Preferred Mode of Communication

[2010DigitalBoy]

[COLOR="DarkOrange"]I'm bored, topic made.

Anywho, as I'm sure you're aware, people communicate in a whole lotta ways. We talk, for starters, and often involve facial expressions and body movements with our tone. We write to each other, be it through notes or letters or using the internet to communicate in forums, instant messenger, or what have you. Some of us talk to each other via phone or, god forbid, text messaging.

Now, I expect most people to say how much they love talking face to face cuz you guys are so damn normal sometimes, but what the hell, topic is valid anyway cuz some of you might think differently, and it'll still be interesting to hear your opinion on different mediums if not necessarily just the one you like most.

As for me, I like doing it this way...

[B]Face-to-Face[/B]: I'm afraid I suck at this and find myself most dishonest on this front for sure. When it comes to either people I know well or people I don't know well I have an almost split personality. I find that when I first meet people or at least haven't given them too much of myself, I speek sparsely and choose my words very carefully. I don't reveal anything about myself and struggle to maintain a veil of normalcy.

Then at some point, if I talk to someone enough, I will always manage to screw up and convince them that I'm some kind of idiot, and once that happens I generate an entire new personality. Rather than hide everything from someone, I let everything out at once and twist myself to look like a freak. I get used to being that kind of person and I start forcing it on myself and digging my own grave. Eventually i end up constantly lying about myself to make them keep thinking poorly of me.

What's odd is, if I know someone really well in school or something, I absolutely cannot talk to them in public. no matter how much I seem like an open book at school, I close everything outside of it. People i joke around with and stuff I turn stiff and can't really get a conversation going - it just feels totally awkward. I try to avoid running into people, and when they confront me, I find any excuse to bail out of the conversation.

The only people who see the real me are those who come over to my house, which is only my closest friends. Here they can see me relaxed and honest about myself. When I'm at home, I am what I am. I don't act a fool or a freak, and I don't try to seem like a good person. That's the only time this kind of communication works for me.

[B]Writing via notes or internet[/B]: I find that here I am as honest as I am at home, which is probably because I'm at home on my computer. I talk about what i'm thinking about and that's all that I am. I find it funny that the internet is considered so untrustworthy, since I trust everything I read on here like a total idiot, lol. I've talked about why I love the internet so much in other threads already, so I won't bore you again with the details, but I gotta say, it's a beautiful medium, and I've met some of the best friends I've ever had on here. I've always hoped that one day I could use the internet as a bridge over the awkward gap into talking to someone face-to-face, but naturally, that's the entire fatal flaw of the web, lol.

What's funny is, though, that most of that is true for forums, which allow you time to really think of the best way to say something. Something like AIM that works more like a real conversation can be more dangerous. I thought for a time that I felt dishonest about moderating what I say through forum posts, but it keeps me from making a fool out of myself (well, except for when I'm being a fool XD).

[B]Phones[/B]: I hate phones. I REALLY hate phones. And texting. I can't even talk to family members on the phone without feeling weird.[/COLOR]

[Cat]

I personally think talking to someone face to face is alright. I don't normally talk as much as the other person might like. I like to just listen and say something if I have too. Sometimes though if I'm over tired I won't stop talking and talk fast where the other person can't keep up with what I'm saying. During those types of days I end up having to have someone stop me before I end up in the fast talk that I like to do. I also tend to get nervous when talking. I become afraid to say something wrong and the looks on their faces when it said can be horrible.

Writing is my favorite form of communication. I am able to read what I'm about to post or message before I push send. I also think that writing helps my spelling in which I am not the best at. This helping for times where you need to write important letters of e-mails to someone.

As for phones I can't stand them. I have a bad habit of type an number correctly and getting the wrong person on the other end. As of right now I have one of the home phones out of the wall and the other ones ringer off with just my dads and my cell phone on. I got sick of the calls at 7:00 in the morning that are not even for either one of us.

[Retribution]

[font=Arial]Communicating in person is the best way to do things most of the time. You have inflection and tone, which can paint your words with sarcasm or seriousness, which all too often gets lost in text. You have facial expression as an added hint... not to mention talking to a physical entity is much more satisfying than an abstract one. There's also body language, which can be its own mode of communication at times, but it's usually used in conjunction with speech. Face-to-face exchanges are far more complex than any of us really realize, and we process it extremely quickly.

Telephone is fine for relaying information and staying in touch. You still have inflection, although it can be a bit garbled. But sometimes the person isn't answering when you need them to, or their phone dies at the worst possible time. But at least you can ask cute girls for their numbers and if you're lucky, you'll get them. Fun!

IM is good for communication when you're already on the computer. Talking on the phone and working on something else just don't work... at least not for me.

For the love of god, don't send me a text message. I hate them. They're so inefficient... you end up exchanging as many words in 10 texts you would have gone through in a minute. Extremely inefficient, extremely expensive, and should only be used when you simply cannot call someone.[/font]

[Rachmaninoff]

Well as expected DB my preferred method of communication is face to face. For the simple reason that you get the most out of it. From facial expressions to body language, to tone of voice, its the best way to really communicate. Or rather I think it's the best. Talking on the phone, IM or getting messages just isn't the same.

I don't mind the phone so long as it's a friend, but otherwise, just about any place you call these days have elaborate systems of, for this press this, which leads to, for this press this and so on. So unless it's a friend or family I never use the phone for anything. It's too annoying.

IM is okay I guess. But most of my friends don't really use it. I would imagine it works best for talking with friends who live in other countries. So in that respect it's probably fantastic. Being able to communicate with say someone in Australia. I certainly couldn't afford to otherwise. Though at the moment I have no one that I IM with who lives out of the US.

Text messages? It depends on the person I guess. I find it a bit tedious so I rarely use it.

Posting and using pm's and e-mail are great though. Posting since it's pretty accessible and easy for putting your thoughts down, pm's and e-mails since they're nice and quick for getting information to someone in a hurry.

But in the end, I'll take face to face over all the other methods. Well except for perhaps posting. I kind of like doing things that way for conversations when there are a lot of people. It makes it easier for everyone to get a say instead of having the conversation dominated by a select few, which is often what happens in a large group. Especially when you have a couple of people who are very firm in their opinions.

[2010DigitalBoy]

[quote name='Rachmaninoff']Well as expected DB my preferred method of communication is face to face. .[/QUOTE]

[COLOR="DarkOrange"]I was actually thinking of you when I wrote that, lol.

I agree about texting being the most worthless, stupid, rediculous, ignorant, tedius, horrible, despicable, appalling, derogatory, sick act man can perform. Every time I see some bastard texting under their desk at school I want to cram their phone in their mouth and choke them to death with it.

Even emergency situations are no excuse. If I was crushed by a boulder and could move but couldn't see my right arm nor raise it to my head, and the only way I could get help were to grab the phone from my pocket and type HELP! into it based on my knowledge of where the letters are, then maybe it'd be worth it.

...Nevermind. I'd let myself die. I hate texting THAT much.[/COLOR]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I think it's a given that people prefer talking face to face. I know I do. And not just because there's so much more to be gained from body language, facial expressions, tone and subtle nuances in one's voice. But because I'm social and I like being around other people. If I was stuck to other forms only I'd find it very stale and boring before long.

I don't mind the phone when needed, for one thing depending on what you are doing, using a phone can be a godsend. I know when I was doing deliveries, I used my cell phone all the time. It was that handy.

Now text messages are a toss up. When I was on the road I loved them since when I was driving I kept my cell phone turned off. If I won't drive while talking on a cell in a regular car, I sure as hell wasn't going to do it while driving a semi. So when I would stop for a break and turn it on since I didn't have Internet access unless I was at a truck stop that had it, I loved getting all those little text messages from my friends. I looked forward to those since they made it easier for us to stay in touch while I was on the road. Now that I no longer drive we use IM and e-mail since they are far more practical than text messaging ever was.

Now as for IM, Rach already touched on it, but for semi live conversations you can't beat it. Especially when its with someone who is far away and I love it since it lets me talk to people in Australia or other countries.

Internet stuff like pm, e-mail and forums are probably my second favorite over talking face to face, well tying with IM of course. It's great since unlike a regular conversation you can see what you've typed and make corrections as well as really put some thought into what you are saying. Or not I suppose, but it's great that it has that type of flexibility. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[KingEarthEater]

Well, if possible, I would always choose to talk face to face.

Its not that I mind any of the others, its just that I find it more comfortable. I like to see peoples facial expressions and to see them laugh (or whatever it may be).

I can never really feel comfortable talking on a phone. But I like to text (which I feel pretty alone on that one). I actually text a whole lot since one of my friends moved away (and supposedly doesn't sign on aim too often).

I don't really use instant messages too often either (mostly because I'm not on the computer frequently and when I am someone else is signed in to them). So, I'm not too fond of instant messaging.

[Goodbye, Face]

[font=arial][size=1]When I can't talk with someone face-to-face, I want to. However, I fumble around with words a lot and I don't always have the opportunity to say what I want to.

With IM, I can use what was previously said as a point of reference and go back to it, it's right there. I feel like I have more time to gather my thoughts into words, and I can always backspace if something doesn't sound right. Also, I tend to be more blunt about things over IM, maybe because I don't have to immediately feel the repercussions of what I said immediately.

In all honesty, there's just more to take in with a conversation than just the words. Face-to-face always wins. There's no substitute.[/font][/size]

[Dagger]

It depends, obviously.

Of course I prefer talking to friends and family in person (with the phone & email coming second and third, respectively). But if it's someone who I will probably never be close to--e.g. a brief acquaintance or a superior--I'd much rather use email.

I hate IM.

~Dagger~

[Retribution]

[quote name='Dagger']It depends, obviously.

Of course I prefer talking to friends and family in person (with the phone & email coming second and third, respectively). But if it's someone who I will probably never be close to--e.g. a brief acquaintance or a superior--I'd much rather use email.

I hate IM.

~Dagger~[/QUOTE]
[font=Arial]So... I guess now would be the best time to ask if could I get your number? ;D[/font]

[The Spectacular Professor]

[quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]I was actually thinking of you when I wrote that, lol.

I agree about texting being the most worthless, stupid, rediculous, ignorant, tedius, horrible, despicable, appalling, derogatory, sick act man can perform. Every time I see some bastard texting under their desk at school I want to cram their phone in their mouth and choke them to death with it.

Even emergency situations are no excuse. If I was crushed by a boulder and could move but couldn't see my right arm nor raise it to my head, and the only way I could get help were to grab the phone from my pocket and type HELP! into it based on my knowledge of where the letters are, then maybe it'd be worth it.

...Nevermind. I'd let myself die. I hate texting THAT much.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

Wow, I never realized that I would ever totally agree with this person I argue with just for kicks and giggles. I mean seriously, it gives birth to bums who don't realize that their parents aren't going to pay off their phone bills forever, lazy typists (like to buy a comma?) Hooked on Phonics dropouts (OMGLEIKLOLOLOLOL!!!1111!) and, of course, annoying speech habits (I swear I am going to tear the voicebox out of the next person to verbally say ROFL to me.)

I like verbal communication, but what I'm doing now is good, too.

[Gavin]

[SIZE="1"]Genuinely I'm not really bothered, talking face to face is probably the best, or at least most complete way of communicating as I can pick up on much more from the body language and other reactions of the person I'm talking to, than just their words alone.

Phone, I don't really mind either for short calls. But anything over ten minutes means a crick in my neck from having to hold the phone to my head for so long, plus generally it involves me going "Uhuh" far too often for my own good. Their cellular counterpart depends again on call length, generally I'm very short on mobile phone calls, max of two to three minutes. Text messages I genuinely despise, because a call is cheaper and more effective and I just hate having to decipher "txt".

Given that I spent most of my evenings on AIM chatting to friends, I think it rates fairly high on my preferred method of communicating list, or at least cheapest, fastest and most convenient. I think like genuine face to face, after a while you begin to pick up on things even through IM, as much as what someone doesn't say, or they way they do say it as opposed to what they say.

And that's pretty much that.[/SIZE]

[Panda]

I'm in the "depends on situation" category when it comes to communication. There are good and bad to all forms of communication.

In a general sense I enjoy face-to-face contact for the same reasons others have already mentioned. Next to that I would have to say emails rank very high. I like them since they give you time to think about your response before replying. This is also the case for leaving voice mail. The phone would be next on the list. I suppose you can add in VoIP in there just as a side note.

I am not really a fan of IM. Whenever I get on I get this massive flood of people who want to visit and I end up in a ton of conversations. That and since I have arthritis typing for an extended period of time becomes painful. :animeswea

So, to sum up: In person, email, phone and snail mail. I thought I would add in snail mail since getting an actual letter in the mail is such a treat. It just makes me feel so special to have someone take the time to handwrite to me. :D

[Delta]

[color=#35425e]I was never fond of sending emails and IM's. I'd much rather write people notes than wait for them to log on. One could almost always tell how the person feels by his/her penmanship, so it makes them [i]HAHAHA[/i]s more believable than [i]yeah, lol[/i].[/COLOR]

[Juu]

[size=1]Sex is the best means of communication, hands down.

Talking face to face is nice too. More animated reactions and obviously more multi-dimensional. It's the most honest, but at the same time the most difficult. There's nothing to hide behind, and far less ambiguity.

When it comes to debates and discussions, I find it easier to write first, then speak. That way I can organise my thoughts and support them so they're clearer, without interruption. I find it more effective to write when I have to defend something important or make a dire point.

Notes are fantastic. Although e-mail/IM/phones make communication far more convenient, they're so impersonal. I'm ashamed to admit that I don't remember my friends' handwriting as clearly as I would like. We spend so much time together but I hardly see them write. Since we're texting all day, notes are less common ...

But certainly, the more personal, the better.[/size]

[Petie]

[quote name='Sirius'][COLOR=#35425e]I was never fond of sending emails and IM's. I'd much rather write people notes than wait for them to log on. One could [B]almost[/B] always tell how the person feels by his/her penmanship, so it makes them [I]HAHAHA[/I]s more believable than [I]yeah, lol[/I].[/COLOR][/quote]
[FONT=Verdana][COLOR=blue]Almost is a good word to use there. My penmanship is truly awful so in my case, one would be lucky to be able to read it, never mind tell how I'm feeling.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][COLOR=blue]More on topic though, I agree with what seems to be most of you. In most cases, I definitely prefer face to face. Besides the things that have already been mentioned, like body language, you're actually with the person you're talking to which tends to be a bit more fun.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][COLOR=blue]However, I use pretty much all of the other methods on a regular basis as well. There are obviously some cases when face to face isn't an option, like having a real-time conversation with the good majority of the people reading this. So I think all of the methods have their own value depending on the situation.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Horendithas]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Face to face is my preferred mode of communication. Primarily because I like being around other people. IM's, e-mail, pm's and places like OB are my next favorite methods. I like being able to talk with people I would never get to otherwise.

As for text messages? I've never used that method, it just seems so tedious when there are better ones out there. And the phone? That's like a last resort. Other than for talking to my parents. They don't do the Internet deal so if I want to talk to them it's the phone or snail mail since they live on the east side of the US.[/COLOR]

[Mr. Maul]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Face to face.[/SIZE][/FONT]




[SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]That and AIM.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[PiroMunkie]

My preferred mode of communication is none. You're going to get me the way I am regardless of how I'm communicating with you. I like the internet and it's forms of communication simply because I can type a long message like this and not get interrupted, but you still can't beat the company of having people around you.

In person, though, you are less likely to get me to talk in great lengths unless there's a topic at hand I know a bit about.

This post, however, was about 5 paragraphs long before I realized 4 of them were pointless. :P

[Claire]

[FONT="Arial"]For me, it definitely depends on the situation.

I'll use any method of communication available, but I like talking face to face the best. At least when the situation is casual and friendly. When there's tension afoot, or if I need to console someone, I can't keep myself together in person. I'm not too great at it online, either, but at least there I can say SOMETHING.

Of course, if there's some kind of confrontation going on, I can't even deal with it online. That's just because it scares me to death, though.[/FONT]

[Japan]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]If it is with people I do not know at all or very little, none.

I IM only my friends that I met from here or Achaea if any. Everyone else, I block or ignore.

My family and real life friends, it depends on the situation. For some friends, phone is the best I can get so that I can at least hear their voice.

With my closest friends I prefer face to face because we are usually doing something fun like video games, a movie, or going out to eat.

So basically, I love IM the best. I am very shy and hate talking to people I do not know well or at all. I speak on the phone with friends who do not live in the same town as I (panda, charlie, syk3, and my best friend who lives in Japan). I like face to face with my closest friends.

So it is a mix of things. ^_^;[/COLOR]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]By far my favorite is talking with someone in person. :catgirl: It's just so nice for so many reasons, well so long as the conversation isn't a bad experiance or an argument. Those I could do without.

IM I'm sure is nice, but I rarely use it. For one thing I prefer to spend my spare time reading, or doing other things instead of being online, so it's not very practical for me.

E-mail and pm's are really the best way to catch me online since I usually do check in every day for a bit so I always get those. They work well since you can take the time to write out what you need and catch mistakes.

Posting is fun and my second favorite since it lets me talk to people I probably would never get the chance to meet in real life. So from that standpoint I really love it. :catgirl: I definitely like coming here are reading what's up with people as well as their opinions on different subjects, and rpg's are great fun.[/FONT][/COLOR]