Bible Question:
Dear Forumites, I think that there has been a slight frustration building for quite some time regarding our forum here. Reformer Joe has recently articulated it well. There are many threads which are either of minimal value (see Kalos' questionable question post), or which leave little room for discussion (like where is such-and-such). Then there are the neverending discussions on issues such as Calvinism vs. Arminianism (with the recent additionof Amyraldianism). While these are still threads that need to be addressed on the forum, I believe that some of the most regular members (especially who have been here for a while) could lose interest. I wonder if this partially explains a trend that I discovered while looking at the history of the forum. There are some members who have been here forever like Kalos, Charis, and Hank. However, there are also many people who are very active and supportive for a time and then just kind of disappear. Some of these RCScroll, RElderCascade, Brent Douglass, Xapis, Heir of God, KBurgee, Melchizedekau, Reformedreader, Jim, InHzsvc, and GMsmith101. And there's also our most prolific poster Nolan Keck, who has been on sabatical for over a month. I think that it is worth addressing to discover a way that we could continue to improve the forum so that people will want to stay. Their experience and valuable input is sorely missed when they leave. What does everyone think? For those of you who have been here a long time, do you remember why some people left? Why have you stayed? Are people really frustrated, or do I interpret Reformer Joe and others incorrectly? |
Bible Answer: Sir Pent I have personally emailed many that have left and asked the question and these have been the reasons. First some people whose names will remain unmentioned at one time seemed to be engaged in who could have the most posts race. That resulted in some of most inane and useless notes, answers and questions this forum has seen. The idea wasn’t quality but rather quantity, that ‘prayerfully’ has seemed to cease. However before it ceased many packed up and left. Second many have experienced personal attacks, I think you have even felt the blunt of this yourself. I personally have been called everything from an idiot to a pagan. Many saw no real reason to endure this abuse and left. Third many question the worth since there never seems to be a conclusion of a discussion, debates just seem to run out of steam and die. Read through the threads as someone looking for answers, rarely will you find an overall census of opinion or a conclusion. Most threads lie in limbo until someone comes along and breaths new life into them. The lack of finality has caused many to ask, “to what purpose?” and they have left. Forth many of the questions are answered by opinion rather than Biblical truths. Therefore there is much falsehood contained in the forum. Some people felt uncomfortable with being a part of that and left. Fifth which sort of goes along with the third and fourth, many ask themselves is this time well spent? What is being accomplished? Opinions rarely get changed and ideas remain as dogmatic after the debate as before. I had one person refer to this as what Paul witnessed with the Athenians always seeking new ideas, but for no purpose other than past time. Sixth any new or less than orthodox opinion is met with anything from mockery to anger and people that see things maybe from a little different view point have been driven away. Seventh there is an old adage never debate/discuss religion or politics, it is one sure way to get people mad and some have heeded that and left. The reason I stay – I have asked myself that many times. First I think I stay because of all the great friends I have made. Secondly I feel some obligation to insuring that junk or crazy responses don’t go unanswered. More than once I have had to pray about my involvement and I continue to do so. EdB |