| |
Main
Date: 26 Oct 2006 13:56:16
From: JimmyMac
Subject: Insight into phases of the internet forum ... A Perspective
|
Like it or not, Internet forums commonly undergo an evolutionary
process
regardless of whether they are moderated forums or unmoderated. The
The natural life cycle of an Internet forum, with its various phases,
might be summed best as follows:
1. Declaration of Enthusiasm ... Subscribers introduce themselves
and gush over how wonderful it is to have encountered kindred spirits.
2. Birth of Evangelism ... Participants moan about how the mailing
list consists of far too few members and brainstorming ensues to
initiate recruitment strategies.
3. Expansion of Community ... An ever increasing number of
interested parties subscribe and contribute to the mailing list.
Lengthy threads develop (some more relevant than others).
4. Emergence of Caaderie ... Information and advice is exchanged
(some empirically founded ... some just anecdotal nonsense).
Friendships are forged. Members rib one another, but all in good
fun. New subscribers are welcomed and veterans are patient with
newbies. Both newcomers and old-timers alike are comfortable asking
questions, providing answers, and sharing experiences.
5. Ascent of Disenchantment ... The volume of postings increases
dramatically. Not all threads are of interest to all participants.
Some participants pitch a bitch about signal-to-noise ratio, off-topic
threads, me too posts, forwarding of private emails, and other
violations of internet forum netiquette. Member #1 threatens to
unsubscribe if things don't change for the better. Member #2 aligns
himself with Member #1. Member #3 disagrees with both Members #1 and
#2. Member #4 suggests that Members #1, #2, and #3 should lighten
up. Flame wars erupt and adversaries emerge. Bandwidth is sacrificed
as an abundance of postings proliferate in an effort to resolve
differences and restore some semblance of order. During this
particular phase, many a delete key gets more than its share of
abuse and filtering and kilfiles are implemented.
6. Stagnancy of Growth ... The purists castigate members who ask
an old question or respond humorously to a serious post. Newcomers
are rebuffed and discouraged. Traffic volume subsides considerably
and is generally confined to minor topics. Many relevant issues are
communicated via private emails. Some members turn in their
membership cards in a huff and the remaining members continue to
participate in phases #4 and/or #5 above.
7. Someone like me pound away at the keyboard composing a posting
such as this one in an effort to stir the juices of those members who
find themselves entrenched in the quagmire of phase #4 and/or #5
above ;-) Well, at least this posting should prove to be a thought
provoking departure from the norm and hopefully sheds some light on
the nature of the beast we have come to love and hate ... the internet
forum.
Jim McNaa
|
|
| |
Date: 01 Nov 2006 09:45:51
From: JimmyMac
Subject: Re: Insight into phases of the internet forum ... A Perspective
|
It was Halloween. Shouldn't you have been out trick or treating
instead of playing on mommy's PC? - the REAL Jim McNaa
ed_dolan_jimmy_macnaa wrote:
> Edward Dolan wrote:
> > "JimmyMac" <jimmymac_4@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:1161896176.267016.326140@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com...
> > > Like it or not, Internet forums commonly undergo an evolutionary
> > > process
> > > regardless of whether they are moderated forums or unmoderated. The
> > > The natural life cycle of an Internet forum, with its various phases,
> > > might be summed best as follows:
> > >
> > > 1. Declaration of Enthusiasm ... Subscribers introduce themselves
> > > and gush over how wonderful it is to have encountered kindred spirits.
> > >
> > > 2. Birth of Evangelism ... Participants moan about how the mailing
> > > list consists of far too few members and brainstorming ensues to
> > > initiate recruitment strategies.
> > >
> > > 3. Expansion of Community ... An ever increasing number of
> > > interested parties subscribe and contribute to the mailing list.
> > > Lengthy threads develop (some more relevant than others).
> > >
> > > 4. Emergence of Caaderie ... Information and advice is exchanged
> > > (some empirically founded ... some just anecdotal nonsense).
> > > Friendships are forged. Members rib one another, but all in good
> > > fun. New subscribers are welcomed and veterans are patient with
> > > newbies. Both newcomers and old-timers alike are comfortable asking
> > > questions, providing answers, and sharing experiences.
> > >
> > > 5. Ascent of Disenchantment ... The volume of postings increases
> > > dramatically. Not all threads are of interest to all participants.
> > > Some participants pitch a bitch about signal-to-noise ratio, off-topic
> > > threads, me too posts, forwarding of private emails, and other
> > > violations of internet forum netiquette. Member #1 threatens to
> > > unsubscribe if things don't change for the better. Member #2 aligns
> > > himself with Member #1. Member #3 disagrees with both Members #1 and
> > > #2. Member #4 suggests that Members #1, #2, and #3 should lighten
> > > up. Flame wars erupt and adversaries emerge. Bandwidth is sacrificed
> > > as an abundance of postings proliferate in an effort to resolve
> > > differences and restore some semblance of order. During this
> > > particular phase, many a delete key gets more than its share of
> > > abuse and filtering and kilfiles are implemented.
> > >
> > > 6. Stagnancy of Growth ... The purists castigate members who ask
> > > an old question or respond humorously to a serious post. Newcomers
> > > are rebuffed and discouraged. Traffic volume subsides considerably
> > > and is generally confined to minor topics. Many relevant issues are
> > > communicated via private emails. Some members turn in their
> > > membership cards in a huff and the remaining members continue to
> > > participate in phases #4 and/or #5 above.
> > >
> > > 7. Someone like me pound away at the keyboard composing a posting
> > > such as this one in an effort to stir the juices of those members who
> > > find themselves entrenched in the quagmire of phase #4 and/or #5
> > > above ;-) Well, at least this posting should prove to be a thought
> > > provoking departure from the norm and hopefully sheds some light on
> > > the nature of the beast we have come to love and hate ... the internet
> > > forum.
> > >
> > > Jim McNaa
> >
> > Jim, ARBR is at stage 7 all right - as am I. All that is required is for
> > someone to administer the coup de grace and put us out of our misery. As far
> > as I am concerned, it will be good riddance to ARBR. The group was never
> > worth a damn to begin with.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
> > aka
> > Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota
|
| |
Date: 31 Oct 2006 12:48:04
From: ed_dolan_jimmy_macnamara
Subject: Re: Insight into phases of the internet forum ... A Perspective
|
OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE
IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME
OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR
BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH
DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________
JimmyMac wrote:
> Like it or not, Internet forums commonly undergo an evolutionary
> process
> regardless of whether they are moderated forums or unmoderated. The
> The natural life cycle of an Internet forum, with its various phases,
> might be summed best as follows:
>
> 1. Declaration of Enthusiasm ... Subscribers introduce themselves
> and gush over how wonderful it is to have encountered kindred spirits.
>
> 2. Birth of Evangelism ... Participants moan about how the mailing
> list consists of far too few members and brainstorming ensues to
> initiate recruitment strategies.
>
> 3. Expansion of Community ... An ever increasing number of
> interested parties subscribe and contribute to the mailing list.
> Lengthy threads develop (some more relevant than others).
>
> 4. Emergence of Caaderie ... Information and advice is exchanged
> (some empirically founded ... some just anecdotal nonsense).
> Friendships are forged. Members rib one another, but all in good
> fun. New subscribers are welcomed and veterans are patient with
> newbies. Both newcomers and old-timers alike are comfortable asking
> questions, providing answers, and sharing experiences.
>
> 5. Ascent of Disenchantment ... The volume of postings increases
> dramatically. Not all threads are of interest to all participants.
> Some participants pitch a bitch about signal-to-noise ratio, off-topic
> threads, me too posts, forwarding of private emails, and other
> violations of internet forum netiquette. Member #1 threatens to
> unsubscribe if things don't change for the better. Member #2 aligns
> himself with Member #1. Member #3 disagrees with both Members #1 and
> #2. Member #4 suggests that Members #1, #2, and #3 should lighten
> up. Flame wars erupt and adversaries emerge. Bandwidth is sacrificed
> as an abundance of postings proliferate in an effort to resolve
> differences and restore some semblance of order. During this
> particular phase, many a delete key gets more than its share of
> abuse and filtering and kilfiles are implemented.
>
> 6. Stagnancy of Growth ... The purists castigate members who ask
> an old question or respond humorously to a serious post. Newcomers
> are rebuffed and discouraged. Traffic volume subsides considerably
> and is generally confined to minor topics. Many relevant issues are
> communicated via private emails. Some members turn in their
> membership cards in a huff and the remaining members continue to
> participate in phases #4 and/or #5 above.
>
> 7. Someone like me pound away at the keyboard composing a posting
> such as this one in an effort to stir the juices of those members who
> find themselves entrenched in the quagmire of phase #4 and/or #5
> above ;-) Well, at least this posting should prove to be a thought
> provoking departure from the norm and hopefully sheds some light on
> the nature of the beast we have come to love and hate ... the internet
> forum.
>
> Jim McNaa
|
| |
Date: 31 Oct 2006 12:47:19
From: ed_dolan_jimmy_macnamara
Subject: Re: Insight into phases of the internet forum lifecycle ... a perspective (amended)
|
OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE
IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME
OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR
BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH
DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE
TROLLED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THE USENET. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AT MY HOME. SEND ME SOME OF THAT WHITE POWDER OR
DRIED UP BUDS AND PLANTS THAT SMELL FUNKY. OR BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT
SOME CLAY LIKE SUBSTANCES THAT WORK WELL WITH DETONATORS?
NOTE MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR ALL TO
UTILIZE.
JAMES L. MACNAA
4863 W. GREGORY ST.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60630
773 282 9874
I AM YOUR BUTTHOLE TO DO AS YOU PLEASE - JIMMY MACNAA (DON'T MIND
THE MISSPELLED NAME, MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ARE ACCURATE)
_____________________________________________
JimmyMac wrote:
> JimmyMac wrote:
> > Like it or not, Internet forums commonly undergo an evolutionary process
> > regardless of whether they are moderated forums or unmoderated. The
> > The natural life cycle of an Internet forum, with its various phases,
> > might be summed best as follows:
> >
> > 1. Declaration of Enthusiasm ... Subscribers introduce themselves
> > and gush over how wonderful it is to have encountered kindred spirits.
> >
> > 2. Birth of Evangelism ... Participants moan about how the forum
> > consists of far too few members and brainstorming ensues to initiate
> > recruitment strategies.
> >
> > 3. Expansion of Community ... An ever increasing number of
> > interested parties subscribe and contribute to the forum. Lengthy
> > threads develop (some more relevant than others).
> >
> > 4. Emergence of Caaderie ... Information and advice is exchanged
> > (some empirically founded ... some just anecdotal nonsense).
> > Friendships are forged. Members rib one another, but all in good
> > fun. New subscribers are welcomed and veterans are patient with
> > newbies. Both newcomers and old-timers alike are comfortable asking
> > questions, providing answers, and sharing experiences.
> >
> > 5. Ascent of Disenchantment ... The volume of postings increases
> > dramatically. Not all threads are of interest to all participants.
> > Some participants pitch a bitch about signal-to-noise ratio, off-topic
> > threads, me too posts, forwarding of private emails, and other
> > violations of internet forum netiquette. Member #1 threatens to
> > unsubscribe if things don't change for the better. Member #2 aligns
> > himself with Member #1. Member #3 disagrees with both Members #1 and
> > #2. Member #4 suggests that Members #1, #2, and #3 should lighten
> > up. Flame wars erupt and adversaries emerge. Bandwidth is sacrificed
> > as an abundance of postings proliferate in an effort to resolve
> > differences and restore some semblance of order. During this
> > particular phase, many a delete key gets more than its share of
> > abuse and filtering and killfiles are implemented.
> >
> > 6. Stagnancy of Growth ... The purists castigate members who ask
> > an old question or respond humorously to a serious post. Newcomers
> > are rebuffed and discouraged. Traffic volume subsides considerably
> > and is generally confined to minor topics. Many relevant issues are
> > communicated via private emails. Some members turn in their
> > membership cards in a huff and the remaining members continue to
> > participate in phases #4 and/or #5 above.
> >
> > 7. Someone like me pound away at the keyboard composing a posting
> > such as this one in an effort to stir the juices of those members who
> > find themselves entrenched in the quagmire of phase #4 and/or #5
> > above ;-) Well, at least this posting should prove to be a thought
> > provoking departure from the norm and hopefully sheds some light on
> > the nature of the beast we have come to love and hate ... the internet
> > forum.
> >
> > Jim McNaa
>
> AMENDED COPY. Please read the corrected copy ABOVE. I made a few
> minor corrections to the above (typos and changes of verbiage from
> "mailing list" to "forum" which I overlooked in my initial posting). By
> way of addendum, I probably entered at phase #3 or #4 in the life cycle
> of ARBR and experienced the evolutionary process through 7 where I now
> find myself, but I have about given up hope and will soon take leave of
> this forum, for the time being at least ... applause is inappropriate
> ;^). In retrospect, I should probably have entitled phase 7
> "Salvation from destruction" and added a stage 8 (Forum flight), when
> all hope is abandoned and forum flight ensues.
>
> Jim McNaa
|
| |
Date: 31 Oct 2006 12:40:53
From: ed_dolan_jimmy_macnamara
Subject: Re: Insight into phases of the internet forum ... A Perspective
|
Edward Dolan wrote:
> "JimmyMac" <jimmymac_4@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1161896176.267016.326140@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com...
> > Like it or not, Internet forums commonly undergo an evolutionary
> > process
> > regardless of whether they are moderated forums or unmoderated. The
> > The natural life cycle of an Internet forum, with its various phases,
> > might be summed best as follows:
> >
> > 1. Declaration of Enthusiasm ... Subscribers introduce themselves
> > and gush over how wonderful it is to have encountered kindred spirits.
> >
> > 2. Birth of Evangelism ... Participants moan about how the mailing
> > list consists of far too few members and brainstorming ensues to
> > initiate recruitment strategies.
> >
> > 3. Expansion of Community ... An ever increasing number of
> > interested parties subscribe and contribute to the mailing list.
> > Lengthy threads develop (some more relevant than others).
> >
> > 4. Emergence of Caaderie ... Information and advice is exchanged
> > (some empirically founded ... some just anecdotal nonsense).
> > Friendships are forged. Members rib one another, but all in good
> > fun. New subscribers are welcomed and veterans are patient with
> > newbies. Both newcomers and old-timers alike are comfortable asking
> > questions, providing answers, and sharing experiences.
> >
> > 5. Ascent of Disenchantment ... The volume of postings increases
> > dramatically. Not all threads are of interest to all participants.
> > Some participants pitch a bitch about signal-to-noise ratio, off-topic
> > threads, me too posts, forwarding of private emails, and other
> > violations of internet forum netiquette. Member #1 threatens to
> > unsubscribe if things don't change for the better. Member #2 aligns
> > himself with Member #1. Member #3 disagrees with both Members #1 and
> > #2. Member #4 suggests that Members #1, #2, and #3 should lighten
> > up. Flame wars erupt and adversaries emerge. Bandwidth is sacrificed
> > as an abundance of postings proliferate in an effort to resolve
> > differences and restore some semblance of order. During this
> > particular phase, many a delete key gets more than its share of
> > abuse and filtering and kilfiles are implemented.
> >
> > 6. Stagnancy of Growth ... The purists castigate members who ask
> > an old question or respond humorously to a serious post. Newcomers
> > are rebuffed and discouraged. Traffic volume subsides considerably
> > and is generally confined to minor topics. Many relevant issues are
> > communicated via private emails. Some members turn in their
> > membership cards in a huff and the remaining members continue to
> > participate in phases #4 and/or #5 above.
> >
> > 7. Someone like me pound away at the keyboard composing a posting
> > such as this one in an effort to stir the juices of those members who
> > find themselves entrenched in the quagmire of phase #4 and/or #5
> > above ;-) Well, at least this posting should prove to be a thought
> > provoking departure from the norm and hopefully sheds some light on
> > the nature of the beast we have come to love and hate ... the internet
> > forum.
> >
> > Jim McNaa
>
> Jim, ARBR is at stage 7 all right - as am I. All that is required is for
> someone to administer the coup de grace and put us out of our misery. As far
> as I am concerned, it will be good riddance to ARBR. The group was never
> worth a damn to begin with.
>
> Regards,
>
> Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
> aka
> Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota
|
| |
Date: 27 Oct 2006 05:49:14
From: JimmyMac
Subject: Re: Insight into phases of the internet forum lifecycle ... a perspective (amended)
|
JimmyMac wrote:
> Like it or not, Internet forums commonly undergo an evolutionary process
> regardless of whether they are moderated forums or unmoderated. The
> The natural life cycle of an Internet forum, with its various phases,
> might be summed best as follows:
>
> 1. Declaration of Enthusiasm ... Subscribers introduce themselves
> and gush over how wonderful it is to have encountered kindred spirits.
>
> 2. Birth of Evangelism ... Participants moan about how the forum
> consists of far too few members and brainstorming ensues to initiate
> recruitment strategies.
>
> 3. Expansion of Community ... An ever increasing number of
> interested parties subscribe and contribute to the forum. Lengthy
> threads develop (some more relevant than others).
>
> 4. Emergence of Caaderie ... Information and advice is exchanged
> (some empirically founded ... some just anecdotal nonsense).
> Friendships are forged. Members rib one another, but all in good
> fun. New subscribers are welcomed and veterans are patient with
> newbies. Both newcomers and old-timers alike are comfortable asking
> questions, providing answers, and sharing experiences.
>
> 5. Ascent of Disenchantment ... The volume of postings increases
> dramatically. Not all threads are of interest to all participants.
> Some participants pitch a bitch about signal-to-noise ratio, off-topic
> threads, me too posts, forwarding of private emails, and other
> violations of internet forum netiquette. Member #1 threatens to
> unsubscribe if things don't change for the better. Member #2 aligns
> himself with Member #1. Member #3 disagrees with both Members #1 and
> #2. Member #4 suggests that Members #1, #2, and #3 should lighten
> up. Flame wars erupt and adversaries emerge. Bandwidth is sacrificed
> as an abundance of postings proliferate in an effort to resolve
> differences and restore some semblance of order. During this
> particular phase, many a delete key gets more than its share of
> abuse and filtering and killfiles are implemented.
>
> 6. Stagnancy of Growth ... The purists castigate members who ask
> an old question or respond humorously to a serious post. Newcomers
> are rebuffed and discouraged. Traffic volume subsides considerably
> and is generally confined to minor topics. Many relevant issues are
> communicated via private emails. Some members turn in their
> membership cards in a huff and the remaining members continue to
> participate in phases #4 and/or #5 above.
>
> 7. Someone like me pound away at the keyboard composing a posting
> such as this one in an effort to stir the juices of those members who
> find themselves entrenched in the quagmire of phase #4 and/or #5
> above ;-) Well, at least this posting should prove to be a thought
> provoking departure from the norm and hopefully sheds some light on
> the nature of the beast we have come to love and hate ... the internet
> forum.
>
> Jim McNaa
AMENDED COPY. Please read the corrected copy ABOVE. I made a few
minor corrections to the above (typos and changes of verbiage from
"mailing list" to "forum" which I overlooked in my initial posting). By
way of addendum, I probably entered at phase #3 or #4 in the life cycle
of ARBR and experienced the evolutionary process through 7 where I now
find myself, but I have about given up hope and will soon take leave of
this forum, for the time being at least ... applause is inappropriate
;^). In retrospect, I should probably have entitled phase 7
"Salvation from destruction" and added a stage 8 (Forum flight), when
all hope is abandoned and forum flight ensues.
Jim McNaa
|
| |
Date: 26 Oct 2006 20:53:54
From: Edward Dolan
Subject: Re: Insight into phases of the internet forum ... A Perspective
|
"JimmyMac" <jimmymac_4@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1161896176.267016.326140@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com...
> Like it or not, Internet forums commonly undergo an evolutionary
> process
> regardless of whether they are moderated forums or unmoderated. The
> The natural life cycle of an Internet forum, with its various phases,
> might be summed best as follows:
>
> 1. Declaration of Enthusiasm ... Subscribers introduce themselves
> and gush over how wonderful it is to have encountered kindred spirits.
>
> 2. Birth of Evangelism ... Participants moan about how the mailing
> list consists of far too few members and brainstorming ensues to
> initiate recruitment strategies.
>
> 3. Expansion of Community ... An ever increasing number of
> interested parties subscribe and contribute to the mailing list.
> Lengthy threads develop (some more relevant than others).
>
> 4. Emergence of Caaderie ... Information and advice is exchanged
> (some empirically founded ... some just anecdotal nonsense).
> Friendships are forged. Members rib one another, but all in good
> fun. New subscribers are welcomed and veterans are patient with
> newbies. Both newcomers and old-timers alike are comfortable asking
> questions, providing answers, and sharing experiences.
>
> 5. Ascent of Disenchantment ... The volume of postings increases
> dramatically. Not all threads are of interest to all participants.
> Some participants pitch a bitch about signal-to-noise ratio, off-topic
> threads, me too posts, forwarding of private emails, and other
> violations of internet forum netiquette. Member #1 threatens to
> unsubscribe if things don't change for the better. Member #2 aligns
> himself with Member #1. Member #3 disagrees with both Members #1 and
> #2. Member #4 suggests that Members #1, #2, and #3 should lighten
> up. Flame wars erupt and adversaries emerge. Bandwidth is sacrificed
> as an abundance of postings proliferate in an effort to resolve
> differences and restore some semblance of order. During this
> particular phase, many a delete key gets more than its share of
> abuse and filtering and kilfiles are implemented.
>
> 6. Stagnancy of Growth ... The purists castigate members who ask
> an old question or respond humorously to a serious post. Newcomers
> are rebuffed and discouraged. Traffic volume subsides considerably
> and is generally confined to minor topics. Many relevant issues are
> communicated via private emails. Some members turn in their
> membership cards in a huff and the remaining members continue to
> participate in phases #4 and/or #5 above.
>
> 7. Someone like me pound away at the keyboard composing a posting
> such as this one in an effort to stir the juices of those members who
> find themselves entrenched in the quagmire of phase #4 and/or #5
> above ;-) Well, at least this posting should prove to be a thought
> provoking departure from the norm and hopefully sheds some light on
> the nature of the beast we have come to love and hate ... the internet
> forum.
>
> Jim McNaa
Jim, ARBR is at stage 7 all right - as am I. All that is required is for
someone to administer the coup de grace and put us out of our misery. As far
as I am concerned, it will be good riddance to ARBR. The group was never
worth a damn to begin with.
Regards,
Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
aka
Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota
|
|
