The News Section.

[anotheoldgit]

Does anyone agree with me that unfortunately we are seeing a noticeable deterioration of the news section?

What can we do to restore it back to how it once was?

[China Doll]

I don't think we have as much jokey banter as we used to at times but overall it's still one of my favourite sections. It's a bit like R&S though, after a while you just know what most of the regular posters are going to say really.

[EcclesCake]

I occasionally visit 'News' but find myself bamboozled by the quoting of previous posts back and forth by a few ABers and end up thinking that they should get a (chat) room for their spats.

One ABers 'debate' is another's 'spat'........I honestly have to say that I find News the most tedious and amusing part of AB.

It is a close run thing between News and R&S though, they have very similar characteristics.......largely that they tend to be exclusive rather than inclusive.

[emmie]

i don't think it's lifeless, there's legs in it yet.

[Prudie]

I genuinely don't understand. Please explain in words of one syllable why you think it has deteriorated,
Give examples and show your working.

[emmie]

steve, you don't see the words right wing nutters, daily mail numptys, let me see if i can find more words that we have been called. Oh yes, racist, xenophobic, can't read, imbeciles, ad infinitum

[modeller]

The definition of News can be tricky. I would say Newsworthy is possibly a better term. However that is also open to interpretation . I must say I fail to see discussing a crossword can possibly be Newsworthy , especially as there is a competition Topic that can be used.

[emmie]

it would be newsworthy, if the compiler was bumped off for an incorrect clue, irritating his clientèle.

[Kromovaracun]

I don't think there's anything wrong with News - I think it's fine and pretty much the same as it's always been.

[whiskeryron]

I fancied a complete change from the Daily Mail

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-in-manchester-seize-stun-gun-disguised-as-iphone-9178754.html

[ludwig]

Eeeh, the news section isn't what it was in my day. If only we could see the faces of the people posting, we'd know who to blame.

[naomi24]

I don’t see any difference in the content but I think there are fewer contributors – and that applies to other serious categories too.

[joggerjayne]

Get rid of all the picky and pedantic people.

ps. ... restore it "back" ... as opposed to ??

Yep. Definitely get rid of the pedantic people.

[Prudie]

I agree naomi, AOG (I think) posted an old link in the binbags thread and there were about 5 posters now gone/user inactive who always livened up the site.

[emmie]

perhaps what they were saying was just too much, no idea, its an interesting section

[modeller]

Overall I don't think there has been a major change over the years. It does
however have spasms of pedantry which can ruin any discussion. Those that way inclined can kill a thread. I think we all learn not to generalise which may be a good thing but can stifle debate.

[Zacs-Master]

Maybe if the OP joined in with their Qs more it would be better(?).

[Zeuhl]

/we are seeing a noticeable deterioration of the news section? /

In what respect exactly?

numbers of posts?
numbers of people posting?
range of subjects?
grammar?
mutual respect?
rationality of argument?

people starting threads then not continuing to contribute?

It's an interesting question but any perceived problem needs to be defined in order to discuss possible solutions

[Gromit]

I have not noticed any deterioration. There seems to be just as many threads started as when I joined 10 years ago. There seems to be just as many posts.

I believe we are currently being ruled by a particularly boring Government. They cannot really achieve much because they are unsuited coalition partners. So the news agenda itself is currently quite dull.

[modeller]

We are in a 'dead' position at the moment . The coalition can't agree on much.
The outcome of the EU elections is unknown . As is the Scottish referendum.
All parties are planning for the next election. We may or may not have a referendum on EUROPE in 2017. We the electorate are being kept in the dark
by all the parties, apart from UKIP who are not hiding their views on Europe.
Whether we agree with UKIP or not on Europe, we do at least know their intentions.
Cameron has never said what he will do if we vote to leave the EU . I'm convinced he won't agree to be the PM of a country not in the EU . Neither will Ed M. .
We are being conned !