What is a forum, and if not why?

[Ragged Robin]

(Ok apart from a meeting place in ancient Rome)

I was rather appalled to find that four threads had been closed in quick succession - imho rightly because they were being used to conduct private vendettas, sheer squalid gossip, or backbiting against Admin and mods.

I decided to try to find out what forums were actuallyfor and after failing to find a home page or some kind of "mission statement" for Kibkom (gentle hint: perhaps this might be useful?) I took my courage in both hands and tackled an Internet search. After wasting time giggling over the "Urban Dictionary" definitions (so go look it up your yourselves!) concluded:

1. For the exchange of information not easily found elswhere. This is particularly vital for an expatriate community coping with unfamiliar customs and a language few speak fluently - if at all. It is a vital resource and should be respected as suchI t can also be used for matters in the public interest, e.g. warning of areas where burglars are operating, but for the sake of all concerned PLEASE check your sources and identify what is hearsay and what proven fact.

2. For the exchange of views and friendly discussion and debate. This is an essential for a civilised society. It seems a shame that so few manage to do so without respect for the point of view of others.

3. To let off steam and have a good old rant about something that annoys one. I hold up may hand and admit I doit myself, but tryto keep it general without gratuitous insult to our hosts or particular individuals.

It seemed to me that, considering this is a long double Bayam weekend , Soner and the Mods , must most unfairly have had a couple of difficult and disappointing evenings. I hope this has not spoilt the holiday for them. It would make for an interesting and far more useful post if the Cypriot members of the Board (and maybe others who shared the celebrations with a Cypriot family) were to tell us how they celebrated, To start the ball rolling, I know that Ramazan or ŞeKir )Sugar) Bayram starts with a feast compromised of foods to re-accustom bodies that have been fasting to normal food

PS "Soner and the Mods" sounds like some kind of group - how about it, boys and girl, give us a song and dance But if anyone uses that as an excuse for hijacking this thread onto more about entertainers I shall proabably do something VERY regrettable.

[Deniz1]

I hope all the unpleasantness of the last few days doesnt deter Soner from keeping the forum going.I really appreciate all the hard work that he does and all the expense he bears. I for one would be very upset if we lost the forum it provides us with lots of info and fun.

[Owl Lady]

My only comment to the fracas that went on was why describe them as "Entertainers" Yes some good and enjoyable, others I wouldn't cross the road to see.(end of comment)

[DenizIsmail]

I have just joined KibKom as I was looking for a forum which could provide me with useful information from peoples experiences in TRNC. I have used Cyprus44 in the past to find recommended builders in TRNC to help with the required building work to the home which I have just purchased in Northern Cyprus and it has not let me down. Since Cyprus44 is no longer available I came across KibKom and again I am very happy with the information people have provided so far such as where to purchase White goods; beds; electrical equipment when I go back to Northern Cyprus next month to finish off the remaining work required to the house. I hope Soner does keep Kibkom going as the site is very informative and very beneficial to many people like me!

[Owl Lady]

Couldn't agree more, and long may it continue to operate for the correct reasons.

[jofra]

Post 4 (DenizIsmail) might almost have been written by me - since I first visited N. Cyprus in 2011, I used to regularly read 44 and subsequently joined this forum; I've given one or two tips; I'm (hopefully) in the process of buying a place and therefore take note of all tips and advice that others provide - so I also appreciate what Soner is doing, and thanks very much!

[rocking]

Deniz1 I agree with what you say. Soner does a fantastic job as do moderators (difficult t times). Glad I packed up drinking g 37 years ago!!!!!!!!

[cyprusgaz]

This is a great forum and I am grateful to Soner and parties for the sterling job they do. I am not privey to the falling out issues and I'm not interested. My wife and I (God willing) next year will be spending a great deal more time in Cyprus and I believe that this site and its members will add to the quality of the forthcoming event. Cyprus 44 was also a brilliant site and still is useful but limited. Please don't allow this site to fall into that mess.

[back2back]

Apart from the odd getting out of hand threads, this forum is really helpful, informative and essential. There is a lot of knowledge sharing and genuine responses. I for one have made a good few friends from the forum. So thanks for the effort that goes into it.

Best wishes, M.