@resmc – First off, you are saying that your issue is not one of format and then you go on to say that (paraphrasing) the format is different. So let’s be honest first and recognize that the moderation process, the question limit, etc. is all a part of the format of the site.
@everyone -
The next thing to realize is that Fluther is profitable and able to pay for the servers that host our conversations because of the business model they have chosen.
The business model, as I understand it, means that they want to be found on Google for relevant search terms which will then drive thousands of people to the site looking for something related to those search terms. When those users get to the site, they see ads relevant to those search terms as well as our conversations. Users clicking on those ads is how Fluther stays in business.
Not by users reading our conversations.
If duplicate questions are asked, then Fluther stands the chance of actually diluting their own search rankings. This could result in a drop in advertising revenue and a dilution of the Fluther brand as the place to go for relevant answers. This could equate to server load issues and lead to an increase in visible intrusive advertising to help subsidize the loss from the original revenue stream.
The site is not built around the fact that everyone wants a forum to spout their opinion and chat with friends. They do a great job of still offering those things, but when people come in and abuse them over and over again, it is a bad business decision to not react to those issues.
Considering the mass influx of questions, reducing the allowed number of questions is probably a good thing. Again, everyone wants a soapbox and people are abusing that.
There are already more focused sites for people to spout their opinion and chit chat with their friends. Twitter and Facebook come to mind.
But that said, upping the allowed number of questions for people who ask relevant ones is an interesting idea. However if you examine it further, you might find that it would just create more dissent because “X is allowed to post 4 questions and I can only ask 2. WTF???!!!???!!!?!?!?!”
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In short, running a profitable web based business, especially in this economy is a very difficult thing to do. Maybe cut the company some slack and recognize that things can’t always be the way you want them to be and don’t expect it to change just because you like your idea. All in all, everyone who is still around (with a couple of notable exceptions) seem to like Fluther. If so, then trust the owners to do what is in the best interests of the company and to provide the community with as much as they can feasibly build into the site, given time and budgetary constraints.
And hey, if you want to make a hefty donation to the company, they might consider your opinion and provide the features that can be built with the money you provide. If you don’t want to fund the company, then you should accept it for what it is.
Ok, off my soapbox