Forum Post: (wtb) Suggestions for Forum Changes

I strongly feel that having a few categories would make the forum much less complicated. It could make it harder for anyone to fluff it up so much, and would provide some intention that could be extremely productive.

Also, as Renneye pointed out, "A more panoptic view of the global solution and not the smaller divisive issues that TPTB want us all e-n-d-l-e-s-s-l-y bickering about, and possibly killing each other over. Those smaller political and heated social issues have their place and need to be hashed out...BUT, as an aside...not when we're trying to build a new type of governance...

"I wish the forum had two separate pages. One for strictly discussing ideas and tangible solutions on how we would actually 'set up' our new society functionally, such as 'e-democracy'....the other page for folks who want to debate and hash out social 'issues', since I don't think we could ever convince those folks that these issues aren't the main focus, at this historic moment. Nor should we try to convince them. We all have different strengths and areas of interest. The issues are where their passions lay...so be it. They are important issues in and of themselves and do require attention as well."

I would really just like to see this think tank category because that kind of intention could encourage more people to come out of the woodwork and as I've said, be extremely productive. Then something else for other issues and current events. Maybe even a 3rd category if that becomes appropriate. A lot of forums have a place for just shooting the shat, and they do this to keep their categories focused and uncluttered, easier for new people to comprehend.

Another thing I'd like to discus is the comment voting system.

All it does is create psychological manipulation, and is most likely being abused. Besides that, even in a perfect world, this is only encouraging group think. Plus it causes the comments to jump around, making it impossible to have a flowing conversation. (and sometimes you have to scroll through paying attention to the light gray post dates, ugh).

Seriously, what good reason is there for this, other then an ulterior method for compelling others to think the way you do. Let the words speak for themselves, and let the conversations flow in a timeline. I'm begging you.

It's nice to have a list of cool comments, and you can still do this by keeping the twinkle button, but keep the point system invisible. Why do you suppose facebook doesn't have a hate button? You don't need it. I can't believe something that promotes psychological warfare is a vested part of the Occupy website.