Is there a better way to experience forums?

[coaster]

Hi all, I often visit Homebuilt aircraft, CNCzone and F1technical.
I find myself more and more overwhelmed by the business of joining in a forum topic.
Cnczone has a real knack for going off topic on every most threads, almost like an open discussion.
Homebuilt aircraft is intimidating because the level of expertise is so great, also expensive.
F1technical is very intolerant for off topic banter, and range of expertise is bewildering, from complete philistines to professors of engineering.

Also, nobody ever notifies the user when a reply comes.
The tiered system F1tech employs now is a bit discriminatory, very off putting. (user ratings)

Is there a better way?

[Cam]

Delete.

[coaster]

Thank you Cam, you prove the point perfectly!

[seventhsin]

It's odd, Ive been on many forums over the years, and I find (although I am next to useless at contributing) that users here on f1T actually treat each other with more respect than I see people do in real life.

Although in saying that, Its likely its just heavily moderated.
If you feel you don't have the knowledge to contribute or participate, lurk for awhile. Read the long threads, open the ones without CFD analysis, open the 'laymans' threads. Learn.
Ask questions, I guarantee no-one will call you an idiot, although you may be ignored.

Maybe the problem is that if you want to discuss intelligent things, you'll find yourself surrounded by intellectuals.
I know if I had the choice of sitting in on an F1 aerodynamics lecture, or going to trivia night at the pub with friends, Id take the pub. I'd participate ten times more and feel less intimidated because I'm surrounded by people of equivalent intellect, on topics of common knowledge

Also this is the ONLY forum that I make any attempt to capitalise and punctuate properly.

[mx_tifoso]

The force is strong in you, Seventhsin.