These days I primarily use forums as a source of information rather than a source of interaction, for news and to keep a pulse on certain communities. A few months back I was working on a story I hope to eventually finish about the era of Bulletin Board Systems (something I'm too young to have experienced at the proper time) and how they were an early and powerful form of communication 25 years ago. More specifically, they provided an outlet to the nerds and weirdos and awkward teenagers who had trouble fitting in at school--it was the first time those people could reach outside their own neighborhoods and from relationships with other people like them.Originally Posted by -N-
So I read all 100 million posts here. I'm a bit disappointed the OP hasn't been discussed more:It might not be the right place, but smurf it I'm doing this.
Unfortunately, most of these posts could be summed up in 140 characters or less, and I don't feel like I'm missing much. Those few that aren't (thanks Azar, sorry we haven't met up again, what the hell I can't even tag him?) are from people I have met in person or like BatChao, people I wish I had met in person, and frankly, I enjoy that mode of socialization a lot more. (It's healthier too!)
Eyes on Final Fantasy was certainly that for me, to some extent, but I think the need for those sorts of outlets lessens with each passing year. The social stigma around video games and comic books and the rest is shrinking, and it's just so easy to interact with people through so many channels that it's easier than ever to surround yourself with like-minded people. The Internet is a wonderful thing, in that regard.
I think other social media outlets do make forums a bit obsolete, but the sad part about services like Twitter (which I do enjoy using) and even big discussion forums to some extent, is that they encourage instant communication, instant response, instant gratification, and less thought than other forms of discussion. Hell, even on a BBS you were limited by how damn slow your phone line was.
Anyway, personally, I feel like I don't need to use the Internet to seek out new relationships as much as I once did. And it feels like the more social networks there are available, the less we use any one of them to talk at length. I stick to IMing my closest friends for the most part.
I hope Kishi and Allie make their way up to San Francisco sometime. This is where all the cool video game stuff be at, anyway. And let's hang out soon, Neel--hit me up with your phone number on Twitter or something. Great weather this weekend.
