is about 5% of total viewed. A very typical representation of the silent majority.
Just like in school when nobody would raise their hand and they took it all the way to retirement.
How much more productive this forum could be if the participation doubled.
How much more productive our country could be if the number who actively contact their representatives could be doubled.

One would think with the current scrape the bottom of the barrel participation it would be an easy task to double....uh-uh!

The ruination of it all....THE SILENT MAJORITY....

by the way this is a non partisan disease.

btk

IMHO participation is probably lower than it was before because certain people use the forums for their insane rants and belittling others' opinions. There is little chance of having a healthy discussion before there is either a "right wing" or "liberal" insult thrown and then all sane discussion goes down the tubes. There is no respect for other beliefs and opinions.

mac9, I think your assumption is pretty accurate. Most threads quickly take the same turn down extreme partisan paths.

I'm sure a lot of people just avoid them, but it doesn't necessarily mean they don't care, they just choose not to participate in a particular format.

Our postings here aren't really a "debate". There will be no winner or loser. In fact, it's unlikely that we'll even change one another's minds. But what would be helpful...and enjoyable...is if we were able to present one another with the reasons why we believe what we do without partisan retribution.

Originally Posted by Villages Kahuna

Our postings here aren't really a "debate". There will be no winner or loser. In fact, it's unlikely that we'll even change one another's minds. But what would be helpful...and enjoyable...is if we were able to present one another with the reasons why we believe what we do without partisan retribution.

I may be lazy and just plain dumb, but I learn a lot from the postings and links on here, and crazy as it may seem, most I learn is from the posts that on balance I disagree with.

You are right VK....it is difficult to change your core belief but I always enjoy a discussion.

Seems if you want participation, mention the P lady

Just for kicks and giggles, I took a quick tour of the Member's List, and it is amazing when you look on total post column, there are alot of zero's. That tells me that alot of people signed-up and maybe checked the forums out and never posted. Now the percentage of those that come to just lurk...would be interesting.
I worked at this company for over 15 years that had a relatively low turn-over rate so I had the opportunity to know about 40-50 people real well. You could count the number of people who could, or would, talk politics, on one hand. But, you bring up the Red Sox or the Patriots and everybody wants to talk. Also, stupid TV (televisions) shows get alot of talk time.
Maybe, that is why the pro's know that "sound bites" and "headlines" is all the general public really wants to know.
You know, if they had all these mindless "entertainment" sources 230 years ago, nobody would be paying attention and we would be talking with an English accent.

You guys are right why post on here when all you get is kicked in the you know what .Everyone has their own veiw and if you listen real close and with an open mind you really can learn something. If more people would have listened several months ago Obama wouldnt be in office.Problem is the Republicians
blew it with their chioce.But there I go I guess I probably insulted some one but that is how you spur debate. I'm done good bye












why post

Just take a look at the number of reads VS responses in the general discussion.
Not any better than political.

I am sure there are statistical causes for some of the low numbers....but I will be generous and allow a full 10% for those...that is approximately 500 participants.

Like it or not, the low participation is indicative of what is normally expected. 20% would be close to normal and more representative of the USA population participation.

That means on an on going basis 80% (plus in TOTV case) do not participate.
It is this malaise the folks in Washington expect and count upon. It is the very reason the respond to special interest groups and lobbyists that have a smaller population (number) but a much higher participation and focus on their needs/causes.

WE THE PEOPLE DO NOT....kind of amazing given we have the most to lose.

The NIMBY....or it doesn't affect me....it is not my problem....etc....is a disease we may not survive.

In my humble opinion based on statistical observation (informal).

btk