I am interested in knowing just what you are looking for in a seniors forum? However general or detailed you might want to take that question, the answers may be of interest. What sort of an atmosphere are you looking for? What discussion topics are you looking for? Are you looking for a forum that is tightly or loosely controlled? However you'd like to answer the question, I'd like to know. There are no wrong answers.
I know that a forum is a virtual place with real limitations, but I like to approach this forum as I would a brick and mortar location. I want it to be a place where I can hang my hat.
I already feel at home I came here for company - I'm stuck at home mostly I choose a forum for the distraction, takes my mind off things that ail me
I came here because somebody told me about it on another (not a seniors) forum and thought that I'd like the chat here. Having been here just over a week I am enjoying it a lot. In a seniors forum it's not so much what I'm looking for as what will NOT be here - ie: topics that are suited to younger people such as "getting that bikini body", interactive gaming, "what to do when you spot that first grey hair" articles about celebrities that I've never heard of, strange writing in which (for example) "great" is spelled "gr8", and more along those lines - you get my meaning.... So far the atmosphere here has not only been warm and welcoming during my first week or so, but has been fun, informative and helpful. I couldn't ask for more - I've not hit upon any controversy yet and I'd probably not get involved if I did come across one. I'm not sure what you mean by "tightly or loosely" controlled - if you mean having moderators for the forum (I don't know whether there are ...) I'd like to think not because we're all over 18 ! What fascinates me is the ability to connect with people of the same generation in far-flung (from France!) countries and get to know them in this virtual way, what they do day-by-day, what makes them tick, what they enjoy, dislike or are confused about. The normal daily things that make up life for most normal people.
The forum I came here from often went for days with nary a change in topics nor a sign of life. This forum always has something going on. I like it here fine.
I love to hang around here, sharing and absorbing the members' experiences, who have mostly overcome the odds in life.
I think this forum is fine the way it is. You can blow off a little steam now and then and no one jumps up and down and throws you off. I had not been a senior forum until here lately and was a little concerned it would be a bunch of old folks talking about their meds and operations. You guys are far from that, I'm glad to be here and already consider you as on-line friends. Your topics are diverse and for the greater part interesting. Keep up the good work Ken.
There's just me, and I can't read everything. As for the level of control, I am trying to allow as much leeway as possible for discussion without offending people beyond their limits, the problem being that people have different limits. Some people would really rather never see anything that they disagree with, while others enjoy heated discussions, so I guess I'm trying to achieve something in between, with only a few areas where there is a likelihood of strong disagreements. I also don't like to feel that I have to step in and stop every disagreement, so I try to let people work things out for themselves. Sometimes, I think, there are those who would have preferred me to step in sooner, while there are probably those who wish I wouldn't interfere. Of course, I'm trying to make a point by using extremes when, in reality, most of those in this forum aren't really at these extremes. Sometimes, I'm sure I am wrong in my assessments of what's going on.
Order must be maintained. But sometimes at the cost of loss of vital information pertaining to a particular discussion. The price paid for "Law & Order". Frank
I am happy with a forum with friendly folk and freedom of speech, and a hands off approach from moderation..unless..and this is a biggie...unless there's personal attacks on members because of their views on a subject. I'm all for serious and heated discussion in it's place..but when a member feels that they can viciously attack someone because their opinions differ then that's a huge no-no for me...and then I feel that moderation is needed ... I've recently been a member of a forum where even if I posted that the sky was blue there were members who took offence and followed me around to attack everything I posted..appalling behaviour which was permitted and condoned by the moderator and admin of the forum... No forum can provide everything any individual requires...but having been a moderator myself of several forums, I know how difficult and time consuming it is to keep everyone happy... A level playing field is the biggest requirement I feel...and as a solo admin and moderator Ken..I think overall you do a sterling job.. So for me... a forum that allows happy chat..serious debate..and everything in between with friendly folk regardless of differing views...is a place to come for relaxation.. .
I can see that it's quite a responsibility. I've not been here very long and have not yet seen anything that has either (a) caused me offense or (b) seen evidence of other people being offended. However, when you say "some people would really rather never see anything that they disagree with" .... now that's a tall order and doesn't reflect real life or the ( *ah-hem* ..... ) supposed wisdom of Seniors ... there are so many areas of discussion in this forum that they can walk away from a discussion they are not enjoying or disagree with strongly. They don't have to engage. They can enjoy taking part in those areas that they do enjoy.
The problem there is that some people view disagreement with what they have said as a personal attack. In these cases, I try to look at whether it is really a personal attack or simply a strong argument, but not everyone will agree with me.
I know calling a person stupid would be a personal attack but is calling their ideas stupid in your opinion a personal attack? Maybe it needs clarifying.
I look for entertainment on a forum, it's like watching TV for me which I barely do. I don't really come to learn anything or change my views because forum members aren't professionals. I used to look for friendship on a forum or be with members I know....to connect. I've been burned by friendship so I'm more cautious now. Even on a specific forum like a health forum, I wouldn't do anything crazy someone suggests because everyone is different, nor would I suggest something and then have that person get sicker because they followed my advice. I also look for a forum that's just the right size. Too small isn't good nor is too big. This forum is a perfect size and active enough not to be boring. I also like the personal stories more than informational. I can google whatever I want, don't really need a forum for that. For ex: I liked your post about your plans to hike the 100 miles. A post just on the Appalachian Trail I could look up myself.