What is an important thread?

[naudiz]

I occasionally see references to pointless drivel and meaningful or 'important' threads, and I'm curious about a few things.

What is an important thread?
What makes it important?

Yes, I have opinions on this. I wouldn't bring it up otherwise, but I am curious to read what people have to say.

Personally, I think that when people get together to discuss anything in any medium, they're performing an important social and psychological function. Making contact with another person is important, whether you're discussing worldwide political events or an in-depth study of belly button lint. The very act of interaction is an integral part of human nature. It feeds an instinctual hunger for socialization, and in that regard, it's important.

As for which threads in particular are important, that's a tough call. Has any thread on Lit changed the world? Or does every thread offer a discussion, which is what it is, nothing more and nothing less?

I don't really have an answer to that, but I'm curious.

 

[Dillinger]

Any thread that a person participates in is important to them. Whether it is a "serious" political discussion or just the need to have some fun...

 

[felixdakat]

unfortuneatly, i feel that there are some senior posters here that feel that they have a superior say in what is important.... ( this could get me in trouble) .... i don't think any one thread is more important then any other. i look over the boards and i find that i'm usualy more interested in the threads that don't seem to get as many responces, is it cuz i think i might be more clearly heard, maybe, is it cuz i'm a little off center sometimes?, maybe, but the fact is if a thread seems droll to you today, maybe you should look at it in five years, your opinion might change.

 

[pabloback]

no thread is important.
it is all fantasy here
but if you can use the board to learn information that is important to you then that is an important added bonus

 

[cymbidia]

What Dill said, with this addendum: "Important" changes, sometimes on a daily basis.

Now and for the next couple of weeks, i'm going to be pretty stressed for a variety of reasons. I already know it, am already there. The threads that would ordinarily be of great interest to me may be too taxing for now. I may let most of them slip past in favor of the lighter, easier threads cuz i really don't have the extra to give to a more serious discussion right now.

I'll get back to the kinds of threads that are usually more important to me... later. Not now. Now these other threads, lighter fluffier threads, THEY'RE the important threads.

 

[sexy-girl]

i think all threads are important as well ... but sometimes i reply to a thread because i know the person who started it rather then what the actual thread is about


i think thats why sometimes its hard for newbies to break into here ... but i still do reply too newbie threads that i am interested in


its got nothing to do with any special treatment though its just human nature

 

[lobito]

unfortuneatly, i feel that there are some senior posters here that feel that they have a superior say in what is important.... ( this could get me in trouble) .... i don't think any one thread is more important then any other. i look over the boards and i find that i'm usualy more interested in the threads that don't seem to get as many responces, is it cuz i think i might be more clearly heard, maybe, is it cuz i'm a little off center sometimes?, maybe, but the fact is if a thread seems droll to you today, maybe you should look at it in five years, your opinion might change.

Felix...
About your thoughts, well, let's just say that you're not the first to point that out.

About how you post, your way is fine, that's what YOU want to do, but IF you feel you want to know what people here are like, you've got to read their posts, no matter whether it's a little responded to thread, or has MANY responses.

 

[naudiz]

Bleh. I was going to get back to this and got sidetracked.

I come here for the interaction, and whatever context in which it occurs is secondary. I can get news, jokes, and silliness anywhere, but the chance to discuss events, banter, and just 'hang out' in good company requires...uh... good company.

I think it irks me a little when someone calls another person's thread drivel. Just because it doesn't interest you doesn't mean it has no value, you know?

But what about those trolls whose threads are only meant to stir shit and fling insults? They only get as many replies as we post. Obviously, someone is getting something out of them or they wouldn't be so popular.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this. These past few days have been something of a downer, and I get to thinking about stuff when I'm in a funk. It'll pass.

 

[erosman]

funky thinking?

This place is great for reality checks. I think that is what makes it so fun. I'm not sure replies indicate importance or drivel. The magic for me is in the constant self-revelation that unfolds in each post - verbal brushstrokes that disclose the writer's assumed identity. That can be enjoyed by simply reading...or...joining in the masquerade of words.

Hope the next few days are more upper for you, naudiz. Really!

 

[cymbidia]

Sometimes the "trolls" can transcend trolldom to become full-time, well-known voices on the GB, and just as real here as you or i. Yayati comes immediately to mind as representative of one like this. There are those here who *like* the sort of abrasive interaction offered by such former trolls. To them, for them, benefit is derived from those kinds of interactions.

Actual trolls, though, are more like hit-and-run drivers than these discordant personalities. Actual trolls appear only to say mean things, to cause strife and hurt other people - and then they disappear. I can't think of anyone who actually likes people like that, much less interacts with them in any but the most one-dimensional manner. (Out damn troll!)

It's interesting - and illuminating as a long-time people watcher - to notice who goes where in any given time period, who responds to whom, and which threads entice who to a response.

People watching, slipstream style.



(Hope the dumps disgorge you soon.)

 

[naudiz]

Erosman and Cymbida: Both very good points and well spoken.

I'm holding out for the funk to pass. These things come in cycles. I get to feeling like I've got no real place in the world, like I don't fit in, and then I find myself getting touchy about stupid things. Then I find myself finding myself getting touchy, and after a nice self-administered ass-kicking, I deal.

Usually I wear it as a badge of pride that when I was made, not only did they break the mold, they tracked down the mold-maker and shot him repeatedly. I like being an oddball. If I didn't, I'd probably conform more. But it gets lonely sometimes. Sometimes, beautiful and popular sounds so appealing...

But then I look around and see that I've got good friends who care for me not despite but because of who I am. I do have a niche. It's a unique, naudiz-shaped niche, and knowing no one else could fill it makes for an odd sense of job security.

Importance is relative. Nothing on this board or in RL is any more or less important than we make it. Even the trolls teach me something, even if it's how not to conduct myself if I want to maintain even a shred of dignity. Sometimes they're good for a laugh. I try not to take anything, especially myself, too seriously. Funny doesn't mean unimportant, though. Funny is very important. Without funny, I'd be stark-raving mad.

Quiche is also important, and I'm off to make one. Thanks for the insights and good wishes, folks!

 

[nasty]

It's all about ME

Is that too self-centered.

 

[Laurel]

What is an important thread?
What makes it important?

Honestly? It depends on what you mean by "important". If you mean "important" in the literary sense - as in an important work - then none of them are. But if you mean "important" as in affecting your life in some substantial way - like a conversation with a close friend can do - I think not only the threads themselves are important but so is the interaction that the threads represent. At least, it is in my life.

I think there are people who may have a different view of a what a bulletin board is than I do. To me, a bulletin board is a place for people to exchange ideas, debate, get silly, flirt, and generally interact with one another. It's not a necessarily a place where we all post essays on topics (though that happens too). It's not a magazine. It's a community.

That being my impression of a bulletin board, I agree with what's been said. Importance is highly subjective. We all come here, offer what we have, and take what we like. We will all have opinions on what threads we feel aren't worthwhile, and that's cool. However, we should never assume that any type thread (except for spam, of course ) inherently lacks value.

I've always been of the opinion that people's tastes - like the people themselves - are infinitely varied. Would you rather visit a huge library with 10 floors full of books - some that you like, some that you hate, and some that you don't have any idea about - OR would you rather go into a one-room bookstore where the owner has pre-screened the books and offers only those which he believes you will like? Some people will prefer the former, and others will prefer the latter. You can guess which group I'm in. But that's just my taste, and it affects how I see the site and the forum.

Discussions have arisen on the unregistered user option. I've always felt that forcing registration would silence more benevolent voices than it would malevolent. In fact, many of the users who are currently deemed "trolls" post under registered user names. Personally, I like variety of opinion. I like a variety of people - young and old, educated and not, silly and serious. Homogeny bores me. But like I said, that's just me.

 

[erosman]

conformity vs. individuality

I love the tension that exists between conformity and individuality. There is a large, hotel-type resort 'chain' that uses this phrase for advertising: In a world of increasing conformity...we know you desire that which is individual.
I think that there needs to be balance. We all are unique fingerprints of creation, but sometimes conformity can be healthy. I think that in areas where your flair for individuality blazes, it might be appropriate at times to even work at extinguishing the burning a little and try to conform. However, in other instances, where you might find it comfortable to just blend-in, maybe an ass-kicking to get you off the perimeter and out on the dance floor is what you need. It surely would be subjective.
I find it interesting to observe in myself, my changing mood in response to the silence here. Sometimes I laugh; sometimes I cry (figuratively). Sometimes I love to just observe -like Cym mentioned; and other times I throw caution and self-preservation to the wind and post. My posting doesn't come from my self-confidence though. It tends to flow from my passion for self-expression. In the end I probably agree at least in part with Nasty: It's all about me! I definitely agree with Laurel: I prefer variety to homogeny...most days.

I hope your sunrise was a little brighter this morning, Naudiz. This place needs everyone...the trolls...and even the invisible readers. Make a great day!

 

[naudiz]

I woke up surrounded by fuzzy kitties. A bad mood simply wasn't an option.

And shit, if it's all about nasty, that puts it all in perspective!

But you're right, erosman, about finding a balance, and about it all being about me. I think a good dose of self-awareness, and/or self-centeredness, is healthy. Again: balance. Sure, it's all about you, but when it's all about you to the exclusion of all else, emotional isolation isn't far away. If it's never about you, then get off the cross - we need the wood. Seriously, toot your own horn once in awhile. I get so damned uncomfortable around shrinking violets and false modesty. That's a figurative 'you' I'm talking about by the way, not you specifically.

What I enjoy most about any social setting is the variety of personalities on display (it's not just you, Laurel ). I talk a lot about 'I' and 'me' because I feel comfortable speaking for myself but not for others. However, what really keeps me coming back here isn't 'I' or 'me', it's you. And this time, I'm not talking a figurative 'you', I mean you specifically.

 

[erosman]

Fuzzy Kitties Sideline Funk

I've been thinking about this thread and you, Naudiz in a random, ruminating sort of way. You know the kind of cud-chewing that ambushes your thoughts when you least suspect it. For years I've been trying to sort out the appropriate balance between self-denial and self-preservation. A compact, never-fail formula that would justify my self-centered default. I haven't found it yet. Guilt and the accompanying self-flagellation is about as sensible as egocentricity and it's inward collapse.
Is it a tablespoon of each, mix well and let rise at room temperature? or, Perhaps, this week I'm taking care of myself and next week I'll look after your concerns recipe? Even, I spent the first 20 years on myself, the next 20 years on my children, and the following 20 years balanced between them? or...??? So many possible combinations.
I hope the domestic tranquility of your dictatorship finds a kitty-litter equilibrium.

 

[naudiz]

Tangent Time!

I probably think about this too much, and I still don't have any concrete answers.

I wonder sometimes why low self-esteem is so popular. Why is it 'appropriate' to downplay yourself? I think self-pity and self-denial are just as egotistical as self-confidence and self-awareness. If you know you're good at something, or even if you're just satisfied with your level of competence, why is it considered bad form to say so?

There is something a friend of mine once called 'racing to the bottom'. Where two (or more) people get together and talk about how much their lives suck and how horrible they are, each trying to outdo the other in terms of pure wretchedness, like it's some kind of status symbol to be the biggest loser. I don't get it, yet I've caught myself doing it. When I *do* catch myself, I back out. Let the other person win. If they want to be the worst of the worst, they can claim that title. I won't fight them for it.

There was a great quote from Nelson Mandela that I posted once a long time ago. If I ever find it again, I'm going to save a copy of it somewhere. The gist of it is: you serve no one by shying away from your own light.

I think if you have a gift, share it. If you have something to say, say it. Maybe nine out of ten posters on the board will think it's drivel, but there's that one who won't, who will have gotten something out of it, and what harm has been done? It's not like anyone here is being *forced* to open a thread and read it.

But even as I type that, I'm being hypocritical, because there are more instances where I don't post than I do, when I think: no one is going to care about that. I think that's a horrible message, but we're inundated with it. Why is that?

I'll take honest arrogance over false modesty any day.

Wow, erosman. I'm flattered to be thought-provoking. A sure formula? If you find one, let me know. I just take it a day at a time, and I try to pay attention, not only to what other people are saying, but to what I'm saying. I think the question I ask more often than any other is: why? Why do I feel crappy? Why am I frustrated? Why is this person getting on my nerves? Why am I getting on this person's nerves? Sometimes the answer is obvious. Sometimes it isn't. Sometimes I never figure it out. These days, when I'm in a bad mood, I try to cut through the melodrama and get right to the half-pint of ice cream because by now, I've learned that if I wait it out it'll go away. Besides: hey, ice cream.

That might contradict the always ask why scenario, but there's a fine line between questioning everything and beating a dead horse. Sometimes 'forget about it and break out the chocolate chip mint' *is* the answer.

A simpler solution still might just be this: take care of yourself as best you can, but not at the expense of others; take care of others as best you can, but not at the expense of yourself. You should never have to compete with your loved ones for health and sanity.

As for these strangers passing by in cyber space: I don't worry too much about you folks. We come here. We share our thoughts and ideas, our jokes and opinions, and at the end of the day, we're either better for it or we aren't. I like a good number of you, I respect a good number of you, and I don't worry about the insults and flames because a) I'd like to think I can give as good as I get, and b) the option is always mine to walk away. Nothing said here can hurt me unless I give it permission.

BTW, things on the domestic dictatorship front are once more just spiffy. Kitty therapy works every time.

 

[Svedish_Chef]

Important threads are where Naudiz posts of course.

 

[ravenna]

Quotes

I think this is the quote you're looking for, naudiz...

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

 

[naudiz]

Cheffie: Flattery will get you everywhere.

Yes! Ravenna! That's the one. Thank you.

 

[Svedish_Chef]

Cheffie: Flattery will get you everywhere.

Yes! Ravenna! That's the one. Thank you.

Icq me dear... I lost ya number!