Would you like an offshoot board to the 'How To' forum?

Your opinion and thoughts are requested on the possibility of adding an offshoot board to the 'How To' forum (such as the BDSM Talk forum has the 'BDSM Cafe').

There have been a few regular posters of the 'How To' forum that have brought up the idea of a board for the discussion of sexual/relationship issues beyond the needs of a how to type of question. A place to broaden the scope of an issue, where the objective isn't so much to answer a question but to discuss issues we experience.

Before creating this board, Laurel asked that a poll be taken to determine if other Literotica members would be in favor of such a board. This poll is created with her consent, after about a week the results can be given to her along with other information such as a name for this new board.

Would you be in favor of the creation of a discussion based board to the 'How To' forum?

To be clear this board would not be a 'General Board' or 'Playground' or any of the exsiting boards in flavor, it would be a place to come together to discuss, share ideas and converse with each other in a different style from the other boards. A board where we can share our experiences, without politics or frivolity, but with earnest conversation about topics and issues important in our lives.

There are questions to consider before creating this proposed board. Obviously the first would be if you are in favor of creating such a place. Also please feel free to share your opinions and thoughts about :

A name for the board:
Description:
Possible topics:
Moderator involvement?
Suggestions for rules/guidelines:
Possible problems:

to bring in fresh ideas and make sure we're not missing anything. If we get the new forum, more polls and discussion could be held on there to make sure everything's in order.

For ease, the poll will be a simple yes or no as to your opinion on the creation of this new board, but please share your thoughts too.

If you want to keep it as a relationship/sex discussion board, I can't see how there would be a problem.

But if it becomes a chat board, ala the GB or Playground, then it defeats the whole purpose when those avenues of discussion already exist.

Well, if its to mimic the BDSM Cafe, why not call it the "HT Cafe?"

Mods will probably be stepping in for only major knock-down-drag-out issues.

Put out a call for volunteer Mods.
Can also use it to shift over non-how-to issues.

I think its a great idea.

LadyGuinivere said:

If you want to keep it as a relationship/sex discussion board, I can't see how there would be a problem.

But if it becomes a chat board, ala the GB or Playground, then it defeats the whole purpose when those avenues of discussion already exist.

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I expressed that issue with Laurel mentioning that while those boards exist, that is not the place for some more indepth discussion and conversation.

The GB and PG are not conducive to discussion at all. The GB obviously does not discuss issues deeply, just by looking at thread lengths that is clear. The PG is just that, a playgound, not a place where true discussion and conversations among friends and members.

What some are looking for is a place where, yes we can chat, discuss the way people do - talking and sharing, I think that is chatting. There really are members of Lit that do not care for either of those venues and their preference would be a place with a different atmospher for discussion and conversation.

But, as I mentioned Laurel asked if I would put a poll up to garner the interest of other members.

Cathleen, I agree that a forum dedicated to in-depth discussion of wide-ranging issues is a very good idea.

I even like Vixandra's suggested name, the "HT Café." Now - will the coffee be strong, the waiters appropriately well informed, and the croissants proportionately buttery?

In many ways, the HT forum served this purpose for most of the time that I have been a Lit member but over time that caused a gradual shift toward non-How To type threads. In principle that weakened the otherwise good balance of forums in Lit.

I don't have much experience with the General Board though my observations are similar to yours. The GB is not a place that values in-depth discussion.

I only know of one or possibly two threads in the Playground (during the year that I have been a member) where in-depth discussion was the primary concern. Even there the occasional raid by hijackers was a risk. This tells me that an offshoot of the How To Forum is a perfect place for serious discussions.

As for moderation, once again I agree with Vixandra. Some occasional moderation would be a good idea but I'd hope that the very character of such a forum would minimize the need for moderation.

X 12 for taking the time to put this idea forward.

Kisso I'm glad to help out, it wasn't my idea originally but I certainly favor the idea. I appreciate all the help and thoughts of other members such as yourself ~ a big nod must go to Bobmi357 since he was the 'idea master'.

I hope we can accomplish this, there certainly seems to be lots of discussion of late on this board and perhaps those are the types of threads we could have on the new board.

I hope people share more of their thoughts on the topic.

I'd never not take roses when offered though, thank you. As for those croissants, in the virtual world I would lather them with honey butter should you chose, just as long as I can make my M&M abacus.

Cathleen and I have been exchanging pms over the last few days, basically since the point where I first sent Laurel a message concerning a subboard/new board.

LadyG, this is not because you were made mod in howto. So please, don't feel like this movement and discussion is an attack on your being a moderator.

Below are some thoughts I sent to Cathleen concerning what I would like to see, I've cleaned it up some, but I think you'll get the drift....

1) I want an area where I can post without automatically expecting to be flamed from 30 different directions. Some flirting and goofing off would be acceptable, but generally the idea is to be able to hold serious discussions about sexual and relationship issues. Currently there is a subboard for Gays & Lesbians to do this, and the BDSM folks have one. The rest of us had the how to board and thats about it.

2) It should be allowable to have someone ask an opinion, like what do people think of such and such, and that starts off a mostly serious discusion of the issue.

3) We'll probably have our blurt threads, we always seem to end up with them and thats ok, it allows a place for people to act out of character to the main theme of the board.

4) I would say that we need to start fresh, no threads moved from the existing how to. There are several threads that LadyG left in the howto that we certainly don't want to see moved to the new board. No offense LadyG but threads like "Are you addicted to Cock sucking?" are started by trolls looking for masturbatory material. That thread shouldn't be in how to no mater how big it is.

5) I think its largely up to us to police ourselves, with intervention from a mod, only if its needed. Like in the case of a troll flaming. We policed ourselves quite well for a long long time, and I think we still can.

6) There should be a sticky laying out the rules of the board I don't believe the name necessarily need to contain "Serious" anywhere in it. In fact, something more lighter might be more appropriate. Personally one name I gave Cathleen which I still like was "Boobs, Balls and Brains".

7) I think this should be a place were we can interact at an adult level. Where people that want to flirt or show off their photos are smart enough to use the pm system, or go to another board. I think a small portion of that would be allowable on the board, but largely it would be a place for people to talk about issues which trouble/confuse them, but aren't necessarily a "how to" type question.

Well thats my thoughts on the matter.

Love it!

I love this idea. There have been many times where I've wanted to talk about something (not a How-To) but would rather have serious discussion that you just can't get on the General Board or on the Playground.


Kudos to Bobmi for coming up with this! I really hope to see this idea come together.

Re: Love it!

Volz said:

Kudos to Bobmi for coming up with this! I really hope to see this idea come together.

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Actually if any kudos are to be delivered, they deserve to go to Cathleen. She's the one that actually got laurel to talk with her. Laurel never replied to my messages.

Re: Re: Love it!

Bobmi357 said:

Actually if any kudos are to be delivered, they deserve to go to Cathleen. She's the one that actually got laurel to talk with her. Laurel never replied to my messages.

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LOL


Well, kudos to both Bobmi and Cathleen.

I have no problem with it at all, Bobmi, but thanks for your comments

I think it would be a good idea, but my point was only that if there's a forum for just chat, be prepared for the "some" troublemaking GB'ers to try and show up and cause havoc. Therein lies the fun part. As long as they don't spam or post illegal stuff, you can't delete it or them. Moderation for that purpose and spam only could be what you request, kind of like Playground. Nothing else.

As I said before, I don't get up in the a.m. with the sole idea of pissing people here off...I go by the direction I was given and the parameters.

Bobmi357 said:

Cathleen and I have been exchanging pms over the last few days, basically since the point where I first sent Laurel a message concerning a subboard/new board.

LadyG, this is not because you were made mod in howto. So please, don't feel like this movement and discussion is an attack on your being a moderator.

Below are some thoughts I sent to Cathleen concerning what I would like to see, I've cleaned it up some, but I think you'll get the drift....

1) I want an area where I can post without automatically expecting to be flamed from 30 different directions. Some flirting and goofing off would be acceptable, but generally the idea is to be able to hold serious discussions about sexual and relationship issues. Currently there is a subboard for Gays & Lesbians to do this, and the BDSM folks have one. The rest of us had the how to board and thats about it.

2) It should be allowable to have someone ask an opinion, like what do people think of such and such, and that starts off a mostly serious discusion of the issue.

3) We'll probably have our blurt threads, we always seem to end up with them and thats ok, it allows a place for people to act out of character to the main theme of the board.

4) I would say that we need to start fresh, no threads moved from the existing how to. There are several threads that LadyG left in the howto that we certainly don't want to see moved to the new board. No offense LadyG but threads like "Are you addicted to Cock sucking?" are started by trolls looking for masturbatory material. That thread shouldn't be in how to no mater how big it is.

5) I think its largely up to us to police ourselves, with intervention from a mod, only if its needed. Like in the case of a troll flaming. We policed ourselves quite well for a long long time, and I think we still can.

6) There should be a sticky laying out the rules of the board I don't believe the name necessarily need to contain "Serious" anywhere in it. In fact, something more lighter might be more appropriate. Personally one name I gave Cathleen which I still like was "Boobs, Balls and Brains".

7) I think this should be a place were we can interact at an adult level. Where people that want to flirt or show off their photos are smart enough to use the pm system, or go to another board. I think a small portion of that would be allowable on the board, but largely it would be a place for people to talk about issues which trouble/confuse them, but aren't necessarily a "how to" type question.

Well thats my thoughts on the matter.

Click to expand...

Thank you Cathleen and Bobmi for your work on this! I think this is a great idea, and I agree with most of the guidelines you've laid out, Bobmi.

I don't care one way or the other, but I don't necessarily think it'd be a bad thing to move threads like What Feeds Your Soul and Things That Piss You Off onto the new board. Maybe a few threads like those could be moved on request and Lady G can leave the rest on How To or move them to the appropriate boards?

As much as I like "Boobs, Balls and Brains" I'm inclined to think it might not be the best representation of the new board. I'd imagine some people will see it and post asking to see the boobs and balls advertised, and more won't enter because they don't know what it's about (it's easy to gloss over the descriptions on the main page). I'm not good with names, but perhaps a title that indicates the board is primarily for discussion would be better.

Kissophile said:

Cathleen, I agree that a forum dedicated to in-depth discussion of wide-ranging issues is a very good idea.

I even like Vixandra's suggested name, the "HT Café." Now - will the coffee be strong, the waiters appropriately well informed, and the croissants proportionately buttery?

In many ways, the HT forum served this purpose for most of the time that I have been a Lit member but over time that caused a gradual shift toward non-How To type threads. In principle that weakened the otherwise good balance of forums in Lit.

I don't have much experience with the General Board though my observations are similar to yours. The GB is not a place that values in-depth discussion.

I only know of one or possibly two threads in the Playground (during the year that I have been a member) where in-depth discussion was the primary concern. Even there the occasional raid by hijackers was a risk. This tells me that an offshoot of the How To Forum is a perfect place for serious discussions.

As for moderation, once again I agree with Vixandra. Some occasional moderation would be a good idea but I'd hope that the very character of such a forum would minimize the need for moderation.

X 12 for taking the time to put this idea forward.

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Kiss, I would also insist that chocolate of some sort be on the menu.

I think the name HT Cafe fits this idea perfectly. A place where we could go to discuss what's on our minds, with a little light hearted foolishness thrown in. I am also in favor of moving the WFMS and WPMO threads to the new board. These are great examples of threads that Litsters go to again and again that don't fit in as a strictly How-To. I shudder when I think what these threads would have turned into on the GB.

Cathleen and Bobmi, big hugs to both of you for your efforts.

Why the hell not?

bobsgirl said:

I am also in favor of moving the WFMS and WPMO threads to the new board. These are great examples of threads that Litsters go to again and again that don't fit in as a strictly How-To. I shudder when I think what these threads would have turned into on the GB.

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Those threads would NEVER have been moved to the GB ( I'm not that nasty, honest) or the Playground. To much time and effort was put in to those as well as a few other long time threads.

LadyGuinivere said:

Those threads would NEVER have been moved to the GB ( I'm not that nasty, honest) or the Playground. To much time and effort was put in to those as well as a few other long time threads.

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LadyG, first of all, please accept my apology for not sending you a note before I put up the thread. I totally forgot. I also echo Bobmi's words, this is NOT a reflection of you as moderator at all - absolutely not.

It seems I am the villian of the 'how to' board of late! lol

Cathleen said:

LadyG, first of all, please accept my apology for not sending you a note before I put up the thread. I totally forgot. I also echo Bobmi's words, this is NOT a reflection of you as moderator at all - absolutely not.

It seems I am the villian of the 'how to' board of late! lol

Click to expand...

Disclaimer: highjack about to begin.

Cathleen, I beg to differ as I appear to have become the supreme villain of the how to board: after all, for being honest I've been told I am both rude and ignorant. Of course, that's what happens when you can discriminate between amoral and immoral.

End of highjack.

Bobsgirl: no café worth its lattés would be without several fine offerings of chocolate on its menu.

Kissophile said:

Disclaimer: highjack about to begin.

Cathleen, I beg to differ as I appear to have become the supreme villain of the how to board: after all, for being honest I've been told I am both rude and ignorant. Of course, that's what happens when you can discriminate between amoral and immoral.

End of highjack.

Bobsgirl: no café worth its lattés would be without several fine offerings of chocolate on its menu.

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Continuing highjack:

Perhaps we are the Bonnie and Clyde of the how to board. As long as no one gives me a gun all should be safe.

I'll end my highjack I suppose.

I think it is a wonderful idea!

I have a question...Why doesn't the GB have a Mod?

I think when I first started coming to the "How To Forum" the Mod wasn't around much. (this isn't a dig at you LG) I was pleasantly surprised to see how well things worked without being "policed"
I for one would like to see those long time threads moved to the new HT Cafe. This place wouldn't be the same without them.

Thanks Cathleen & Bobmi357


and of course it MUST have Chocolate!

I too think it is a wonderful idea.

I read more than I post, but will offer my two cents...

If you open a sub forum, I would suggest that the easiest way to do so as well as to meet the needs of the masses who frequent the How To forum is to keep it open, sans moderation.

"Police yourselves" seems to be the theme that comes to mind. IF something seems distasteful to you, don't post it. If a troll appears, don't acknowledge them.

I believe that since lit has become enormous in terms of posters over the past few years, so has the needs of the posters. Many may want to discuss holiday plans, but don't wish to post on the GB where most "newbies" are turned into the chew toy for the day.

In my experience, new forums evolve as opposed as grow into someone's preconcieved template. When the BDSM Cafe opened, it was widely criticized and feared it would become a playground atmosphere and it has that atmosphere from time to time. Again, it is an all round "police yourselves" situation.

However, it seems to me that this forum needs an area to commune, as it were. Where friends can wish one another Happy Birthday, tell kinky jokes , discuss not just how to give head, but how much they love giving head.

Am I understanding this potential plan correctly?

Again, with little or no moderation, it should do fine. Why? To be too constrictive with rules or try to define it's path too clearly, you cannot predict who is posting where or what newbies will choose to enjoy there. Further, there are as many opinions are there are posters and you will not likely get widespread agreement on anything that restricts activity.

Moderate spam, personal ads etc, but I would suggest not trying to moderate discussion. That is a no win situation for all.

Again, this is simply my own experience and I could be way off base sharing this with a different lit community.

Take care all,
MissT

Yep!

Bobmi357 said:

Cathleen and I have been exchanging pms over the last few days, basically since the point where I first sent Laurel a message concerning a subboard/new board.

LadyG, this is not because you were made mod in howto. So please, don't feel like this movement and discussion is an attack on your being a moderator.

Below are some thoughts I sent to Cathleen concerning what I would like to see, I've cleaned it up some, but I think you'll get the drift....

1) I want an area where I can post without automatically expecting to be flamed from 30 different directions. Some flirting and goofing off would be acceptable, but generally the idea is to be able to hold serious discussions about sexual and relationship issues. Currently there is a subboard for Gays & Lesbians to do this, and the BDSM folks have one. The rest of us had the how to board and thats about it.

2) It should be allowable to have someone ask an opinion, like what do people think of such and such, and that starts off a mostly serious discusion of the issue.

3) We'll probably have our blurt threads, we always seem to end up with them and thats ok, it allows a place for people to act out of character to the main theme of the board.

4) I would say that we need to start fresh, no threads moved from the existing how to. There are several threads that LadyG left in the howto that we certainly don't want to see moved to the new board. No offense LadyG but threads like "Are you addicted to Cock sucking?" are started by trolls looking for masturbatory material. That thread shouldn't be in how to no mater how big it is.

5) I think its largely up to us to police ourselves, with intervention from a mod, only if its needed. Like in the case of a troll flaming. We policed ourselves quite well for a long long time, and I think we still can.

6) There should be a sticky laying out the rules of the board I don't believe the name necessarily need to contain "Serious" anywhere in it. In fact, something more lighter might be more appropriate. Personally one name I gave Cathleen which I still like was "Boobs, Balls and Brains".

7) I think this should be a place were we can interact at an adult level. Where people that want to flirt or show off their photos are smart enough to use the pm system, or go to another board. I think a small portion of that would be allowable on the board, but largely it would be a place for people to talk about issues which trouble/confuse them, but aren't necessarily a "how to" type question.

Well thats my thoughts on the matter.

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But with a better name,
And, not moderated to death.

The following is a public service bump.

This bump was made possible by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Viewer like you and the Corporation for Public Bumping.

Bobmi357 said:

The following is a public service bump.

This bump was made possible by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Viewer like you and the Corporation for Public Bumping.

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That made me laugh A LOT!

SweetErika said:

That made me laugh A LOT!

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It made me laugh too..... one good bump deserves another.