05-08-2002, 06:37 PM
I was just thinking (I know, it's dangerous), and thought about what made things different 2 years ago when I started posting on message boards. The one factor that I can come up with that is different now, compared to then, is that I didn't know anyone IRL. Not only that, but I never spoke to them in IMs. The only communication was basically done on the boards.
Today, I know that many of us talk to each other regularly in IMs... some on the phone, and even some at each others' houses.
The basis of my theory: Would the board be more or less interesting if nobody spoke to one another off of the board.
The test: Don't talk to each other for a few days, and see how the face of the board changes.
The reward: We get more fun out of the board.
The downside: Maybe you don't get to chat in IMs for a few days, if you choose to participate.
Today, I know that many of us talk to each other regularly in IMs... some on the phone, and even some at each others' houses.
The basis of my theory: Would the board be more or less interesting if nobody spoke to one another off of the board.
The test: Don't talk to each other for a few days, and see how the face of the board changes.
The reward: We get more fun out of the board.
The downside: Maybe you don't get to chat in IMs for a few days, if you choose to participate.