Linnea wrote:
Hey, Live
I am not answering for Kaztronic, Biker or Ironsgold.....
...however, I am concerned about the lack of participation on the forum in general. It seems to get worse by the day.
It would be good to hear some honest comments on this issue.
Have heard about some concerns as:
Too much of a focus on personal comments in posts
A perception of posting 'cliques' - as in personal comments backing up some posters and ignoring - or goring others
That the Fantastic Forum itself is biased toward the 'progressives' - as witnessed, perhaps in the closing of the accounts of some new registrants
A general nasty and confrontational tone in the 'Politics and Government' threads which discourages discussion
Or, confusion as to what is 'allowed', as far as posting and etc...
And so on...
This is sad, that the Fantastic Forum is in a decline. There are many good people - who are at least checking back in from time to time - but there is obviously a problem.
Any constructive thoughts? Anything that can be done?
TOPIC RESET - - TOPIC RESET - - TOPIC RESET
Here's my take on this topic. Yes, I've been around a while, but I'm interested in reading more than posting. Why is that?
This forum has the benefit of adversity. We all think outside the box. There have times where I've found breaking news here and not in the mainstream. Other times, this is the only place where I'll see discussion on a particular topic and as long as the conversation stays topic centered, it is enjoyable to read.
On this and several other boards out there, here's the way it usually works. Someone posts a topic or article of interest and perhaps their opinion of said piece. Others reply with their opinions and most assuredly at some point, someone is going to disagree with someone else's opinion. It's one thing to disagree but when someone throws out the first "You're and idiot" or "You don't know what you're talking about", then the slippery slope begins. So many threads (internet overall) get heated from personal attacks that no one wants to participate in that type thread. I don't enjoy throwing mudballs. Although this thread is flushing out some answers, it is also bordering on being classed as an attack thread. No, I'm not pointing fingers at anyone. I'm just stating the way I see it.
As for this ship, one has to look back to the driving forces that built this ship in the first place. At one time, this was THE site that one could come to and speak Art Bell. Enjoy the show, talk about the show and in some cases relive the show. When Art retired, in a sense, so did this site. People fell away, but they would come back for updates. Collectively we took a stance on Art's replacement (I won't digress down that path) and pressed on. So, what was there left to discuss? The world around us that's what. News items, Art's guest appearances, occasional personal items and of course politics. Politics, like religion, are subjects that by their very nature provoke arguments when there's disagreement. No one is going to agree on everything.
So, what is the answer? It certianly isn't an administrative issue. First of all, the same rule applies here that I learned in grade school. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it. If you feel the need to say it, then lay off the personal attacks. Just because you don't agree with me doesn't justify you calling me an idiot. We're all adults here and we should treat each other as such. Second of all, since Art retired, this ship has been adrift. Perhaps it's time to have threads devoted to those favorite guests that we all enjoyed. Sure, listening to an archived show from ten years ago may be entertaining, but what is that guest doing today? Are they still alive? I know some have already passed on. Lastly, as painful as it may be, if it is determined that keeping this ship afloat is too much, then pull her into drydock and retire her with honor. That's better than having her rot and sink to the bottom.
DVS
None of us is as smart as ALL of us...