NationStates Jolt Archive

I am quite interested in the opinions of everyone. Why do some threads go on forever and others die a quick death? Substance doesn't seem to be a part of it as I've seen some quite interesting topics fail while inane ones will continue for hundreds of posts. Help me out here.

many reasons; mostly spam

What makes a thread succeed? Well having my name attached to it helps. ;)

Chuck Norris helps....

Controversy and humor. Or humour for the British. If you can combine the two it's likely to last for a long time.

Threads last because people don't want to wade through pages and pages of posts, so they just start up the argument from ground zero, repeating the same points, and refuting the same assertations.

The other ones that last are the ones that have lots of interesting things to say about sex.

I am quite interested in the opinions of everyone. Why do some threads go on forever and others die a quick death? Substance doesn't seem to be a part of it as I've seen some quite interesting topics fail while inane ones will continue for hundreds of posts. Help me out here.

Well it's not simple.

The right topic at the right time with the right people.

I had one thread go over 1000 posts and had maybe 10000 views. It was about parents suing schools to accept religious based courses.

It branched in many directions and had many participants.....

Normally, mine die quick.....

Controversy and humor. Or humour for the British. If you can combine the two it's likely to last for a long time.


Hey! I am not british and I spell it humour, or colour or ye olde shoppe.

Chuck Norris helps....
I wanted to post that but replied to another thread first:p

it seems mostly religion and political threads last the longest, because people can disagree forever

Humor. Mainly humor. Although the intensity of the subject might help. A thread about the KKK for example will draw alot more of viewers than a thread about making mushed potatoes.

On the other hand a thread on banana soup might be quite succesful. My logic is flawed somewhere :confused: .

Hey! I am not british and I spell it humour, or colour or ye olde shoppe.
Due to your spelling you've officially been traded to the British. In return we got a bottle of gin, a half-kilogram of tea and a Goldie Looking Chain CD.

A consistent rate of replies and the ability to reply to them, that is the power of a thread. That and saying god sucks gaurentees at least 7 pages.

Sex, politics, religion, and Chuck Norris.

write about a funny story, something ridiculous in the news, or sometimes talking about film or television works, but peoples tastes here are varied.

Due to your spelling you've officially been traded to the British. In return we got a bottle of gin, a half-kilogram of tea and a Goldie Looking Chain CD.


Bloody wanker...:p (i think thats british)

moderate flaming and flamebait

threads that feature well reasoned arguements with rational posters die a quick death.

to suceed someone has to make a common but easily refuted claim and defend it to the death. or the original post has to be flamebait. like the "do christians know that the bible is a lie" thread. its designed to get a response and as long as people are posting, no matter what the thread has moved on to, some one is going to read that first post and respond to it, keeping the whole thing alive.

Sex, politics, religion, and ZILAM.


Of course! Everyone loves to talk about me!

Sex, politics, religion, and Chuck Norris.


"Sex & Chuck Norris......."
or
"Sex, the Chuck Norris Way"


that thread would last for ages

I can go without the rest

"Sex & Chuck Norris......."
or
"Sex, the Chuck Norris Way"


that thread would last for ages

I can go without the rest

Add roundhouse kicks and it'll be perfect.

Sex, politics, religion, and Chuck Norris.

I suppose polls of movies and music are also lasting. Seems to always be a: "What are you listening to?" thread.

Add roundhouse kicks and it'll be perfect.


"Sex, Chuck, and Roundhouse Kicks"


I suppose polls of movies and music are also lasting. Seems to always be a: "What are you listening to?" thread.

I started the last one. I really didn't think it would last that long, but it's still going, just not in general.:D

Does NS have a community blog already?

If not, we should start one, they tend to reach a lot of pages :p .

Religion seems to be really popular. Offend the Christian faith and they'll put a lot of effort trying to covert you.

I am quite interested in the opinions of everyone. Why do some threads go on forever and others die a quick death? Substance doesn't seem to be a part of it as I've seen some quite interesting topics fail while inane ones will continue for hundreds of posts. Help me out here.
Presenting Facts seems to be a pretty good way of killing a thread.

Religion seems to be really popular. Offend the Christian faith and they'll put a lot of effort trying to covert you.
Better than killing you I suppose...

Religion seems to be really popular. Offend the Christian faith and they'll put a lot of effort trying to covert you.


as long as you don't mind the bruises from the books they throw at you

Religion seems to be really popular. Offend the Christian faith and they'll put a lot of effort trying to covert you.

You mean those attacking religion also? I see more threads on how religon is stupid, superstition and how all their policies are foolish or even dangerous.

you can make a thread last by calling it


"what makes a thread last?"

that seems to be working right now.

Links to compromising pictures of the females participating in the discussion.

Now lets make sure this thread goes a long way ladies :p

you can make a thread last by calling it


"what makes a thread last?"

that seems to be working right now.

I don't know, I think it will burn hot for a while then die suddenly. I suppose I could be wrong though. :)

we could only hope....

Two very stubborn people from opposite sides of any particular argument are all that is necessary to guarantee a thread a long life.

Links to compromising pictures of the females participating in the discussion.

Now lets make sure this thread goes a long way ladies :p

I am yet to see some of those, got links? :D

Two very stubborn people from opposite sides of any particular argument are all that is necessary to guarantee a thread a long life.


that is what kept the star wars v star trek thread going for about 15 pages

that is what kept the star wars v star trek thread going for about 15 pages

And I will keep it going.

Just like the previous one that was over 60 pages before the author requested a lock on my request ( 1: I've been here way too long and 2: i am nerdy:( )

I got to go to class now but I'll try to check in to this in about 4 hours. See if it is still going! :)

Just like the previous one that was over 60 pages before the author requested a lock on my request ( 1: I've been here way too long and 2: i am nerdy:( )

1) and 2) are both correct :p .

Well, you can know it:p

it's ok HC, everyone has a little nerd in them.

At least everybody here I suppose:p

At least everybody here I suppose:p


very true.

Threads in which people post pictures of themselves (we've had a few of those lately- yay!) tend to last a long time.

Threads in which people post pictures of themselves (we've had a few of those lately- yay!) tend to last a long time.


speaking of that what ever happend to that thread? i put in a search and came up empty....

it's ok HC, everyone has a little nerd in them.

yes everyone should have a li........ aw man, I just can't do it...

Pointless posts in a thread like this will make it last...:headbang:

speaking of that what ever happend to that thread? i put in a search and came up empty....

Thats a good question. Perhaps it was sent off into the brown forum?


I made 2 threads today that didnt make it past 2 pages, so I most assuredly do not know what it takes to make a thread last. :(

Thats a good question. Perhaps it was sent off into the brown forum?


I made 2 threads today that didnt make it past 2 pages, so I most assuredly do not know what it takes to make a thread last. :(

I made my first thread today. I was happy someone other than my one and only friend HC Eredivisie posted in it :p.

Thats a good question. Perhaps it was sent off into the brown forum?


I made 2 threads today that didnt make it past 2 pages, so I most assuredly do not know what it takes to make a thread last. :(
What were the topics?

Thats a good question. Perhaps it was sent off into the brown forum?


I made 2 threads today that didnt make it past 2 pages, so I most assuredly do not know what it takes to make a thread last. :(


you can always claim to be athiest then say you will whore yourself to whoever gives a short essay of why their religion is better....

thats like on 8 pages now.

What makes a thread last? Sheer stupidity. :p

A consistent rate of replies and the ability to reply to them, that is the power of a thread. That and saying god sucks gaurentees at least 7 pages.

You've just guarenteed 7 pages :p

Two very stubborn people from opposite sides of any particular argument are all that is necessary to guarantee a thread a long life.

Already exists :p

What makes a thread last? Sheer stupidity. :p

Always :p

What makes a thread last? Sheer stupidity. :p


Don't forget porn.

Don't forget porn.
:eek: How dare you!
I'd never forget porn... :D

:eek: How dare you!
I'd never forget porn... :D


no one should ever forget porn. it's what holds the universe together.

I am quite interested in the opinions of everyone. Why do some threads go on forever and others die a quick death? Substance doesn't seem to be a part of it as I've seen some quite interesting topics fail while inane ones will continue for hundreds of posts. Help me out here.
Three words:
Location,
Location,
Location.

Seriously though, there's a few threadkillers around. Some are because they're deft at 'jacking, and some for the exact opposite.
It also helps to have some ego-centric poster prop in just the right places.
*nods*

Pointless posts in a thread like this will make it last...:headbang:

That's ok, pointless comments are welcome here. ;)

Due to your spelling you've officially been traded to the British. In return we got a bottle of gin, a half-kilogram of tea and a Goldie Looking Chain CD.The British signed me as a free agent. In return, the U.S. get a bar of soap and a dog named Louie.

yes everyone should have a li........ aw man, I just can't do it...
Run with it! Go! Go! Go!

Mindless drivel seems to attract people here, as well as unwinnable arguments. It's got to be simple, funny, and attract people to want to run by and tag it, but also have enough seriousness that people want to read it. Strange.

Also verbal voyerism seems to attract, as well as topic-whoring.

Mindless drivel seems to attract people here, as well as unwinnable arguments. It's got to be simple, funny, and attract people to want to run by and tag it, but also have enough seriousness that people want to read it. Strange.

Also verbal voyerism seems to attract, as well as topic-whoring.

It still seems blind luck that a thread keeps going. That Paradise Beach thread? Mindless drivel, yes. Yet it has such success! You never know I guess...

It still seems blind luck that a thread keeps going. That Paradise Beach thread? Mindless drivel, yes. Yet it has such success! You never know I guess...


If only we could figure out the X factor. It seems to apply to threads too.

I am quite interested in the opinions of everyone. Why do some threads go on forever and others die a quick death? Substance doesn't seem to be a part of it as I've seen some quite interesting topics fail while inane ones will continue for hundreds of posts. Help me out here.
Whatever engages people's emotions most. Thus, sex threads, threads about sex-based social/political issues, and religion tend to be popular.

All that is left for Utracia is the daunting task of collecting all opinion's in this thread, averaging them and then publish them.

Good luck with that :p .

Whatever engages people's emotions most. Thus, sex threads, threads about sex-based social/political issues, and religion tend to be popular.

Yeah, the sex threads. I tell you if it gets anymore direct someone needs to scream: HEY THAT'S TOO MUCH INFORMATION!

Yeah, the sex threads. I tell you if it gets anymore direct someone needs to scream: HEY THAT'S TOO MUCH INFORMATION!
I don't think you're being direct enough.

Try the argument on this thread for that point (if i may):

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10425509&postcount=118

I don't think you're being direct enough.

Try the argument on this thread for that point (if i may):

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10425509&postcount=118


Or the Am I a Lesbo? or whatever the name of it is thread. Yesterdays chapter was quite descriptive.

Or the Am I a Lesbo? or whatever the name of it is thread. Yesterdays chapter was quite descriptive.

Yeah I read some of that, hence the TOO MUCH INFORMATION!

If they are of continual substance and those who are interested participate they go on forever (i.e. White Tower & Earth II [two highest posts in NS history]).

Yeah I read some of that, hence the TOO MUCH INFORMATION!
Linkie? *salivates*

Whoa, that was a smidge unbecoming.
What i meant was, examples, perhaps?

Linkie? *salivates*

Whoa, that was a smidge unbecoming.
What i meant was, examples, perhaps?

haha...we like this side of you Straugn.

Its the Oxwanas Did I turn Lesbo thread. and i bet its on page 4. Oh hell I should just get the link for you.

haha...we like this side of you Straugn.

Its the Oxwanas Did I turn Lesbo thread. and i bet its on page 4. Oh hell I should just get the link for you.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=451355&page=77

Post #1147 is an example.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=451355&page=77

Post #1147 is an example.
...and a most excellent example it is. *nods*
I think there's rules about certain things here, but i'm basically guessing about that. Like pix ...
Thanks, btw!

haha...we like this side of you Straughn.

Thanks (i think, given the material)!
Could be the time of the year .... speaking of which, IRL i gotta go practice the waltz domestic. Good luck to all y'all as well. *bows*

Oddly enough, questions about what it takes to make threads last tend (at least today) to do pretty well...

The British signed me as a free agent. In return, the U.S. get a bar of soap and a dog named Louie.

Oh! Cute dog!
*pets dog*
These kind of things also keeps threads alive...

And as you might notice from the posts above, sex, innuendos and insinuations keeps threads active... Just like in Life™ itself. And Fluffles... Lots o' lots of Fluffles. Keeps things interesting ;)
:fluffle: :fluffle:

Oh! Cute dog!
*pets dog*
These kind of things also keeps threads alive...

And as you might notice from the posts above, sex, innuendos and insinuations keeps threads active... Just like in Life™ itself. And Fluffles... Lots o' lots of Fluffles. Keeps things interesting ;)
:fluffle: :fluffle:

Really? Lots of good possibilities. :fluffle:

Well one way to keep a thread going is to bump it instead of letting it fade. ;)

Well one way to keep a thread going is to bump it instead of letting it fade. ;)

Thank God. Page one doesnt have an abundance of groovy threads.


But to avoid us getting whisked off to the brown forum...........

I think sometimes it depends on who is online and when. Sometimes if you get 4 or 5 NSers who mesh well together, they can take a thread 10 pages or so just withing themselves.

Well one way to keep a thread going is to bump it instead of letting it fade.;)

and I shall keep this one going just a little longer

and I shall keep this one going just a little longer

Sounds good to me.

Sounds good to me.


well I guess we learned that making a thread about threads lasts a while.

Is this start of the slow death?

Is this start of the slow death?


no because you just kept it alive

Yes. The new lasting thread is the pencil in the penis thread. Join us.

Yes. The new lasting thread is the pencil in the penis thread. Join us.


I'll be there :D

This makes a thread last forever. The fact I'm posting here. As long as the stream of curious posters never ends it will go on (until posts are capped at like 1300, I think)

What makes a thread last?


spam.

or me not killing it. that helps too...

This is all getting very beckettian.

Whimsy. Or obtuseness. Those are the usual culprits.

I actually just tried to write a huge cause and effect essay on this very topic, specifically concerning religious forum debates, it was 400 words too long and I didn't use it :/. I wrote that it has to do with the cause of each post influencing a string leading to the next effects and causes, just real basic stuff, I dunno if I really got it right honestly.

It needs an interesting, stimulating, new topic.

I'm glad this topic showed up. I was starting to wonder what i was doing wrong, either my posts withered and died or i ended up being the last poster on a thread. It's nice to know i'm not the only one who wonders what it takes to last a long time.Next time i start a thread i'm going to do it in a way that i think will sustain it awhile. I've had a topic in mind for a while but i've never started it because it is offensive, at least to some and might get me banned. Should i throw caution to the wind and do it anyways?:confused: The response i get might determine whether it sees the light of day.

Or the Am I a Lesbo? or whatever the name of it is thread. Yesterdays chapter was quite descriptive.
And guess which thread got "popped" back up again today?

This is all getting very beckettian.
Sam Beckett-ian?
WooT!!!

Should i throw caution to the wind and do it anyways?:confused: The response i get might determine whether it sees the light of day.Just make sure you're following the rules, and you'll be fine. You can be offensive, as long as you're doing so lawfully.

And guess which thread got "popped" back up again today?


haha....I knew you couldnt stay away!

haha....I knew you couldnt stay away!
You know, of course, i was given that example of literature ... so i went to see m'self!
And then, i became a statistic ... well, all in a day's work, as is quite usually the case. *nods*

Two things. 1) Conflict. People love to argue. 2) Living vicariously through other people's experiences. There is one thread that has amassed so many posts, it's ridiculous. One sincere person and 900 additional posts from horny guys wanting to offer "advice" before they leave to go spank the monkey.

You know the one.

Two things. 1) Conflict. People love to argue. 2) Living vicariously through other people's experiences. There is one thread that has amassed so many posts, it's ridiculous. One sincere person and 900 additional posts from horny guys wanting to offer "advice" before they leave to go spank the monkey.

You know the one.
One?
*hmmms*

This one ...
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=469035

or this one ...
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=468980

ah maybe this one...
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=451355

No! DEFINITELY THIS ONE ...
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=453944

No, no wait, could be this one ...
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=468909

To be honest, i'm not sure i possess the stamina for all five. I guess i'll have to pick three of them. Help, please.

Whimsy. Or obtuseness. Those are the usual culprits.

People who want to defend their positions to the very end you mean. It could seem foolish but... hey, everyone needs to have a few delusions right? ;)

People posting on it and no one locking it or deleting it.

no one locking it or deleting it.

What a horrid idea! :eek:

spam.


spam or jesus, or pencil in penis, but that later gets moved to spam.....so i guess in the end it is spam.

People posting on it and no one locking it or deleting it.
Chez what? ;)

I am quite interested in the opinions of everyone. Why do some threads go on forever and others die a quick death? Substance doesn't seem to be a part of it as I've seen some quite interesting topics fail while inane ones will continue for hundreds of posts. Help me out here.

What makes a thread last? Ranting Christians or neoconservatives:headbang: . Also, threads that ask "What makes a thread last?" do very well.

Also, threads that ask "What makes a thread last?" do very well.

That seems to be the general consensus. ;)

That seems to be the general consensus. ;)

Ehh...I'm too lazy to muddle my way through 5 pages of bad penis jokes too realize that there is a consensus.

many reasons; mostly spam
And senseless chatter.

And senseless chatter.


thats true.

Harlesburg and I have ended up in the spam forum on more than one occasion......and the night is still young.

thats true.

Harlesburg and I have ended up in the spam forum on more than one occasion......and the night is still young.
Also the occasional dredge doesn't hurt.;)

thats true.

Harlesburg and I have ended up in the spam forum on more than one occasion......and the night is still young.

I agree, sometimes you just have to talk about worthless crap every now and then instead of being serious all the time. Making comments that have no point... sounds like fun! :)

controversy works

ooh and sex sells

Inane flirting seems to work well. We haven't had that in a little while, either.

The other thing: Spam. Or a very fiery topic ie religious debates go on FOREVER... :D

thats true.

Harlesburg and I have ended up in the spam forum on more than one occasion......and the night is still young.

me too! I think it's a conspiracy against bullshit talk.

Well informed and structured arguments on all sides, mutual respect and a high level of tolerance

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Also, repetitous posts

Well informed and structured arguments on all sides, mutual respect and a high level of tolerance



Hey i think you posted this comment on the wrong forum ;)

Endless posts of people wanting to make a point.

Endless posts of people wanting to make a point.


sad thing is they never do make any point at all, only in their minds.

Also, repetitous posts

Oh yes. Repeating yourself may be the only way to get your point across to those whose skulls are enclosing only vacuum.

Or you could just type veeeeerrrrrrry slllllloooooooowwwwwlllllly. :p

Oh yes. Repeating yourself may be the only way to get your point across to those whose skulls are enclosing only vacuum.

Or you could just type veeeeerrrrrrry slllllloooooooowwwwwlllllly. :p


another way is to reply to peoples posts with a funny rebuttal, shame i dont have one right now, but im keeping this thread alive.

Another way to make it last is to not post on it for a long time.

Continuously posting on it tends to make it First (under the Stickies) :D

I'll keep that in mind in the meantime though i'll keep posting

Another way to make it last is to not post on it for a long time.

Continuously posting on it tends to make it First (under the Stickies):D
And then wait for someone to bring it back up.

i know how to make it last

"i now declare this thread a competition.
person with the last post wins"

this is cool
coz if it dies, i win

i know how to make it last

"i now declare this thread a competition.
person with the last post wins"

this is cool
coz if it dies, i win
You could also be surprised: "What, is this thread STILL alive?"

BTW: I'm in the lead, it seems :D

winning:D