Hello, I'm not big on introductions but here goes anyway. Is it just me or is the forum debate scene not as lively as it used to be back in the '90s and early '00s before the rise of social media?
It's not. Facebook and other social media took some of that away. Just a different way to argue. Welcome to the board. This is a fairly active board, and you can still get into some lively debates here. Make sure you read the rules that can be found on the lower right of every page.
It does seem that social media has replaced certain aspects of the internet forum, but I see that as a good thing for places like this. Those who actually wish to debate and discuss complex issues will still need communities like this and those interested in posting cat pictures or complaining about their friends fingernail clippings will go to facebook. It's a win- win because we get less of them and the get less of us. By the way...Welcome and have fun.
I didn't have internet access in the 90's and early 00s, so I wouldn't know. Welcome to PoliticalForum. This is an active board with lots of interesting debates on just about any issue you can think of. I'm looking forward to your posts.
I think there's a lot more freedom of speech today. The early MS chat forums were heavily monitored, for example. I believe the days of moderator demi-gods are gone. Welcome.
Welcome. There is still hissing and spitting to be found if you lean that way. Many thoughtful and informed debaters on this forum so you’re bound to find something of interest.
Thanks for the warm welcome. I shall certainly acquaint myself with the rules. In the meantime, your sig is notable. For the record, I happen to agree with benevolent dictators. The fact they are few and far between is, to me, a sign of how much the robber barons will fight to keep their wealth and power.
Thanks, looking forward to it. Correct me if I'm wrong (I avoid Facebook et al like the plague) but it seems that it's more difficult if not impossible to remain anonymous on social media (unless you create a fake profile) whereas on forums such as this that's not the case and that in itself creates an atmosphere for more lively debate. Which is why I hope they don't die out..
Thanks, looking forward to yours too. I first started using the internet not long after it became accessible to the masses and back in those days political forums were a rarity. Most discussions, not only political but almost every conceivable topic, were to be found on what was called the Usenet. Web access to that was through the portal known as Dejanews, anyone remember that?
Thanks. I won't mention any names but there's one seemingly popular forum where the over-moderation has become ridiculous, with moderation tactics that more often than not come across as hostile. Many members have left as a result.
I used facebook until it became clear they were selling me and everyone I knew there as a commodity thus compromising my security as well as that of my "Friends", in that time I agree with your assessment and in fact the very concept of facebook requires you give up personal details and lose anonymity. Here and in a forum context we still make friends but, do so based on personality and intellect rather than cute memes and kitty pictures.
Well, benevolent dictators aren't sustainable. Yes, you can get one or two of them, but without a constitution to limit them, eventually they will become real dictators. It's the nature of power. The real point is that people who think they are doing things for your own good never give up their use of power against you.
When I first got on the internet in 2004, I spent a lot of time in the AOL political chat rooms. They had rooms for Democrats and rooms for Republicans. I used to enjoy aggravating the Republicans. I miss those days.