What do you think is the purpose of Fluther?

Currently, for a small but loyal bunch of Jellies to ask questions, share ideas, and annoy the shit out of each other.

Originally…well, you can find that on the website.

With all of the recent malfunctions, I’d say its calculated to drive people insane.

For quite some time now it is a platform for haters to dissect Trump.
Very sad. I love our country. Why are these people not celbrating?

@si3tech There are good people on both sides.

Fluther is an acquired habit. It serves the same function as chewing gum or heroin.

It’s a lonely hearts club.

It’s a let’s trash Obama for eternity but get butt hurt if you don’t like Trump club.

It’s a let’s trash Obama for eternity but get butt hurt if you don’t like Trump club.

I joined fluther before it became more political. But I thought it’s about sharing ideas and learning new ideas in a respectful way.
But of course, some things remain true in fluther as it does in real life. It’s hard to talk about Politics, Religion, Gay rights, and abortion. Both hold hard beliefs on what is right and what is wrong because those views are often deeply entrenched in one’s world view.
I’ll give an example

If a person was taught in their faith that they will go to hell if they wore the color blue then no amount of education will convince them otherwise, because it can’t be proven that they won’t go to hell. The only way it could happen is if they start to doubt there is a hell on their own. Then they can be persuaded that they can wear blue since they no longer believe in hell.

So I see fluthers purpose as sharing ideas and life experiences. Doesn’t mean that people entrenched in their own ideas will change who they are. To be persuaded one must be open to persuasion.

I think of the stated purpose: “We think there’s still nothing better than getting an answer from a real person. So we made it easier.”

And I also think of the recommendation I got from Gail to try Fluther, that it was a place where there were more thoughtful people than typically found on most of the Internet.

Where’s flo?

I personally discovered it as an alternative to Yahoo! Answers. I’ve always gotten more mature, thoughtful responses on here than on Y! A lol

To tap the collective.

Disregarding all the political trash dumped on here by people at both right/left extremes, it’s a mostly harmless diversion and stress-relieving entertainment – At least that was my own plan & what I keep hoping for.

But getting anyone to communicate outside the Q&A boards seems technically difficult, and personally challenging for some folks.

Oh well…another bus stop on the Lost Girl Tour.

@JLoon Or have you considered that maybe many of us don’t like chat rooms? Many of us who want to communicate with a Jelly do it via PMs.

But hop on the bus, Gus – if that’s what you want to do.

As long as I’ve been on Fluther, there have been heated debates. There used to be long, heated debates about religion. Some (who are not here now), used to go on and on about how Christianity was stupid. Then every couple of years it’s about politics, when the elections come around. Trump gave four solid years of interesting discussion and very heated debates.

I like Fluther for bouncing things off of people, for example when people have a social situation and are looking for advice.

I used to tell people that Fluther is a good place to ask a question or answer a question, or participate in a debate. I still think it’s good for those things.

I like @gondwanalon‘s answer a lot.

Learn new things. Get help from every day people and experts. Help others. Have fun. Interact with people from around the country and the world. Made some friends here too.

@JLoon Rejoice and join our happy throng. Else be incarcerated in a Walmart basement.

@janbb – Are we grouchy today?

I have no idea how you or anyone else here prefers to communicate. But thanks for the advice anyway.

Ta ta.

@janbb – Are we grouchy today?

I have no idea how you or anyone else here prefers to communicate. But thanks for the advice anyway.

Ta ta.

All, thanks for your answers. I am a Johnny come lately; but I must say I do enjoy the back and forth for the most part. Every once in a while I Geta feeling that the board is being mis-used by some people. But that is usually just a fleeting thought.

When I ask a question on Fluther, my main intent is to shake the pot. But I do also want to learn from the experts. I wish experts would be more willing to share their expertise; I think they are willing but get cowed by the strong feelings on display here every day, on almost every thread.

@crazyguy You would have to ask questions that bring out the experts. Like a cooking question, computer question, engineering question, math question, an English question, or a travel question, etc. Some jellies are literally experts in their field, some are just informal experts with lots of personal experience. Back in the beginnings of fluther we had even more experts, but some left or passed away. Some of our very funny jellies are gone, but we still have a good sense of humor here.

You keep asking political questions. That mostly gets you opinions.

@JLeslie Thanks for your answer. Lately, knowledge and politics have been mixed up big time: coronavirus, climate, clean energy, etc. But I take your pointy and will try and be less confrontational with my questions.

@crazyguy There are old meta questions asking jellies their favorite Q’s. Those are good if your search works. My search doesn’t work on my phone.

@JLeslie Thanks for your answer. Lately, knowledge and politics have been mixed up big time: coronavirus, climate, clean energy, etc. But I take your point and will try and be less confrontational with my questions.