How Would You Describe a Special Interest Forum?

[deadheadskier]

Originally Posted by highpeaksdrifter

Like we have here at AZ to someone who knows little or nothing about them? Plus what attracts people to them and what keeps them here?

I understand the question. I have my 'AZ addiction' and my girl her 'GOTV addiction'. They both represent an extended 'virtual' community to be a part of. For some, that concept is completely weird and even more weird to bring into their 'real' community.

As time marches on, communities like AZ will seem more 'normal' to the masses, but at the moment it can seem a little weird to most; kinda like online dating.

[highpeaksdrifter]

Originally Posted by wa-loaf

Why that such a hard thing to explain? It's a place where people with like interests and obsessions can get together to discuss those interest and obsessions. My wife knits and spins wool. She spends all her online time at places called Soggy Granola and Ravelry. I'd rather she talk about that stuff with them than me.

Originally Posted by Greg

I suspect you would have to find something about the person that they are truly passionate about. I mean, something they're really into; something that is a big part of their identity. Then ask them if they've ever tried to talk about that passion with someone that is not as interested in it as them and received a somewhat uninterested reaction. If so, indicate that there probably is a community like AZ out there that is full of other folks that are just as whacked out about that particular endeavor and love to yammer on about it. They might get it then.

It's easy to explain the passion about skiing, hiking, biking part, but what about threads like 'What are you having for dinner?" or "What are you doing now?". Are they to make contact, just to have something to do, making small talk when there's no one to talk to? I'm not putting them down, I was just going through Misc. looking at the topics and it made me think of starting this thread to see what people thought.

[highpeaksdrifter]

Originally Posted by deadheadskier

kinda like online dating.

Now Deadhead, that’s a bit harsh. If you where an obese no-life loser, who is on ski forums every waking hour, who could only find work with his daddy, where else you going to turn?

[ckofer]

Originally Posted by highpeaksdrifter

It's easy to explain the passion about skiing, hiking, biking part, but what about threads like 'What are you having for dinner?" or "What are you doing now?". Are they to make contact, just to have something to do, making small talk when there's no one to talk to? I'm not putting them down, I was just going through Misc. looking at the topics and it made me think of starting this thread to see what people thought.

Nothing wrong with small talk.

[OldsnowboarderME]

Originally Posted by highpeaksdrifter

Now Deadhead, that’s a bit harsh. If you where an obese no-life loser, who is on ski forums every waking hour, who could only find work with his daddy, where else you going to turn?

you forgot who kind of raps and is a long time member of match.com ...

[Greg]

Originally Posted by highpeaksdrifter

It's easy to explain the passion about skiing, hiking, biking part, but what about threads like 'What are you having for dinner?" or "What are you doing now?". Are they to make contact, just to have something to do, making small talk when there's no one to talk to? I'm not putting them down, I was just going through Misc. looking at the topics and it made me think of starting this thread to see what people thought.

I think it was dmc that once referred to AZ as like an online water cooler. As far as miscellaneous topics, I think it's interesting to read views of others that share a similar passion. I've also met a lot of AZers in person and have befriended a few offline. That's pretty cool.

[ctenidae]

Try explaining something like Fark.

[marcski]

Tell them the truth..that its like the "Hee Man Woman Hater's Club."


(No offense to women (however few of you are out here).

[ckofer]

http://www.watchtheguild.com/

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Originally Posted by highpeaksdrifter

Now Deadhead, that’s a bit harsh. If you where an obese no-life loser, who is on ski forums every waking hour, who could only find work with his daddy, where else you going to turn?

Personal attacks will not be tolerated..I'm overweight..not obese..I'm helping my family out..and you can go F#ck yourself..why don't you go play in traffic.