The paradox of serious

More Than Mortal · April 17, 2017, 08:14:32 AM

So there's been some noises made previously about low-effort OPs on the Serious board consisting of just quoted articles and no commentary or discussion-steering from the OP, with me being a prime example.

But what's the point? Activity on this site isn't high enough--especially not on the Serious board--to warrant high effort posting. The effort just isn't rewarded with stimulating discussion.

And I mean, you could argue that more high-effort posting would lead to greater activity but I don't think anybody can think on this topic for an extended period of time and seriously reach that conclusion.

challengerX · April 17, 2017, 08:38:17 AM

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Verbatim · April 17, 2017, 08:41:09 AM

Typing a couple paragraphs explaining your thoughts on the matter isn't what I'd call a highly-demanding exertion of effort. Maybe it's because I love to write, and I love having hard-line opinions on everything, but calling that sort of thing "high effort posting" speaks volumes to me of your unwillingness to exert even the minimum effort, which is really all that's being asked of you.

High-effort posting would involve taking a few days to vigorously research the topic before typing a lengthy, thorough response coupled with several links to the various sources you've gathered, all the while formulating your own personal appraisal of the matter in a carefully-constructed mode of persuasion. It also involves formatting the post, making it look aesthetically pleasing, while cutting some of it down to make it more succinct, yet digestible, without compromising the message.

Not to mention proofreading, making sure every single word is chosen with the utmost deliberation.

That's high-effort posting, and nobody is asking you to do that.

More Than Mortal · April 17, 2017, 08:53:03 AM

Quote from: Verbatim on April 17, 2017, 08:41:09 AM

Typing a couple paragraphs explaining your thoughts on the matter isn't what I'd call a highly-demanding exertion of effort. Maybe it's because I love to write, and I love having hard-line opinions on everything, but calling that sort of thing "high effort posting" speaks volumes to me of your unwillingness to exert even the minimum effort, which is really all that's being asked of you.

High-effort posting would involve taking a few days to vigorously research the topic before typing a lengthy, thorough response coupled with several links to the various sources you've gathered, all the while formulating your own personal appraisal of the matter in a carefully-constructed mode of persuasion. It also involves formatting the post, making it look aesthetically pleasing, while cutting some of it down to make it more succinct, yet digestible, without compromising the message.

Not to mention proofreading, making sure every single word is chosen with the utmost deliberation.

That's high-effort posting, and nobody is asking you to do that.

To be fair I used to do 'high-effort posting' as you describe, and that's what I was thinking of when I used the term, but it's probably the wrong term to use for this discussion broadly.

My point is that it really isn't worth doing anything besides pasting news stories because the discussion value on this board is so low. Hell, even posting the news is barely worth doing. And, like Challenger said, we all pretty much know where the others stand, and if we don't we could probably make an educated guess.

Verbatim · April 17, 2017, 08:58:18 AM

Quote from: i cum in peace on April 17, 2017, 08:53:03 AM

To be fair I used to do 'high-effort posting' as you describe, and that's what I was thinking of when I used the term, but it's probably the wrong term to use for this discussion broadly.

My point is that it really isn't worth doing anything besides pasting news stories because the discussion value on this board is so low. Hell, even posting the news is barely worth doing. And, like Challenger said, we all pretty much know where the others stand, and if we don't we could probably make an educated guess.

See, every thread I post is a work of art. So, even if nobody else appreciates it, that doesn't mean that I can't. I sit there for a minute, marveling at what I just typed like Brent Rambo, and that's really enough to make it worth it for me. I like hearing myself talk.

Clearly, not everybody's the same way, but perhaps if more people were, we'd have a little more activity.

challengerX · April 17, 2017, 09:08:22 AM

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challengerX · April 17, 2017, 09:14:47 AM

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challengerX · April 17, 2017, 09:18:06 AM

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Turkey · April 17, 2017, 09:22:02 AM

I feel partially at fault, being one of the most vocal critics of "low effort posts". But really, I'm totally fine with posting news articles verbatim, I just want to see a paragraph or two of input from OP to get the ball rolling. When a news article is posted, so often the only responses are just typical reactions or memes -- which are fine, but it's largely because the OP has failed to provide an opinion to counter.

Also, it's getting close to finals season for the students so I imagine some of the activity loss is due to that. I myself haven't been as active because of increased work tempo.

Tangent: How've you been lately, Meta?

More Than Mortal · April 17, 2017, 10:30:37 AM

Quote

Tangent: How've you been lately, Meta?

Very well, thanks.

Kicking drugs and going on SSRIs is quickly shaping up to be the best decision of my life.

challengerX · April 17, 2017, 11:31:35 AM

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More Than Mortal · April 17, 2017, 11:47:45 AM

Quote from: challengerX on April 17, 2017, 11:31:35 AM

You seem very happy.

It's a function of being depressed for four years and then realising life can indeed be different.

Me being capable of appreciating what I have and thinking life is worth living is such a cognitive shift that it would be downright weird if I weren't so happy.

challengerX · April 17, 2017, 11:59:44 AM

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Dan · April 17, 2017, 12:02:15 PM

Quote from: challengerX on April 17, 2017, 08:38:17 AM

Also people are afraid to argue and hold grudges, they get too emotional.

This is because after a certain period of time, people start to associate themselves with an online persona and that persona becomes an extension of their own ego. Whenever that ego is challenged, they become threatened and retaliatory.

This is what happens when you take an internet forum too seriously.

Super Irish · April 17, 2017, 12:31:34 PM

Tbh I'm not a serious enough person or well versed in politics or the like to setup a worthy discussion.

Kurzgesgagt does the odd video that if relatively impartial enough I post and see where it goes from there (All those DNA-Genetically-Modified-Baby-GMO posts). That reminds me, an EU one came out which would be good material.

(((Fun_Timer))) · April 17, 2017, 02:54:38 PM

Quote from: Verbatim on April 17, 2017, 08:41:09 AM

High-effort posting would involve taking a few days to vigorously research the topic before typing a lengthy, thorough response coupled with several links to the various sources you've gathered, all the while formulating your own personal appraisal of the matter in a carefully-constructed mode of persuasion. It also involves formatting the post, making it look aesthetically pleasing, while cutting some of it down to make it more succinct, yet digestible, without compromising the message.

Oh yes, talk dirty to me.

Aether · April 17, 2017, 02:56:37 PM

The lack of extremely in depth and nuanced discussions doesn't really bother me. I don't really come here for that, and don't expect any of it from this site. It's nice when there is some but I'm satisfied with the way this board is content wise, and I certainly don't want any more measures taken that would lower activity.

maverick · April 17, 2017, 04:21:50 PM

I don't think it's entirely necessary. Not every topic really warrants inserting an opinion to get the ball rolling. While I do think it should be encouraged, especially if it's something not often discussed around here or the OP knows a decent bit on the matter, I don't think threads without this should be frowned upon either. Responding with "great thread" to every low-effort OP is just stupid.

Big Boss · April 17, 2017, 05:27:50 PM

I'd rather just share an article and read what others have to say about it

gats · April 17, 2017, 05:39:27 PM

I understand that someone may not feel entirely comfortable about writing a couple paragraphs on what they've posted but the least they could do is write a short sentence or two outlining their opinion on whatever the topic or why the topic warrants a thread.