[angler57]

Have a friend attending Indiana University, working on his Phd.
He is now deeply involved doing his dissertation.
The title of this topic is his choosen topic. If not the exact title.
Boy, that is a deep question if you study it carefully.
Belonging to a number of groups in USA and other countries am asking that question of myself.
WHY?

[Brenda]

Because we can, because it's an easy way to find out what people think, because you dont have to go out to exchange thoughts with likeminded people, because now everything works electronically, we have more time to waste, because we don't feel like reading a book anymore unless it is on our iPad, netbook or phone, because you can blurt out your opinion without concequenses, because we are lazy, because the beer is in the fridge, because you can pretend to be someone else, because watching tv is boring too, because we're special, because we want to "belong" and I could go on and on and on.

[PublicAnimalNo9]

Where or how else can you get a wide rage of differing ideas and opinions?
Although I've seen some that join forums to "educate us unwashed masses".
And then, you have the WIDE variety of types of forums.
Some join because it's a forum that has to do with a particular interest and there would be others there that share that interest.
In forums like this, while the occassional person is solely into flaming others, for the most part, it's a great place to get a perspective on things outside of your real life circle of friends, from across the country and internationally.
For me, I'm here cuz I enjoy debating certain topics and occassionaly learn things.

[Benn]

PublicAnimalNo9 PublicAnimalNo9:

Some join because it's a forum that has to do with a particular interest and there would be others there that share that interest.

Yes many in fact most forums seem to be used for this reason. To help one reinforce their beliefs and have a community behind them to support them, even if those some of those beliefs are beyond reason and irrational. A few examples, http://www.freedominion.ca - "Even The Conservative Party is not conservative enough for us. You are un-conservative if you as much as agree with any non right of centre policy." Then on the far left is their doppelganger http://www.rabble.ca - "Even The NDP is not socialist enough for us. You are a capitalist pig if you as much as agree with any non left of centre policy." In the career field you have ones like http://www.blueline.ca - "Unless you are a cop you can't even consider criticizing cops or how they act. In fact post-secondary education is for chumps, just become a cop and you'll know everything about everything. Cops can do no wrong and we'll ban you if you so much as even hint otherwise." I'm not even making up the idea behind those quotes either. To be fair these sites only have a handful of people that bad but they are so outspoken and unrestrained it tarnishes the sites image and potential usefulness.

Like Publicanimalno9 I come here to debate topics, give opinion on things I know about and listen and learn more about those I don't, of which there is a lot. Its a good mix of people on here (considering internet demographics) and unlike many forums like the ones I mentioned has people mature enough to debate or argue between one another on one issue and then debate in agreement on another issue at the same time. Not taking things personally and knowing everyone can't be the same, no one knows everything and someone is not Satan if they disagree with you.

As well I work from home and its the closest to adult interaction I get during the day, as sad as that might be.

[Yogi]

For the entertainment! CKA can be 'very entertaining' at times!

[PublicAnimalNo9]

Yogi Yogi:

For the entertainment! CKA can be 'very entertaining' at times!

Ahh yes, the fun we've had with foilers for one

[sandorski]

Fact: People who don't belong to Forums Suck and Fail at Life.

[Proculation]

I'm always lonely

[Yogi]

Proculation Proculation:

I'm always lonely

Well, that's cuz yer fat & ugly!

[Proculation]

Yogi Yogi:

Proculation Proculation:

I'm always lonely

Well, that's cuz yer fat & ugly!

Actually i'm slim and kinda hot. But everytime I go out, something happens involving prostitutes, drugs, alcohol and policemen. So I prefer to stay alone in my house and practice my english in forums

[raydan]

So I can say "F**k Off" to people and not risk getting a punch in the face!


...oh yeah, F**K OFF!!!

[Proculation]

raydan raydan:

So I can say "F**k Off" to people and not risk getting a punch in the face!


...oh yeah, F**K OFF!!!

Je sais où tu demeures. Fear my coming wrath upon thee for your blasphemy !!!

[raydan]

Same province as you in St-Hubert but I'll be in Québec City all week.

F**K YOU!!!

[Proculation]

raydan raydan:

Same province as you in St-Hubert but I'll be in Québec City all week.

F**K YOU!!!

Near the Loft Story loft ??? (that's the only I know in St-Hubert... oh yeah there's a little airport !)

[Lemmy]

Your friend is seriously writing a doctoral dissertation on "why people belong to forums"? As a graduate supervisor, I think I'd suggest a more academic research topic, but okay,...

I can only answer why I participate on this forum: because I love Canada and love to discuss Canadian news, law, economics, politics, music, sports, outdoors, art, culture, humour -- all things "Canadiana" -- with others similarly interested in, and inspired by, our nation. I like to trumpet our successes, criticize our shortcomings and, hopefully, discuss ways that we can make this greatest country on earth even greater for our children.