Useless Forums

[vl]

Ok.

When someone saves a person from a burning car wreck, that person cares not about the identity of his rescuer.

Why is it that, in every other case, people are so attached to identity that they refuse to consider what was actually said?

This is something I have thought about a lot! (gads.. I need to go get a life!) But, seriously... I think in an online community it becomes more of an issue because we don't have the normal social cues. (visual, smells, sounds etc) We are devolved down to how well someone types! (please don't judge my on my typos... my computer has a mind of it's own!) And, however we convey emotion. If we add an identity of some sort, we get a feel for that person. If there is no way to recognize them, we're uncomfortable.

This is a very interesting topic. Thanks for bringing it up!

Satchi/Bridgette/Typo lady

[vl]

Interesting take. I've been in online communities for many years, and yes I'd agree that we attempt to find substitutes for cues we would use in person.

My question was intended to question some assumptions. Even if there is an identity and meaningful online identity cues (phrasing, vocabulary, smilies, caps, etc), I have often found that the real person met in real life was very different from this online persona. I have also found that the information and conceptual exchange was the same whether the online persona or the real life persona was being used.

Given the ease at which you can change identities and identity references (I've posted several examples if you want...and you admins can see the IP where I post from...have fun looking at all the ones I display), I would think that the rational thing to do is to ignore identity and focus on the data being communicated.

Hence my original question.

Of course these are my opinions. I dont speak for anyone but myself, usually. Your mileage may vary. No warranties accepted or proffered, all laws irrelevant due to godel's incompleteness theorem, etc. etc.

Good points. I won't hog the chance to discuss this with you as I'd like to see what others think.

One issue: I do see everyones IP address. I have been tracking the posts in the open forum and it's quite entertaining to watch just how many people are posting and then replying to themselves. (arguing with themselves!)

Bridgette/Satchi

[vl]

Hi Nel person!! =)