Most of us belong to several online forums. On some, we may be active participants while on others, merely lurkers. Assuming our primary reason for joining a forum is a shared interest in the focus of the group, I'm interested in what keeps members active and involved. What are the most important things to you? Multiple choices allowed
I can't pick just one answer, so it had to be "other"...Of course most of them apply to the boards I participate in...(this one and one other...) I have actively participated in the other one since 2002...and have met over 200 people from that board. Some I talk to on a weekly basis, and one, daily....we've traveled together, and have established strong bonds.... It is a Family friendly board, which was important...It is the collective knowledge, and a common purpose...it's the wit, the humor, and the support when something goes bad....I got over 45 cards in the last 3 weeks since my Dad died from people there...Many I have never met or even talked to on the phone... I talk to peeps from here on a regular basis as well...We share information, concerns, and again, lift one another up when it is needed....I've learned things from y'all I maybe could have gotten somewhere else...but not with the kindness it is offered here...and I laugh. That's so important to me....We're here for a good time, not a long time, and laughter is important in my life....Thank y'all for allowing me to do that here... The Fair moderation, extended to all members is also important....and I find all of the above on both boards I participate on....If they weren't in place? I wouldn't be there for long...... So much more, but that will do for now...Thanks RH, for asking this....
I chose primarily the "Collective Knowledge" and the "Diversity of Topics" - both very important to me. I want to LEARN from the forum. If I can also impart something of my own experience, even better. But the 'attitude' of the members is important too. The primary boards I am involved in have good members, friendly, willing to share what they know, and alwasy willing to help the newbie. Some boards just don't "jell" for me - the 'attitude' is just wrong. Y'all here have been good!
I haven't voted, largely because there are too many "correct" answers for me. 'Nuff said, I think, check 'em all for me.
Other -- Beer Tent. Any forum without a beer tent is simply not preparing to be prepared. Beer.....its what's for dinner! I do like more than one opinion. If my solution was the best to all problems, I wouldn't need to go to a forum to seek answers.
Diversity of topics, Collective knowledge of members, Friendliness of members. If I only wanted opions similar to my own, I would just talk to myself.
All of the above, and much more. A forum is about the sharing of ideas. for the betterment of all. to brainstorm an idea, to correct a problem, to enlist aide when needed, or just feedback for something you did or intend to do. It is a community of friends, and neighbors (no matter where you live), it's a late night discussion between two or hundreds, or a private word with a friend, it's a connection between allies, and a united front when needed.In short...it's Family.