The internet, and most especially internet forums, are one of the few remnants of the Wild West remaining in modern life. Deception and all manner of other low-life
and low brow activity abounds, allowed by the anonymity of the digital interface.
Forums, however, though only occasionally afflicted by criminals, are no stranger to those who will say anything, given half a chance. The opportunity to be a bigshot by "winning" the thread, that is dominating and having the so-called best argument, are such that from time to time most, including myself, post not to engage in a discussion, but to acquire the debatable prize of momentary online fame. Again, I have done this, and worse.
Beginners post their wonderments, which is all good and not anything I would like to be different. And pipe smokers are thoughtful in general, and some are downright analytical. When the two co-occur, the wonderment generated in seeking to establish a relationship between them can result in humorous threads. There is no relationship; just a mind that seeks to know everything about pipe smoking. I used to post such threads regularly. Responses ranged from nothing to "no, you idiot!" But because I wanted to know everything, I persevered, and many times did so alone; which didn't deter me either. What can I say? I've always had a busy head.
Which (finally, you gasp) brings me to the OP urging the restriction of Esoterica threads. In short, it won't work! If civil, and sometimes even when not, you can say anything on an internet forum! It's entirely hopeless to try to control members' tongues. When I was courting a member of a culture known for its volubility, I remember sitting in the kitchen with my fiance and two other family members among at least three concurrent conversations. No one listened, or if they did, they did so waiting for that choice moment when they could say what they wanted to say that had little or nothing to do with whatever the current speaker was saying. It was a free-for-all. I turned to my fiance's father at one point, indicating that I felt bombarded by the conversational style, and he looked at me and said, "Mike, in our family. . .when you have nothing to say, say it!!"
This reminds me of the forums. Stating one's opinion, right or wrong, considered or only manufactured in the moment, is the rule, and it is not difficult to find posts governed by ego rather than helpful to the community.
Ride 'em, cowboy!
