Well, it's a shame that so many do exist, with some being repeats even.

At first thought it would seem like a silly sub-forum, but upon closer inspection, it seems like a wonderful idea! I mean it would help clear up the clutter around the lounge.

Terra

On occasion, (well, quite often actually) I've thought of a rawther fun way to get myself banned....

Click on every single one of those threads and post an inane, one or two word response. Preferably as quickly as possible so that when you came to the OT forum all you would see is a loooooooong list of 'what's your favorite posts.'

Wooooo Hoooo - what a glorious way to go!!!

I hope Paul isn't reading this.....! Or maybe I hope that he is?

I wonder if Allen ever visits the OT forum?

It's an interesting idea, but I'm not sure how well it would work. Most of the "what is your favorite" threads that I've seen aren't created because the poster really wants to know what your favorite "whatever" is, they're posted to get a sig link or to (mistakenly) increase their post count.

Might work better just to give people a "vacation" for asking such questions.

You are so right, Dennis.

Many other posts on the WF these days are made for the exactly the same reason.

I've seen the 'death of' forums on two other occasions since I have been online. (Since 1997 - yup, I'm gettin' on...)

While I detest 'death of' threads as much as the ubiquitous 'what is your favorite' threads, for me the WF is definitely in decline. And rather than declining along with it, I'd rather leave.

I'm a private person. I don't disclose a lot about myself in public places. (Neither does Allen, for that matter.) So I never really become an insider as far as online communities go. When I leave this forum, I definitely won't be missed. People come and go all the time. However, I will miss this forum. I already miss what this forum 'used to be.'

I come to this forum for two reasons. To learn. And to have a bit of fun.

Alas, what I am finding is that the WF is no longer informative or fun. At least for me it isn't. Sadly, it really is becoming a colossal waste of time.

The time is fast approaching to move on—and it has been for some time now. But having enjoyed this place for over seven years, that isn't always the easiest thing to do.

My feeling about the WF now is that it is simply a money making venue for Allen. Once it ceases to be that...????

That is what I saw happen in the other two forums that I belonged to—and those forums did not die a slow death. One day they were there. The next they were gone! The owners pulled the plug pretty quickly because of the rapid decline in the quality of the members and their posts.

However, those forums weren't making money for the owners like the WF does for Allen. As long as there is a steady stream of new members, there will be a steady stream of stuff for them to buy, which makes a steady stream of income for Allen. The ones making the junk posts are the ones who matter. They are the future buyers. So their silliness is tolerated. And the old-timers get annoyed.

Who cares about the old-timers? They're not the ones bringing in the big bucks. It really doesn't matter a hoot if they don't like what goes on here, does it?

These silly 'what's your favorite' posts are juvenile. They are also indicative of the types of posts that are now over-running several other forums besides the OT forum.

However, I do wonder what Allen gains by allowing this kind of nonsense to infest a forum that was once world class? Besides money, that is.

I.M. - Well stated, and not much to argue about from my perspective. That's why I take "vacations" from here, and why I mostly just hang in the OT these days. I'd rather take vacations than to leave because there are a lot of good people here still. Sounds like you might be one of them, so I hope you don't leave too soon. Maybe a short sabbatical now and then would do the trick for you. It works for me anyway.

Sorry if I spoiled your fun with my reply. Maybe you were hoping the thread would take different direction?

That is sensible and good advice, Dennis. I think that is what a lot of the 'oldies' do. I do too, sometimes. It works.

I am honored that you would say that. Thank you.

I totally agree! And some of them are the 'wet behind the ears' newbies along with the seasoned old-timers.

I always enjoy your posts and appreciate all that you contribute here, Dennis. And when I get carried away sometimes in my cranky mode, you bring me back to earth, firmly but gently! I appreciate that!

Not at all. Basically I was just venting my frustration with the plethora of 'what's your favorite' threads. Having said that, I know those threads can be fun. I think we all like to share our favorite things—and find out what others like as well. But there comes a time when you just want to say enough already. Which was basically what I was saying (venting) by starting this thread.

You would be missed I.M.Retired. I for one, quite enjoy reading your posts.

I really wish Allen would consider prohibiting the use of the word "favorite" here in the OT. What harm would be done?!

I'm not disagreeing with the OP. Just offering my more positive opinion.
There is a ton of IM value here at the WF. More value than I've personally found anywhere else.

And, you can find what you look for on this forum. Sure you might have to dig through the dirt to find the gold nuggets, but that's life too.

So, overall, it's time well spent, if looking for the right things.

I have to "dig through the dirt" sometimes just to find my computer so I can come here and make snarky posts. When I manage to actually get in here, I expect everything to be absolutely pristine. If not, I can take a cheap shot at Allen and usually get away with it.

Though he has nailed me in the past for some of my shenanigans. (I printed and framed the last PM I got from him for one of my quickly deleted threads. I'm going to sell it on eBay someday and retire on the proceeds!!!) Allen's a good guy. So's the WF.

At least it will be until later this afternoon when I get tired and cranky. I also notice that the WF is definitely not up to par first thing in the morning. Before I inhale my requisite two cups of coffee that is.

Just for you I.M...

"THE DEATH OF WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE?"

I'm just guessing here, but some of these ill intended threads are because in other forums, they make money from adsense. Posting something popular "Coke or Pepsi?", gets viewed, and answered to. Once the OP notices that there isn't any adsense on here, they kinda go away.
Webanswers is a good example of what I'm referring to. Not only does the OP make adsense revenue, but so do the people who post in the thread.

It is a shame, especially in the OT forum.

Deep hole in the basement right beside the one where we dump the "dead" threads. That should suffice for an apropos "special" forum for "favorites" threads.