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terpfan1980
terpfan1980
Join Date 08/2004
+13

Why do some topics die immediately and others run rampant

March 30, 2005 1:07:02 PM from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
I'm curious as to what seems to a phenomenon here at at Joe User and PoliticalMachine.com

What makes some topics die a horrible belly flop style death, with little or no follow-up conversation, while other topics which would seem to be just idle issues take off as if they have a life of their own.

As an example, (submitted for your approval, to borrow Rod Serling's words if you will), consider these two threads: Does your pharmacist or insurer have more rights than you and Who says Colleges and Universities are not liberal biased

The first topic would seem to be one that would generate a lot of discussion, as it impacts on many of us, and is topical and current. Relevant, if you will, to most all of us. The second topic, while interesting, and certainly generating some healthy discussion, is more of a news piece pointing out results that many of us would readily point to and just say "yup, knew it all along."

Honestly, in posting the topics, I expected to see heated discussion in the first topic defending or attacking the right of others to help determine one's medical treatment. Seriously, the idea that I might need a treatment that someone would deny me (because of their own beliefs) scares the bejeezus outta me. And just as seriously, in posting the second topic, I expected most of us would just point at the topic and laugh because it seems so obvious to anyone that has their eyes open that most higher education is biased.

Not that I don't enjoy the conversation that comes along in any one thread, I'm more curious why some threads seem to so easily hit a string and inspire a reaction, while others flame out almost instantly.

I know others probably wonder the same (especially the points whores among us), and perhaps it's a mystery that doesn't really have an answer. But if it does, than I'd like to know what that answer is, just so I can help keep involved and keep others involved in the conversations and the news events of the day, for it seems that involvement will help educate myself and others and keep us all more involved in solving the problems we all face (or at least help educate us all on how to deal with them in the best ways possible).
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terpfan1980
ParaTed2k
Join Date 12/2004
+35
Reply #1 March 30, 2005 1:20:15 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
I've wondered about this too with my own articles. Admittedly, most of my stuff are stories and I have no more intent than to make the reader laugh, or at least appreciate the satire. There are times I kind of wish people would catch the point of the satire and comment accordingly, but again, since putting a smile on their faces (even if i don't get to see it) is the goal, so comments are appreciated, but not expected.

On the other hand, I do figure some of my articles would generate some response, but even though there are some pretty cool number of hits, 4 or 5 is normal, and 20 is the most I can expect.

Either way, good question and great article!!
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terpfan1980
Moderateman
Join Date 11/2004
+37
Reply #2 March 30, 2005 1:58:38 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
hey terp a word of wisdom from me to you..... expectations are future resentments. make sense?
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terpfan1980
terpfan1980
Join Date 08/2004
+13
Reply #3 March 30, 2005 2:21:23 PM
from PoliticalMachine ForumsPoliticalMachine Forums
Insightful reply Citizen ParaTed2k.

To Moderateman:

expectations are future resentments. make sense?


not exactly, elaborate a bit perhaps?
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terpfan1980
thatoneguyinslc
Join Date 07/2004
+1
Reply #4 March 30, 2005 3:00:09 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
I guess in the end it comes down to "hot button" issues. Which post generates the most interest based on the current climate around JU. I think everybody around here has written what they think to be a thought provoking interesting article...And zip! No replies, or few replies. I know it's happened to me more than once, and i suspect it goes like that for everybody else as well.
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terpfan1980
Moderateman
Join Date 11/2004
+37
Reply #5 March 30, 2005 7:16:03 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
ok here it is plainer I hope.... we have these expectations of how things are, should be, etc. we have them of our loved ones, moms dads bros sis, wife, hubby etc. follow me? most of the time no one can live up TO OUR EXPECTATIONS, but we have them anyways. so since no one can live up to our expectations and we have them anyways we are constantly doomed to fail,and we set up others to fail to... lose your expectations lose most future resentments. Man I wish I were more educated or eloquent. I hope this clears for ya.

elie
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