Having only just become a member of this forum - but knowing that message boards do tend to attract a fair few 'professional whingers' - I am nevertheless already severely put off by the constant stream of negativity and doubt on here.

There are posters here who give very good, constructive criticism, being realistic about the limits of the programme and dances, not being overboard or unreasonable.

I'm worried that the vocal minority who - from what I have seen since Friday - are coming here to bury the entire programme dead under 6 feet of breathless negativity are set to push out any reasoned discussion in favour of shouting loudest.

SCD has its flaws, of course it does. I wanted to come here yesterday to write a post giving a full review and critque of each dance. I'm worried even that would seem far too positive =!

Just go for it Doktor....you are entitled to be as positive as you want.......I think (for this forum and I have been here for some time) there was a fair amount of positive comments about the new show.......we can be over the top and unreasonable but most of us only do it for fun.

DS is open to everyone who signs up and there are those with an agenda (professional or otherwise) who use it to manipulate, gain insight and publicise.

We can ignore as much as they taunt.

C'est la guerre.

Some people like it, some people are disappointed by it, that's what forums are for. You'll just have to get used to it. As long as it doesn't get personal (well, kind of like this thread), it doesn't really bother me. When it does get personal, I'm in there.

Attack the post, not the poster, and try to keep it civil, and you're doing your part. If someone personally attacks you or someone else, report them. Otherwise, if someone is just expressing their opinion, why do you care?

Calling people names like "professional whingers" is really getting off on the wrong foot. It's complaining about complaining, which is ridiculous.

If you want to start a thread giving a full review and critique, then just do it. I'll bet it will get plenty of positive replies, because this board is simply full of people who love talking about the show (it is busier at the weekend though).

If you are new on here, then the first thing you need to do is grow a thick skin and get used to people saying things they would never say in 'real' life. A message board is anonymous and that means you will get all sorts saying all kinds of things,. As long as they are staying with in the T&Cs, there is nothing you can do except reply in a reasonable manner or ignore what they say.

There are places where you can post knowing you are much less likely to get a bad response, such as The Warm & Tranquil Room, The Norty Step and the Appreciation threads - posters often chat on those threads too - they are friendly places. But don't miss out on the rest of the board too!

This board is quite mild in comparison to others (e.g. the Big Brother board) and some of the regular less pleasant posters (imho) have not yet made an appearance, so you need to just jump in.

Enjoy yourself posting about the show and you'll make plenty of friends!

Oh, please do it, Doktor D, it's just what this forum needs! I for one would love to hear your views, it would be great! Don't let the killjoys put you off, it's your forum as much as it is theirs.

I'm once again forced to agree with Buddy (Drat!)

I'd only like to add that as well as a thick skin, a brass neck is also useful here...as is a tin hat now and again.

Oh, and try to remember the old adage about 'the emptiest vessels making the most noise', DD...it all becomes easier to put up with

Oooh That must have hurt!

*jumps out from behind you and shouts BOO!*

Meh! Amateur!


Doktor Dances - you might be interested in reading reading #1425 here and also this thread.

It did! I'd be gratified if you'd try to be a bit more objectionable in future if you don't mind?

I don't come here to relax and enjoy myself you know?

So report me!

DoktorDances I don't know how long you have been watching SCD but many on here have watched the show since it began in 2004 . It has been one of the most successful and enjoyable shows on the BBC and if people are not happy with the direction they see it taking they have every right on this SCD forum to express thier views. Threads like yours really annoy me, accusing people of doing the very thing you're doing.

Have you read the thread Musings on a Saturday evening by JohnFrom Wales, an intelligent, balanced and funny review of the first show.

Ooh Doktor Dances where are you looking?

There are dozens of positive threads on this forum. Some so positive that even you will feel nauseous within reading 5 posts.

But as for what you perceive as negative? To me these are people who love Strictly but see its funny side. Most 'negative' posts are funny but affectionate. Occasionally some nastiness breaks out but even the ensuing bickering is hilarious in its own way.

Just Post and Be Damned DD. What is the worst that can happen to you? It's all virtual make-believe.