What I think of the Forums now...

[Xodia]

The Cotman inspired me to finally post the poll I wanted to a long time ago. I've noticed a big lack of interesting posts in the last few months, and was just wondering how many other people have noticed a slump in interesting threads.

I realize, there is only so much people can post about, but it seems like it has really bottomed out recently. When I first joined, good threads were abundant, and all was well in the forest. It seems like since Christmas there has just been a lack of activity.

[hackajar]

I think someone else (can't remember and too lazy to look) mentioned that things usually pick up around June in here, get really busy until December.

The net has been oddly "quite" lately without a lot of outbreaks of worms or major viruses. Sure there are one's coming out every month, but nothing like blaster or ILoveU's impact. This is GOOD, don't get me wrong. But this also supresses a lot of good descussions on the board as well.

Also not a lot of drama at last years DC in comparison to years before, that usually spills onto the boards as well making for fun chatter.

[Gadsden]

I think someone else (can't remember and too lazy to look) mentioned that things usually pick up around June in here, get really busy until December.

The net has been oddly "quite" lately without a lot of outbreaks of worms or major viruses. Sure there are one's coming out every month, but nothing like blaster or ILoveU's impact. This is GOOD, don't get me wrong. But this also supresses a lot of good descussions on the board as well.

Also not a lot of drama at last years DC in comparison to years before, that usually spills onto the boards as well making for fun chatter.

Generally, as it gets closer to DC time the board picks up. Unfortunately, many douchebags make their way in at that time.. of course the mods smite that problem down quickly.

Planning, ideas, and general chatter about things to come is already starting up.. things should be in full swing soon.

[bascule]

The forums are more fun when there are morons trying to spread their moronic opinions to cut down

[Demon Furor]

Tell you the truth, i try to be careful what i post(hence why i don't post often), because everytime i post something that i think may be interesting, some "elitist" comes and tries to make a fool out of me. This forum would be alot better if everything you post wasn't thoroughly analyzed... Hell, even your grammar is bashed here.

[TheCotMan]

... i try to be careful what i post ... everytime i post something that i think may be interesting, some "elitist" comes and tries to make a fool out of me.

:-)

I just read all your posts. It's when people don't learn from their mistakes that they look like a fool. You seem to learn, and don't give up. Is that foolish?

This forum would be alot better if everything you post wasn't thoroughly analyzed... Hell, even your grammar is bashed here.

This is a difficult problem. How can a forum be socially inviting and still have high quality? I don't know.

Criticism of bad facts, requirements for support of opinions/arguements, and immediate confrontation on ideas that run counter to convention help make the quality of technical content in the forums better.

However, as you point out, the cost of this is something less than inviting for the new user.

Many people on these forums know more than me, but I still do my best to participate, and you don't seem to be scared away.

What tool could replace careful analysis and dissection of posts to keep quality of content high? (Serious question. No, not being a smartass.)

[Demon Furor]

I understand that some amount of flaming has to go on to keep the "teach me how to haxor" noobs from coming in, and i also understand that confrontation of facts and ideas is the root of controversy.

But, what I mean by what i say is, alot of the people on this forum tend to flame perfectly legit posts(not just mine) that could lead to some interesting discussion, kill or close the entire topic, just because it was placed on the wrong forum. Just reading other posts can get demoralizing, and turn me away from posting my opinion. Also, another thing i find uninviting, is the constant response in posts "You could easily find the answer to this by searching at google.com". Seriously, if i wanted to google or Ask Jeeves, then i would of done it. Alot of times i post stuff i could easily find by googling just to bring something to talk about.