Today's San Francisco Chronicle had an article about an internet sector that seems ot be floundering beyond expectations. I was thinking that those of us who have been involved around these parts could've predicted such a thing, at least from what we tend to find personally compelling online.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2000/09/11/BU38436.DTL

Entertainment Sites On Net Facing Failures and Cutbacks

"Many of those in the field say they have learned at least two important lessons over the last, tumultuous year. First, it is difficult, if not impossible, to sell enough online advertising to defray the unexpectedly high costs of producing and maintaining an entertainment-only site, particularly if that site has no other source of revenue. And second, as might have been expected, Web surfers turn out to be more interested in entertainment that exploits the medium's inherent interactivity, like games and virtual communities, than in traditional, old-style films and animation that can be more easily and pleasantly viewed on television."

It's hard for me to imagine another 'virtual community' coming together with so much diversity. One thing I liked about the old bomb is that the playing field was fairly level {at times} & you could participate or observe a conversation between two people who wouldn't even speak to each other on the street. I know that some of you participate in other discussion groups, how do the dymnamics differ from those here - or do they?

-- flora (***@__._), September 11, 2000

Answers

...shamelessly swiping a move from the eve playbook...

Speaking of which: How 'bout that Bobby Knight!

-- flora (***@__._), September 11, 2000.

>> How 'bout that Bobby Knight! <<

The only man I know who needs a spittle bib to coach basketball.

-- Brian McLaughlin (brianm@ims.com), September 11, 2000.

flora's obviously been dosing up on ginko biloba and those fish oils that are supposed to be beneficial to brain function. Or is it those oh so wild mushrooms that stain blue when you bruise them?

As I do not actually participate in ANY internet discussion groups, I have no opinion on your piece. But I do look forward to reading opinions expressed by those that do participate.

-- Bingo1 (howe9@shentel.net), September 11, 2000.

Hey flora,

Hmmmm....somehow I had this feeling that you knew sooner or later I'd pop in here. :)

To start with, I've lurked at other forums and compared to this one (except for EZ), most seem a little too stilted and formal for my tastes.

As you know, I've been an active participant over at EZ. Well, it's actually been more so in the past than in the present. I've gradually shifted my focus to this one. Why? First off, I simply don't have the time and energy to keep up with more than one forum in the ways I would like (e.g., getting to really "know" people, forming cyber-friendships, etc.).

Now, don't get me wrong -- there are huge numbers of people that I like there -- people who are interesting and very sweet in different ways. In fact, offhand I can't think of anyone there I dislike. And I intend to continue to participate there from time to time.

But there's something very special to me about this place and you folks. Instead of giving you a huge list of the specific things about this forum that I find incredibly alluring and captivating, I'll approach this a little differently.

The French have a phrase with no precise English equivalent -- "je ne sais quoi" -- that certain, indefinable, elusive, yet wonderful special something or quality about something or someone. To me, this place has it; no question about it. And in a way it's like love or the color blue -- you know it when you see it; there's no need to try and overanalyze it. I know most of it's the wonderful online friendships I've forged with many of y'all, and a feeling that over time you've become like a family to me. And yes, that even includes those "siblings" and "cousins" of ours here who get on my nerves from time to time (trolls aside). And part of it's the spontaneous, free-wheeling unpredictability here as well. These aspects together, are -- well, in a word -- dynamite.

You know, flora -- bottom line to me, it's really not a case of disliking one group and liking the next. It's a case of liking one group and loving the other.

-- eve (eve_rebekah@yahoo.com), September 11, 2000.

The fact that the 'groups' aren't that cohesive - {despite what some folks say} - is something I appreciate here. It's more of a crazy quilt, lacking in stiff demarcation lines.

Opinions can at times be hard fought, and viewpoints can and do sometimes change. It appears that some just see here what they want to see - shocking, eh?

-- flora (***@__._), September 11, 2000.

Final thought:

"Web surfers turn out to be more interested in entertainment that exploits the medium's inherent interactivity, like games and virtual communities..."

Since games don't have universal appeal, I would expect the effect to be more 'personality' driven communities - such as Oprah's. Isn't advertising to traffic flow the way to generate revenue? There's a nickel to be mined in there somehow.

-- flora (***@__._), September 11, 2000.

flora, I don't think you necessarily need cohesiveness to see this group as a family. Maybe I'm misreading you, or maybe we need some definitions. Do you see the two as mutually exclusive?

Families contain dysfunctional elements, mutual dislikes among individuals, etc. So I think I can agree with your "crazy quilt" assessment, which does make sense -- and still stand by mine.

I don't know -- maybe I used the term "family" inappropriately, when I should be using "community."

-- eve (eve_rebekah@yahoo.com), September 11, 2000.

LOL - eve ya oughta know me well enough by now that cohesiveness & family don't even strike threads near each other in the word web of my mind. I always say 'there's nothing like a common enemy' to bring folks together. I suspect that Ken & I could compare redheaded war wounds, that was of course if he had friends here, - guess we'll have to save that for the next canastsa round.

To be honest with you, the family thing slipped past me the first time. Using the word 'family' without a blood relation means something really different to me. But I think I know what you mean. Whic brings me to another thought - do other languages have another word for 'family', like to describe friends you may collect along the way in life who may be even closer to you than your kin?

The whole idea of the internet & intimacy interests me { eve, get that mind outta the gutter!}. Growing up in LA - the word 'family' can still bring up Manson in my mind.

Family, intimacy, & connections - and need, desire, gad - it will be Hallmark season soon.

-- flora (***@__._), September 11, 2000.