An observation and curiosity

[DrMDJ]

If this belongs more in the lounge then I'll lead if to the powers to be to move it there.

Over the past couple weeks there have been two related/connected threads running in the Viruses/Trojans/Spyware forum that have caught my eye. The threads are these two:
http://discussions.virtualdr.com/sho...hreadid=181871 and http://discussions.virtualdr.com/sho...hreadid=181877 .

Together these threads have had (to date) some 2500 views between them. Even allowing for multiple views by any given person this is a very high number of views and would seem to indicate a considerable degree of interest. Certainly given the content of the threads this is understandable since they relate to topics that get a lot of press and have broad based applicability.

The first thing that strikes me as curious/odd is the fact that for all the people drawn to these threads there are but eleven people that have chosen to actually contribute to the threads, with most of the same eleven contributing to both threads. With so many people seemingly (obviously) interested, why is it that more do not contribute? These aren't the more typical threads where someone has a specific problem/issue/question and there is "an answer" sought. Both threads are of a discussion, opinion, personal experience nature. So it can't be a case of people being not contributing because they don't (feel they) have an/the answer. There is no answer to be given in these threads, there is no right and wrong. Anyone/everyone could contribute to threads by sharing an opinion, sharing their experience or sharing their view. Not to mention that some of things brought out in these threads would seem to potentially lead to people having questions which they could ask. Like I say, it just seemed odd in looking at these threads that they had gotten so much viewing attention, yet (and considering their nature) had received such comparatively little participation.

The second and related thing that struck me as curious about the two threads was the absence of participation by moderators, save for two. Threads such as these (unlike the one-off answer/solution type) would seem to afford the opportunity to encourage and promote the exchange of ideas and experiences, to facilitate something along a more broad based educational line. These are things that I would have thought more mods would welcome and endorse. But their absence (from participation) is notable. Just strikes me as odd more wouldn't have been involved promoting, sharing, guiding.

[greengoose1]

Anything to do with VirDr goes in this forum whereas the lounge is for fun and games so to speak.

I can remember the 'Butter" thread of JT Doom was much the same as these but with one striking difference. His project on boot disks was more narrow in scope. What these two threads are discussing is how to make using a computer safe. And spending less time to do it. Also going into Malware and taking a look at it. Which in my opinion would be of interest to many members of VirDr.

Thanks for bringing the subject up here as it may help draw more attention to what is being done in the two referenced threads.

Also you touch on factors which can make a better help site.

Thanks for the input.

[DrMDJ]

Ah "butter", I remember it well (and others). Such threads seem to be a thing of the past now here at vdr unfortunately.

Oh there is no question that the two threads referenced here were and are (there have been 500+ more reads on them since I first posted) of interest to people. But as I initially commented on and (and as seems to still be the case) the participation in the threads by members (and yes, mods) is surprisely low. I just seems to defy reason given the clear interest in the topic(s) and the open nature of the threads.

My hat's off to those that initiated and contributed to the threads. There should be more like them around here. While the "one off answer to a particular problem/issue" type thread my well be the mainstay of a site like vdr, the more general informational/educational threads are needed and valuable too. They often provide more broadbased and long term help to people.

[Dodge]

The Famous Butter threads.... I remember when Jaak started those. Cofused the crap out of me and most of it still does. But, they are very informative and still alive and running. He is still revising and adding to them all the time. Very impressive to say the least.

I agree with GG1, those threads are informative. I think alot of user will get some great use out of them.

[bistro]

I am currently working on a program that will scan and translate those threads into the accepted "English-American New Standard Layman's Version". I would let you use the beta version, but so far it takes JT's stuff and barely translates it (sounds like Klingon)...still working on it.

[greengoose1]

Ah, warming to your subjects. Anyone in mind to translate you?

[bistro]

The graduate students at M.I.T. are working on it, but my posts keep shorting out their mainframes....

[usil]

LOL Bistro, you never fail to crack me up!