Why do some topics die immediately and others run rampant
from 
JoeUser Forums
JoeUser 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).
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).
PolMach Forums