Today is Ludwig’s third anniversary of OLO involvement. Yarhoo! (pats himself on the back)

He’ll celebrate this evening…and reflect on just what he’s achieved over the thousands of hours spent on it.

What do other posters think? How is OLO progressing?

Is it a meaningful forum for all the participants who feel the need to express their views or push their barrow or try and change the world?

Do any of our country’s decision-makers take any notice at all?

Or is it just a means of waylaying and placating those who might otherwise be participating in social, economic and environmental affairs in a more meaningful way, thus allowing our illustrious decision-makers to make less well thought out decisions and receive less flack for them than they might otherwise?

Could it be that OLO is actually working against the best interests of the country, people or environment?

Well, I'm interested Ludwig, but it doesn't look like anyone else is. Do I get a sense that you think arguing about issues with others makes you less effective as a citizen?

Hi Luddy...

3 yrs? 1000s of hours? now THAT's scarey..... I did calculate [Work Rate x Time on OLO] and it came to about $28,000 :) for me. That was about 12 months ago.

But it provides a good opportunity to bounce ideas off other people.

I've never have known as much as I now know about many things had it not been for being challenged and mocked :) by.. errrr *nameless individuals*

It also reveals just how much prejudice there is in the secular mind, .. where the entrenched view is "If you disagree....you hate" That applies mainly to the leftish side of politics I feel.

I've also observed a pronounce intolerance among those who shout "tolerance" the loudest. Being able to document this is a bonus.

Then there is the 'compassion' based on pure sentimentalism rather than solid fact or responsible foundation.. another characteristic I notice.

Above all.. OLO allows us a place to 'joust' in the field of ideas..and even though we disagree on a lot (many of us) it's still very healthy.

Do our Leaders take notice? why of course they do.. I've noticed how much government policy has in fact taken on the flavor of many of my posts :) hahahahahah... that should cause a stir.

Congratulations Ludwig!

In the short time that I've been involved
with OLO - it's been my pleasure and
privilege to meet so many worthwhile
people in cyberspace.

I've learned a great deal both about
myself and others through the various topics
that have been covered.

I've learned that a sense of humour definitely helps.
I've learned that there are subjects that
can bring out the worst in some people,
especially politics, religion, gender issues,
and even topics like art/photography, can
generate some heat.

But, from all of it - something good usually
results if only in self-examination and
questioning. I'm blown my fuse a few times,
when the right buttons were pushed.

However, all in all, OLO has become a very
important part of my life - it keeps me on
my toes mentally. Makes me think (and sometimes
re-think) certain subjects. It stretches my
imagination. My research skills have improved.
What more can one ask of a public Forum?

Once again, Congrats! And I hope that we shall
have the pleasure of your company on OLO for
many more years to come.

All The Best,

“Do I get a sense that you think arguing about issues with others makes you less effective as a citizen?”

Graham, I think that debating issues and espousing your views makes you a better citizen. Much better that than apathy.

It makes you more effective as citizen inasmuch as you are learning and contributing to the governance and health of our future. As far as I’m concerned, apathetic people or people who are only interested in matters that directly affect them or matters that aren’t related to the big issues that we are now facing are …well….second-class citizens, quite frankly.

I’m of the mindset that we really all do have a fundamental duty of care about our society and that we should be contributing to its wellbeing on a regular basis.

OLO makes this a lot easier than it used to be.

Polycarp: << That was about 12 months ago. >>

But Porky, you've only been on OLO for just over 4 months...

Seriously, for me OLO primarily provides a forum for expressing ideas and experiencing a more diverse range of views than I would otherwise encounter in the small country town where I live.

I doubt that many "decison-makers" take much notice of us, but some of their staffers might. I occasionally get feedback from other Greens members for some of the comments I post here - far more people read the articles and comments, comoared to those who post here.

I don't see how OLO could be "actually working against the best interests of the country, people or environment".