Posted by Kid Fanboy at dial-209-248-64-45.vanion.com on November 28, 2000 at 13:41:35:
Although she comes across as oh-so-superior, Libra makes some valid points in her post below. As I understand it, this board is intended specifically for questions directed to you regarding your life and work... But, as many of these questions are addressed in the summaries and therefore forbidden subjects, what we're often left with is simple worship and thinly-veiled attempts to somehow gain favor in your eyes via flaming contests. Off-topic boards (both here and elsewhere) help to form a legitimate sense of community among people with similar interests (in this case your work) who may otherwise never have the chance to interact. These groups are generally more respectful, focused, and dedicated to "policing" themselves.
I would suggest not eliminating the OWB, but rather this one, and further compartmentalizing the topics of the various forums on the OWB as they have done over at Project Greenlight. There is still a need to directly address questions to you, so dedicate one set of forums to that topic ("Ask Kevin", perhaps). I think you would find posters' attentions more focused and their attidudes more friendly... IMHO