Post by Ceci on Apr 26, 2007 2:10:18 GMT -5
The most important thing about forums is not only the type of members who are there, but how issues are being addressed. On this board, we strive to be a place where people can get involved in expressing their opinion and engaging with others on the events of the day.
We are in exciting times. As members and staff alike, we have the opportunity to make this forum into a place that can serve as a way to get involved in not only discussing subjects in depth; it is also a place where the members themselves can express themselves either through creative efforts or 'real talk'.
How do we do that? By having curiosity and bravery enough to speak. I have been on forums that have been intimidating experiences. On those boards, it took quite a while before I mustered enough bravery to post my thoughts and wait for someone to answer me back. But in the end, I was glad that I did. By finding subjects that engaged what I was thinking about, I was able to grow from those experiences and learn from other people. Best of all, I took away some insights that have changed my point of view about society.
The trick here is to get your feet wet in something that you want to talk about. There are plenty of subjects here that can stir someone's sense of curiosity. And, if there is something that is missing, do not be afraid to bring it up in Board Business. The beauty about being on a forum is that it grows with its members. Through member involvement, it can be a great community in which people are busily exchanging information, contributing ideas, having relevant debates and making compelling awarenesses known.
Of course, not everyone is going to have the same ideas about the world. And what members have to remember is the fact that we're all people here coming from different walks of life. Sometimes, there will be people here that don't agree with each other at all. Other times, there will be subjects in which people find themselves mutually discussing similar views. However, the most part is what we get out of the meeting of the minds.
That means, not taking things personally. Go into a conversation with the mindset that it is just a discussion. A talk is never one in which people insult each other or ostracize one another over different points of views. And there will be times that some of us will get a "little preachy". Well, it happens. But always remember to stick to the topic. Argue your points based on the issue. And never use a topic as a form of a vendetta.
We are all here to learn from one another.
And of course, there are times in which things will get a little heated. As mentioned in the "Board Rules" stickies, please take a step back and take some time away from the issue. Believe me, you'll be glad you did. I've witnessed first hand how people can sometimes take things personally and end up saying things they didn't want to. So, it is best to stay calm, enjoy yourself and try to get the best out of a conversation that you can.
And if you want to extend this a little further, try your hand at sending a message during Mad Radio's "Late Night Show", engaging in a debate or writing an op-ed piece. In the future, there will be other boards in which members can creatively express themselves through art or writing (right now they are in the planning stages, so stay tuned).
Just have fun here. We have an eclectic bunch of people here who carry with them different types of knowledge. And it is exciting that they will be sharing different ways of viewing current events from their own perspective.
It starts with you.
We are in exciting times. As members and staff alike, we have the opportunity to make this forum into a place that can serve as a way to get involved in not only discussing subjects in depth; it is also a place where the members themselves can express themselves either through creative efforts or 'real talk'.
How do we do that? By having curiosity and bravery enough to speak. I have been on forums that have been intimidating experiences. On those boards, it took quite a while before I mustered enough bravery to post my thoughts and wait for someone to answer me back. But in the end, I was glad that I did. By finding subjects that engaged what I was thinking about, I was able to grow from those experiences and learn from other people. Best of all, I took away some insights that have changed my point of view about society.
The trick here is to get your feet wet in something that you want to talk about. There are plenty of subjects here that can stir someone's sense of curiosity. And, if there is something that is missing, do not be afraid to bring it up in Board Business. The beauty about being on a forum is that it grows with its members. Through member involvement, it can be a great community in which people are busily exchanging information, contributing ideas, having relevant debates and making compelling awarenesses known.
Of course, not everyone is going to have the same ideas about the world. And what members have to remember is the fact that we're all people here coming from different walks of life. Sometimes, there will be people here that don't agree with each other at all. Other times, there will be subjects in which people find themselves mutually discussing similar views. However, the most part is what we get out of the meeting of the minds.
That means, not taking things personally. Go into a conversation with the mindset that it is just a discussion. A talk is never one in which people insult each other or ostracize one another over different points of views. And there will be times that some of us will get a "little preachy". Well, it happens. But always remember to stick to the topic. Argue your points based on the issue. And never use a topic as a form of a vendetta.
We are all here to learn from one another.
And of course, there are times in which things will get a little heated. As mentioned in the "Board Rules" stickies, please take a step back and take some time away from the issue. Believe me, you'll be glad you did. I've witnessed first hand how people can sometimes take things personally and end up saying things they didn't want to. So, it is best to stay calm, enjoy yourself and try to get the best out of a conversation that you can.
And if you want to extend this a little further, try your hand at sending a message during Mad Radio's "Late Night Show", engaging in a debate or writing an op-ed piece. In the future, there will be other boards in which members can creatively express themselves through art or writing (right now they are in the planning stages, so stay tuned).
Just have fun here. We have an eclectic bunch of people here who carry with them different types of knowledge. And it is exciting that they will be sharing different ways of viewing current events from their own perspective.
It starts with you.