The demise of discussion

[cookiecat]

I ran across a thread in another forum started in 2014. Breast size dominance. The title caught my eye (or my pussy, to be honest). It started out as a pretty interesting discussion. Somewhere in 2015, the tumblr pics started creeping in to the thread. By 2016, there was pretty much NO MORE conversation about it at all - only images / gifs.

WTF?

I resurrected the Oral Servitude thread - which Farawyn graciously continued - and it's really really hard not to just say it's a blow job picture thread.

What do you think? What do you like? Pictures? A little more action, a little less conversation??

Does discussion create a better bond among posters? Even just the back and forth that happens in threads like what's cookin' or the blurt thread seems to allow for more.... connection? fun? getting to know ya in that interweb way?

Is it a combination of both? I love pictures (if you've ever checked out the glitter thread, you know this!!) but I really enjoy the discussions in the Talk section (when they don't devolve in to vitriolic nonsense) as well as the back and forth banter in a few of the threads here in the Cafe. Even if I don't banter, I like the little insights it gives in to you guys.

I'm not looking to recreate the Playground or the GB. Am just curious -has the rise of tumblr been the downfall of discussion??

 

[midwestyankee]

A few observations that probably won’t add up to a complete reply:

Some topics lend themselves to discussion, and sustained discussion in particular, more than others. This is my take on why the Oral Servitude thread and its ancestors have been mostly about sharing pictures and videos. The topic is neither controversial, novel, nor topical. The same can be said for at least half of the threads on the Fetish forum down the hall. How much that’s compelling can be said about women going braless in public, for example?

Now, it’s also true that some of the most compelling discussions here have died untimely deaths, and for various reasons. Sometimes discussions simply peter out because people seem to feel that they’ve all said as much as there is to say. Other times, some trollish person throws a rotten egg into the house and party-goers decide to stay away henceforth to minimize their dry-cleaning bills.

Certainly one reason is simply the particular nature of the regulars in the forum at any given time. When I got here, several quite talkative folks were active and a few of the threads ran amazingly long. Look up the Long Distance Relationship thread as a good example. Perhaps the popularity of picture threads is not a sign of changing culture but just the quirk of who’s here the most these days.

All that said, we seem to be becoming a more visually-centered culture (and by this I mean western culture at large). Look at the rise of the use of emoji as one example of that. Or that YouTube is now a go-to source of information on almost any subject when only a few years ago a search on most topics would have yielded many, many textual articles and only a few videos. These days when I want to know how to do something new, I go straight to YouTube’s search function and skip the google machine altogether. Clearly I’m not on the vanguard of that trend.

Finally, I don’t think that discussion is down for the count, but I do think that people are finding a variety of ways to engage each other that don’t include slow-moving and thoughtful discussion.

 

[Wordsworth]

I am of mixed opinion here. There's something voyeuristic about seeing what various posters fine arousing visually. It's like you are looking over their shoulders as they surf pornographic images. The more that they articulate what it is they like about a particular picture the more interesting I find the combination of words and pictures.

On the other hand, threads that have devolved into strictly fap fodder, rich with pictures I find it sometimes annoying to read comments that people make while quoting pictures that they enjoyed.. and the thing is there's no consistency for when I find myself somewhat annoyed. Generally speaking, it is because the comment itself didn't really speak to me or I don't really have a flavour for the poster in some way.

I guess I would err to the side of getting more information from what people are thinking and feeling as they view such pictures.

There's a playground thread I think something along the lines of what are they saying where you give a little story line that you imagine is happening in the picture. Generally I enjoy that but there's one or two posters that just irritate me and it's not really fair that they do, given that they are putting in some effort and I'm just an observer.

 

[seela]

I miss the discussions we used to have here.

I basically never look at the any of the pic threads here, which means that there have been days when I have come here and not opened a single thread on Talk or Cafe, because the only threads with new posts have been pic threads.

I love looking at pics (porny or non) if they're taken by or of people that post here, because I feel like it gives me a look into their lives and I like seeing glimpses of other people's realities. But I don't really get anything out of the pic threads that are just tumblr on a not-tumblr platform. If I want to look at porn, I go elsewhere. And I don't really care what kind of porn other people look at, unless it's someone whom I have, let's say, vested interested in.

I (used to) come here for the discussion and the community. These days I mostly come here out of habit, because I don't really participate in the discussions all that much, and I'm not sure I personally have that sense of community anymore either.

And on that note...

*off to look at porn*

 

[Angedesoleil]

I'm in a similar boat to Seela. I don't do the picture threads often with few specific exceptions for topic or a specific poster I have vested interest in.
That said, I don't think discussion has died. I was here way back when in years yonder under a different name I've long since lost the password to... and Yes, the topics were very different... but I think that is because this was such a unique platform at the time. Lit BDSM forum attracted a wider audience with a much more diffuse background. Heck when I was first around i had friends here who were full on leather, a couple Gorean folks, and everything in between. The diversity lent itself to different *kinds* of discussions, both specialized and common. I didn't post much back then, because I acknowledged that my limited experience better served listening and learning.
Now I feel we do know each other rather well, those who regularly post... and we tend to have a common culture between us... Yes, there are some differences of opinion but generally there are very few camps. So I think it is less that we have nothing to say, or we are more visually inclined and more that we as a group have less diversity.

As for the rotten egg throwers... Yes, that does put me off on occasion, but partly because I still feel like the new kid on the block and I don't want to come across as a pot stirrer or worse. So when it goes that way it does tend to shut me up.

Ironically I spent time thinking on whether I post entirely too much. Whether I should just curtail it to when I absolutely have something novel to say. I don't want to be one of those people you see their name and eye roll over. ( but I tend to be insecure so no shock there that is worry over this)

I wouldn't be opposed to having a designation in the title of threads ( pic) or (discuss) to designate which is wanted. For the specific example of the oral servitude thread... I LOVE that it was intended as a discussion on the topic. Would that I could add more on a regular basis ( on you have no idea how much I wish I could ) but as it is there are two things about my own personal brand of submission as it relates to service. There are things I CAN share, I always ask, and there are things I can't. It isn't that sex is sacred... it is that servitude isn't about lookie me. It also is between Sir and I. While I can't say he doesn't like to share , that would be laughable, it is more that it feels like it cheapens it a bit. I shared the one post because that was an extension of my feeling. It added. But were I to post about every service I do... every deep and meaningful moment it's kinda like I'm selling ting side seats to people who didn't pay the price of admission. I don't WANT what he worked damn hard earning to be fantasy fodder for anyone else.

 

[Jada59]

I like discussion. I do like pics but I have various people who might pop in and out while I am on here so I can't always look at certain kind of pics.

 

[KimGordon67]

I like the threads that are a combination of both ... I've really enjoyed moments where a particular image leads us into a discussion of why we do/don't enjoy that particular thing ... I find the differences amongst us much more fascinating than the similarities. The images get me thinking sometimes though ... every now and then someone will throw something in that is technically an image of something I don't like but that makes me go 'hmmm'. And I won't lie - me and the BF often use those things as inspiration for trying stuff out. And I really enjoy having threads that are self-curated around particular themes that might otherwise take a lot of searching to dig out. There's no way I'm going to find HALF the stuff Proximus manages to dig up.

But the talk that happens around those images is also important. It's really helped me understand my own wants, and the wants of my in-charge guy, and also helped me appreciate the extreme diversity within the BDSM/kink 'community' (for want of a better word).

 

[ultramarineblue]

I'm like seela in that I miss the discussions that used to take place here. I don't come here often any more so I don't see the discussions that do take place. I've learned a lot from reading here. One of the best things I remember were the varied opinions, experiences, and ideas that gave me so many different viewpoints to consider. All of that lead to greater understanding. I've always been one to appreciate differing viewpoints when respectfully explained. It gives me a greater understanding of the world.

 

[PrettyLilPussy]

Hi,

Ok so I am probably one that posts too many pictures and gifs. And I'll try to be more aware of that in the future.

For me, its clear that some of you have been very close for a very long time and it's hard to dip your toe into those deep waters. So, those threads were a way of expressing myself and the things I'm passionate about without infringing or butting in. A picture is worth a thousand words but they can also be good concersation starters.

I love discussion and have learned a lot from reading all of the banter here. But as a relative newbie, honestly, it can be intimidating to throw out thoughts and opinions among those who are more experienced, more opinionated, and smarter than I'll probably ever be. I'll respectfully throw in my two cents whenever i think I have something to offer but that's the exception.

With that in mind, I'll be more aware of the amount of pics/gifs vs. discussion. I'm always learning. Thanks for all your thoughts.

Plp

 

[Farawyn]

Hi,

Ok so I am probably one that posts too many pictures and gifs. And I'll try to be more aware of that in the future.

For me, its clear that some of you have been very close for a very long time and it's hard to dip your toe into those deep waters. So, those threads were a way of expressing myself and the things I'm passionate about without infringing or butting in. A picture is worth a thousand words but they can also be good concersation starters.

I love discussion and have learned a lot from reading all of the banter here. But as a relative newbie, honestly, it can be intimidating to throw out thoughts and opinions among those who are more experienced, more opinionated, and smarter than I'll probably ever be. I'll respectfully throw in my two cents whenever i think I have something to offer but that's the exception.

With that in mind, I'll be more aware of the amount of pics/gifs vs. discussion. I'm always learning. Thanks for all your thoughts.

Plp

I was like this, too, when I first got here. I had never experienced real life BDSM and I was intimidated, and in awe. The women here tend to be very smart, very self aware, very sexually comfortable, but they’ve also been amazingly supportive. I hope I have been to them, as well.

I love your gifs and comments in Oral Servitude. I only knew you from the PG, and now I see a whole other side of you. JJ, too. This makes me look for you both in other forums, and makes me feel a sort of kinship.

Another good ice breaker here are the silly threads. Like the drunk thread, or the music threads. I met Necro in the music thread, and 2 years later, he’s moved out here to be with me. That relationship was not formed through gifs.

Over on Talk? There are people who have been living the lifestyle for years. I read a lot. It’s so interesting. I also read their stories.

Posters, especially the men, will PM me about the Oral thread. A story. How they feel with their wife. How they want a certain gif, but don’t have that in their lives.
I always tell them, post this. Don’t tel me. I’m just steward of the thread at this time. I’m not the Oral Queen (okay. Yes, I am!)
Post it.

No, it’s not controversial. Or new. It’s a place where we can get together and talk about how much we love the smell, the taste, the feel, the pure devotion of serving with our mouths.
The gifs help. Tremendously.
But words are good, too.

Great thread, cookie.

 

[midwestyankee]

I’m glad to see that this thread has, in fact, engendered some discussion. When I first started to read and post in this forum after having spent a few years posting in the Playground, How To, and Authors Hangout fora for the most part, I was stunned by the amount of knowledge and experience that was reflected in the discussions. And I still find similar depth of knowledge and experience here, though it’s coming from different people.

A few who have replied here have said that’s they miss the discussions from before, and that leaves me curious. What discussions, in particular do people miss? For myself, I miss almost any discussion that involved Sir Winston, Cutiemouse, Stella_Omega, or Netzach because they knew so much and spoke plainly about their experience. But I don’t want to give the wrong impression as I’m interested to know if any particular threads are good examples of the sort of discussion that people miss. Here’s one that belongs on my list: the marks of a slave, started by eastern sun. It was honest, thoughtful, and promoted some fairly wide-ranging discussion as I recall.

Any other good examples out there?

 

[Farawyn]

I’m glad to see that this thread has, in fact, engendered some discussion. When I first started to read and post in this forum after having spent a few years posting in the Playground, How To, and Authors Hangout fora for the most part, I was stunned by the amount of knowledge and experience that was reflected in the discussions. And I still find similar depth of knowledge and experience here, though it’s coming from different people.

A few who have replied here have said that’s they miss the discussions from before, and that leaves me curious. What discussions, in particular do people miss? For myself, I miss almost any discussion that involved Sir Winston, Cutiemouse, Stella_Omega, or Netzach because they knew so much and spoke plainly about their experience. But I don’t want to give the wrong impression as I’m interested to know if any particular threads are good examples of the sort of discussion that people miss. Here’s one that belongs on my list: the marks of a slave, started by eastern sun. It was honest, thoughtful, and promoted some fairly wide-ranging discussion as I recall.

Any other good examples out there?

Cookie’s doormat thread on Talk pushed a lot of triggers with me. I rarely disagree with her, and I did. The discussion in that thread got heated at times, but we mostly stayed on topic. I think what it left me with was that I was abused. Emotionally. Verbally. Neglected. By my non Dom ex. I hadn’t come to terms with that.

It was an important thread for me.

 

[seela]

Ironically I spent time thinking on whether I post entirely too much. Whether I should just curtail it to when I absolutely have something novel to say.

I can relate.

Most of the time I don't think I have anything meaningful to say, so I don't post anything at all. I also feel like I've already contributed everything I can over the years. I used to be pretty active on Talk way back when, but for the past several years I've basically just concentrated on blurting and swapping recipes.

I don't WANT what he worked damn hard earning to be fantasy fodder for anyone else.

That's also an interesting thought!

I tend to keep a pretty tight lid on my goings on and what I'm into, to the point of probably coming across way more uptight and prudish than I am in reality. The reason for not sharing isn't that I don't want to be fantasy fodder (wouldn't happen), but that I truly cannot imagine anybody actually caring about the more minute details, so I keep my posts on a very general level.

I'm seriously starting to question the point of my coming here.

Here’s one that belongs on my list: the marks of a slave, started by eastern sun. It was honest, thoughtful, and promoted some fairly wide-ranging discussion as I recall.

Any other good examples out there?

That was a very good thread, I miss reading ES's posts. Ownedsubgal's reality was very different from mine, but so many things about her posts resonated with me a lot, I miss her as well. And many, many others.

I'm not sure I have any examples of great threads. I just in general miss the diversity of topics we had and the varied points of view. Our corner of Lit wasn't always as sub and female heavy as it is now and that definitely made the conversations more versatile. Somehow I also feel like we used to have many more serious topics that really made me think. I remember especially well some conversations where Netz and Homburg brought their knowledge of both eastern and western philosophy into the threads and blew my mind in the process.

Of more recent threads I've really enjoyed reading the doormat thread Farawyn mentioned and Miles' emotional masochism thread.

Edit: Oh, just remembered a good thread I enjoyed a lot. The polyamory thread, I think it was started by nh23.

 

[clistenovena]

Am just curious -has the rise of tumblr been the downfall of discussion??

Wow. What a great question to kick off this thread. And the discussion that follows...another wow.

It's been through pictures and images that I've gotten to know some really good people here. Maybe it's because I put soooooooo much thought into *why* that person posted that picture. There's insight to be had from the image someone posts. Well, for me there is.

As for the Oral Servitude thread, since it was mentioned specifically, it's been a thrill and an eye-opener to visit there. Mostly because I get to see and read the mindset behind the thoughts of Dominants and submissives regarding the concept. It truly is gratifying to know that others share my mindset. And I learn from what's there, pics and discussions alike. Along with that, the images are just freaking hot. When words come with, it's a great place to be

As for the back-and-forth discussion only, I do feel it builds bridges between the unknowns in here. I mean, I've read postings from several of you and thought, "What an incredible person." And I want to know more. I might not say as much, but the thought is there. And I may never have exchanged one PM with many of you, but through your words, you invite me in and let me have a glimpse into what makes you be you. Without the discussions, none of that would be revealed. Silly or serious, the words let me get to know, just a little bit anyway, the person behind the screen.

I am all about the words. Discussions about any topic, really, fuel my fire (maybe not one about tillers or thread count), however, I do agree with PLP who said that being new here keeps you kind of hanging around in the corner so as not to get in the way. The only reason I'm responding here now is because of the supportive responses from many of you out on the boards, whether it be to pics I post or words I type.

I guess what I'm bungling around and trying to say is that they both matter, in their own way. Just like all of us.

 

[Farawyn]

Wow. What a great question to kick off this thread. And the discussion that follows...another wow.

It's been through pictures and images that I've gotten to know some really good people here. Maybe it's because I put soooooooo much thought into *why* that person posted that picture. There's insight to be had from the image someone posts. Well, for me there is.

As for the Oral Servitude thread, since it was mentioned specifically, it's been a thrill and an eye-opener to visit there. Mostly because I get to see and read the mindset behind the thoughts of Dominants and submissives regarding the concept. It truly is gratifying to know that others share my mindset. And I learn from what's there, pics and discussions alike. Along with that, the images are just freaking hot. When words come with, it's a great place to be

This. Proximus and dirtyharry don’t say much on the thread, yet they do, every time a gif is posted that makes me slide off whatever chair I’m in.

 

[_Necrosomantic_]

I resurrected the Oral Servitude thread - which Farawyn graciously continued - and it's really really hard not to just say it's a blow job picture thread.

What do you think? What do you like? Pictures? A little more action, a little less conversation??

Does discussion create a better bond among posters? Even just the back and forth that happens in threads like what's cookin' or the blurt thread seems to allow for more.... connection? fun? getting to know ya in that interweb way?

I don’t think any one image hosting site is responsible for the downfall of discussions around here, I’d venture that it has more to do with a specific sort of apathy and laziness people demonstrate towards articulating their thoughts or passions.

Sitting down and taking the time to type out a paragraph or two about how you feel about something ( and actually portray those thoughts properly ) is a hell of a lot more time consuming and difficult than copy pasting an image of someone with a dick in their mouth and maybe a one liner-esque caption, or having attempts at discussions interrupted be the inevitable MENSA candidate who wanders in with the classic “ need a hand?”, only to then be killed by the approaching wall of links/pics/etc. That’s why I don’t go in Oral anymore. I can google image search “ messy blowjob “ too, that’s not why I went in there.

I tried a little social experiment a while back with it in the Control thread, trying to stimulate conversation and ask what it meant to people, how they figured it out, what their rates are, etc. Got maybe four answer before it was washed away in a tide of leash and spanking gifs.

I think it’s a given that I prefer conversation, lol. A pic or here and there is fine, and a well placed gif used to punctuate a story or statement can be great. But I signed up here to speak to other people that had opinions, knowledge, questions, and passion for the written/typed word. I don’t give a flying fuck what some faceless porn director’s perfectly lit, made up, b&w idea of what sexy is. I want to know what YOURS is, or at least why an image speaks to you beyond a sentence. It’s not so much that I miss specific threads that fell off after a while, rather just the absence or what used to be all over, people communicating and sharing their thoughts and feelings on everything bdsm and even the discussions had by the pool about music, or in some of Cookie’s old Name 5 Things thread. It didn’t have to be anything profound, but it was fun and engaging whereas now I’ve gotten to the point of having memorized most of the pics and gifs posted, so I don’t even bother looking anymore. I dunno, I guess I’m just pinin’ for the Fjords, ignore me

 

[Farawyn]

I don’t think any one image hosting site is responsible for the downfall of discussions around here, I’d venture that it has more to do with a specific sort of apathy and laziness people demonstrate towards articulating their thoughts or passions.

Sitting down and taking the time to type out a paragraph or two about how you feel about something ( and actually portray those thoughts properly ) is a hell of a lot more time consuming and difficult than copy pasting an image of someone with a dick in their mouth and maybe a one liner-esque caption, or having attempts at discussions interrupted be the inevitable MENSA candidate who wanders in with the classic “ need a hand?”, only to then be killed by the approaching wall of links/pics/etc. That’s why I don’t go in Oral anymore. I can google image search “ messy blowjob “ too, that’s not why I went in there.

I tried a little social experiment a while back with it in the Control thread, trying to stimulate conversation and ask what it meant to people, how they figured it out, what their rates are, etc. Got maybe four answer before it was washed away in a tide of leash and spanking gifs.

I think it’s a given that I prefer conversation, lol. A pic or here and there is fine, and a well placed gif used to punctuate a story or statement can be great. But I signed up here to speak to other people that had opinions, knowledge, questions, and passion for the written/typed word. I don’t give a flying fuck what some faceless porn director’s perfectly lit, made up, b&w idea of what sexy is. I want to know what YOURS is, or at least why an image speaks to you beyond a sentence. It’s not so much that I miss specific threads that fell off after a while, rather just the absence or what used to be all over, people communicating and sharing their thoughts and feelings on everything bdsm and even the discussions had by the pool about music, or in some of Cookie’s old Name 5 Things thread. It didn’t have to be anything profound, but it was fun and engaging whereas now I’ve gotten to the point of having memorized most of the pics and gifs posted, so I don’t even bother looking anymore. I dunno, I guess I’m just pinin’ for the Fjords, ignore me

You are a talker.

See, and while I don’t have much in the way of the “need a hand?” guys either (and yes, it’s always guys!) many times I feel it’s someone who wants to talk, but doesn’t quite know how to step in to the conversation.

 

[Angedesoleil]

I’m glad to see that this thread has, in fact, engendered some discussion. When I first started to read and post in this forum after having spent a few years posting in the Playground, How To, and Authors Hangout fora for the most part, I was stunned by the amount of knowledge and experience that was reflected in the discussions. And I still find similar depth of knowledge and experience here, though it’s coming from different people.

A few who have replied here have said that’s they miss the discussions from before, and that leaves me curious. What discussions, in particular do people miss? For myself, I miss almost any discussion that involved Sir Winston, Cutiemouse, Stella_Omega, or Netzach because they knew so much and spoke plainly about their experience. But I don’t want to give the wrong impression as I’m interested to know if any particular threads are good examples of the sort of discussion that people miss. Here’s one that belongs on my list: the marks of a slave, started by eastern sun. It was honest, thoughtful, and promoted some fairly wide-ranging discussion as I recall.

Any other good examples out there?

ES and Shy stick out in my memory. Netzach rings a bell but I'd have to go back to look. I'll try to look up a few of the threads I was going back over and link them tomorrow. I was specifically revisiting Shy's posts because I really would have liked to talk to her about this week. I was thinking back to advice she gave me over a decade ago.

 

[Scareltt]

We have become the society of the quick hit, gif, whatever

I love discussions, I love thoughts into words. However even in our daily lives we all use emojis, gifs, text speak (I try not to but I do) it’s faster, easier. So posting pictures videos has become the norm.

Here is an example.. picture random and probably fake picture/gif/video of drop dead gorgeous woman here, having an orgasm (wishing mine came right on cue)
Got that in your head..

Now this..

I moaned softly as I felt his hands on my hips. My back arching as he pressed into me. First just his tip, he let me get used to it. I fought the urge to lean back and take all of him. Then just when I couldn’t take it anymore, he slowley pushed himself deeper inside me.

It seemed to just keep going, my eyes rolling back into my head, I just couldn’t stop them. The sharp flash of pain as he pressed into my cervix. That quick release of pressure as he slowley worked himself back.

Everything combining; Me being bent over my own bed, my bottom in the air. His hands on my hips (Love That feeling of being claimed, of being protected property, even if only for a few fleeting moments) his voice telling me about all the things he wanted to do to me, his rock hard cock deep inside me. My body writhing on his cock. My body shakes as my first orgasm rocks my body.

One will always be better than the other. I feel like Lit is a place for words. There is also room for pictures, but for me it’s the words that captur my attention.

So my vote should be pretty clear.

 

[Apisto42]

As I’m fairly new still, I tend to only add long comments when I feel I have something of interest to say that might be interesting to others. Per the OS thread, while the gifs are often sexy, I very much like it when someone (usually Fara) asks a question about a particular aspect of servitude.

And sometimes just add a short little comment that makes me laugh.

 

[Farawyn]

As I’m fairly new still, I tend to only add long comments when I feel I have something of interest to say that might be interesting to others. Per the OS thread, while the gifs are often sexy, I very much like it when someone (usually Fara) asks a question about a particular aspect of servitude.

And sometimes just add a short little comment that makes me laugh.

Thanks. I like drawing people out in life, too.

Why do you think what you have to say may not be interesting to others?

 

[Apisto42]

I’m just very cognizant of the fact that people are very different. Especially about sex. Which makes discussion threads much more interesting than just a bunch of gifs.

The hesitation I have about posting on lit sometimes is that many people have developed relationships on here for years. So sometimes it feels ... intrusive? almost to interject a comment out of the blue.

 

[midwestyankee]

I’m really delighted to see some replies here from people I don’t know well. After 12 years here, getting to know new people has become one of my pleasures in returning here to read and post.

Seela made an observation that I found interesting, only in part because I’ve noticed the same thing: that the balance of men and women among regular posters seems to favor women at the moment. I bring this up because I’ve read a number of studies that show that women and men tend to perceive their own levels of contribution to a discussion quite differently and I wonder if there is any relevance to this particular discussion.

The studies showed that n a discussion where the total time in which men talk is the same as the time spent talking by the women, it’s likely that the men will conclude that’s the women spoke markedly more than the men. I believe that the same studies tended to show the inverse as well: that women tend to undercount their own contributions to a discussion.

Since we do appear to have a modest imbalance between men and women posting regularly, is there any possibility that the perception of a reduced amount of discussion could be related to the tendency identified in these sociolinguistic studies? Is it possible that we’re having more or less as much discussion as usual but that people are perceiving it through a different lens?

Granted, my question could be completely full of shit and by now some have already decided that I’m some kind of moron, but I assure you that I bring this up in good faith.

 

[Apisto42]

Interesting point. Other studies have shown that men are much more prone to gossip than women counter to the stereotype.

One thing that might dissuade new posters from writing instead of adding gifs is the shear number of threads that have become pic threads. And while I’m extrapolating from one data point (myself), the OS thread appeared to me to be a pic thread, not a discussion thread. At least until questions started being posted.

I have seen other threads which flat out said “no pics, just discussion” but that seems limiting in its own way.

 

[Dreamliner]

Recently I have been more into the "posting photo" mode, but was active in discussions in years gone by. I started dropping out of the discussions when the thread dissolved into inane comments/posts, that often had nothing to do with the original OP topic.

While on R&R recently I came to the conclusion that my time posting images would be curtailed and I would put in more effort to the discussion in threads, I have found them in the past to be interesting and engaging with other posters.

cookiecat, discussion is alive and well.