, but it's also about the SITE! It's almost as if . . . you could post a REVIEW, about a CURRENT MOVIE.

Who knew internet could be flexible?
This is one thread that's not only gone off topic, but it never really was a rant about movies to begin with. I'm talking about every single topic in Current where they're just flooded with reviews.

[Winston Wolfe]

Point taken and under consideration. Before this thread gets any nastier we will close it down.

WW