The Psychological Dynamics of Message Boards

Only by Grace · 08-29-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Igzy

Originally posted in the OBW -- My Journey thread in response to comments about this board.

Board addiction is a strange phenomenon. We don't get addicted to clubs or other social settings as we do here. Our knowledge and experience of others in the group is nebulous and tenuous. Yet our bond to the board is strong. I think the reason is we feel we can "make our mark" at a board like no other place.

I’ve got both the addiction AND the emotional attachment. Addiction to the iron-sharpens-iron discussions that send me to the Word. Emotional attachment to the members – most of whom I don’t know, but whom I’ve grown quite fond of – “food-fights and all” – over the past several years of following their/your posts. When the forum hits rough waters, like it seems to currently be rowing through, I pray. I pray for each member and I pray for the Forum. And I silently beg, “Don’t go…your portion is needed here. You have something to say. You’re being heard and YOU may be THE one to impact a seeking lurker with your words.” Forums are a dime a dozen...but, this particular forum is unique among the thousands out there. It is likely the ONLY forum of its kind, dealing with the topic of the LC with open freedom. The testimonies of many who have frequented the BARM and this place have expressed that God has used this/BARM forum to change their lives through the testimonies and your posts. My guess is that the core of you who have been here for the long haul are called by God to be here for His purposes. We’re family…who maybe doesn’t get along 24/7…but we’re still family. Probably good to take a breather now and then, but my entreaty is, “Don’t be gone too long. Stay and be part of what God is doing here…and around the world…through your calling to this place…”

Cal · 08-29-2008, 08:12 AM

Thanks, OBG, for balancing my word. You are right, some might be called to be here. I've felt that about myself. I think the Lord has wanted me to post. But sometimes I post when he probably doesn't want me to.

One thing I need to make clear, the other board I talked about concerning the musician did have a Christian bent, the musician was Christian, but did not produce Christian music as a rule. So many of his fans were Christian, and many weren't.

Anway, I posted a lot of Christian messages there. One night, I saw that I had received a PM from a young woman in Canada. In the message she said that as she had been reading something I wrote something began to come over her. She said she felt an overwhelming sense that God was speaking to her. She prayed to God and Jesus and became a believer, right there in her home by herself.

Well, I'm not primarily an evangelist, I don't get many saved. But that experience showed me the potential of the gift of writing I've been given, and of the Internet. It made all the frustration of that board worthwhile.

So there is a good side to this. Very much so. Just watch out for the dark side.

Cal · 08-29-2008, 08:20 AM

CMW,

You always make me smile. I think both can be at work in a person here, the Lord's calling and addiction. It's the difference between being called to work and being a workaholic. Sometimes both are at work in people.

Also, it's good to hear that I won't have to worry about paying my property taxes in January.

finallyprettyokay · 08-29-2008, 08:46 AM

Probably more discussion on a broader level concerning spiritual issues and questions is a great idea. Probably politics is not. Although, believe me, I can hold my own

Igzy: wow, on the story about the reader coming to God. Beautiful story, showing how God goes everywhere to bring us to to Him.

CMW: We did go to Anaheim

-- in the fall of 1974. If I had had my 'druthers, we would still be happily living in southern California --
Anyway, I think we missed you by a year or so.

fpo

cityonahill · 08-29-2008, 10:32 PM

There is a place for new topics in the "extras..." section.
It would be cool to discuss other stuff when the recycled LC discussions are sluggish...

Timotheist · 08-30-2008, 06:57 PM

I am not addicted. I proved it by staying away for three weeks! It seemed like a year.

finallyprettyokay · 08-30-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timotheist

I am not addicted. I proved it by staying away for three weeks! It seemed like a year.

By far, one of the funniest things I have read in a long time. Thanks, Tim, I/we needed that!!!!

fpo

08-29-2008, 10:32 PM	#5
cityonahill Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 67	There is a place for new topics in the "extras..." section. It would be cool to discuss other stuff when the recycled LC discussions are sluggish... __________________ "If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do..."(2 Cor. 10:7)

08-29-2008, 08:12 AM	#2
Cal Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Posts: 4,333	Thanks, OBG, for balancing my word. You are right, some might be called to be here. I've felt that about myself. I think the Lord has wanted me to post. But sometimes I post when he probably doesn't want me to. One thing I need to make clear, the other board I talked about concerning the musician did have a Christian bent, the musician was Christian, but did not produce Christian music as a rule. So many of his fans were Christian, and many weren't. Anway, I posted a lot of Christian messages there. One night, I saw that I had received a PM from a young woman in Canada. In the message she said that as she had been reading something I wrote something began to come over her. She said she felt an overwhelming sense that God was speaking to her. She prayed to God and Jesus and became a believer, right there in her home by herself. Well, I'm not primarily an evangelist, I don't get many saved. But that experience showed me the potential of the gift of writing I've been given, and of the Internet. It made all the frustration of that board worthwhile. So there is a good side to this. Very much so. Just watch out for the dark side.

08-29-2008, 08:20 AM	#3
Cal Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Posts: 4,333	CMW, You always make me smile. I think both can be at work in a person here, the Lord's calling and addiction. It's the difference between being called to work and being a workaholic. Sometimes both are at work in people. Also, it's good to hear that I won't have to worry about paying my property taxes in January.

08-29-2008, 08:46 AM	#4
finallyprettyokay Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 129	Probably more discussion on a broader level concerning spiritual issues and questions is a great idea. Probably politics is not. Although, believe me, I can hold my own Igzy: wow, on the story about the reader coming to God. Beautiful story, showing how God goes everywhere to bring us to to Him. CMW: We did go to Anaheim -- in the fall of 1974. If I had had my 'druthers, we would still be happily living in southern California -- Anyway, I think we missed you by a year or so. fpo

08-30-2008, 06:57 PM	#6
Timotheist Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 424	I am not addicted. I proved it by staying away for three weeks! It seemed like a year.