The old LPF

well it sucks to help and get nothing than the charge a bit extra and make it worth the time.
but give it some time and i will start up again.
i still have 100's of those plastic containers to use up...

Sweet man, that'd be great.

It's because of a lack of strict moderation here IMO... there are lots of forums that stay as productive as when they started. How do they do it? Ban everyone who acts like a retard or causes drama, and make them STAY banned. Mods here are too friendly.

^This.

I got banned for voicing my opinion here once and one day I got unbanned, and I was like WTH lol. But there are a lot of sassy people here.

The prices here and sales are the things causing a lotta drama lately.

The cheaper diode craze is also attracting a lot of "I want a step by step guide to build my LAZOR!!" people and they:
A: Don't bother researching so their posts are idiotic and people (myself included) get tired of answering the same questions.
B: Don't want or need any advice/opinions not directly related to their exact problem.
C: They rarely use the welcome section so no one gives a rat's a$$ about them. The enthusiasts know they will only have a postcount under 20 and only ask about stupid things. "what would happen if I stuck my >1.8W 445 up my... Well, you get the idea.
The higher cost of "older" lasers made it so that the only people using them were the colorful eccentrics.
Those people usually tire of young kids doing stupid things with the hard earned information they have come by over their years of laser enjoyment.
It's kinda turning into Mchobby with fewer people using the lasers just to enjoy them and more using them to show off.

Just because people don't use the welcome forum doesn't mean anything. Maybe one doesn't care for the welcome forums. Saying "Hi, I am me." Doesn't accomplish anything.

Some people would rather put their hands in the mud rather than taking the time to put gloves on.

Also, Auto, you think you are a vet for some reason and has got me a tad confused I am not saying you are a bad dude or a unhelpful person, or that I am better than you. But just maybe check your ego a tad? What I am saying, is if you are tired of a question being asked, don't answer it. No one is making you reply. We have been here roughly the same amount of time (Not long)

Also, or you saying that you would rather lasers be expensive so less people could experiment and use them?

No, it was more along the lines of I'd rather that people with no interest in lasers, just to enjoy them, weren't in the forum.
I haven't been here long but I have read over 75% of what has ever been posted on this forum (that I could find).
The people that come to the site looking for the cheapest laser possible with as much power as they can get are only here for the shock value of these amazing devices with their friends.
"Look, I can burn you with my amazing high powered device that I know nothing about".
The way I figure it, this forum is about more than just building a laser. It is about learning electronics, learning about the way light works, and how to make something great with your own two hands.
I see no problem with buying your first laser to get some experience with them but the kids that are buying these things have NO respect for the hobby, no respect for the devices, and most have no respect for the members that can teach them an entirely new set of skills.
The welcome section is a minor part of this site but by someone's initial post it is easy to see if they are in it for the info or if they are in it for the wow factor.
If you don't want to know how/why it works, you have no business owning it.
I own vehicles, by my reasoning, I have taken it upon myself to understand how they work and I'm now building a three piston engine of my own.
Its an extreme example and not entirely relevant but this group of people have an amazing wealth of knowledge and that should be treasured, not exploited.
My ego is fine, in person I'll share any information I have with anyone willing to learn. This attitude has earned a very close circle of friends and a great deal of respect. All I'm saying is there are many that come here with no willingness to learn.
THAT is what I have a problem with.

^ Good answer. People around here seem to not like me for the way I talk or act. But after finding out that half the people here haven't went though puberty yet, I feel a little bit better about my choice of actions. Some of the "vets" I have seen around here act much like the kids as well. It is obvious that the rep system is broken. I see rep given just because someones avatar looks cool or they say something funny. I see - rep from people thinking a joke was unfunny. I don't care a ton for some of the people here, others I respect for there help. I also notice many people get in fights because they are behind their monitor and no one can get in trouble.


Why don't we have some sort of online test or quiz or something to get into the "Pro Shop" and have that place where we can buy the diodes and such. It wouldn't be that hard to implement. Or something like the veterans section.

The first laser I was going to get was a 150mW 532 pen. After researching some more I decided to build a laser instead. I built a 1W 445nm because it was one of the cheapest things to build. I spent at least a month reading over information before buying the parts. After receiving them, I mock built it without the main components. When I was ready, I slowly and carefully assembled it and It worked great. Youth these days have no patience or care for anything. Its not something anyone here can change, as much as they might like to.

I hate to say it Toaster but you did hardly any research when you joined. You were one of the people Auto is talking about who wanted it spoon fed. If, "We", had a quiz like you suggest, (not the first time this has come up as an idea), you wouldn't be here as you would have failed. I have noticed you seem to be fitting in better though. I hope I can quote you more in the future.

The rep system isn't broken either. It is there as a guide only as to the reputation of a member. It can give confidence to any observer, (should they go and actually read the comments which I would always recommend), about purchases, information, accuracy, conduct, and posts that may have prompted an individual to give rep either +ve or -ve, and that includes the funny stuff. That is explained. It is merely a barometer and should be used as such. Those that contribute in postivie ways get repped more often. Two members of equal post count and different rep may indicate their differing levels of competence, contribution. The same would be true for a simliar rep count and hugely differing post counts. After all, where else would someone go to give feedback on an individual?

The, "Welcome", section is also hugely important. This forum is a welcoming forum to those that show they are worthy. Barging into a party without at least introducing yourself to the host, and preferably also the regulars, is rude and in that situation could easily get you thrown out of that party. Politeness and courtesy cost nothing and those are the sorts of people that should be here. Unfortunately, the mix has been diluted of late. There is plenty of innovation from those that have an interest in it but I'm not sure I want to share it with half the new members here. All you'd get is, "Cool", as a reaction and little or know comprehension of what is actually being shown, or the effort taken in producing it. This is just one more reason out of the many recently why members have left. I think I too would find it difficult to reconcile the financial productivity of the site with banning large numbers of individuals but I do feel this is less the hobbyist site it once was.

Yes, LPF has changed, as we are all apt to do ourselves, and that changes perspective don't forget, but I don't think there has been much added to the site because of it. This change has been going on just about since the release of 445nm so I would find it hard to listen to a point of view commenting on said change from a member here after that point I'm afraid.

M

There are MANY different ways to enjoy a laser.

There are MANY different types of people who enjoy lasers.

One way is not superior to another. One type is not superior.

They are different from one another. That's all

The 15 year old who comes here today asking if he can burn his mother's caek with a 1W lazor, may be the person who develops the first yellow diode as a PhD a few years down the road.

Interest has to start somewhere. It rarely starts as a "serious" desire to spend ones life doing something.

A few years ago, I just wanted a cool purple laser pointer to use in lectures

My interests and knowledge has expanded a bit since then

As long as one can "fit" into the culture that is LPF, they are welcomed as far as I am concerned

Peace,
dave

moderation should be a lot stricter now . zero tolerance for fighting or drama causing. if it happens report the post and in extreme cases email me

regarding the pickegg spammer, i blocked their IPs at the firewall