The Psychological Dynamics of Message Boards

[SpeakersCorner]

I must say, Igzy, you have written an illuminating treatise on board addiction and board behavior. I fear I've got the disease and I don't like it.

Anyway, this was one of the more insightful posts I've read.


SC

[djohnson(XLCmember)]

Shhhhhh..don't use the word "addiction". Call it something else that will make us all feel better about our behavior!

[finallyprettyokay]

Wow. This answers questions for me. These two forums have been my first board experience, and what an experience it has been.

If I might be a bit constructive, I think we need to be able to talk about things other than the LC here. We need a section of the board to talk about spiritual matters in and of themselves. This is smart, gifted group of people and I'm interested in what you guys think about things without their always being in terms of the LC. For example, I've wanted to start a thread about the nature of faith. But I don't want to discuss it in terms of the LC or with obligatory jabs at the LC. Also, I'd like an area on the board where we can talk about anything. Sports, politics, macrame, anything.

Interesting ideas. Just know -- I have somewhat strong feelings about politics, and those feelings/ideas may be different than a lot of us here. Just from small comments in some posts, I draw that semi-conclusion. If that is where this goes ---

Anyway, thanks for the insight, Igzy. BTW, was it you that was reading The Catcher in the Rye? I think so. How's that going? I love that book. Depressing, but amazing. I've been reading it since I was your niece's age, read it every couple years or so.

Thanks again. OBW, read this and reconsider!! SC, you too.


finallyprettyokay

[Cal]

Originally Posted by finallyprettyokay

Anyway, thanks for the insight, Igzy. BTW, was it you that was reading The Catcher in the Rye? I think so. How's that going? I love that book. Depressing, but amazing. I've been reading it since I was your niece's age, read it every couple years or so.

My niece took her copy home with her so I need to dig ours out of a box somewhere in the garage. Thanks for reminding me. I'm enjoying it.

[Cal]

Originally Posted by SpeakersCorner

I must say, Igzy, you have written an illuminating treatise on board addiction and board behavior. I fear I've got the disease and I don't like it.

Anyway, this was one of the more insightful posts I've read.


SC

SC,

I've found being aware of the dynamic helps deal with it. My one rule of thumb is Don't Take Things Personally, which I've been able to do here, except, er, um... ahem... when it comes to some of your posts. Sorry.

It's the sensitive feelings getting provoked that initiates the down cycles, and some people just can't seem to deal with them, or don't realize what's happening. They are simply thinking "I've been misunderstood!" or "that so-and-so isn't going to get away with that!" And they proceed as a mob to run the board into the ground.

Basically, one has to be able to "Just Say No." No viewing, no posting until one honesty can control it. I think one reason people check out is they are trying to deal with the compulsion. Not a bad thing to do if you can't control it.