Posted by Rhainy on August 20, 2000, at 8:35:10
In reply to All Boards Tend to Breathe, posted by Mark H. on August 18, 2000, at 21:31:02
Mark H.,
I can agree with your comments about how there seems to be a strong ebb and flow on the boards/lists.
I actually wanted to point out that *sometimes* the best boards/lists do not Stay focused on the *Topics*. I am on a list which with now over 380 members has become more like and extended family of friends. This ebb and flow allows people to truly become more in tune with the other members and become more than just *Cyber-Aquaintances* as I have come to term the basic email relationship.
While boards which have this dynamic are not the *Norm* as far as I have seen, they do exist. We all have agreed to *Self Police* to keep the negatives to a minimum, but this board often has Hugely Off Topic discussions and sometimes heated but controlled debates. Yet on this list we have a Very strong and supportive group of people who always reach out when people are in need of...well whatever. Many times the needs are minimal, but very often are desperate...yet always the support is given..from someone.
The plus with finding such a board also is that along with all the wonderful *On Topic* things that help you to expand your knowledge is you also find friends.
I have been both active and not on the list I speak so highly of, and I gladly will remain on it because of the feeling that it is a big extended family, more than simply a place ot gain knowledge. When I ned a break, I still watch the postings sometimes, but will most often use my delete key with Gusto...but there are always those who will reach out to make sure I am ok if I am not posting at least an update on occassion.
People who expect rigid adherance < sp > to the topics have come and gone, seeking the on topic only aspect which is so prevelant on many boards/lists. They IMHO are missing the ever growing and ever changing lifeform that these kinds of boards/lists evolve into...instead of staying with the list and becoming more involved, they run away. For me I am Sad to see this happen.
By allowing this growth and fluidity, we allow for the Flow to happen as it seems to enrich all of us who are there. I hope that more lists will allow this as it brings with it the closer interaction and this allows for deeper knowledge of the poeple who you are posting to.
I hope to see that kind of support and exchange grow more here in PSB..which is one of the reasons I have been trying to help, and asking for help here...to help it grow.
BLessings,
Rhainy
poster:Rhainy
thread:69
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/109.html