8 replies to this topic

[Marc]

This is very speculative, but will be a very interesting thread! It may potentially differ greatly between users too... I am interested for many reasons, and trying to get a feel for what people's opinions are and is quite important for me to know!

I'm doing a bit of writing on cultural theory and social media so some ideas on what you guys like and dislike about communities online would be really appreciated!..but just even how you guys feel about coming online to socialise would be fine as a small idea on what you feel. Anything you're comfortable saying, or to answer my question in more depth would be really great to read. My thoughts...

To start off, this forum for me is great because it means I can talk with people who potentially share the same interests as me, and where I feel comfortable. I like to watch YouTube, because I am a lad who likes to goof around sometimes I will visit different communities from time to time to get a feeling of what is going on. I like research, news, games and learning about other people, so it's win win for me wherever I go, but preference through interest will always guide me to places I would find more appropriate.

I do have a life outside of all this haha, but I socialise with friends in real-life situations more often, yet find that I learn less stuff. I am probably more lazy than I should be, but not anxious in any way that I am holding myself back from anything in my life. Sorted.

Your turn Thank you for your head-rants! GO!

Edited by Marc, 04 December 2011 - 04:35 PM.

[Auzzie Wingman]

What does it mean to me?

Well, I'll be honest when I say that I fear everyone's judgments about me in the real world. Online communities like this allow me to say and do things that I might find to be problematic in my real life, without worrying about the consequences. As such, it's a release, a stress reliever, entertainment and just general communication. I can retrieve information of my liking, discuss cool and new things, without having to worry about it backfiring.

Generally, the first reason I join an online community in the first place is to get things for my own personal gain. But I always have a habit of sticking around for the long haul. I'm still returning to places as obnoxious as GameFAQs, just because I was part of the community. Online communities are just a place to express myself without having to worry what happens afterwar.... OMG I FOUND MY CHEWY! YUSH!

[aaron]

It means that i can make new friends and also talk about topics others are interested in.

[Brian6330]

For me?

A forum for me is a place to make new friends. It allows me to discuss things I'd not be able to discuss irl at all...
As Auzzie said, it also acts as a stress reliever, as you have more freedom. Once in a while, I use this place to find out about games I should buy.

In a forum, it's like one big family, that's what I like about this. It's also easy to get to be friends with someone-close friends even.
Look, have you ever discussed with a person on the internet and started on games and ended with how we humans are the worst animal on the world? If yes, then I don't need to explain all that much.

On the internet, you are also accept, no matter who you are or what you like.


I could go into more detail, but at the end I'd just come back to the main points from above.

If you want though, I can go into more detail

[Garolymar]

I'm not very well perceived in the real world so It's nice to talk to others besides my mom, sister and brother. I'm not very good with small talk though hence the reason I don't visit the chatroom very often and the reason that when I do visit I'm more then likely just lurking.It's my only form of social interaction besides my siblings and parent. so yeah, not very long but that's what it means to me.

[Marc]

In a forum, it's like one big family, that's what I like about this. It's also easy to get to be friends with someone-close friends even.
Look, have you ever discussed with a person on the internet and started on games and ended with how we humans are the worst animal on the world? If yes, then I don't need to explain all that much.

On the internet, you are also accept, no matter who you are or what you like.


I could go into more detail, but at the end I'd just come back to the main points from above.

If you want though, I can go into more detail

Yeah Brian, please do! I kind of understand what you mean, but gotta say I haven't ever discussed much on how rubbish people are. There are indeed some really rubbish people in the world, and the idea that the Internet groups more 'friendly' and fandom types, is a given. A forum is essentially a social network is it not? Yet, really not in the same way Facebook or Twitter is a social network...it is typical for these sites to house rubbish people So, to what extent does social types differ outside the forums? It is true that these are certainly comfortable places to associate yourself with...

[Finesthour]

Well, to me it means...

I am apart of a family.

For anyone that knows me, they know my home-life sucks. I can barely call my family a real family.

Online, I can meet people who become my friends, who actually listen to my problems.

So basically, being on forums like this, or many others,

Puts me in a home away from home.

[Marc]

Nice one guys, appreciate your thoughts! Considering you don't even know me, I feel I can be comfortable allowing myself to be part of the community, no matter what my opinions are. If you're willing to be open, then I'm willing to be supportive. Awwh. Anyway, it isn't a surprise that many people are prejudiced for fan communities, and I just can't get my head around it. Am happy to stick around

One more note, I may quote what you say in any writing I do for my dissertation. I will of course message you directly for your consent, otherwise just let me know here. I am vey happy either way, as I can describe general feelings in writing, or direct quotes. If anyone would be interested more in my writing, give me a shout another time.

Would love to hear more comments from the rest of you! Thanks

[HaoSenVastForest]

I enjoy listening to others thoughts from others all over the world and Nintendo fans are normally the nicest on earth so I do like to stay here. Also I do really like the chatting function! I always feel chatty!!!