So, has it ever happened to any of you that you have started a topic on a forum, any forum, and the topic has been about something very close to your heart yet it gets little to no responce. But the silly topic you just did for laughs keep getting more and more attention. This has happened to me, on more than one occasion on differrent forums. And even though I know how much it will hurt I still go back and look up those topics I want repiles to and every time it stings seeing it still being ignored.
A lot of times I find this happens for things I post that are either for niche audiences, or just difficult to respond to in bite-sized portions. Most people really don't want to spend that massive amount of time for a monstrously large post if it doesn't fall entirely within their wheel-house. I've also posted poems or stories that get almost no response, or lackluster ones, because they are rather out there and people just plain don't know what to do with them. Don't get discouraged, just attempt to write more and take note of what topics or experiments people actually comment on. Then try to decipher why. Some things people find much more relatable or easy to talk about. But you will find, if you get someone passionate about a subject on a niche thread you posted quite in depth about, they can become quite good friends over the course of that discussion and others. Quality over quantity as the old saying goes.
I think it depends on the forum, for me. If I were to post something (I've yet to start a thread here other than my intro and progress journal [blog posts don't count to me]), I'd be incredibly nervous about the response. I kind of gave myself an anxiety about posting writing in places because I fell out of practice with it. I'll get back into it but that's not the topic. I think if it's personal writing, or something I'd like advice on, I get a little bummed if people don't respond to it. In all honesty, though, I think a lot of times people go for the silly things because it's easier to process, like Mingo said, and you don't have to spend too much time responding to a piece. Ideally, forums for writing would have steady comments on all threads, but as people live their lives outside of a forum, it tends to be the quickest way to engage after a busy day or what have you. I hope this answer isn't too rambly.
It's never been a problem for me. All the members here hang on my every word and all my threads are massive. There are several, however, that have less than 5 replies and some none at all. I can only assume it was some kind of glitch that resulted in this phenomenon.
I used to. Even still, sure, but I feel worse for the ones I see week after week - zero responses. I like connecting with people on things I value, so you have to keep your eyes open and respond to other threads. Get to know folks and learn what certain people respond to, then you may find some member to PM on a specific thing. Then a lot of times you don't realize you've started something that already ran its course weeks ago. It's a real mixed bag, to be sure. You have to learn what resonates. Failing that, I just blather on like a total moron! (hang in there)
Nobody owes you their time. Bang. That being said, I'm more of a reader than a thread starter. To read an intelligent post, or a post with a new interesting reference or idea, that is my main reward in every forum. I see them as a mix of procrastination and research. There is nothing wrong with having a laugh, therefore nothing wrong with starting popular ludicrous threads. Try not to have a laugh for a week, see what it does to you. Of course they can turn quite popular, more so right now, with everything that's going on. Come on, this is the Internet, it's still the country of cat pictures and porn after all... My main fault is to ramble, like Some Guy. My first post was shameful. Many future posts will be. Sometimes the stars refuse to align and nobody answers, so what... If you are so passionate about that topic, do a podcast or write a book. When you enjoy something so much, there is no need for external validation. You can't keep everybody happy all the time. Or maybe you can, at least for a while, but would that make you happy?
I've honestly never thought about it. I do have one popular thread on here though. I even stopped thinking about that one until now. I understand caring about it, but there are like way more important things. Just saying.
