Purpose of GTTP

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I know I may be opening a can of worms but... What is the purpose of Guide to the Point? I really thought that everyone would share their knowledge of a park we all like, if not love. I know I am a new person to the site, but I see a lot of putting down, bickering and mean things stated about people that leave their remarks.

I dont understand, we all have one thing in common if not two. We like Cedar Point, and we like roller coasters/amusement parks. Why are some people so mean to other "members" on this site?

If I have the wrong idea about this site please let me know, I thought I hit the jackpot when someone told me about this site. I thought I could learn things about CP that I didn't already know, and I have learned some good things. I just don't understand, if anyone can please clarify, I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

We're all generally a nice bunch :) I think what you may be seeing is that sometimes mean things are said to people who ask 'stupid' questions, or people who do not post with proper spelling and grammar. That seems to be pretty much frowned upon. Basically, anything in violation of the TOS seems to be frowned upon.

But, most everyone I've met from this site seems to be a nice bunch *nods*

Many times the "putting down" as you put it, or "flaming" comes from those who do not know how to use the search feature, or get their "privleged" information from a person they claim "Is in the Know".

My privleged source is the Happy Friar, he seems to know all about they new info on the park, but don't confuse him with the Dippin' Dots guy or the Lemon Chill guy, they are his evil cousins and don't know sh*t.

For the most part everyone is generally nice, just watch out for Jeff on a bad day! ;)
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Beer and golf Thursday thru Monday, Cedar Point & beer, Tuesday and Wednesday.
*** This post was edited by Browntggrr 1/13/2004 2:12:33 AM ***

The idea that people on GTTP are mean, etc, comes up every so often. Keep in mind that what one person perceives as being mean-spirited may simply be sarcasm, an inside joke, someone having a bad day, and so on. If someone asks what may sound like a dumb question, but is sincere, people around here will answer and good discussion will usually ensue. But if someone says something stupid, members are going to call them on it.

Everything has to be kept in context. Newer people who are part of this community (or any online community) won't understand the nuances until they've been around awhile.

As has been mentioned many times in the past, if people keep a few common sense rules in mind (use the search feature, follow the Terms of Service ... which most people don't read, spell check, don't use chat shorthand, think before you post), it will help keep this community the best place online for Cedar Point discussion.

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Walt Schmidt
Virtual Midway
*** This post was edited by Gemini 1/13/2004 8:45:36 AM ***

This is a unique site, and a unique gathering of people. We all tend to be insiders of some variety or other -- either employees (most of whom have worked for several seasons), long time passholders, or otherwise well-informed guests. You don't really find people on here who either haven't been to the park or have only been a couple of times, unless they're asking a question or two, after which they disappear again.

That insider nature gives us a sort of familiarity with one another, using nicknames (not all of which would seem nice to someone unfamiliar with it), cracking jokes, and otherwise making comments that would be unseemly in a different context. I have never, however, seen anyone on this site intentionally rude to another member for no reason, and there is little or no outright flaming of any decent person. But like Gemini has said, if someone says something stupid, we call them on it (again, given our heavy knowledge of the park).

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'96 Merchandise Raptor Cart... '97 Zone 1 Sweep Crew / Disaster Transport Crew... '98 Iron Dragon Crew / Zone 1 Sweep Crew... '02 White Water Landing Crew... '03 White Water Landing TL...

I always get a chuckle out of seasonals who consider themselves insiders. But, I will grant you that seasonals might have slightly more knowledge than a non-employee.

Walt said it best. The people who get slammed are almost always asking for it.

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"You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world...but it requires people to make the dreams a reality."

I would agree that a couple of years ago this was the case. But the moderators do a good job in making certain people go MIA! :-)But recently the "flaming" has gone down considerably. Most of what might be considered "flaming" is mostly sarcasm as stated above.
------------------ Creation in YPSI!!!---------------
*** This post was edited by newt 1/13/2004 11:56:55 AM ***

Chief Wahoo said:

Walt said it best. The people who get slammed are almost always asking for it.
Maybe these people dont feel as though their questions are stupid, or not valid. I understand that I don't read between lines very well, and may not be "experienced" enough for this site to know when someone is playing around. But I have read some members writing that some employees need to get a life, some members think this or that (negatively), etc. I dont think it is fair for someone to read about themselves in a negative way on GTTP, to which they feel as though they enjoy what they do at CP and giving what they have into the park they love. Of course, I may not be understanding the topics/replies right. If I am off-based, I am sorry.

Well that's a really stupid opinion!

Okay, I joke. One thing to keep in mind is that playful joking (and tone of voice in genearal) is really hard to convey well with just text. That said, if you are willing to post on a web site, you have to be willing to accept criticism of your post. Generally speaking, the denizens of GTTP are a pretty fair lot.

Direct voilations of the TOS are sure to invite criticism. Folks with "inside information" often get the tar-n-feathers treatment, too, as do people with the "One True Way" of appreciating the park.
*** This post was edited by Brian Noble 1/13/2004 2:39:58 PM ***

CrystalKat said:
This is a unique site, and a unique gathering of people. We all tend to be insiders of some variety or other -- either employees (most of whom have worked for several seasons), long time passholders, or otherwise well-informed guests. You don't really find people on here who either haven't been to the park or have only been a couple of times, unless they're asking a question or two, after which they disappear again.

I don't know about that. I've only been a CP fanatic for about 2 years and I visit this site at least once a day usually to read what's going on at my favorite place in the whole world.

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Two best speils before launching:
Keep Arms Down, Head Back, and Hold On!!
Clear, Launching in 3...2...1 :)

I have noticed, though, a lot more people who take offense to the smallest things. What one might consider "mean" might not be meant the way it was taken.

Again, a good review of the TOS or doing a little searching on your own will answer most "stupid" questions. If you are a true CP afficianado, you would know a lot of things can be answered by doing a search on the CP website, OR by using the search feature here. (I know it's kinda small, but most every topic has been discussed at one time or another).
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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead
http://www.webtechnik.com/ebony/CPLady.htm

Gomez said:
CrystalKat said:
This is a unique site, and a unique gathering of people. We all tend to be insiders of some variety or other -- either employees (most of whom have worked for several seasons), long time passholders, or otherwise well-informed guests. You don't really find people on here who either haven't been to the park or have only been a couple of times, unless they're asking a question or two, after which they disappear again.
I don't know about that. I've only been a CP fanatic for about 2 years and I visit this site at least once a day usually to read what's going on at my favorite place in the whole world.

I've been a CP guest since about '98, a fanatic since 2000, and a passholder since '02. I Love Cedar Point!!!

Am I annoying?;)
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Millennium Force is MY baby.
Where would we be without CP?:)

Yes MF310 you are very annoying. lol J/K

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'04 either tl @ Speed Zone, tl @ Joe Cool's, or Red tag at Pagoda
'03 speed freaks (hats n such)
ttd 72 rides (2 nonpaid rollbacks, 5 paid rollbacks)

If you're visiting the site frequently to learn about it and get the information, you're obviously a "well-informed guest"! I certainly didn't mean that people outside those very vague descriptions don't belong here. If you love the park in any way, you belong here. On the other hand, if you hate the park but can stand honest discussion of it (plenty of times we've delved into the flaws), then you belong here too!

I love this site... It has taught me things about CP that I didn't know, and it is expanding my knowledge of CP and the Sandusky area itself.

Granted, I act like a know-it-all, but when I see something that is incorrect to my knowledge, I try to correct the error...

Like the time I was in line for Millennium Force, and I heard someone say "Yea, Dragster's closed, and B&M will be up all night fixing it..." I corrected the person (decently) and informed them that Intamin built it.

Later in that line, I heard someone say Dragster cost $95 Million... I corrected them politely by saying it only cost $25 Million.

I think it is up to us to correct the errors that people make, but not do it so that they look stupid. And really, no one is stupid, they just know all that they know, and so do each and every one of us.

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TTD 2003: 32
TTD 2004: 0
TTD Total: 32
Rollbacks: 0

I was attacked when I first started coming here, but I have since changed email and my nickname, and haven't had a problem. Yes, some people can be a bit rude, but hopefully you are a person who can see past that...and gather information, and let the rude stuff roll off your back. That's what I do. Seems to be working fine now!

Sometimes if you hear someone say something wrong in a line, it's ok to let it go... let them think it if they want to. But if you feel so compelled to tell them the facts because you won't be able to sleep at night if you don't...well, do it in a nice way. hehehe...just messin'!

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Let's play "Find the one-legged seagull"
*** This post was edited by coasterluver 1/14/2004 8:18:17 AM ***

ttdfan: as someone who corrects people for a living, I can tell you that doing so generally isn't appreciated.

I don't post here very often but enjoy reading everyone else's comments. I am amazed how much I learn about CP by just browsing. I never knew there were so many people who had so much to share. I only live half an hour from the park and have always liked the coasters but only started going to the shows this past summer. They were awesome. I can't wait til summer!

Brian Noble said:
ttdfan: as someone who corrects people for a living, I can tell you that doing so generally isn't appreciated.

I understand that Brian... I've had a few close calls... but most often, they then start asking other questions about the park, and I am always glad to help someone achieve a higher wisdom... Especially about CP.

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TTD 2003: 32
TTD 2004: 0
TTD Total: 32
Rollbacks: 0

I always hold the idea that unless you know a subject inside and out, you're better off just not saying anything about said subject. You'll end up being made an ass of in the long run. There have been so many times in line for rides that I have overheard conversations that are of the wildest facts/figures and statements. I just kind of do a "mental eye rolling" and move on with it. Let the people who are touting their "uninformed state" wallow in it. ;) (besides, it's often good for laughs at times)

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This ain't no book you you can close, when the big light hits your eyes. Cropduster-Riot Act-Pearl Jam

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