So why bother to answer?? (Estelyn's Rant) - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bêthberry · 07-26-2002, 09:12 AM

Greetings Estelyn Telcontar,

I think the phenomenon you describe is part of Net culture, and perhaps relates to how one views the Net. It isn't limited to this Board or even to Tolkien boards, for I saw a similar trend happening on an XFiles board several years ago. Sadly, it ruined that board.

Some people view any form of writing, even that as ephemeral as on the Net, as having permanency, the permanency of the written word. These tend to be people who understand how to construct a discussion--as opposed to having an opinion--and who care about the quality of their writing. They want to find the best way to explain or express their ideas. And they want to listen to others who do the same. Does it make some kind of sense that the ability to listen to others comes with the ability to patiently explain oneself?

Other people view the Net as an extension of telephone conversation or the equivalent of coffee time chitchat or teenage gossip. They tend not to read past the last previous post to look at how the discussion developed (let alone learn to search for old threads from days gone by). They tend to use a particular kind of oral language and ignore or undervalue things like spelling and grammar in a desire for speedy, quick fast gratification. And it seems to me that they are focussed on opinion, theirs, and are interested only in finding others who share that opinion. Exploring the reasons behind that opinion is not a high priority. Perhaps they haven't developed the ability to reflect yet.

I could be wrong about this, but I think they tend to be people who don't have a long-term view of time. They live in the here and now and don't have a perspective which sees connections, patterns, and parallels. Those who do have a long-term view of time ironically don't waste time--and bandwidth--with idle comments.

I'm not trying to unfairly or falsely characterize people or posters with these thoughts and I apologize in advance if my comments offend anyone; I'm simply trying to find a meaning in the different patterns I see and you have characterized in your first post.

Respectfully,
Bethberry

07-26-2002, 09:12 AM	#5
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Greetings Estelyn Telcontar, I think the phenomenon you describe is part of Net culture, and perhaps relates to how one views the Net. It isn't limited to this Board or even to Tolkien boards, for I saw a similar trend happening on an XFiles board several years ago. Sadly, it ruined that board. Some people view any form of writing, even that as ephemeral as on the Net, as having permanency, the permanency of the written word. These tend to be people who understand how to construct a discussion--as opposed to having an opinion--and who care about the quality of their writing. They want to find the best way to explain or express their ideas. And they want to listen to others who do the same. Does it make some kind of sense that the ability to listen to others comes with the ability to patiently explain oneself? Other people view the Net as an extension of telephone conversation or the equivalent of coffee time chitchat or teenage gossip. They tend not to read past the last previous post to look at how the discussion developed (let alone learn to search for old threads from days gone by). They tend to use a particular kind of oral language and ignore or undervalue things like spelling and grammar in a desire for speedy, quick fast gratification. And it seems to me that they are focussed on opinion, theirs, and are interested only in finding others who share that opinion. Exploring the reasons behind that opinion is not a high priority. Perhaps they haven't developed the ability to reflect yet. I could be wrong about this, but I think they tend to be people who don't have a long-term view of time. They live in the here and now and don't have a perspective which sees connections, patterns, and parallels. Those who do have a long-term view of time ironically don't waste time--and bandwidth--with idle comments. I'm not trying to unfairly or falsely characterize people or posters with these thoughts and I apologize in advance if my comments offend anyone; I'm simply trying to find a meaning in the different patterns I see and you have characterized in your first post. Respectfully, Bethberry __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.