What motivates you to participate in forums like these?

[Guest mormonmusic]

Just curious what motivates you to participate in discussion forums like these. There have been times in my life when I spend a significant amount of time at them, and wondered what motivates others to invest the time in visiting, searching for topics, starting topics, and answering the questions of others.....when there is so much else to do in life....

[beefche]

I joined another forum about 3 years ago. I've had such a positive experience there (made some really good friends) that I decided to look into other forums.

I enjoy being able to discuss a variety of subjects in a safe environment, like getting different points of view without much contention (we have our share of cat-fights), enjoy the comradry of Mormons and non-Mormons, making great friends. I'm a very social person and although have family and friends IRL with whom to interact, I enjoy making new friends across the globe.

[hordak]

I have no place else to go:(

Seriously.

[prisonchaplain]

We're all in a contest to see whether I get baptized in your church, or one of the other mods gets baptized in mine. Of course, if it ends up the latter, the U.S. marshalls will be my ushers. :-)

[beefche]

I have no place else to go:(

Seriously.

We've tried to make you leave, but you keep coming back.

[annamaureen]

Sometimes it's easier to discuss problems, concerns, difficult or confusing doctrines, etc. in an online environment because it's anonymous. There are certain things I wouldn't feel comfortable discussing with other members "in real life," but I can come here to talk about them. People genrally don't talk about "the hard stuff" at your average sunday school class.

Edited November 24, 2009 by annamaureen

[Guest Godless]

People are generally more open and honest online than they are in "real life". That is certainly true in my case, which is why I like participating in online discussion forums.

[Mahone]

This one? I like annoying Pam.

[pam]

I get paid lots and lots of money to do it.

P.S. I wish.

Edited November 26, 2009 by pam

[pam]

This one? I like annoying Pam.

I like being annoyed by Mahone.

[Guest xforeverxmetalx]

I just enjoy discussing things and learning about other people's thoughts and points of view, also people from other cultures. as far as here specifically, I'm curious about Mormons from places besides where I've been and learning about topics that don't come up too often in church.

[RanMan]

I was participating in another forum previously, but the non-LDS there became so hostile towards the LDS that I came over here.

I orginally participated at that forum because I liked discussing religion with other people, and to get a sense of what others believed.

:)

[prisonchaplain]

From RanMan's description, I'm getting the impression I've been dropping the ball. Perhaps I should stir things up a bit? :::evil laughter:::

[Maxgreen1]

Well, other than Facebook, this is a website where I have contact with other Mawwwmons

[RipplecutBuddha]

I've always enjoyed discussing religious topics, and for now, this is the best site to do so. I've been to other religious forums, and I agree that they quickly become too antagonistic and patronizing to the LDS position.

Soon I'll be able to add another forum to my habit (especially since MySpace has totally hit six feet below the underside of the bottom of the barrel on quality contributions. I barely go there anymore)

[nbblood]

Personally I join and read forums because they offer me the opportunity to learn from what is posted. That is generally the overall reason I read and come back.

I belong to several forums. Some, like this one, I visit regularly. Others I look at usually when I have something specific I am looking for. Each offer specific qualities based on their content and topic. I read the skydiving forums on Dropzone.com regularly. Because I am a skydiver and instructor. Those forums keep me up-to-date on current regulations, trends, equipment, events, etc., etc. It is very useful.

I also belong to forums for archery, shooting (guns), piano, guitar and a few others that I visit less frequently (usually when I'm looking for something specific.)

This forum, like others, gives me the opportunity to learn from others' experiences and questions. I've never had all the answers for anything, nor will I. A lot of times people post things that I frankly hadn't thought of. That is true of the other forums as well.

IMHO, this forum also brings a spirit of humility, particularly in hearing others' experiences. It also provides inspiration to read, ponder, search, and discuss issues that involve the gospel. It provides insight to other religious beliefs. It provides answers for things I have been looking for. It provides direction to further research. It provides a bond with those with similar beliefs and values (not just LDS, but others as well).

A lot of times I visit the forums just because I'm not really sure what I want to learn about today. Almost always, there is something posted that catches my interest and attention, a scripture, a topic, a story, whatever it may be. I like to think of it as the spirit guiding my learning. I really believe that it can be.

I don't post a whole lot, but I read a whole lot. When I feel I have something of consequence to contribute, I will.

Of course when reading any forum it's always important to remember to consider the source. Forums are mostly anonymous in the fact that most of the time you don't really know the poster on the other end. Sure, as you spend time in any forum you can figure out who has credibility and who may not have as much. But that is ALWAYS important to consider whenever you're reading or posting in a forum.

But the bottom line is I read forums to learn. If I can contribute meaningfully I will. But quite honestly, it's a somewhat selfish purpose of self-education.

[Traveler]

Just curious what motivates you to participate in discussion forums like these. There have been times in my life when I spend a significant amount of time at them, and wondered what motivates others to invest the time in visiting, searching for topics, starting topics, and answering the questions of others.....when there is so much else to do in life....

I do it to develop better writting skils.

The Traveler

[Misshalfway]

Psychosis? Addiction maybe? :)

Truth is that its fun. And its interesting communicating with people this way even with its inherent handicaps. I don't think we talk as freely in the 3D world. I have talked to people I never would have under usual circumstances. Its helped me think and expand my views. I like that.

[candyprpl]

I agree with all that's been said.

I can sit here in my comfy clothes, slippers, no makeup, hair a mess and have plenty of time to think of an answer or to find a quote I want to share.

I love reading the thoughts of others. It's true, because of the annonamous nature people do open up a little more.

I've never liked talking on the phone but this seems to suit my needs for conversations. I love facebook where I can keep in touch with my good friends and family.

[mnn727]

Just curious what motivates you to participate in discussion forums like these. .

Honest answer is boredom causes me to post on different forums, the fact that I'm LDS points me to this one at times. When things are slow at work, we can play on the internet. I almost never post from home as I'm always doing something.

[Over43]

Boredom