This is something I've seen people mention a lot here but I've never really completely understood what it means. Like, it seems to mean someone who just reads the OP and then makes one post and leaves, but I don't really see how that's any different from typical forum behavior. I mean, this site is set up to respond to have topics that you respond to. On other forums the majority of posts that I've seen would probably be categorized as "drive bys". Is it expected that in larger topics with a community of people, you make an introductory post or consistently contribute to the topic or something? Are "drive-by," posts necessarily bad? Am I getting the definition entirely wrong?
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What exactly is a "drive-by," post?
- Thread starter GamerJM
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CheesecakeRecipe
Stormy Grey
Paper Sparrow
Member
This thread sucks. The mods should lock it. *Never comes back*
(That is an example.)
(That is an example.)
The Sarcastic Dude
Banned
A short post that doesn't contribute much to the topic at hand.
NYCmetsfan
Banned
This.
Okay but like, what exactly makes this post a "drive by"? If the poster elaborated on why the thread sucks, would it be a "drive by," post? If it actually contributed to the topic in some way, but was still short and written by a poster who would never return to the topic, would it be a "drive by," post?
CarpeDeezNutz
Member
OP even try to think this thread through?
Angry Grimace
Two cannibals are eating a clown. One turns to the other and says "does something taste funny to you?"
Just dropping some kind of "this thread sucks" blast and then leaving.
Basileus777
Member
It's an excuse for members of an insular group/sub community to complain about outsiders posting in "their" threads.
CarpeDeezNutz
Member
Just look at all the bannings going down tonight, and it seems like a ton. There is your answer.
Bare Grills
Member
Dammit, I wanted to post that 50 cent gif
PfantzyPantz
Member
Who cares? pointless thread
mhmm
mhmm
xKilltheMx
Member
"93% of black homicides are committed by other blacks"
*leaves thread*
*leaves thread*
Paper Sparrow
Member
What if someone came in with a good reason why this thread doesn't suck? The drive-by poster will never defend or change his/her mind about the discussion. It leaves the thread arguing with someone who will never argue back.
Different people have different expectations and things they want to get out of discussions. Some people want an outlet to express themselves. Some want to debate and convince people. Some want to form friendships, etc. Accusing somebody of making a drive-by post is a way that some people criticize those who don't engage with them and give them the things they want. Ultimately it's selfish, saying that you're not making use of the forum the way they want you to.
Paper Sparrow
Member
You realize this is a discussion forum, yes? What's the point of posting in it if you aren't willing to discuss things?
This doesn't answer any of my questions.
Also to be clear this topic wasn't written to insult people who use the term or something, I just feel like I don't understand what it means exactly, like where the line is drawn between what is or isn't a drive by post.
super-famicom
Member
brokenbeans
Banned
When you are too lazy to get out the car to post a letter and just chuck at the door?
ConfusingJazz
Member
There are many different types of drive by posts. One is just saying "LOL" or something and then leaving the thread. Some are "Reddit did it!" or some other bullshit.
However, when most people are bitching about it, it's when someone posts a controversial opinion, and then never posts in that thread again.
Especially annoying if the next 2 pages of the thread are people then responding to that one post.
However, when most people are bitching about it, it's when someone posts a controversial opinion, and then never posts in that thread again.
Especially annoying if the next 2 pages of the thread are people then responding to that one post.
Paper Sparrow
Member
Posting once and leaving isn't always a "drive-by" post. It is only when someone comes in to say something that causes a thread to start an argument over what the poster has said.
"Why do we have another thread about Sarkeesian?"
"Lol Pokemon hasn't been good since gen 1."
"Xbox fanboys will accept anything Microsoft does to them."
If the poster never comes back to debate, he/she basically derailed the thread.
Deified Data
Banned
Anything from randomly threadshitting to sharing an opinion contrary to the norm without sticking around long enough to let everyone gang up on you. The definition isn't consistent.
deltatheta
Member
I think it's when you come in to a thread, don't read any of the posts (possibly not even the OP), say something trollish, and then leave the thread, never bothering to respond again.
The essential component is dropping a bomb and immediately leaving the thread, but the drive by-ness is exacerbated when it's a huge thread with hundreds of posts that you obviously haven't read.
The essential component is dropping a bomb and immediately leaving the thread, but the drive by-ness is exacerbated when it's a huge thread with hundreds of posts that you obviously haven't read.
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