I've been wondering if there was going to be a discussion myself, because on Aug. 11 I'm going to ask for Lightbulbs to be reopened so we can finish the process of voting on the Networks Drama thread. Whether anything has changed or not by that time is up to the folks who asked for the delay.

Okay, I don't quite understand the rationale behind closing the proposed vote. Has the discussion been stayed so we can talk about things in a big "where are we going way" or so we can not talk about things for a while.

Both? I made the suggestion because I thought emotions were running a little too high all the way around, and that this was maybe not the best time for this vote. I think having a discussion that can last more than 4 days would be good, but speaking just for myself, I want to leave the subject alone for at least a day or so, now that there is some breathing room.

That's just me though.

Sean, since you were interested in the Where Do We Go discussion, perhaps you could kick it off?

I'm wondering if framing the argument in a couple different ways would be helpful, rather than everybody just piping up with their preference.

We know that some people like the bucket threads and others can't use them. We know that some people love talking TV in Natter and others do not. We know that some people are fine with whitefont and others abhor it.

For the sake of discussion could I posit this? If we are not to become a general TV board with an unlimited number of threads, then how do we want to structure the board?

Whether we come to an arbitrary limit on threads or whether we find something more organic, how would we best balance the needs of the various members, as well as balance growth/core maintenance?

I'm trying to think of solutions which are rooted in balancing differing interests instead of choosing one side over the other.

Though some of these limits may seem arbitrary, I will just throw out some possibilities.

Limit the number of threads created within a certain time frame. Like, we can only create three new tv threads in a year. Downside: it's arbitrary and may not accommodate what we want, and could cause friction over competition. Upside: it would force us to think carefully about what threads are worth adding.

I think our cultural tendency is to build threads the way Jefferson built pathways at UVA. See where the interest grows and then make it a official. This is in keeping with spinning SPN out of Box Set.

Do we want to ratify that process in some way? For example, insisting that every single show thread must first pass through a bucket thread and then "graduate" to single show status?

Do we want to build threads that are driven less by commonality of shows, than commonality of viewing style? That is, make spaces for people who have a media fannish way of viewing? Make TV threads which accommodate much whitefont for the spoiler phobic, and people that watch shows at staggered schedules? Would a Watch and Post thread be a good idea?

Is there a general consensus that there can be too much fragmentation? That it ill serves the community to spread ourselves too thin?

Is there a way to pull volume back into Natter?

Are there things we can do in-thread which help bolster the community? Do people miss things like the quote deathmatches we used to have?

Would it be useful to do some polls to sort out viewing habits and preferences? I think that could be helpful.

Possible polls:

1. I would like B.org to have unlimited TV theads.
I think too much splintering damages the community.

2.
I prefer Bucket threads
I won't use Bucket threads

3.
I prefer to talk TV in Natter.
I can't/won't talk TV in Natter.

4.
I'm fine with a thread heavy on whitefont
I hate white font!

5.
I would describe my TV viewing as "media fannish".
I would NOT describe myself as a media fandom person.
I don't understand the term "media fandom" but please, please, please don't define it again.

Something like that might clarify exactly how broad the differences are.

Anybody? Bueller Sean?

I think the poll idea might be a good one, but just talking about these things you posted (sorry, Lee) might be better. For example

1. I would like B.org to have unlimited TV theads.
I think too much splintering damages the community.

I don't see these as dichotomous. I think single show threads are better for discussing TV (hey it worked for Angel and Buffy!) and I think too much splintering damages the community.

But that won't really show up on a poll.

Oh sure, put me on the spot, just because I said something....

As it is, I think you've brought up several good points for kicking off this discussion. I think we all still might need a step back for a day or two before we really get into this, but your comments are as good a place to start as any.

I think also we should take some time to talk about how TV focussed the board should be. Several people have stated their desire for the board to not be so All About TV All The Time, though I find this a curious position on a board that was born from watching a TV show.

Still, I think there's validity to the argument. And the case is strong that Natter/Bitches are the main threads of the board. Plus there's Kat's whole fractured soul metaphor that's worth talking about.

Okay, clearly my comments are less focussed than your for the moment, so maybe I'll try again later.

I thought the point was to take a few days back before going into this discussion? Though I do agree that a poll similar to David's would be an excellent starting point.

Do we want to build threads that are driven less by commonality of shows, than commonality of viewing style?

That makes a whole helluva lot of sense to me.

Do people miss things like the quote deathmatches we used to have?

Yes.

Taking a few days off.

quote deathmatches

I find myself missing them even though I have no idea what they were. Anything-deathmatch sounds good to me!

I prefer Bucket threads

That not mah buket t /lolrus

We don't have quote deathmatches because we don't have any quote threads.