Why Do People Join Forums And Not Post In Threads?

[Ruthyone]

I have noticed that in the Sherlock Forum there a lot of people who have joined the forum but have not posted in a single thread.

 

There may be people that just like to read the threads and enjoy the contents plus the information given about various Sherlock and unSherlock

 

writings.  It does seem odd to me that you take the time to enrol on here and then not join in with any of the themes.

 

                                                                                                 

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

Cultivate patients, I'm sure they will post when they feel confident that they have something to say.

[Carol the Dabbler]

Presumably some people registered mostly so they could access the "Spoilers" forum.  But it doesn't really matter why someone joined, they're more than welcome to post at any time, and hopefully your question will encourage some of them to do just that!

 

I see that we're now up to 1,150 members!

 

[TeylaHolmes]

What if some of them are the cast and crews of Sherlock?   waves at Ben, Martin, Amanda, and Moffat    that would be Awesome lol 

[T.o.b.y]

I very seriously doubt that!

 

When using "guest access" there are some topics you can't see. So it makes sense to me that someone would join just to read. Why not?

[TeylaHolmes]

I know it be cool though lol 

[Carol the Dabbler]

When posting anywhere on the public internet, I try to bear in mind that what I'm saying can be read by literally anyone in the world.  Of course it's possible that some of the professionals involved with Sherlock are members of this forum -- but even if they aren't, they could still read most of what's posted here.  They wouldn't even have to come to this web site to do so, because Google searches will bring it up.

 

So any time I am being critical (of Sherlock or anything else), I try to remember to word it in an objective manner, rather than resorting to name calling.  For example, I might say I think this scene could have been improved in a certain way -- rather than "so-and-so is a bad writer / actor."

 

Added:  I find it helpful to ask myself, "Would I be embarrassed if so-and-so read this?"  This can also help me avoid gushing!

 

[T.o.b.y]

I'm afraid it's impossible for me to avoid gushing altogether when it comes to Sherlock... But when I consider what fan art comes up if you simply google "BBC Sherlock" and then click on "pictures", I tend to think there is more exciting stuff out there for anybody who is looking for "interesting" fan reactions.

[Ruthyone]

What if some of them are the cast and crews of Sherlock?   waves at Ben, Martin, Amanda, and Moffat    that would be Awesome lol 

 

  You never know!!! Anyone could put in a 'user' name and be posting away like mad!

[Meyers]

I am a Moderator on two other Forums. One is an Engineering Forum and the other a Private (by invitation only) forum for writers and researchers. The peculiar statistic is that most forums report a posting percentage of only 10 to 15 percent of its members. The non-posting members are online as much as the posting members but seem to enjoy lurking and info gathering. There is nothing wrong with this. It is just a characteristic of the internet anonymity.

 

The Private Forum enjoys a much higher posting percentage (85 percent) probably because everyone knows who you REALLY are and therefore it is a platform that ideas and questions can be discussed in a civil manner before being published. It is of great advantage to the author and researcher.

 

Meyers

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

 

The Private Forum enjoys a much higher posting percentage (85 percent) probably because everyone knows who you REALLY are and therefore it is a platform that ideas and questions can be discussed in a civil manner before being published. It is of great advantage to the author and researcher.

 

  I can see that happening as a forum like that is more focused and has a target user in mind.

[Undead Medic]

Having been a short-term lurker on a forum or two, I also feel that some people can be put off posting by the feeling that they have nothing of perceivable value to add to the discussions, particularly if they feel that their level of "knowledge" is "lesser" than the regular posters. This is probably less of an issue with private, academic forums because those invited to join are naturally knowledgeable on the subject matter at hand.

 

Welcome to the forum, Meyers. Glad you found us!

[Ruthyone]

I post on a forum that deals in a lot of topics but closed down a few years ago and recently reopened.  Hardly anyone posts on there now but a lot of people have registered but don't post. I think, maybe, this type of forum may be going out of date.

The 'Sherlock Forum' however, is thriving because it spans generations and can modernise.

[Alice Holmes]

...I also feel that some people can be put off posting by the feeling that they have nothing of perceivable value to add to the discussions...

 

This is the main reason I've been a member of this forum for over two years, but only have 400 posts. I like reading what other people are saying, but I don't always have something valuable to add. I do think, however, that if you are on a forum for literally the sole purpose of lurking, don't bother to make an account. It's only annoying.

[Ruthyone]

I think it's such a waste too - everyone has an opinion so come and join in

[Carol the Dabbler]

There have been a few times that I've run across a forum that looked interesting but didn't seem to have a lot of stuff -- so I joined just to see if that would make more stuff accessible to me.  As has already been pointed out here, some of our subforums are accessible only to members.  Ditto some of the best features, such as the New Contents page (which I can imagine a frequent lurker making good use of).

 

[Ruthyone]

I think this forum is one of the friendliest I have been on.  There's plenty of threads to get your teeth into and it's one of the best for putting pics, info etc on. :brit:

[Alice Holmes]

That is very true. The only other really friendly thread I'm on is an Are You Being Served? forum. (Probably because it's the only one in existence and has a grand total of 718 members after ten years.)

[Carol the Dabbler]

There's also a very congenial Magnum PI forum, and the same site, Magnum Mania, has lots of informative articles as well.  (It's been a long time since I logged in there, so if you decide to check it out, tell them I said hi!)

 

[Ruthyone]

I think this forum works because 'Sherlock' is our main theme so we have that in common. It is nice to post on a forum that accepts everyone has a point of view without being nasty.  

[Pawse]

I'm afraid it's impossible for me to avoid gushing altogether when it comes to Sherlock... But when I consider what fan art comes up if you simply google "BBC Sherlock" and then click on "pictures", I tend to think there is more exciting stuff out there for anybody who is looking for "interesting" fan reactions.

I find it impossible to avoid gushing about either Jeremy or Benedict, so I'm no help there..!

[Ruthyone]

I think we are all entitled to gush about 'Sherlock' - especially on here!!

 

[by the sea]

 I also feel that some people can be put off posting by the feeling that they have nothing of perceivable value to add to the discussions, particularly if they feel that their level of "knowledge" is "lesser" than the regular posters. This is probably less of an issue with private, academic forums because those invited to join are naturally knowledgeable on the subject matter at hand.

 

 

 

Sometimes, you feel yourself ... speaking for myself !   ... putting on the brakes after looking at a discussion ... the opinions on different episodes, for example ... where the participants go into such detail and show such analytical powers that you feel quite daunted by their level of enthusiasm and expertise.  I think I'm not putting this very well ... and I guess that's the issue ... but at times I think that my opinions must be very shallow or that I'm not very observant because I don't get to that place where I can break out the motivation of the writers or actors in conveying the story.  It's taken me some time and experience ... and, really, I'm not there yet ... to feel that I'm entitled to appreciate Sherlock as sheer entertainment just as much as those who feel the need to get right down to the nitty gritty of the story ... and to express myself on that level.  Part of growing up, I think.   

 

Debbie

[Meyers]

Good Post "Buy the Sea".

 

Internet forums are areas that attract "experts" and those who are only mildly interested and everyone in between. So there is a large spectrum of knowledge waiting to be tapped. I can tell you from my experience, that "experts" love to share their knowledge and interests in the subject. After all, what use is there in keeping it to oneself. There is only one silly question, and that is the question that is NOT asked. I have just recently joined this forum and it is evident that it is a much kinder and gentler forum compared to others. It is well controlled and I am happy I found it.

 

So I encourage all members to "ask away" and not to be afraid of someone stepping on you.

 

JMHO.

 

MEYERS

[Carol the Dabbler]

Also, don't feel intimidated by someone just because they sound confident.  For one thing, they may be spouting off half-cocked, but more to the point, different people have different points of view.  (And if you don't believe that, just go have a look at the "Last Vow" thread.)  Your viewpoint is just as likely to be valid as anyone else's.

 

Besides, if Sherlock can't be enjoyed as pure entertainment, then what good is it?