Question about online interaction...

[OneGrassRoot]

This forum (DU, but specifically ASAH) is the best example, to me, of ongoing, in-depth discussion.

Most other online venues like Facebook, LinkedIn and other such social media sites don't really foster ongoing discussion, imho. They are AWESOME as far as sharing information, but to really flesh out discussions about topics of interest and engage many people, I find them lacking.

I'm chatting with a gentleman who really wants to gather people to explore empathy and compassion, and create or gather info regarding curricula to put these qualities into action. That's something I've wanted to do as well at Wishadoo!, as well as groups focused on other topics of interest that could be fleshed out more in depth by community members.

I wonder what it is about this space that allows detailed, open and honest discussions to flourish? I realize the gathering of those with like mind and heart, who are ready and willing to discuss things in depth, is the most important factor, but is there something about this format that is more appealing and supports such ongoing discussion more than other sites, even though it's public?

Are there other forums or formats that you've found where people have ongoing, detailed discussions?

[I Have A Dream]

1. I think that there are two things about DU's format that help with this.

1. When someone responds, the post is kicked back up to the top.

2. There's an easy way to see when someone responds to what you posted. (Via 'My DU'.)

[OneGrassRoot]

2. The "My DU" thing is invaluable...

Number one is fairly common in most forums I'm using, but #2 isn't, and it really is an awesome, very helpful feature.

Thanks. :hug:

On edit: I find it much more useful than Facebook's "notifications," which other sites mimic. I'd rather have the "My DU" feature.

[I Have A Dream]

3. I agree with the Facebook notifications statement....

especially when you also play games on Facebook. They all get lumped together, so it makes it difficult to go back to the types of discussions that you described.

[Why Syzygy]

4. This just fell onto my desktop.

It applies exactly to your question. OGR, I think you know that I prefer a wiki layout. Is there anyway you can add a wiki to your site? Any time you want to organize you're going to need a database. Maybe you have something like that already. Or don't really need it. But I like wiki.

Great article.

http://www.healyourlife.com/author-carmen-harra/2011/06/lifeshelp/intuitive-guidance/what-wholeliness-can-do

When people are united by similar ambitions and come together with the intention of helping to heal the world, they can accumulate the force of an unstoppable hurricane. The energy of the universe enters their bodies, minds, and souls and endows them with the power to produce constructive change. Individuals find themselves encouraging each other and employing their own strengths to compensate for the weaknesses of those around them.
(...)
Having said all that, while progress will come at the appropriate time, at this moment humanity is in a season of change, and this process must inevitably start with some discomfort. Therefore, you may feel pessimistic during this stage and wonder what you can possibly do to make a difference in this troubled world. Maybe you work with others for a common cause and feel dispirited at times when, despite your efforts to defuse the situation, the group gets bogged down in petty disagreements.

[OneGrassRoot]

5. That link is fabulous, Why Syzygy....

Thank you so much. VERY inspiring to me, especially right now.

:hug:

As for the wiki, I'm with you. I LOVE a wiki. The Wishadoo! site is a database (php/MySQL), and I do plan to incorporate a wiki eventually regarding helpful resources. I have created one but it's not fully integrated yet, so I don't have it on the menu.

My question here pertained more to a messageboard/discussion forum format and what aspects are more attractive to people for ongoing discussion and interaction.

As always thank you for the excellent link! You and KOB find such awesome info!

:hi: