Why are most threads just lists?

[hypothetical fact]

I agree. It seems like most of the new thread topics are just new people who don't use the search button and post either a repeat thread or a thread about PS3 vs. 360.

Not to insult the wonderful staff by any means, but I think they need to use the magic padlock more often.

There's nothing more attractive to the average escapist user than a thread where all they have to do is pop in, declare their contempt for something, and then vanish without giving the thread a second glance.

This is why "what is your least favorite ____ " and "what _____ do you find overrated" threads always do fantastically. I think the root of the problem comes from the type of people this place attracts. Of all the forums I post on, this place is probably the most elitist in attitude. Users often proclaim the Escapist to be "the last vestige of sanity on the internet". People like that love to complain.

I dunno. The Escapists think of themselves highly, but they are open to new things. Its just that when people do so damn badly at making a case, it has to be killed. Most Escapists would respect someone saying, "Tis a decent game, but I have an inexplicable dislike of this aspect of the game." But of course, would someone really make a thread to say that if they weren't just attention seeking?

So if/when the problem worsens and the last vestige of sanity crumbles, where will everyone go?
Also this thread should be in off topic.

 

[Epifols]

If you classify a list as a sentence including a colon ) and multiple commas, (,,,) sure I'd agree, a majority of threads you could casually refer to as lists. Or if you classify a list as a sentence including nothing but sentence fragments beginning with a colon ) proceeded by the thread title reiterated, separated ONLY by commas (,,,) I'd disagree, because all of those threads would be locked by GMs 'cause whoever started the "list" thread should be punched, by merit of their lack of imagination and grammar fluency.

I'm using "list" in a loose way. As most people took to understand it, I mean when someone asks "What's your favorite _____?" And then the rest of the posts are just additions to the "list" they are producing. A lot of time it does not require an actual list.

Also, shouldn't this be in off topic discussion?

Hmm, technically yes. But my thread deals directly with the gaming discussion forum. If a mod wants to move it thats fine.

 

[Incompl te]

Im suprised this thread didn't turn into a list stating why many threads are lists...

 

[DrHobo]

Why are most threads lists?

* Lists are shorthand and easier to type

* Lists let you pad out your content more

* All threads are essentially pro's and con's discussions, which are condusive to lists

* There really isnt that much to post about. In our post-post modern world it's all been done already For example

*Literature

*Film

*Art

*Philosophy

*Lists let you use * which everyone loves

That's not what we mean. We're talking about threads that go along the lines of:

OP: "So what's your favourite colour? Mine's yellow."
Reply 1: "Yellow as well"
Reply 2: "I'm a goth, so black"
Reply 3: "Purple owns all [/thread]"
Reply 4: "This thread offers no discussion. Why does it exist?"

That's the kind of pointless crap that's filling the forum up.

Its cool man just a joke you'll get it one day