[Wheelie]

I joined this forums after my friend told me she spent a lot of her time (her existence) on internet forums.

I hope I don't tread on anyones toes, but I would like for you to share some opinions on why you think you're here, and why everyone else is.
I've never really understood internet forums honestly.
For me, I've always felt internet forums were sterile, and the people that I'd meet on the internet, I never get to see them. Of course they would impart timeless knowledge and experiences on to me, I've still found that its hard for me to build a real relationship with someone online although they would share with me their deepest concerns and desires that would probably never tell anyone they knew in person. I feel lost in a sea of alias', threads, replies, comments.

And does anyone ever expect to meet up with anyone they meet on the forums, I figure that this might be a means for people to socialize and network. Its just there feels like the lack of authenticity when I can't match a name to a face to a real person. So is the fact that one can hide behind their Alias? or that one can lurk and learn about others. Or even that a forum is like a hole in the ground where one can relieve themselves by divulging secrets they would never tell their friends or family.

Anything is appreciated, I find this extremely interesting. Please I understand that no one can answer this anonymously so be as honest as one would allow. I would really like to hear from some INTP or INFP as your analytical and emotional honesty would be great asset to me. Thank you. SO!:

In summary:

1. What do you use the forums most for?

2. Does the forums service a personal need or want? If so, what exactly.

3. Do you plan or have you met anyone in real life that you met on the forums, If so how did it turn out?

[bethdeth]

In summary:

1. What do you use the forums most for?

2. Is it a substitute for a certain area in your life? (e.g. parenting, mentoring, learning, socializing, romance)

3. Do you plan or have you met anyone in real life that you met on the forums, If so how did it turn out?

1. Information, validation (?)
2. Not sure what you mean exactly...it seems like a you are trying to lead with this question. It does not necessitate a lack of an area to be on a forum, just common interest.
3.I know people in real life on the same forums and we have joined forums together and I have met people at a lan gathering. It turned out like real life. Sometimes awkward sometimes fun.

[Roland]

Forums are like dynamic newspapers where you can ask for clarification and get several points of views.

Im active on two forums that I check regularly, this one, and a skateboard forum.

Why do I visit these sites? Because the content interests me and I like to read and write. I also like learning and you can learn a lot by just observing these places.

Also not everyone uses forums as social crutches. Though they can be a great way to meet people.

thats my two cents

[OrangeAppled]

1. What do you use the forums most for?

I use them to discuss special interests of mine with people who share those interests. My latest interest is personality typology. I don't know anyone in person who would be interested in discussing this topic in the detail I desire to discuss it. I also glean a lot of insight from other people. I like to shoot ideas back and forth.

In general, I find forums more conducive to analytical style of discussion, or "N" talk (iNtuitive). It's sort of playing the role of a local community spot (ie. cafe or whatever) where people could gather & philosophize with other locals, discussing topics beyond their daily activity and the weather. That sort of thing doesn't exist where I live, and maybe I romanticize other cultures/eras in thinking it exists there...

I also find it easier to write my thoughts than to speak them, especially in a group setting. I have more time to gather & arrange my thoughts so I can express what I mean more accurately and clearly. I don't have to worry about being interrupted because I am not fast enough, or speaking louder so as to be heard. IDK if it's being an INxx type, but I am not quick to respond in spoken conversation (because I must think before I verbalize) and my thoughts are not linear, so it's more challenging.

The anonymity certainly helps with venting at times too.

2. Is it a substitute for a certain area in your life? (e.g. parenting, mentoring, learning, socializing, romance)

It's not a substitute for real relationships. It is a substitute for a certain kind of communication that is difficult for me to find in real life. I don't have a lot of Ns in my real life, or people open to this kind of discussion.

3. Do you plan or have you met anyone in real life that you met on the forums, If so how did it turn out?

I have met people from a forum from a band I like. Someone had extra tickets and invited me to go with the group. It was nice to meet some of the regulars, but we didn't become friends or anything.

I don't tend to develop friendships through message boards (just friendly online acquaintances), although I am not closed to the idea. I'm not particularly good at the banter / friendly chit-chat some people engage in. I tend to stay on-topic.

Any online friends I've made have been through social networking, because the communication is more personal, one-on-one, through PMing. I guess you could call those people online pen-pals.
Although with facebook, the tendency to use status updates instead of proper messages has made it less personal and interesting for me.

[martinn]

Hello,
Wow this is very good information. this information will encourage people to join these forums. i also joined this to be in touch make friends and get some good knowledge about different things.

thanks!!

[Bote]

1. Exchange of opinions and ideas.

2. Debating. I barely ever have a normal conversation with someone about serious issues without personal attacks and highly emotional responses. Forums are different, even if someone's post can be offending it certainly does not lead to any bad blood between the two parties and you always have enough time to think up a proper and full response of your thoughts.

3. No I haven't. I try to avoid that. Even though I was given many opportunities to meet certain people I didn't go through with them. Not cause of distrust or caution. I simply don't want short-lived friendships.

[LeafStew]

In summary:

1. What do you use the forums most for?
It's a good way to share my opinion. What I like about forum is that you can talk with people from around the world, people reply whenever they are awake and they can reply to the topic that interest them...

2. Does the forums service a personal need or want? If so, what exactly.
I guess you could say I do my daily socialization on internet forum even though I'm not talking to anyone directly..

3. Do you plan or have you met anyone in real life that you met on the forums, If so how did it turn out?
Hasn't happen, will not happen.

[Svidrigailov]

1. What do you use the forums most for?
Information, entertainment, someone.

2. Does the forums service a personal need or want? If so, what exactly.
Nope.

3. Do you plan or have you met anyone in real life that you met on the forums, If so how did it turn out?
Yes.

[Molock]

1. What do you use the forums most for?

I use forums mostly to hear other people's views and ideas. I also occasionally like giving my input and observing how other people react to it. Not to mention that I spend a lot of time in front of computers and forums are a good way to pass time when there is nothing else to do.

2. Do the forums service a personal need or want? If so, what exactly.

A need to expose myself to other views and ideas. If I stayed in my bubble I'd be far more ignorant. I can safely say that the various forums I visit have made me more knowledgeable and have helped me understand others (as well as myself). That was something I struggled with when I was younger.

3. Do you plan or have you met anyone in real life that you met on the forums, If so how did it turn out?

No, I haven't. I don't think I would either. I don't really get to know people personally on the forums anyway

[SlowPoke68]

I come here for fellowship, basically. It's a pretty self-selecting crowd. Many very intelligent and insightful people here who are aware of themselves and have made journeys of sorts and know how to write about it. I don't find that in many other places. I read and post here in order to not feel alone.

As for other forums, it can be just because I need technical information or want to bullshit.

I've never met anyone from here, however I was at one time very active on a forum that was the center of a motorcycle club and met a lot of people who posted there. You can tell a lot about someone from how they write and interact online. I found it ran pretty true. Again, that was self-selecting: People who were active posters tended to be more educated and verbal and self-aware than your usual bike nut.