# Why Don't Youth Predominate SD Like Other Forums? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 9, 2013, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776 "2013-02-09T08:03:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/101 "2013-02-11T16:53:08Z")
I am for anything that increases the user base here. More posters = more discussion = more fun. I don’t really think we need to do anything specifically to draw people in (opening up Google searching of the boards was a good idea, though) but I dislike the idea that it’s a good thing that we don’t have a lot of young people because young people only want to make textspk misspelled Bieber posts with blinky avatars or whatever. That is silly. ---
**Author:** ![Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cc9497/32.png) [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/102 "2013-02-11T16:55:40Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > Sorry you can’t connect the dots, I feel others probably can see how my comments relate to the topic ’ why does the board skew older rather than younger’. I can’t connect the dots either. Conversation here rarely gets as deep or as technical as it routinely does on Reddit, especially the more content specific subreddits like [Reddit - The heart of the internet](http://www.reddit.com/r/dependent_types), [Reddit - The heart of the internet](http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians), [Reddit - The heart of the internet](http://www.reddit.com/r/AskScience) or [Reddit - The heart of the internet](http://www.reddit.com/r/haskell). Yet, Reddit’s user interface is notoriously spartan, there’s generally no avatars, no signatures, no pictures, no embedded video, and so forth. Despite this, Reddit is almost exclusively made up of posters in their teens, twenties or thirties, which if the general attitude in this thread prevailed we wouldn’t expect. ---
**Author:** ![steviep24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f9b8f/32.png) [@steviep24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steviep24)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/103 "2013-02-11T16:58:29Z")
Main reason SDMB doesn’t allow avatars and signatures has to do with copyright issues. The Dope has strict rules when it comes to copyright. The forum I linked to upthread (and which I admit to being a member of only because I happen to like the artist) reeks of copyright infringement. Not just with images but there are threads with complete song lyrics in them which violates fair use. ---
**Author:** ![kushiel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbce88/32.png) [@kushiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kushiel)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/104 "2013-02-11T17:08:00Z")
The older I get, the less time I want to spend on the SDMB. I know it’s backwards! I think it’s because when I was a teenager, I saw the board as this vast compendium of knowledge, where the smart adults hung out and dispensed answers to questions more advanced than I was studying in school. Now that I’m an adult, I just see a bunch of middle-aged people, most not any wiser than myself, bitching about the world changing. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/105 "2013-02-11T17:15:47Z")
Heck, I’ve complained about it not changing fast enough. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/106 "2013-02-11T17:17:33Z")
I visited alt.fan.cecil-adams a few times back in the 1990s, but didn’t post anything. I first discovered SD in 1997 on AOL. Cecil Adams’s brain. (Drawn by Slug Signorino, wasn’t it?) With clickable cerebral cortex sites. I lurked there for two years, but don’t remember posting anything. I’d been reading alternative newspapers wherever I lived since I was in high school in the 1970s, but somehow none of them ever had the SD, which is why it took until I was on AOL in the second half of the 1990s to discover it. The reason I hadn’t posted anything on AOL was that I didn’t feel ready to begin contributing yet. I waited to sign up for about half a year after the move to SDMB because I was getting caught up by reading through the entire archive of every SD article ever published online first. I finally signed up here once I felt ready to begin contributing. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/107 "2013-02-11T18:24:48Z")
> [@epbrown01](#): > > This forum strangles expression, or at least the way the younger users like to express themselves. It doesn’t allow gifs, lolcats, trollfaces, huge signatures that contain those things, and you cannot embed pictures and youtube clips - how are they supposed to get their points across? Because that stuff is all over Millennial-dominated Reddit. :rolleyes: Really, when message boards were the big thing, SDMB was pay to play. The $15/year membership fee probably turned off a lot of young members. There were plenty of other free or low cost options. By the time SDMB membership became free again, young people got thier feet wet on the Internet with Facebook, and later Reddit. Besides, who wants to hang out on a message board with few of their peers, where there’s some active hostility towards the thought of younger users? Young people are smarter than we give them credit for, and they know they’re not wanted or welcome here. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/108 "2013-02-11T18:40:45Z")
> [@installLSC](#): > > To all the people who wonder why we don’t have avatars and similar stuff on the site, if you have dialup or similarly restricted internet usage you can’t load heavily graphic pages. A graphic heavy SD would prevent many poorer and less tech savvy posters from contributing much. And that’s a much bigger loss that not being able to get your avatar. I personally like it the way it is and would prefer it stay that way, but that’s not the reason at all. Because if avatars or other graphic elements were allowed they could be optional and even disabled by default in all the users’ settings. (Hoping this will forestall a further trip down this rabbit hole. ) ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/109 "2013-02-11T19:00:34Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > You’d think this would be true, but alas. Not all of those grown-ass women at the concerts are there because they brought their kids. We have a boy band freak here who’s in her forties. I think she even had a custom jacket made that says, “Mrs. Bieber” on the back. ---
**Author:** ![R3d\_Anonymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/aeb1de/32.png) [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/110 "2013-02-11T19:15:16Z")
I will give you some examples of what happened when I tried to get some of my friends to join: “Message Boards are stupid. It is a bunch of people trying to funny that aren’t.” “I like Yahoo! answers.” “Bunch of no-life people.” “I am not a Dope!” Yeah, it seems like most people my age aren’t too interested. Sorry. I think the other problem, like I said earlier, is that it is kind of hard to stumble upon on Google. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/111 "2013-02-11T19:17:07Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Wow. Someone who _might_ have been a teenager once tried to post a graphic in her signature?! > > You guys are right. All teenagers are obsessed with graphic animations and that’s why they hate the SDMB. It’s so clear now. Aye, no shit. I’d think the outward and absurd hostility toward anyone who doesn’t buy Geritol by the caseload is why young people don’t hang out here. I hung out here when I was a teenager, but I don’t really care if everybody hates me for no reason. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/112 "2013-02-11T20:50:16Z")
> [@Justin\_Bailey](#): > > I think that’s the problem. There’s a perception that the average SDMB user is 40+ but I doubt it’s true. If we go by the poll **Zeldar** posted, the average age is probably closer to 30. Older than your average 4chan user, but not old in the ancient sense. Maybe, but when I visit the member gallery, I’m adrift in a [sea of bearded old men](http://www.nouilles.info/sdpix/gallery_home_7.html). The “get offa’ lawm” and “don’t change anything” mindsets, along with nitpicking pedantry, makes the community seem much older than it really is. The SDMB felt like a community of my peers when I first joined in 2000. Now, not so much. It seems like the community aged faster than I did. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/113 "2013-02-11T21:06:35Z")
> [@elmwood](#): > > The SDMB felt like a community of my peers when I first joined in 2000. Now, not so much. It seems like the community aged faster than I did. Yeah, my mirror doesn’t work either. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2013, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/114 "2013-02-11T22:34:15Z")
> [@elmwood](#): > > Because that stuff is all over Millennial-dominated Reddit. :rolleyes: Can’t say I’ve spent much time on Reddit, but since it’s been mentioned several times in this thread as a success story that puts this board to shame, I checked it out. Two things immediately jump to the forefront: that it’s ugly as hell - like, it seriously looks like utter eyeball-raping shit - and that while it does support something like threaded discussions, it’s primarily a site designed for posting external links rather than a proper discussion forum. Based on that, I’m not sure it’s fair to compare the relative success at attracting young people, because that board and this one aren’t really equivalent in terms of purpose or functionality. (Or appearance, thank God.) ---
**Author:** ![Jr.DNA\_test](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d78d45/32.png) [@Jr.DNA\_test](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jr.DNA_test)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/115 "2013-02-12T00:21:49Z")
> [@JohnGalt](#): > > I think it’s a combination of Google, Wikipedia, and Facebook, each serving different needs, that keeps people from NEEDING SDMB. In fact, just this last week I had a student ask me what is the Straight Dope. My short answer was, “It’s what people did to talk with each other before Facebook.” That seemed to answer him. I’m 23 but can groan like a fossil. It’s what there was before oil. > [@Simple\_Linctus](#): > > First of all, you may ask why am I “hanging around” old people off or online in the first place? The reason for me is that it’s because I can absorb knowledge and get advice that I just can’t get from my generation. In return I try to assist older folk with stuff people my age get - especially comptuer related things (this is offline I’m talking here in particular) - you would be amazed how many hell 35 year olds are frigging inept at anything technological beyond the very very basics. This is no Faustian pact, I do have a good time with older people, but I have to be honest, I don’t have as much fun with old people as I do with people my own age, especially offline. Online it’s not so bad in a way because internet culture is a bit more youthful and tolerant anyway. What the hell is a Faustian pact? > [@steviep24](#): > > A typical [teen forum](http://katyperryforum.com/index.php) > Other than this example teens rarely use message boards these days. Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook are their domain. And of course SMS text messages. Adapted to young adults: no naughty pics = trash > [@resting](#): > > I am 24 years old. Being an Australian, this forum gives me an interesting perspective on American life. I find Internet memes to be boring and unfunny. I find you to be an abomination. > [@ethelbert](#): > > I am 64 years old. I want my goddam blinking animated avatars, especially the ones that have cartoon characters having sex with many tentacled creatures. And I want you to explain to me very slowly (and with considerable repetition) how to get one. > > That is all. > [@Gary\_T](#): > > Well, you aren’t getting one until you learn how to spell “goddamn” correctly. Amen to both. ---
**Author:** ![Jr.DNA\_test](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d78d45/32.png) [@Jr.DNA\_test](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jr.DNA_test)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/116 "2013-02-12T00:41:09Z")
First time I see a forum where you have to check off a box to show your signature. It’s like an anti-Faustian pact to make yourselves look old. Damsels in distress in these parts would probably go down the Hansel and Gretel route. …And what are you doing to my self-esteem making me scour for the edit function? :’( ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/117 "2013-02-12T00:48:07Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Name one thing that “young people” like to do that isn’t also enjoyed by people over age 30. (Bonus difficulty for the SDMB: do this without referring to animated signatures.) Dwelling on lawns. ---
**Author:** ![Jr.DNA\_test](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d78d45/32.png) [@Jr.DNA\_test](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jr.DNA_test)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/118 "2013-02-12T00:52:22Z")
> [@](#): > > The administrator has specified that you can only edit messages for 5 minutes after you have posted. This limit has expired, so you must contact the administrator to make alterations on your message. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Paris_Tuileries_Garden_Facepalm_statue.jpg/300px-Paris_Tuileries_Garden_Facepalm_statue.jpg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Paris_Tuileries_Garden_Facepalm_statue.jpg/300px-Paris_Tuileries_Garden_Facepalm_statue.jpg) And why in the world would you have a submit post/reply/edit button under both the text reply and additional options? [![](https://i.sstatic.net/jiFfM.jpg) ](https://i.sstatic.net/jiFfM.jpg) And just in case I don’t see my signature again. [![](https://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii65/Paramedic83/triple.jpg) ](https://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii65/Paramedic83/triple.jpg) The fourth transitions in and out of sleep apparently. Your Mafia games any less dumb at least? ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/119 "2013-02-12T06:12:45Z")
I don’t know if we still have it, but I think we at least used to have a rule where you were only allowed to show your signature once per thread or once per every 50 posts (that’s by default a page), that’s why sigs are off by default. ---
**Author:** ![Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cc9497/32.png) [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776/120 "2013-02-12T10:17:59Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > Can’t say I’ve spent much time on Reddit, but since it’s been mentioned several times in this thread as a success story that puts this board to shame, I checked it out. > > Two things immediately jump to the forefront: that it’s ugly as hell - like, it seriously looks like utter eyeball-raping shit - and that while it does support something like threaded discussions, it’s primarily a site designed for posting external links rather than a proper discussion forum. Based on that, I’m not sure it’s fair to compare the relative success at attracting young people, because that board and this one aren’t really equivalent in terms of purpose or functionality. (Or appearance, thank God.) No, it’s a proper discussion forum as well. The site is split into various topic specific subreddits. I already linked to some upthread. What you saw is the “frontpage”, basically whatever is most popular on the site right now. You’re right that the SDMB and Reddit have very little in common. One has millions of users and attracts the likes of Bill Gates (his IAmA yesterday) as posters. The other is the SDMB. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-youth-predominate-sd-like-other-forums/649776.md?page=7)