Posted by Steeler Tookahn on August 19, 2000, at 16:51:15
In reply to All Boards Tend to Breathe, posted by Mark H. on August 18, 2000, at 21:31:02
I think Mark's example of the life cycle of news groups is very informative. I too have been using email and news groups for many years and I have noticed a definite change as the internet has become more popular. I think one of the problems with the various disruptions on these boards is the sheer volume of people accessing them. It used be that people stayed pretty much on topic but now there are millions of people with various agendas (some of them not terribly supportive). The problem is that you can't get away from these people very easily if you want to continue to interact with those you find supportive. It's a unique form of communication. At the office you can always step over to someone's office to speak to a group of people you enjoy. Here, whenever you post it is like announcing over the PA system: you'll hear from people who understand you and from those who don't (or won't, or worse). Ignoring the posts of the inflammatory is quite difficult to do.
Even though we may disagree with Dr. Bob's censorship policies sometimes, with out them this board could become as useless as the many bickering "MTV real world" (as Shar noted) depression "support" groups out there.But as Mark points out, boards are akin to an organic being. The flames will rise and fall and the board will be more supportive at times and more combative at others. It can be useful to hang on for the ride, or take a break and come back. Either way, I hope people can find what they need here.
poster:Steeler Tookahn
thread:69
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/86.html