Message Boards and Your Sanity by heirin, cub-reporter for CVN
The World Wide Web seems to go on forever. Not a day goes by that someone
isn't logging on. But this story isn't about the World Wide Web. No, this is about Cybertown
message boards.
What is it about these boards that has everyone in a panic?
Message boards are designed to give the reader large quantities of information at one time. Therefore, it would seem
a simple task to pop into a CT board and pop right back into chat. This, however, doesn't seem to be the case.
It would appear that at any given time, a person goes into the boards and simply just disappears. Is there too much inside the board? Could be that there isn't enough? Either way, there is the possibility that any Cytonian who might venture into a board simply becomes catatonic. That is to say, he or she becomes so shell-shocked by how
much (or little) can be learned about the goings-on in Cybertown, depending on the board.
I have found that is difficult to hold a conversation with someone who's buried in a board. Anyone can make assumptions about why-in fact I just did! But I believe there to be one solid explanation to this message board quandary.
There's a ton of useful information often to be found within the board's walls. Yes, it is true that a person roving the boards takes a while to respond, if the will. It is also true that Cytonians tend to joke about the boards being
bottomless pits.
In this last instance people need a way out. Perhaps I have the answer for that as well: a rope and climbing shoes posted inside every board! This way, our fellow Cytonians will be able to return triumphantly to the chats from these
Cytonian stunning message boards.
Of course, it seems only fair to suggest an alternate strategy, just in case the shoes and ropes are unavailable. So, anytime you venture into the boards to find out what's going on in Cybertown, remember that you don't have to REALLY read it all at once. Read and respond to only a few topics at any one time. Pop out to say "hi" to people, chat a bit and then return a few minutes later to continue on a different topic in the board. You'll get through it like a champ every time. In addition, you will not feel quite so bogged down with information and opinions. Don't forget that word-of-mouth is also an excellent board aide. Use fellow chatters to gain information about our fascinating civilization and activities. Chats will direct you to fascinating information and locations as well.
