It is about like so much else where people are more inerested in being right [or appearing so], raher than discourse.
There is a real opportunity within each topic - to expore and share ideas, solutions and techniques, but that does not happen - perhaps because it takles time, and we have so little of it, or universally, there is so litrtle patience and so much expectation that we all be satisified "right this second." Hard to say.
One perspective suggests that the people posting here selected Microsoft's platform - its servers, clients and tools as the basis for the solutions they prepare and sustain.
examples of good discourse surrouding this purpose rarely happen. Most often, people are reduced to defending their pllatform choices against the platform choces of others, or worse, every mistake is celebrated, examined and of course defended. A lot of energy is, as I see it, wasted.
For a time, and as part of an experiment, I sought to try and reverse that - to use visible examples, and on topic, discuss them and from as gut level a perspective as possible - from the core of our economy and perhaps th ecore of our philosophy as a unique country...where more than 90% of all people work in small companies of less than 25 people. Small islands of people seemed to get what that effort was about, but most posting here simply did not and the posts trended toward what they largely are elsewhere.
RSS publishing, not readers, did the rest - most anyone can build their own, highly effective site/pages/apps to track IT/MIS industry news and I suspect observation and consumption are where most people are - vice participation and contribution.
Meaningful discourse is demanding - it takes work. Like any relationship, desired outcome is key - does one wish to see solutions advanced, or does one simply wish to be right. Good Lord... the examples are so many and sad. Not even "pure science" and established records are enough to overcome dogma.
Such discourse demands a lot - selflessness - Microsoft uses its MVP program to elevate discourse for those seeking recognition, etc.. but real discourse is driven by more than that and by people who do not need, or even want much attention - they just want to matter, or better, want others to be able to build upon their experience, or avoid challenges they have faced. Again, that takes a lot of effort and is why Activewin, while the potential and intent are certainly there, does not see the level of dsicourse we had hoped to help generate and sustain.
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