[wagglebee]

I find it very interesting that of the over 40 posts, only about 1.5 actually are a discussion about the article.

And this surprises you?

Do you actually think what's in the article is more important than the oh so provacative title? The article could be about different styles of pews in Catholic and Presbyterian churches and it wouldn't change the content of the thread one bit.

[lupie]

No, it doesn't at all suprise me that only 1.5 posts out of 40 actually attempt to discuss the article. But is does sadden me. That is why I rarely read past the initial article.

You said: Do you actually think what's in the article is more important than the oh so provacative title? The article could be about different styles of pews in Catholic and Presbyterian churches and it wouldn't change the content of the thread one bit.

Actually, yes, I think what is IN the article is much more important than the title. If we can't get past a title that may prick the flesh a little, then how in the world can we have a decent discussion about it. Are you here to discuss titles or the meat of articles? If the titles, then what really is the difference between FR and Twitter?

Personally, I think the title is appropriate for the context in which it was written and it gives some good statements that could generate some good, enlightening discussion if people would not so easily get their shorts in a wad over a title, or use it as an excuse to springboard into their favorite discussion area. IN that respect then, I agree that it could be about pews or whatever and there would be many tangents followed.

Sad to say that is the way most forums are. FR is often an exception in that at least once upon a time, it could get past that. Maybe it is selective memory on my part, but it used to be on FR, that even though the tangents are posted with the normal rantings on both sides, at least there would be some meaty discussion going along in the midst where one could actually learn something. To be honest, I don't read much of these threads anymore because it quickly resorts to name-calling and ad-hominens, or lately, ways to be politically correct according to the moderator's rules and still be name-calling and ad-hominens.

That is why I usually just read the article and maybe skim through some posts looking for certain names that I know who will hold decent discussions (either side of many issues). But those people post less and less. :(