Discussion and chat forums are becoming increasingly popular these days. The reasons are not hard to find. Almost everyone seems to have an opinion on almost everything. Add to that the need to air one's opinion, and the logical result is a discussion forum. What characterizes discussion forums, and is everything hunky dory about them?
Eclectic Interests:
Discussion forums have people talking about virtually everything under the sun. The variety of topics discussed is so huge that it would need an encyclopedia to present a comprehensive list. They include movies, music, television, interesting pictures, astrology, health tips, beauty, yoga, self employment, jobs, making money, the Internet, graphics, programming, software, games, home business, shopping, books, cooking, gardening, sports, and travel, and that's just the tip of the ice berg.
Headlines:
Current topics intrigue people a lot, and they are soon to form opinions. For instance, a headline such as "Indians, Chinese top world's rich list" can spawn hours of discussion, as would another headline which reads: "Shuttle delivers Japanese lab to space station".
Box Office Draws:
Movies draw people by the hordes, and it shouldn't surprise anyone that Hollywood tops the billing. The fact that Indiana Jones has delivered $56 million in 2 weeks at the box office can keep talkers busy for several more weeks.
Hobby Horse:
Hobbies and games have their own following. Astrology in particular appears to have a worldwide following, with people apparently obsessed by personality traits ascribed to those born under particular star signs.
Differences Of Opinion And Abuse
However, discussion forums have evolved some rules of etiquette that talkers would do well to follow. Often, polite talk transform quickly into abuse, especially when there's a difference of opinion on a crucial topic such as the comparative merits of sportspersons, or the arrest for DUI of a popular celebrity.
Need For Moderation:
Forums have their rules and exhort members to follow them meticulously. Despite the best efforts of moderators, things often get out of hand, and 'members' of talk forums are shown the door for overstepping the line of correctness.
Sensitive Topics:
Religion and politics are particularly sensitive areas of discussion that can result in much bad blood and may require greater moderation. This problem gets exacerbated when some members of the forum 'gang up' and try to take the discussion in a particular direction of their choosing. This makes the moderator's job even more difficult, as he or she cannot ban everyone from the forum.
Timely Intervention:
The moderator's job in a discussion forum is comparable with that of a referee in an international sporting event such as soccer. He must keep the game going while insuring that he keeps a tight rein on the direction in which the game is proceeding by restraining the players.
He must be quick to penalize an erring player, and resolve a potentially troublesome situation by foreseeing it before it happens.
Discussion forums can be a lot of fun, if participants are able to accept that not everyone is likely to agree with them on everything, and like them, others are entitled to their opinions.
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