So many experts; So little substance...

Borrowed from a post that a member Jay made. It is quite interesting in that it got me thinking about the quality of this forum.

Out of the plethora of threads on this forum, which threads do you find above average with substanative qualities?
What constitutes as substance to you?
Do you find quality expert material within most threads?
Finally, does the comment hold water in your experience on these forums?

RF is largely for folks who are relatively new to religious discussions, for online friendships, and for entertainment. I don't think substantive threads, although there are a few, are always desirable. If you want substance, blog.

So does everyone agree with Sunstone?

In my experience most people do not like to read long posts on internet forums even if they are well formatted. As well when you take the time to provide documented quotes from some research in the effort to make a point only to see the person you are debating respond with "Nu-uh!" tends to hammer against the will to even make the attempt.

There are plenty of threads that are full of great information. A recent one on free will which had very specific boundaries on the discussion. Far too often people create threads based on generalized concepts or, even worse, gross general opinions. Such discussions are not even open for what would be considered formal argument and are just grist for the mill. And both types of threads are fun.

Stay on the forums long enough and you will see an ebb and flow to what type is predominating the discussion. As well, when the same topic keeps appearing over and over and there are not a lot of new members during that time the regulars just get tired of it.

I think also I'm being fair in saying that most people are probably like me. I'm not a scholar in any field. There are some on here who are very knowledgeable. It's kind of difficult for me to even engage someone on something they have a doctorate in beyond "That's neat". So scholarly debates can tend to be scarcely populated.

Not that we don't try. Which may be the reason behind Jayhawker's statement.

So yeah. I agree with Sunstone.

JMiller said:

Borrowed from a post that a member Jay made. It is quite interesting in that it got me thinking about the quality of this forum.

Out of the plethora of threads on this forum, which threads do you find above average with substanative qualities?
What constitutes as substance to you?
Do you find quality expert material within most threads?
Finally, does the comment hold water in your experience on these forums?

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I find ethical debates to be the most substantive, but perhaps that's just a preference because it's an interest of mine. In an ethical debate, there are so many considerations and variables involved that it can be quite complex and involve many shades of gray.

Debates about gods or politics tend to not be too substantive unless you can find a good debate partner.

JMiller said:

So does everyone agree with Sunstone?

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I'm for a scholarly DIR. I just don't think it's realistic to expect all of our members to be interested in serious threads.

Sunstone said:

I'm for a scholarly DIR. I just don't think it's realistic to expect all of our members to be interested in serious threads.

Click to expand...

I totally agree.... I love a serious discussion, but I realize that there are those that don't on here as well.

I'd love a scholarly DIR assuming it wasn't overly restrictive. (gotta' give me some wiggle room so I can join in lol)

wa:do

how about a comedy DIR ?

Substance? On the internet? Really?

Sunstone said:

I'm for a scholarly DIR. I just don't think it's realistic to expect all of our members to be interested in serious threads.

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I think that basically sums it up.

I for one have learned a lot on this forum. There are some very knowledgeable members. At the same time though, as with any forum, there are trolls, the ignorant, people who just aren't open to debate or discussion, etc.

Because of that, various threads do get clogged up (example, my Jesus myth thread). Instead of intellectual debate, sometimes it just ends up to mindless dribble, which really just kills the actual discussion (partially because it wears away at the people who want to actually have a debate or discussion).

JMiller said:

So does everyone agree with Sunstone?

Click to expand...

Its a broad Church of people and reflect society at large, there will always be spammers, oh so high and mighty types, snipe comment merchents, those who take it serious, those with a lighter approach, lurkers, preachers, im right you are wrong at all costs types etc.
There is a one on one debate section though, so I suppose once you have found a partner to spar with that you like then thats an option.

For me thin skin is the worst side to this place, religious debate and thin skin never mix very well.

There are many helpful things on this forum. The problem is many people are to stuck in their beliefs to give anything else a chance. For the most part it's more about people trying to defend their beliefs then being open and trying something that could really become beneficial to them.

When it comes to God or spirituality many or most things will only be helpful if activity is applied to the knowledge gained. Then wisdom will be found. Until then it's people trying to cognize with their minds whether something is true or not.