Wow! Amazing post, Roager! I am so glad you shared your thoughts on this.

Very articulate post, Roager, thank you for taking the time to write it up. I especially liked the things you've said about Jay, and about leadership... I definitely agree.

As for all this... I must admit that it frustrates me that no one seems to actually listen to what I'm saying. When I talk, all anybody hears is "Grace doesn't like Anduin." But that isn't what I'm saying at all. But... I know full well that HW does not need me to help it run. The leadership is none of my business. I'm sorry for sticking my nose where it didn't belong.

*hopes it's okay to respond to this*

That's not all I heard. I heard well-founded concerns and a plea to remember God in the equation.


As a member of HW (and a godly, intelligent young woman), your thoughts are important and wanted; even if not everyone agrees with them (giving your thoughts is helping it run, as it has a positive effect on the thread and those who visit it, even if that means helping them think about their own opinion). You didn't stick your nose where it didn't belong, or where it wasn't wanted. *hugs* I'm sure I'm not the only one to read and enjoy seeing your thoughts--and to benefit from having done so.

*Smiles* Thank you for that, Lycanis.



Grace hun, we do listen to what you say, honest. *Smiles* And we appreciate you coming with your concerns and thoughts - even if they slightly differ to what we feel we always want to hear concerns. Just because we end up not seeing completely eye to eye does not mean that we don't listen to you. We do take into account what you're saying, but as a Leadership we have to take into account what we as a whole feel is right for Holy Worlds. We listen to concerns of all, and when we act we are keeping those in mind. Just because we decide as a whole to act differently does not mean we haven't listened to you.

Dearest, you did not 'stick your nose where it didn't belong'. We are always willing to hear concerns (I hope) even if they differ from what different people want. Your concerns matter to us, and I am touched because I know you have been in prayer over this - that is beautiful. It shows you care for Holy Worlds and your heart is in the right place. Never feel that you can't share or bring your concerns to us. We always have an open door policy - we always are willing to hear your concerns.

If we act contrary to what you really feel, it doesn't mean we haven't listened to you. I promise you that as a Leadership we have heard you, we have discussed and prayed over the outcome. And we have to act on what we feel is best, even if it ends up differing from what you have felt. Please don't feel this means we don't want to hear your concerns, or don't want to listen and pray over them. We do, and I know I respect you all the more for being willing to stand up and speak your concerns to us. I'd rather you did that than hide them away. *Smiles*

So thank you for caring. And never feel you can't speak up about a concern.

Thank you very much, Jeremiah, but I was referring to things I said outside the thread. I'm glad that you saw my post this way, though.

I don't know why I'm even replying, y'all put my jumbled thoughts into words already

Roager, thank you for that!



Quite the contrary! We need everybody Your opinion counts as much as anyone else's.

Let me clear something up real quick. Everyone on this forum is going to agree with Roager's post because there is this convoluted idea that those who are struggling with the unified log in idea, such as Grace, are struggling with it because they don't like change. If that's what's being heard, you're not listening.

The issue with the login has never been about the log in. In fact, the Council gave unanimous approval for the log in a while ago. The issue is with the new things that are being brought up along with the login, like the change in ranks and leadership-- things that were not a part of the original deal.

No one is opposing the log in, per say. They are opposing the ideas that seem very interconnected with the login at the moment.

I've been listening and I haven't really heard anyone have issues with the login in and of itself. Even Grace.

That's not why I was agreeing, I hope it didn't come across as what I was saying, Grace. I just agree with most everything Raj said on all aspects.

*Nods to what Airianna is saying*

And the fact is, that no decision is tied to Anduin over this. What I mean is, just because Anduin is happening, doesn't mean we're going to say everything else (as in all the other ideas) is happening as well. Which is why we need to hear any concerns that people have, and why they are welcomed. Everything might be chaotic for a while, whilst everything is sorted out and worked through, but that isn't directly tied to Anduin. Project Anduin should just be seen as a solution to the single login, I think really. Other things are ideas that are separate from it, and can be worked through afterwards etc, I believe. We all have (or should have) an open door policy when it comes to concerns raised by anyone, and should be willing to address them and consider them, even if we disagree.

I meant that everyone would agree with Roager's post, even Gracie and myself, because the login isn't really the issue. Sorry if it didn't come across that way, Jazz.

Don't worry Rin, Kaitlyn's right. I wasn't seeing Roager's post that way... Roager doesn't even know about my concerns, as far as I'm aware, I agreed with most of his post myself.

I don't need a bunch of people telling me my ideas do matter, etc. I didn't post here looking for sympathy, I posted first to express my concerns, and then in frustration that hardly anyone appears to be truly listening to me, and to be honest, nothing said in reply so far has reassured me. My post wasn't a sobstory, nobody needs to pacify me. I'm not a child. But this was supposed to be a "no fear, say what you think" thread, and the truth of the matter is, I'm deeply frustrated. Maybe I carried the "say what you think" too far, and if so, I apologize.

I'm sure I look like the bad guy here. I don't mean to be. And I hope my bluntness has not hurt anyone, truly. I'm not usually one to speak so plainly... but there you have it.

I'm not sure anyone was just giving you sympathy or anything, nor do I see how you could have possibly carried the "say what you think" too far. Nor do I see how you'd possibly look like the bad guy here. *shrugs* I, at least, didn't make any response to your post because I'm not sure there is a response to make. Changes to make changes aren't a good idea and it's important to remember that. Are changes the way to fix things? While, there are often a few changes that would be helpful, but yes, we shouldn't run about like chickens with our heads removed making all the changes we can think of. Not that I think you were trying to say that's what was happening, but, eh. I'm not sure I can really say much here, I haven't really noticed anything being off, except that people's involvement seems to be down, including mine. Should we avoid changes because things are off? Maybe, but sometimes the changes actually help things.

And I'm going to stop rambling; I'm not sure this post actually is of any use...

It was, Arien. And. Change can be good, but change for the sake of change isn't a wise idea. Well said.

No, it was a good post, Arien. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I don't know if you mean me, Grace, but I wasn't trying to treat you like a child. My post was supposed to encourage someone I was worried was hurting. My post was out of concern, not out of condescension. My aim wasn't to show you sympathy either, it was to tell you that to me, and I hope to everyone, your concerns matter - whether you want to hear it or not, your concerns really, really do matter to me. I have prayed over them, considered them and thought on them a lot. I haven't ignored them, even if you feel that I have.

I didn't mean you, as you now know, Elanor. I was speaking generally... and even if I am not sure whether you entirely understand, I know you are listening. Love you, girl.

And I do apologize if my post was unnecessarily harsh. I feel that when I try to clarify things I just make more confusion, so I should pray and think more before posting more. To clarify, I'm truly not mad at anyone. I'm deeply frustrated, and a bit hurt, but not angry. *crosses heart*

Hey, hey, hey! People. I go to work for four hours!

This is a no fear thread. And part of what that means is no personal attacks. Therefore I decree that no post in this thread is aimed at any specific poster, nor are any posts intended to be hurtful through ignorance or otherwise. So read them all that way. Perspective can mean everything.

And please, personal issues should be dealt with personally. I created this thread 'cause I want to know what everyone thinks. I'd usually go hang out in chat and behave in a subversive manner, but there's never anyone there anymore... hence the thread. I need a feel for the community, and tracking everyone down one at a time would be... inefficient. I am definitely listening to everyone, but mostly I'm absorbing. And as long as we don't degenerate into bickering, arguing, debating, or petty feuding then I shall continue to absorb happily.

No one is asking you to make hard decisions, pick sides, or be responsible for what you say. Overall this thread probably won't have much effect on decisions that do get made by those up above. But it makes me feel better, and I hope that it makes some of you feel better too. If it doesn't make you feel better then please, don't make sacrifices on my account!

That said, let's move on in peace and friendship?

I was going to ask a suggestions and backpeddled for fear of people taking it the wrong way. So let me respark the conversation with this instead.

If you could imagine HW as anything, what would you see? Don't tell me everything is fine how it is, go read my blog post if that's the response that comes to mind.

If you were the architect, and this was your castle, what would the blueprints look like? What is your best-case scenario for the near-future of HW?

Allow me to make a quick technical/logistical clarification...

Because Anduin and the issues in the leadership are separate issues, as we've said, they require a separate ultimate "decision." That is to say, although one may significantly affect the other, one does not inseparably hinge on the other. The leadership may decide to proceed with Anduin as planned, but that doesn't mean we've decided Grace's concerns are irrelevant; it means we've decided postponing Anduin further is not a necessary measure to resolving those concerns. It means we've decided the timing of Anduin is right, and the "side effects" and way it's being carried out are not hurtful for HW at this time. By the same token, merely postponing Anduin will not address the concerns. So although the leadership concerns do affect our decision regarding Anduin, a decision on Anduin will need to be made separately, and until that happens, discussions on both that and the deeper concerns will continue to circulate and cross over each other... in confusing and complicated fashions, as is evidenced already.

I say this because I don't want anyone to think that, if Anduin proceeds on schedule, the leadership concerns are being ignored, or are even nonexistent.

I was going to send the above to Grace in a more personal fashion, but I decided to share it on the thread because I know there are others that share her deeper concerns. Hopefully some of you will see this.

Well... I guess I'll post again. More the merrier right? Actually, don't answer that.

Since my last post, I've come to the point where I'm a lot less concerned about HW. Sure, right now isn't that great because we don't know what road to take forward, and we have to consider Jay, and we're concerned for each others feelings, etc. etc. But taking a step back, turning my head on an angle and getting a different perspective of the situation, I've discovered:

It's just a forum.

*shields face* Don't throw rocks! You know that I love HW. I'm just saying, when it comes to friendships being in jeopardy, hearts being torn, feelings crushed, and people feeling abandoned and/or ignored, honestly, I would rather lose the forum. It's only a forum; a board on the internet where a bunch of people talk. Obviously we are all more important to each other than this collection of 1's and 0's, so why is it so difficult for us to come to an agreement, or at the very least, share how we feel?

I'll be the first to admit my opinions might be wrong about how HW should be run. But I'm willing to put my preferences aside and compromise if that means we will all work together and see something get done. I'll share my thoughts, but know that that's all they are: thoughts! They can be run through the shredder in a heartbeat if it means I hurt any one of you. Doesn't mean I'll change my thoughts, or go back on my word (if I give it), but it does mean I won't let them come between any one of you and I.

So my thoughts, right now? I really don't care if the place is run by a group of ML's or by a new admin. My only real desire would be that now, the Council be removed and everyone return to their yellow ranks. I know I've said otherwise elsewhere, so let me explain my change of mind: I've realized ML's run the board. They have their own areas, they keep them in line and running on track. The Council however, don't have any real purpose in the running of the forum. They "run the forum" so's to speak, but they don't have any given area to lead, since the ML's do that, and basically are there for ML's to go to should there be trouble. So the Council do... what exactly? I could be wrong, but the rank itself doesn't seem to serve any legit purpose. Give me a slap on the wrist if I'm speaking of turn, but that's my perception of things; I could be seeing it through the wrong lens.

I would also venture to say -- *hesitates* Guys, you know I love you, don't you? But if we're all honest, a lot of the high ranking members on the board are very rarely present, and simply do not have the time to perform at the peak their rank requires. They have busy lives, and we all understand that! Me more than anyone! But this makes it hard to look at the leadership as a whole, because you have to automatically write off some members because you know they aren't on call. Some honest demotions by their own volition would be in my perfect world in my head, and maybe promoting some who could more readily fill the roles. I just requested a demotion on HWHF, and it smarts. Big time. But I know I am a dead weight over there, and as much as I wish I wasn't, parading around as though I'm an active member doesn't help the board, and it takes the place of someone who could do the position justice. But why am I saying that? Several of you know what that's like already.

Okay, end ramble. Those are my thoughts. If HW were my castle, I'd thin out/rebuild the leadership team, and perhaps elect a fresh admin over it. And make HW shiny. I love the Anduin blueprints! I'd steal them and make my castle very very shiny... *cough* Okay. I'm all done.

Will you people stop diluting your posts with "Tell me if I've spoken out of turn..."? You're missin' the point of a "No fear, speak your mind" thread. Just cut that bit and keep talking. Please.



This has been my prevailing thought for a long time. Jay actually wanted me to write up a post about it for the Council, but I never found the words. Too bad it's illegal to plagiarize...



This is also pertinent. And I know I'm one to talk... but give me some time to work on that.

Apparently I am actually posting on this thread now...

I have been watching this thread. Roager said it well. I honestly didn't notice any turmoil. The only hints that I saw were when a couple of the council members stepped down, but I attributed that to busyness. Which is also what I have been attributing the lack of posting to. We all have lives outside of Holy Worlds (shocking, isn't it? ) and we can't always take the time to post thought-filled posts or replies. I know that is often my reason for not replying to posts.

One question I have had throughout this whole discussion is this: Does Jay know what is going on here? Has anybody asked what Jay's opinion is? I know he cannot be here, but does that necessarily mean that he can't have a say in what goes on in Holy Worlds?

Jay does know. He is in talks with a lot of people about all of this at the moment. I can say that he is really excited about Anduin - and he's working on other stuff as well at the moment. *Smiles* But he knows about it all.

*raises hand* I may have missed something, but what is Anduin?

*Smiles* Read these threads, Elly.

One login to rule them all, and in the HWness bind them

Unified Login concerns and discussion

It's the sorta code name for a bunch of tech changes that HW is going to go through. The part that we're mainly talking about right now is the first phase, that's being put into action right now – the change to a unified login and the addition of a fourth forum and all that.

Edit: Like Elanor said just before me...

Okay. I was familiar with the login change and all, but must have missed the project nickname.

Okay, good! Thank you!

*Smiles and hugs Grace*




You're welcome!

I think, being an HRM, I should have known about this thread sooner. Oh well. Nor was I aware of any difference in atmosphere.

So, here are some of my thoughts.

1. Please, if you have something to say, say it. Leadership can't accomplish anything if you don't speak up, even if you feel like you hold a minority opinion. Bad things happen when people with different opinions don't speak up. Just look at history. This is for you to state your opinions on the subject. We need them. You can see this thread, which means you're more than welcome to weigh in. No, more than that. You're the Keynote Speakers here.

2. As far as leadership, goes, that's a bit trickier. Yes, someone as an absolute authority would definitely be useful. The only person, though, who I think could make that decision would be Jay with close conjunction with the council (And possible MLs), so that will likely take a while. In the meantime, let's not make any leadership structure changes. It works right now. If it is decided to have someone as an Admin, that will take a lot of time to pick the right person, and help them get started. Until then, I say the leadership people take rein and be in charge, settling things by a democratic vote with time for input from the rest of the population, and then maybe a second vote to continue it or not should it fail to achieve its goals or the outrage at the implementation is overwhelming and riots are breaking out. Other than that, the vote settles the matter and allows choices to be decided and progress made so that leadership doesn't stagnate in indecision.

3. Activity is just slow, which is understandable. Exams and finals are approaching. People are working on books and other projects. It's nice outside, and people are (Or should be) going outside to enjoy God's wonderful creation. Winter will be busy because we're all inside commiserating over the weather. That doesn't need a leadership change. Just people to take a bit longer and post replies and threads. We can do that. I'm working on that already, trying to find things to post and what-not. That should be all it takes to get activity increasing again. (Well, and skipping school to write long posts, but don't do that just to increase HW activity.)


I think that's everything. For now, at least.

*was happy to hear from her fellow SF Admiral*

I'm glad.

I'm with you, Varon. I should have known about this thread sooner. I don't frequent GD too much. But, late as I may be, I'll obey orders and speak my mind.

There are problems. HW isn't the same as when I joined in 2011. I would agree with Rin way back at the beginning of this thread that the forum does need more fun. Anyone notice how Chat Mishaps hasn't been posted on in over a month? Yes, fantasy chat may not be working right now, but there's nothing stopping us from going over to SF and goofing around and having theological discussions there.

You guys all know Airi's recent thread in Official Chatter about chat? I think that perhaps some of the reasons why those problems have aroused is because the HRM and up ranks have not been in chat to guide the conversations in the way it should go. I'm guilty here too. Even though of the last month and a half I've had much more time to be on the forum, I think I've been in chat for more than 2 minutes all of three times. As the leaders of this forum, I think we could make more of an effort to get to know the new members in chat.

As for the unified login, I didn't like it at first either. And my dislike had nothing to do with only having to type in my username and password once. I already used the same username and password on all three forums, and signing in multiple times only took half a minute longer. As Airi said, it's rather the affects of Auduin that cause me to still dislike some parts of it and like others (such all of a rank being able to meet in one place). And now that it's been implemented, I do think it will help HW for the better in the long run. Once we get all the kinks worked out.

I have felt for a long time that the leadership needs changes. It's workable, but it could be so much better. I think we need examine all of the ranks - from editor to council - and make sure the leadership is built of people who have the skills, maturity, and time to lead the forum. I think we need to redefine the ranks and make sure that much thought, consideration, and prayer is being put into each and every promotion.

I believe that each rank needs to be built up of active users who are involved in the community and in tune with it's members. That might mean that some have to step down to the role of foundational member. Like Bushes said, it's not easy to realize that you don't have the time anymore, and requesting demotion hurts. But our leaders need to be responsible enough to know when they can no longer fulfil their role.

Maybe this will mean that the foundational member role should be something that editors, HRMs, Mods, MLs, and Council Members can change to temporarily if they realize that they don't have time for the forum for a number of months - or years. I think that we need to keep those who bear the colours as an active work force who can be go-tos for the Writers at any time. And this work force should be able to take "time off" if needed for an extended period of time.

Of course, I'm not pointing at anyone in particular for not realizing that they need to take a break. I'm the one who is going to be gone from the forum and the internet for two months this summer and will be unable to fulfil my duties as a moderator or even a part of the forum team. If the group leaders deem it so, I will wear foundational member colours while I am gone and until I can return to the forum to moderate.

I still think we need a council. It has concerned me to see some members stepping down recently. But I do think we need that tight circle of top dogs to lead us while Jay is not here. I don't like the idea of another admin besides Jay. Lord willing, Jay will return to us one day. Until then, I think we need the council to lead us.

I don't think we need to promote more people, at least not at this point. I think we need to redefine the ranks, and then, if there are holes in the work force, we can promote to fill them.

All that said, we need more fun around here. More events, contests, writing competitions. And we need a strong leadership to keep everything running smoothly while we have our fun.

Amen.

(I wish I had known about this thread sooner.)

I hadn't really noticed any difference when I came back, but then again, I was having problems readjusting to HW and haven't been on here as much as I would like. A big part of why I'm having problems being on here is because HW is just so massive. With the addition of a fourth forum, I've started considering signing off of HF for an indefinite period of time. There's just too much.

Well... yes and no. Even before college started, my post count had started to dwindle. I was putting just as much time into HW as ever (and I put a lot of time into reading threads on HW ), but as I came to have a greater sense of what was and wasn't off-topic, I found myself refraining from posting on more and more threads. On-topic-ness needs to take priority over just "having fun."


What kind of blueprints are you referring to Katie? Short-term, long-term, or long-long-term?


I completely agree with the need for active leadership, that's why I'm semi-retired and have donned the Foundational colors for the foreseeable future.


Despite my being busy I understand that I should be making a better effort to connect with the community. I'll see what I can do with participating in threads and being in chat more often. I can't do much, but I'll try to do what I can.

It's kinda late and I'm out of it, but I just saw this thread so I feel like adding my two cents. Sorry if I come off as overly negative, I do that a lot when I write serious posts like this.

The thing about HW is that it's a very niche community. Christian Fantasy, relatively speaking, isn't a popular genre. I think Holy Worlds is at its terminal velocity in terms of growth. We're already the largest forum for this topic, and the fourth result on a Google search for "Christian fantasy". The growth issue is more to do with our topic and not the forum itself, so it growth shouldn't be the main concern for this site (not saying we shouldn't try to grow, just not to get overly concerned with it).

What we need to focus on is doing more things as a community, preferably online things that everyone can attend. Writing contests, gaming groups, MMO guilds, *ahem* music collaborations, author Q&As, etc. We're lucky to be a Christian Fantasy forum because Christian Fantasy authors tend to be really nice. I'm sure most authors would be willing to do a Q & A session here if the mods politely ask them.

Another issue I've seen with this site is the dilution of moderators. I would estimate that about 75% of active users are moderators in some form. No offense to anyone who's a mod, but a mod team that big is going to have a lot of trouble accomplishing anything. Scrolling through a thread and seeing "Moderator" "Admin" "Moderator" "Council Member" "Foundational Member" "Moderator" "Council Member" "Marcher Lord" and so on feels a little unwelcoming, especially to a newer user. None of the mods here are bad, and it will be a very hard problem to fix. But I do feel like a complete overhaul of the leadership hierarchy needs to happen.

I also think the new forums were a bad idea. It split the community/activity a little bit, and added the hassle of maintaining three accounts on the same site. I think sci-fi fits well in a fantasy forum since it is a form of fantasy. As for historical fiction, I remember several good stories posted here before the split. I don't think a separate forum was necessary for that either. (Edit: Apparently there is a unified login now. In my opinion that makes the split more strange, considering that the separate forums are even closer together and yet for some reason still separate forums.)

An unrelated minor annoyance of mine has always been some of the subforum names. They're not very descriptive so it's hard to find what you're looking for if you're not familiar with them. "The Watchtower" is the last thing I would look for when I want to suggest a book, for example.

O.O

That is very insightful....

As far as some of the inactivity... my parents would like to see me be on more sites like this instead of all the roleplays I am in because Holy worlds actually helps in writing and world building and is not a waste of time. I hope to spend some more time on here and will try to be active again.

Hey, we've missed you, girl! I'm very glad to hear you'll be coming back to us. (Here's to hoping that's not off-topic... )

I'm excited about it. I just hope I can focus enough to be here and other sites too.

I don't want to repeat previously stated concerns, but I will make points of my own.

My own lack of activity was a combination of:

1. Graduating high school and then working two jobs.
2. I was too busy to write; therefore, I didn't have much to post about my own writing and muses.
3. The site seemed to turn into more of an online social outlet than a common place for people to share thoughts on their writing.

Things have smoothed out a bit in my life since the spring semester ended and now my evenings should be more free to participate on the forums.

I don't necessarily believe that leadership has much to do with the inactivity on Holy Worlds. When I first joined back in 2010, the leadership was very limited. Granted, there was only around 100 members at that time, but truly, the forum isn't meant to be lead by those of rank but rather guided. Its members determine the activity. (Remember, those of rank started out as just members too). I don't feel it should be up to the leadership to entertain the members to encourage activity. I'm not saying we can't host or come up with contests, but I think all members should have the ability to come up with something that they believe would be fun for everyone to be a part of. : )

I believe another reason for the lack of activity is because when Holy Worlds was first gaining momentum, it was because everything was new: new topics, new stories, new advices, new questions, ect. We have a lot of content now, and although it is no longer new, it's still helpful. I think what happened was the infatuation of the site has past, and now we are in the throes of "love". You take on the good and the bad and work things out. (As we are doing now). The site has matured from its young child-state.

On another note, this site's purpose was to be a support and encouragement to those who also love writing for the glory of God; it isn't meant to be a Christian social media site. This is what I felt it was becoming. Members were more interested in being silly and random on chat or in General Discussion that participating in forums that would help each other grow in their faith and writing. As an adult member, I feel that it's my responsibility to be a role model and/or mentor to the younger members. I personally look up to the older members and even admire younger members who share many words of wisdom here.

I'm not discouraging people from talking freely. I'm encouraging members to balance their fellowship with other believers and the practice of writing.

Blessings,

~Calen

*hugs Calen * I missed having your sensibilities around here! Thank you for your post!

So much insightfulness going on around here.

Aw, well thank you for the compliment!

I agree with you! This has been a very helpful thread in seeing where everyone's concerns land around here.

I think you make a very valid point about how HW has become slightly more a social outlet rather than a constructive tool. Perhaps focus should be shifted out of GD and onto more meatier subjects/topics in order to improve the site's purpose (speaking to myself there, too).

Yes, I agree. GD is the busiest room, though I try not to spend too much time here. GD is fun, though, and if we want more fun, we do need GD.

I agree with Bushmaid that there needs to be some refocusing. It's not a bad thing to frequent GD, but when it's the only forum one visits, they should begin to wonder why they joined Holy Worlds in the first place.

Don't get me wrong, I think GD is a great place for members to loosen up and share ideas and topics because it gives them insight of a person's personality and interests. I just want to remind people that they each have a lot to offer in the other forums besides the off-writing-topic discourse in GD.

I personally don't think GD should be the only fun place on Holy Worlds. I would love to see everyone have a good time in all the forums as they brainstorm and learn new ways to improve their writing.

Do many of you feel that the only fun place is GD? and why? How can we, as members, make the other forums "fun" and appealing as well? Is GD a place where most of you go when you have writer's block because you can't participate in other forums at all times? (I'm guilty of this myself). I'd like to get a feel of what the other members are thinking.

I don't know. I'm actually hardly ever in GD. I'm generally in technology & warfare, culture, and so on. With those though, there's not so much general discussion on topics, but rather focused discussion on people's works.

Thanks for your input, Varon. ^^

I know what you mean when it comes to topic specific forums.