Why Do You Read and Post?

[Will]

Presently there are several threads in the Lounge concerning the general tone of the Message Board. It looks to me as though the majority fall into two opposing groups. One group says, "Things are terrible." The other group says, "If you don't like it, don't read it."

 

Neither of these points of view addresses two issues that to me are fundamental to this board.

 

First: Why should my reflection on the state of things concern my point of view only? Why shouldn't I wonder from time to time about how easy it is for a newcomer to plunge in? Why shouldn't I think about the enormous variety in age and experience that characterizes this web community? Why, in other words, should I not think about the multitudes of reasons people might have for logging on?

 

Second: What is the purpose of the Message Center? Why do you come here? Why do you post? Why do you read? Why does it matter to you what happens here? Why don't you go over to ATKOL or some other place if you don't like it here? WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT M4M?

 

If we could get our attentions away from snarling at each other across the line of scrimmage and ask ourselves why we're playing this game in the first place, we might be able to move the ball.

[Guest Bitchboy]

It's really quite simple why I, after more than two years of visiting this site, still read (only occasionally) and post (even less). There is valid information that makes my life better. I no longer hire escorts since I've had a boyfriend for awhile now, but there is club information, hotel recommendations, vacation spots - all extremely valuable and informative.

 

I have become disillusioned with the esoteric type posts long ago. It seems to me that most of the pontificating types here have an opinion that they guard with their less-than-satisfying lives. You, Will, have been an exception (at least to me - I know others whom I admire don't think as highly of you). I find you a kind person who really does like people. Very rare indeed. I can't even say that's true about me.

 

I also must say I've gotten caught up in this Ethan business. He's silly and trite and yet his posts get me hard every time. What the hell is that all about???

[Guest albinorat]

Totally unsolicited I will mispell another post. I think Will as is his wont makes good points. But all the same this message board is like all others, including the opera, twelve-tone, religion and Hegel ones (let's not get into dog breeding and sewing -- YES SEWING. It's the most hostile list in history with flame wars that make the worst here utterly insignificant and puny. That's why I read it).

 

The 'net draws all kinds. Also people do role play. Of course they post things they wouldn't say to someone in real life. Of course they play with attitudes they're trying on but don't really have. I agree with Will that here there are going to be a lot of different agendas as well as different levels of life experience and maturity, but that means it's going to be a more volatile place.

 

All boards have periods where one poster tries to monopolize them. Sometimes they just have a lot of time on their hands (I remember Jizz) sometimes one suspects there are self esteem issues and occasionally depression has been shown to account for that.

 

But where there is no monitor/censor, that poster will just wear himself out and it will happen faster if people stop responding. Otherwise I do think there will be those who look for what interests them only (as the other poster so far attested)and check in once and a while, and those who like a lot of the posters and post a lot. The first group is taking something from the good will and time of others. The second group is offering more but risks getting embroiled in the occasional craziness. That's just how boards are. I actually don't think this is any different or any worse than any other. But I do suggest those who have a hard time skim more and just skip posts and posters they don't like.

 

Al