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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;sketcherpbr, post: 792458, member: 15350&quot;]Online forums can be both helpful and harmful tools depending on several factors, such as layout, targeted members and audience, and of course, content of the forum. While the more helpful applications of an online forum come to mind with relative ease, there are several factors that are taken for granted or not even considered by the members within a forum. </p><p><br /></p><p>When we join a forum, it is usually to gain more knowledge and understanding in the field for which the forum was created. As with CoinTalk, it is common that each individual member has a unique perspective on the content to which the forum is dedicated. Thus, with the growth of the member list in a forum comes the growth of a potentially vast knowledge database in which any person requiring help has the possibility of not only learning what they inquired, but learning it from the multiple perspectives and perhaps more information that will be useful. As with most online forums, this wide variety of perspectives often ranges over a span of ages, from youth to the elderly. This allows for not only a more intricate database of information, but for those within the forum and visitors alike to relate with members of their own age, background, and lingo. The more broad the member base, the more potential there is that a visitor will connect with members of similar taste or interest and enjoy the forum, eventually becoming an invaluable member capable of aiding countless visitors and members. This is the goal of most online forums: to create a place where people can ask and answer questions, enjoy the opinions and advice of others, and hopefully contribute to the forum. Forum content could contain just about anything--from hobbies (CT!) to professions (ex. math, chemistry, etc.). Another positive factor of forums is their ability to unite people of all backgrounds to something they have in common. Not all people have a thriving social life outside of their home, and online forums are places where they can socialize with people of similar interest. Socializing is an essential part of everyone&#039;s life, and, though face-to-face conversations are generally more stimulating, online conversations may be all a person can do. It could be their connection to the world, previously not ascertainable due to health problems or whatever else they have in their life. </p><p><br /></p><p>As it has been established that online forums can be of many uses, both educational and non, it is important to discuss the negative aspects of online forums. Amongst these problems could be the possibility of identity theft, poorly-managed forums, erroneous information, and various other negative possibilities. As we occasionally see on CoinTalk, not everyone knows what they are talking about, and this frequently can mislead forum members and visitors. Not more than a couple of weeks ago I read a post in which someone claimed that silver rusted, and stuck with their argument without having as thorough a background in chemistry as other members who informed him that the process is referred to as toning. The misinformed and ignorant member furthermore mis-defined ferrous and ferric, terms used to describe iron, and applied them erroneously. It was a tragedy to see, and even with the numerous members correcting him with cited examples, the member continued to spout of information that was painfully incorrect. Not all visitors and members can distinguish the difference between faulty information and genuine knowledge. &#039;Trolls&#039; are also another name given to members who seem to have a blatant disregard for other members&#039; opinions and questions, and spam forums needlessly and cause more drama than is necessary. It has also been known in several forums online that scams occur frequently. Forums are not generally legitimate markets in which members can barter, but it is common. Sometimes, a member can scam another member with a purchase and be relatively untraceable on the internet after abandoning their account. These mentioned negative possibilities found on some forums can be the result of poorly-managed online forums, which CoinTalk has thankfully been void of. Our administrators are superb and friendly, and keep things running smoothly. This is not, unfortunately, the case with all online forums. Vulgar and slanderous language, scamming, and spamming can become a problem with membership is too high (another problem in itself) or when the admins become lethargic in their duties. </p><p><br /></p><p>I joined CoinTalk because I wanted to learn more about the coins I had. I wanted opinions on their value, how to take care of them, and their potential futures. I was lucky enough to find a forum in which the members were friendly and welcoming, as well as extremely intelligent and specialized in the hobby of coin collecting. As my knowledge grew, I was able to help new members with simple questions, share information and provide my opinions. I have seen some of the most beautiful coins I will ever see on this forum (major props to LeHigh), as well as some of the most horrific things people have done to coins. The dos and don&#039;ts. I have expanded my collection after learning more information and receiving the opinions of dozens. I have participated in contests and won knowledge and prizes. CoinTalk is a very diverse forum in which any collector or appreciative person can find a way to have fun and learn about the hobby. </p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks for the contest, I really appreciate the opportunity to voice my opinion. -Peter[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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