As I look around the Forumz, there are more and more people looking to build systems for whatever reason they might have. That's more than cool with me. That's what it all about. Computers and the technology of today is something that we all should enjoy. It bridges the digital divide, bringing people from Australia, Canada, Germany, England, Latin America and the Caribbean, America, Asia, Africa and where ever you are, together. Languages , religion and politics all disappear when we come together to discuss A64 vs EM64 or the overall coolness that the Conroe architecture has shown us. Or how AMD is still a player in the processor market and will continue to help in innovation.
There are those that like Intel, those that prefer AMD, people that love VIA and Cyrix. Mac lovers. IBM people. Performance minded individuals. The list of those of us that make up the Forumz goes on and on.
But now, more and more people are ready to jump on each other when one person recommends one thing or the other. Yes, this is the era of the Core 2. Tis the season for Intel Fanboys. It's the biggest thing since K8 and sliced bread.
There's alot of complaining about this and such issues though. Insults are being hurled back and forth. "You're a Fanboy", "You're a n00b", these are the common statements that we read. By no means I am saying that I'm completely innocent of insults, but this is about reflection and growth as both people and enthusiasts.
Aren't we forgetting something though? What we are really here for?
What truly is a Forum? It is a public meeting or assembly for open discussion. Open discussion. Letting yourself and other people have their opinions, but still basing what you say in this open place in truth and fact.
You can like what ever brand you want but remember when you post here, it isn't just for yourself. This is a public place. People that know less than you and I also linger here. I'm not saying that we have to be 100% correct, because we're all human and by default, fallible. Heck, I'm wrong alot of the time... But do the best you can to speak the truth, and post facts. FUD, statements rooted in untruth, and frivolous claims are counter productive to what this place is all about.
What about how we recommend products to people? This seems to come up more now that the price of computers and components drop to levels where it is more feasible for more people to "get connected". Since this is a CPU forum, I'll put it like this.
Some people still have 939. Some people still have Pentium D's or board that have the D chips as its highest supported processors. Some people still have 478 or Socket A. For alot of people, Dell, HP, Cyberpower or E-machines would be the best thing for them. Some people like McDonald's others like Burger King. Its all a matter of choice and circumstance. If someone is building a system from scratch (like progressing to a new socket) the best advice at this time would be to go to Core 2.
But, if they have AM2 or don't want to switch from 939, we have the obligation as responsible Forumz members to get off our asses and research what chip in that lineup would be best for them. If someone is looking into buying a computer for there parents, friends or significant other and they have a very limited budget, it might be best to send them to one of the companies that do prebuilts. We can still recommend, but give them the answer they're looking for, or if you feel more like teaching, point them in the right direction.
I get the feeling that this will attract flames but, I don't care and I feel the need for this to be said. I'm not pontificating, or putting anyone down. This is just for us all, to keep in mind. AMD, Intel, Dell or what have you... it's all the same. We're just here to help people. Let them decide how to spend their money and help them to learn and pay it foward.
Ja ne friends,
Ninja
EDIT: (I apologize for the long windedness of this post. I just had to get that off my chest. The intergrity of the Forumz is an imprtant matter to me. Post your replies. I'm thinking we're all of the same mind here. Atleast thats what I hope.)
There are those that like Intel, those that prefer AMD, people that love VIA and Cyrix. Mac lovers. IBM people. Performance minded individuals. The list of those of us that make up the Forumz goes on and on.
But now, more and more people are ready to jump on each other when one person recommends one thing or the other. Yes, this is the era of the Core 2. Tis the season for Intel Fanboys. It's the biggest thing since K8 and sliced bread.
There's alot of complaining about this and such issues though. Insults are being hurled back and forth. "You're a Fanboy", "You're a n00b", these are the common statements that we read. By no means I am saying that I'm completely innocent of insults, but this is about reflection and growth as both people and enthusiasts.
Aren't we forgetting something though? What we are really here for?
What truly is a Forum? It is a public meeting or assembly for open discussion. Open discussion. Letting yourself and other people have their opinions, but still basing what you say in this open place in truth and fact.
You can like what ever brand you want but remember when you post here, it isn't just for yourself. This is a public place. People that know less than you and I also linger here. I'm not saying that we have to be 100% correct, because we're all human and by default, fallible. Heck, I'm wrong alot of the time... But do the best you can to speak the truth, and post facts. FUD, statements rooted in untruth, and frivolous claims are counter productive to what this place is all about.
What about how we recommend products to people? This seems to come up more now that the price of computers and components drop to levels where it is more feasible for more people to "get connected". Since this is a CPU forum, I'll put it like this.
Some people still have 939. Some people still have Pentium D's or board that have the D chips as its highest supported processors. Some people still have 478 or Socket A. For alot of people, Dell, HP, Cyberpower or E-machines would be the best thing for them. Some people like McDonald's others like Burger King. Its all a matter of choice and circumstance. If someone is building a system from scratch (like progressing to a new socket) the best advice at this time would be to go to Core 2.
But, if they have AM2 or don't want to switch from 939, we have the obligation as responsible Forumz members to get off our asses and research what chip in that lineup would be best for them. If someone is looking into buying a computer for there parents, friends or significant other and they have a very limited budget, it might be best to send them to one of the companies that do prebuilts. We can still recommend, but give them the answer they're looking for, or if you feel more like teaching, point them in the right direction.
I get the feeling that this will attract flames but, I don't care and I feel the need for this to be said. I'm not pontificating, or putting anyone down. This is just for us all, to keep in mind. AMD, Intel, Dell or what have you... it's all the same. We're just here to help people. Let them decide how to spend their money and help them to learn and pay it foward.
Ja ne friends,
Ninja
EDIT: (I apologize for the long windedness of this post. I just had to get that off my chest. The intergrity of the Forumz is an imprtant matter to me. Post your replies. I'm thinking we're all of the same mind here. Atleast thats what I hope.)