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Subject: Why I rarely visit the CCC

Author: Chris Kantack

Date: 22:11:18 07/02/03


A few days ago I posted a few quick comments on my opinion of the Deep Sjeng
chess program.  I've been really disappointed with the program and was
interested in getting other opinions.  I knew this message forum had a lot of
"hard core" chess hackers.  A posting here, I knew would give me some feedback
from those with a very different point-of-view than my own.

Indeed, a few of you had extremely good postings which I found most informative
and useful.

Most of the feedback was downright vicious.  Unfortunately a characteristic I
see too often in Computer Chess Club (CCC)postings.

In the past, as I come across people (in other parts of the 'net) asking
questions regarding AMD Opteron vs. Itanium, multiprocessor chess engine issues,
and/or other "high-end" chess engine questions, I've often recommended that they
visit the CCC.

However, I do so with reservations.   Far too often I see many members in this
newsgroup do their best to ridicule a new poster or discount anyone who doesn't
have the latest and greatest chess engine/processor combination.

In my opinion, this discussion forum is in danger of devolving into just a small
group of hard-core, hacking, curmudgeons.  Not a very pleasent place to be.

It's too bad too.   This message board has been a great source of information
containing discussions you won't find anywhere else on the 'Net.  But far too
often, the acrimony that is so prevalent, destroys the experience.  (Indeed I've
talked with others, in the chess computer community, who have long abandoned
coming to this message forum because of similar experiences.)

Some of you will no doubt say: "If you can't take the heat, get of the kitchen."
Indeed, I often leave the CCC for months at a time in disgust at what transpires
here.   Perhaps one day I will leave for good.

But why does it have to be this way?   Why not treat new posters and other
casual visitors with a little respect?  The CCC could really grow if more of its
members would show a little courtesy.

I'm a regular reader and poster to rec.games.chess.computer (an unmoderated
newsgroup).  Yet I find rec.games.chess.computer to be a far more civil and
welcoming community than the CCC!

Once again I've decided to take a few months off from even visiting this message
board.  This message forum has the potential to be one heck of a great place to
visit. If only more of its posters could show a little civility.....


Chris Kantack
http://home.earthlink.net/~kantack/lcdchess/home.htm



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