The Fourth Wall

koan · Post by **koan** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 1:11 pm

I think there is sometimes confusion on the forum when folks don't realize we have a bigger audience. I tend to "break the fourth wall" when I post as I don't busy myself trying to change the opinion of any of my forum mates. I'm presenting an argument to our fourth wall and letting them come to their own conclusions by reading all sides of an argument.

Of course it's interesting if a member of the forum changes their opinion from the start of a thread, but it's fairly uncommon.

I think it is usually obvious when I'm "fourth walling" but, then again, there are a lot of things I assume are obvious that end up not being clear... like when I'm using humour. :yh_giggle

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 1:57 pm

I think we all come with inbuilt basic principles that determine how we perceive the information we take in. Those principles give us a direction toward whether we agree with a point of view or not. Sometimes it's a struggle but we should always start with the premise that unless we know it all, we know nothing

I'm happy to have my mind changed and I'm happy if people have taken the time to, at least listen to what I have to say and then make a judgement. There's so much I'm ignorant of, it's important to hear all sides of the argument in order to fall to one side or another. A certain amount of tolerance is essential to take things in you have difficulty with. I think that makes me balanced.

I wasn't familiar with the term "fourth wall" . I've never been in a position to experience it or the breaking of it, in a literal sense. Do you imagine there is this barrier that needs to be breached when posting here between you and the rest ? Do you want/crave a bigger audience ? While, of course I'm aware of a much wider audience as far as the guests we get, oddly I have never been really conscious of them when I post

Wandrin · Post by **Wandrin** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 3:07 pm

I really enjoy it when, in the midst of a good discussion, I reconsider my view on something or see it in a different light. I enjoy being exposed to differing views and appreciate it when those views are presented intelligently. I enjoy being challenged or questioned regarding something I have said/written. To me, it is the difference between a discussion and a blog.

fuzzywuzzy · Post by **fuzzywuzzy** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 4:09 pm

Wandrin;1406459 wrote: I enjoy being exposed to differing views and appreciate it when those views are presented intelligently. .

don't look at me then ........I'm just greatful that somone one has created another wall for me to bang my head on.

koan · Post by **koan** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 9:24 pm

Snowfire;1406449 wrote:

I wasn't familiar with the term "fourth wall" . I've never been in a position to experience it or the breaking of it, in a literal sense. Do you imagine there is this barrier that needs to be breached when posting here between you and the rest ? Do you want/crave a bigger audience ? While, of course I'm aware of a much wider audience as far as the guests we get, oddly I have never been really conscious of them when I post

Fourth wall is term from the film and television industry. I didn't make it up nor does it have anything specific to do with my perceptions. It's a term I happened to be familiar with that describes the phenomenon of knowing that forums have an outside audience. You have a fourth wall here, you just didn't know it. Now you do.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 3:33 am

Oh them! I thought we were supposed to ignore them ... and not look at the monitors.

I seldom if ever give the fourth wall any consideration at all. Having started and deleted this sentence several times, it's become clear that the audience beyond the membership of the forum is kind of loosely included as a part of the forum for me.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 4:39 am

Of course members of any forum know there Is a wider audience. Anything written on the Internet will show up In a search If someone searches for a particular subject.

Weather the wider audience will be Impressed or wish to respond Is an entirely different matter....

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 6:36 am

I don't understand the point of this thread. Is anyone here under the impression that their posts aren't visible to the rest of the internet?

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 7:02 am

SnoozeAgain;1406491 wrote: I don't understand the point of this thread. Is anyone here under the impression that their posts aren't visible to the rest of the internet?

Although you wouldn't think it possible that someone doesn't 'get it', folks often post without considering that fact. They then come back later and ask to have posts deleted.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 7:22 am

Oh, okay. Its like the emails we get at work... one person screws up so they send out a generalized announcement about it and the majority of us are left scratching our heads wondering what the hell they're talking about.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 7:33 am

The members on FG are Intelligent enough to understand there Is a wider audience... no-one needs that pointing out to them.

When anyone writes a post, It's typically In response to another post so I can understand members momentarily forgetting the wider audience while they write that post and then In hindsight asking for It to be deleted rather than offend the board.... that does not mean to say anyone on a forum doesn't know of or understand the fourth wall....

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:34 am

What are the first three walls?

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:39 am

YZGI;1406505 wrote: What are the first three walls?

Vietnam Memorial

Great Wall of China

Berlin

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:40 am

flopstock;1406506 wrote: Vietnam Memorial

Great Wall of China

Berlin

I only asked because wall four wanted to know.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:48 am

How about a ceiling?

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:48 am

YZGI;1406507 wrote: I only asked because wall four wanted to know. What If there's a fifth wall ? Or even a wall In a parallel universe that could be part of other walls...

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:55 am

SnoozeAgain;1406509 wrote: How about a ceiling?

Stay on topic, we're talking about walls here. I will ask Four if they know anything about Topper. By the way, you need to be well acquainted with Four and Topper to call them by their nicknames.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 9:31 am

If we rotate the room/forum, the ceiling would then be a wall. Or the floor.

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 10:56 am

Beyond just having the database of posts indexed, searchable and achieving high google results on FG there is actually a readership of people who don't post. I have been contacted by some of them in the past. We do, actually, have an audience.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:00 am

Yes, we all know that... If you are logged In you can see how many guests are on line. That appears to be common knowledge here.

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:02 am

oscar;1406526 wrote: Yes, we all know that... If you are logged In you can see how many guests are on line. That appears to be common knowledge here.

Probably just my wife, checking what I'm up too.

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:04 am

It's the difference between argument and debate. And, no, it often doesn't appear to be understood.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:09 am

YZGI;1406527 wrote: Probably just my wife, checking what I'm up too.

I would as well If I were your wife.

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:18 am

koan;1406444 wrote: I think there is sometimes confusion on the forum when folks don't realize we have a bigger audience. I tend to "break the fourth wall" when I post as I don't busy myself trying to change the opinion of any of my forum mates. I'm presenting an argument to our fourth wall and letting them come to their own conclusions by reading all sides of an argument.

Of course it's interesting if a member of the forum changes their opinion from the start of a thread, but it's fairly uncommon.

I think it is usually obvious when I'm "fourth walling" but, then again, there are a lot of things I assume are obvious that end up not being clear... like when I'm using humour. :yh_giggle

Not to veer wildly back to topic, but I'm against, if anyone is interested.

From time to time, I'll go out looking for hot topics to talk about here, but I do that hoping to draw out members -not to attract the type of folks who would be googling for hot topics:sneaky:

Perhaps it is because I have never felt I had words of wisdom that the universe must be waiting for... more likely it is because I'm generally off base. But most likely, it is because I don't like many folks and don't like to imagine them caring more for what I think than I care what they think.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:25 am

I think it's odd that someone posts with the idea that some huge audience is hanging on every word.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:31 am

SnoozeAgain;1406531 wrote: I think it's odd that someone posts with the idea that some huge audience is hanging on every word. That's because It's not happening...

The guests that come here without posting are likely In the main to be ex members coming for a read and the odd lurker who's found a thread whilst looking for a subject on the Internet.

There are thousands of forums worldwide

Besides... If a guest contacted anyone here on FG, they would only be able to do It by registering first and then sending a pm.... by registering, they become a member and not anon guests.... thus everyone else would see them. not just the person who'a apparently been contacted.

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:48 am

"Breaking the fourth wall" refers specifically to when a person writes with the words "we" "you" etc and are not referring to someone who previously posted. Thus a person can write "you are a willing victim of hegemonic ambitions if you believe Iran is close to having nuclear weapons" and not actually be saying anyone else in the thread believes such a thing.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:59 am

It's merely open to Interpretation. One person using the 'Royal We' may be referring to other members here he has just posted with while another may be using ' we ' In relation to those beyond the fourth wall...

No-one can dictate what a member Is thinking when they write their post. It's not down to specifics, It's down to Individuality In posts.... that's what a forum Is about... Individuality.

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:09 pm

oscar;1406534 wrote: It's merely open to Interpretation. One person using the 'Royal We' may be referring to other members here he has just posted with while another may be using ' we ' In relation to those beyond the fourth wall...

No-one can dictate what a member Is thinking when they write their post. It's not down to specifics, It's down to Individuality In posts.... that's what a forum Is about... Individuality.
... and that is exactly why I posted this thread.

(this is an example of when I'm talking to you

)

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:16 pm

SnoozeAgain;1406531 wrote: I think it's odd that someone posts with the idea that some huge audience is hanging on every word.

Oh, they absolutely do. We have folks that only post their opening post in their threads and then leave. They just want to broadcast the message. We have folks that are anti this and anti that who post their threads and talk to themselves. We have our conspiracy guys.

Right here I've seen the Truthfella and the Jenny from south korea lady and that Padhu the anti any other religion guy all posting in the last week I believe.

Googling things I'm interested in has taken me to forums based on what someone posted.

I think it's very common. Otherwise when we disagreed with what someone said, we'd post our disagreement and leave them to argue with themselves.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:16 pm

koan;1406535 wrote: ... and that is exactly why I posted this thread.

(this is an example of when I'm talking to you

)
That only works If I was talking to you In the first place

:p:yh_wink:yh_youkid:yh_youkid

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:18 pm

flopstock;1406537 wrote: Oh, they absolutely do. We have folks that only post their opening post in their threads and then leave. They just want to broadcast the message. We have folks that are anti this and anti that who post their threads and talk to themselves. We have our conspiracy guys.

Right here I've seen the Truthfella and the Jenny from south korea lady and that Padhu the anti any other religion guy all posting in the last week I believe.

Googling things I'm interested in has taken me to forums based on what someone posted.

I think it's very common. Otherwise when we disagreed with what someone said, we'd post our disagreement and leave them to argue with themselves.

I think the one's who come just to post their message pops back regually as a guest to see If they have replies on their thread.

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:22 pm

koan;1406533 wrote: "Breaking the fourth wall" refers specifically to when a person writes with the words "we" "you" etc and are not referring to someone who previously posted. Thus a person can write "you are a willing victim of hegemonic ambitions if you believe Iran is close to having nuclear weapons" and not actually be saying anyone else in the thread believes such a thing.

I disagree with this too. When you are in a back and forth conversation with someone on the board, you are addressing them specifically. That excuse is simply an 'out' IMO- for when folks want to say something nasty without taking ownership off the slam.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:23 pm

flopstock;1406537 wrote: Oh, they absolutely do. We have folks that only post their opening post in their threads and then leave. They just want to broadcast the message. We have folks that are anti this and anti that who post their threads and talk to themselves. We have our conspiracy guys.

Right here I've seen the Truthfella and the Jenny from south korea lady and that Padhu the anti any other religion guy all posting in the last week I believe.

Googling things I'm interested in has taken me to forums based on what someone posted.

I think it's very common. Otherwise when we disagreed with what someone said, we'd post our disagreement and leave them to argue with themselves.

I google all the time and land in strange places but I doubt the forums I visit have posters that think they're broadcasting to the outer reaches of space and have hordes of admiring readers because they're such talented and intelligent writers. But maybe they do. We should take a poll.

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:26 pm

flopstock;1406541 wrote: I disagree with this too. When you are in a back and forth conversation with someone on the board, you are addressing them specifically. That excuse is simply an 'out' IMO- for when folks want to say something nasty without taking ownership off the slam.
Just because it can be abused doesn't mean it isn't a real thing.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:29 pm

SnoozeAgain;1406542 wrote: I google all the time and land in strange places but I doubt the forums I visit have posters that think they're broadcasting to the outer reaches of space and have hordes of admiring readers because they're such talented and intelligent writers. But maybe they do. We should take a poll. Don;t know about other people but If I put say 'Hitler' Into my search engine because I want to check some dates or facts and another forum comes up In the search, I Immediately come out and click on another link.... I don't want to read some opinions of people I don't know nor have any Interest In. Nor would I ever return to a forum If I find one by accident.

The only time I have made an exception was when I put ' Ubedizzy' Into my search engine and up came a forum and an Incorrect post as to why the horse was declared savage In 1978..... Twas my duty to register and state the facts for which Incidentally, I was thanked..... I have never returned to that forum however.

Well what do you know.... my post is still there hahaha

http://www.theracingforum.co.uk/horse-r ... &start=104

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:32 pm

I've found a few forums I thought were interesting but I usually either forgot how to get there or lost interest. No one was apparently an outer space audience quality writer.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:38 pm

SnoozeAgain;1406548 wrote: I've found a few forums I thought were interesting but I usually either forgot how to get there or lost interest. No one was apparently an outer space audience quality writer.
No, I've never felt the desire to return to a forum to read a members posts.... I came here all the time during my absences just to see what gmc had to say. Who I happen to believe Is the best read and most Intellectual here on FG.... many of his posts have caused me to re-think some subjects.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 2:22 pm

"No-one can dictate what a member Is thinking when they write their post. It's not down to specifics, It's down to Individuality In posts.... that's what a forum Is about... Individuality."

Ideally.....yes.

Greetings to the members of the Fourth Wall. You are invited to make your presence known...or not.

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 3:04 pm

SnoozeAgain;1406548 wrote: I've found a few forums I thought were interesting but I usually either forgot how to get there or lost interest. No one was apparently an outer space audience quality writer.

I have a worse time with forums I've asked for links to:wah:

I'm always too embarrassed to go ask for it again :guitarist

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 6:32 pm

SnoozeAgain;1406509 wrote: How about a ceiling?
Glass.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 7:14 pm

I'll make sure to wear long pants.

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 7:45 pm

SnoozeAgain;1406578 wrote: I'll make sure to wear long pants.Me too..

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:12 am

It's nice to think there is an audience. I shall now regard the number of guests indicated at the bottom of the page are here specifically for me, "their Snowfire". Be patient my friends and I will entertain and if you hang about after the show, I'll sign autographs

theia · Post by **theia** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:29 am

Snowfire;1406616 wrote: It's nice to think there is an audience. I shall now regard the number of guests indicated at the bottom of the page are here specifically for me, "their Snowfire". Be patient my friends and I will entertain and if you hang about after the show, I'll sign autographs

You've currently got 3...and me.

theia · Post by **theia** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:30 am

theia;1406621 wrote: You've currently got 3...and me.

Wow, it just went up to 4...it's me they want to read

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:52 am

theia;1406621 wrote: You've currently got 3...and me.

Can you form an orderly queue. Visits to my dressing room will be restricted to 10 minutes for each member. My public can be very demanding you know

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:59 am

Snowfire;1406628 wrote: Can you form an orderly queue. Visits to my dressing room will be restricted to 10 minutes for each member. My public can be very demanding you know
Snowfire takes on Jimmy Savile personna

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:01 am

oscar;1406634 wrote: Snowfire takes on Jimmy Savile personna

I was thinking more Lawrence Olivier

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:09 am

Snowfire;1406637 wrote: I was thinking more Lawrence Olivier

He wasn't all that.... he lived In my town. My Father and him talked cars a lot.... don't believe me.... scroll down for notable residents.

Steyning - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

:p:p:p