the good the so so and the ugly about forums

[cacian]

I enjoy writing forums because they allow one to air ideas and learn with others about life and literature.

the good: meeting new members and contests
the so so: spell checks and not being able to meet face to face in real life
the ugly: disagreeing and falling out with others because of different opinions.

how about you? how do you feel about forums?

[YesNo]

Most of the features of a forum you mentioned seem like a "good" to me. The spell checking is helpful. Not meeting people face to face forces one to express everything in a written form which improves writing. I also like the disagreeing. It forces me to think more clearly and be more courteous the way I would have to be in a professional environment anyway.

If it weren't for the disagreements on these threads, I would probably learn nothing here.

The only bad part might be the falling out with others, but that happens even in real life. On a forum, because one does not see the person, one can be tempted toward self-righteousness more quickly and say things that one would not normally say to a person one meets on the street. Next time, one just has to do better.

[cacian]

If it weren't for the disagreements on these threads, I would probably learn nothing here.

Hi YesNo a disagreement often leads to conversations cut short. I am not sure I do understand what you mean.:)
I do however agree that the internet often transforms a person into something they would not be in real life. Maybe it is the technology affect on some people it just does not agree with them.

[YesNo]

Yes, disagreements can cut a conversation short and that is unfortunate. They also offer each of us a chance to practice patience and not get angry. If we can do that, then we have the opportunity to clarify what we are trying to say. That's where I find I learn the most from the disagreements by having an opportunity to clarify a position I didn't realize I even had before the disagreement started.

Sometimes I even change my mind.

[tonywalt]

Yes, disagreements can cut a conversation short and that is unfortunate. They also offer each of us a chance to practice patience and not get angry. If we can do that, then we have the opportunity to clarify what we are trying to say. That's where I find I learn the most from the disagreements by having an opportunity to clarify a position I didn't realize I even had before the disagreement started.

Sometimes I even change my mind.

What material thing have you changed your mind on because of a Litnet discussion? Expanding on that: In what way has Litnet's influence changed other significant view(s) that you had?