Quote:
Originally Posted by toretorden
Well, for the most part I think the discussions stay within their respective forums and I don't think a discussion on religion in a forum which is part dedicated to discussions on religion is much of a problem.
What annoys me is I feel there's generally a tendency where's there's a lack of effort. It seems many posters want to get their message across with as few words as possible and, preferably, without reading the other posts first. The random namedropping lists I complained about where people recommend artists and albums without writing anything about them is an obvious example.
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As a new member, I'll give my perspective: I haven't seen any decrease in quality at MB over the last 5 months and, in fact, the longer I stay the more interesting I find the site, especially because through it I've met quite a few people whom I care about (such as AwwSugar, VeggieLover, kayleigh, Schizotypic and others). I admire the oldtimers, too, because I see how their friendships must have built up over the years. I hadn't expected to have meaningful personal connections via MB, and so that was a pleasant surprise.
I feel the lounge discussions add to the site because I view music as being, fundamentally, people's expressions of their reactions to life...and so the issues discussed in the lounge section are usually reflected somehow in music. I don't see a dichotomy there. I also like trying to get a broader picture of people by seeing their opinions both on music and anything else under the sun as we lounge in the lounge.
If I had more time, I would definitely dive into the music journals more often than I do, because they are a great way to learn about music and get ideas about songs to listen to...especially ones in genres that are new to me. I agree with those who recommend visiting the journals if ever they feel there is a lack of substantive commentary on music in the regular music board.
Now, I have never been accused of writing short posts (heh heh!), and I do try to put effort into them. I enjoy the debates, including and especially religious ones. In non-computer life, how often does one get to discuss religion in depth with those who have a very different perspective? Not often, in my case. I think the debates in an online community are an especially good way to learn about the opinions of (relatively well-off, English-speaking, computer-owning) people all over the world!
If I'm ever feeling that things look dull at MB, then I just go check out what boo boo, Tore, addidass, FD, Neapolitan, the vegetarians, and other favorites have last posted...and, of course, I comment on the writings of people in the songwriting section, my MB home.
I suppose the one part of MB that could be troubling to me is the occasional antagonism or maliciousness people show...but I understand people have their moments (days, months) of ill-humor, and sometimes people vent life frustrations here. I haven't noticed any increase in antagonism. There have only been 2 people whose posts during the last 5 months made me fear they might be psycho-murderers.
Also, to be honest, I miss the Unfan. His perma-banning, for me, was one change over the last 5 months that I view as a loss. I am sad that he can never visit my thread again and blast my vegan songs, then finally discuss with me exactly where he and I differed in our opinions, as we were doing shortly before his perma-banning. I wish he were allowed to come back. I wish there were a democratic, member-based way to veto a perma-banning, such as by posting a thread on behalf of a member whom moderators want to ban, and if enough people (a critical mass) say to keep the person in the community, then the permanent ban gets reduced to a temporary ban. I suppose it is a challenge when one individual is hurtful to some but not others, because of course one wants to respect and protect those who have been hurt (called mean names, etc.).