Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Actually, I love this site because nine out of nine-and-a-half times, the subject matter in any given folder is food-related. I've participated on boards that were conceived as cooking discussion boards but then went off into all directions.

Can you give an example of the "serious" content that concerns you?

I think it has got more relaxed. Some of us post more often or less often. Some old friends have gone, some new ones have come along.
What I like is the diversity of the topics and the opinions. I do not like the Bon Jovi tea pot. Or any mayo-cheese-butter recipes.

@srhcb - When "chatting" wouldn't the "personality" of the poster be a factor? I am not quite sure I get what you expect from us. Last time I checked, we were "chatty" people with "personality".

I've only been here about 6 months, so I don't really know the history.

I have to say, I really miss JEP and LoCo. The community here is fantastic and I'm a huge fan of so many of the posters and staff. I find the editorial content to be hugely centered on NYC, but that's where headquarters lives. I see a lot of new names and find interesting reading everyday. If something doesn't grab me, I ignore it. I would have been frustrated with the videos with my old dial-up connection, but I enjoy most of them. I've gathered tons of new recipes. I don't think a day goes by that I don't learn something new. Sometimes it's a food that is new to me, or a gadget, or appliance. I'm hooked and having a great time combining several of my great loves - food, learning, camaraderie and laughter!

@FFC (sorry, I called you FCC elsewhere) The middle C stands for, ummm.......never mind. Must be thinking of the piano.

I'll accept the blame and go stand in the corner and study my spelling (is it pee or pea....hmmm.....same thing, right?). Suddenly I'm feeling like I have Jessica Simpson Syndrome.

Seriously, no one has ever accused me of being too serious. I'm seriously serious! Until now. Did you hear that loud sob? Just me copiously crying in the corner.

Should I resign do you think?

To me, there really is no dominating personality among the staff here. There's so many of them contributing, so many different perspectives, there's always something fresh going on, so if you don't like what's posted up top, just wait a little while and there will be something new and different, probably from another city, involving some weird new food, or some cool device to make food, or some type of clothing to wear while you make food. The variety here is awesome.

But maybe you mean "serious" because there's not a lot of joking around and goofing off? I think that's true to a degree. I must admit, it's a fairly tame site, and forum, compared to many others I've visited. I've only been here about the same time as PerkyMac so I don't know what it was like before either.

That said, I enjoy the peace and calm here. People are mellow and respectful.

I think if S.E. would add an "Off Topic" section to "Talk" that might help add a spark to the forum itself. A place where people can post about the latest great movie, or great book, or sports etc.

Of course, once you get off topic, you run the risk of things like Religion and Politics getting involved, and that can get pretty ugly. You think people get nasty over stealing recipes? Wait until you bring the Pope and Homosexuality into the mix. This place would be hotter than hell.

Still, it would be nice to have a spot just to chit-chat, not necessarily about food.

I was wondering if the OP was comparing the site to some other forums which tend to have more food professionals, like egullet, or chowhound, that seem to have more angry and contentious posters. I used to be a member of chowhound, but got so irritated that my posts kept being deleted as irrelevant, even if they got tons of responses within a few minutes and generated a lively discussion (the moderators and some of the posters seemed to be a bit arrogant, not all, just some).

I like the free-for-all nature of this site much better although I can see how some serious cooks might want more in-depth discussion, as might industry professionals. I'm just beginning to cook, however, so I don't mind discussion of more basic stuff.

^I think I misunderstood, but I also kind of have seen what you are saying--you mean people are being more confessional about non-food or tangentially food related stuff in posts?

I think this site is the poster child for a "chatty" blog. I love the fact that when you open a tab to navigate to SE, it says "a blog and community." Perfect description.

I visit many sites, boards, blogs, etc. in my travels. I re-visit the ones I like and tend to stay away from the ones that get too argumentative and cliquey.

This is a nice place and I think I'll stick around for a second cup.

(_)?

I'm relatively new too but I love Serious Eats and its great community. It's usually the first site I head for after my email. Probably hit it several times a day.

@FFC - I used to love those "rudimentary emoticons." |*|) Have a tall one on me.

And for those who like espresso \_/?

I think it's all JEP's fault...

(just kidding, but I sure do miss her)

Okay. What the heck. I'll step up and shoulder a good bit of the blame... at least for any recent changes in the tone of the chat that may have been caused by my month or two of being AWOL...

(bwahahaha.... as if I have anywhere near that level of influence)

;-p

@ All - This site has been one of the best times for me. Personally, I have been through a TON O' S--T in the past year and food and all things related to food are like my "woobie". With all the thoughts, opinions and insight, I have grown in my kitchen and in my food knowledge. For that I thank you all and I hope this site NEVER changes! (_)? to you Chiff, so how about a martini glass?

@FFC -- I love your feistiness here, always entertaining, but I agree with Chiff on this one. NO "off-topic" boards here, please. There's no quicker way to poison a site. If people want to offend others with their immaturity and stupidity, they can go MySpace. :)