In the thread responding to a recent high-profile banning (won’t link to it, since I’m not sure of the rules, but most of you know who it is and where to find it), I began to think about my posting habits.
Specifically, the amount of time I spend on the Dope, and whether I feel it is productive, and whether I feel I could be doing something more productive instead. Over 11 years, I’ve averaged about 1 post every 3 days, so I don’t think I’ve spent too much time here. As to whether it is productive, it does serve as an outlet, and if I’m ever in the mood to engage in any particular type of discussion, if it’s not already ongoing, I can always start one.
And I do know for a fact that I’ve helped at least a couple people in GQ (because they’ve told me) - in all other areas, I may completely be blowing smoke, but you can’t say I didn’t warn you.
How about you - do you feel you spend too much/just enough/not enough time here? And while the poll can’t account for this, what do you think of your overall contribution to the Dope?
I think I spend far too much time here simply because I contribute nothing of value to anyone except the shareholders my IP.
On the other hand, should I ever become a worthwhile, witty, and knowledgeable poster, the board will rally and I will be the recipient of countless PMs, urging me to vote that I don’t spend nearly enough time here.
I do spend too much time here, but I really don’t have a problem with shutting it down and knuckling down if I fall behind. I take a one month break every year, too. I just know I can get my work done and read.
I voted for ‘I don’t spend enough time here’ not because I really spend too little time here (I’ve been a member since 2000) but because I feel like I don’t contribute enough. I’m kind of a Super Lurker.
But my time here is always IMHO well spent because of all the things I have/could have learned.
There is NO way I could have been exposed to such a variety of intelligent, thought-provoking, sometimes mundane but nearly always interesting group of ideas and people in my real life.
When I lost internet access for a couple of years it was the Dope I jonesed for. I love this place.
You make an awesome point - and on review it seems a bit arrogant of me to assess my time spent on the Dope only in the context of the value I add. I’ve learned a lot about a wide variety of topics here, and met a lot of interesting, funny, and downright offbeat people. When a major news event breaks, I often go here first for analysis and commentary.
And it keeps me mentally sharp as well - jumping into the occasional Pit or GD thread gives me a chance to exercise my wits in a way I could not do IRL.
I think some threads I make a good contribution or learn something or just plain enjoy myself a little. But then I let myself waste time presenting facts others already know but pretend they don’t exist.
I waste too much time here and then end up staying at work late to do the stuff I should have done while posting. But I find it mentally stimulating, so sue me.
Too much. The majority of it is while I’m at work.
Our IT department had the site blocked for about a week a few months ago. I was amazed at how quickly I got all my work done.
I think I’ve got a pretty good balance. I log in when I’m needing a bit of a mental break from work, and I usually check in a few times during the weekend and evenings. I’m pretty low profile though, none of you would recognise my name or anything about me, so I’m more an observer.
I like the time I spend here. I’ve been on forums for over a decade, so I will get bored and go do something else if, upon browsing through for a few minutes, nothing attracts my attention. There is just SO MUCH here that I know I won’t/can’t ever get ALL of it, so I never think “OMG I MIGHT BE MISSING SOMETHING!”. Of course I’m missing something! And that’s ok. Knowing that at any time, day or night, I can post a problem, question or rant and receive humourous and likely helpful responses makes it more enjoyable than any other board I’ve been on. Plus, it’s more entertaining than most, as well. It’s win-win!
And on the odd occasion I can help someone else, it makes me feel a tiny bit useful.
As others have said about themselves, I’m not much of a poster, or thread starter. I enjoy learning things I didn’t know, reading (and occasionally posting in) meaningful debates, being exposed to a wide variety of people and thoughts.
However, I am saddened by the fact that I do not have a similar outlet IRL. So, the Dope it is!
