New thoughts about running film class

[slade]

Originally posted by fischerj

Is it difficult to have discussions on a couple of movies at once (separate threads, of course)? It seems such a shame to have a wonderful list like this and only talk about one.

Originally posted by Morticia

Interesting idea, fischerj.

The summer months seem to have the effect of waning participation, or is it the choice of films?

I will discuss the idea with the Film Class God. This may be worth looking into....

Thanks for the ideas!

while the goddess did pm me about this, I thought I would respond publicly to get others opinions as well (I know, I'm a rather new-age, non-dictator-type god).

My concern is that with minimal participation now (we have good discussions, but there aren't many people discussing each film) would having more than one film a week just split the number of participants.

Or, would it just be that we get two separate batches of participants for each movie?

I also find it interesting that we get like 20 votes for a film in these polls, but don't get 20 different people talking about a movie when the time comes. Any ideas about that?

[fischerj]

Originally posted by slade
I also find it interesting that we get like 20 votes for a film in these polls, but don't get 20 different people talking about a movie when the time comes. Any ideas about that?

I think the poll is an irresistible attraction for people to vote! Coming back later on to comment is another matter. I think this is the fundamental issue behind the lack of participation. If a film that is popularly elected for discussion isn't being voted for by those who regularly contribute, there is little value. My thought was to expand the number of films to include some critical films that did not garner lotsa support--you might see more participation or at least some increased dedication. I dunno.

Thanks for considering it either way. Perhaps a trial run for the summer? Or, ask the forum in a poll!!

[MrTony]

Speaking for myself, as a former somewhat-regular Film Class participant, I was unable to discuss for the past month because a drastic change in my work hours pretty much wiped out my ability to access the web. There were a lot of films discussed in June that I was looking forward to. I'll get caught up, I promise.

[Bjørn N]

Speaking as one of the people that tend to vote, then shut up come discussion time, my main problem is I am an idiot. At least when it comes to films. I like film class because it is an excellent chance to learn, but not really a whole lot to teach (speaking only for myself of course). I think it is also making it a little worse than the last month or so there has been quite a few bona fide classics. There isn't a whole lot to say, and frankly there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of disagreement either, which is not really a good thing for discussion.

I think it is quite interesting to see that while many threads here have few replies, there are quite a lot of views, which makes me believe there are a few people who thinks like me.

It is easy to criticise though, but my only suggestion would be to steer away from the biggest classics, and pick more recent and/or less praised movies.

[BsK]

Its interesting how much activity (responses,posts) films like Fight Club, LOTR, and A beautiful Mind generate in the DVD room. Not with the in-depth thought that seems to go into the posts in here, but I wonder if people really even know that this thread exists? I was a member for months until I ventured in here and found what I thought would be a gem, but participation is sorely lacking to be sure.

Its got to change!

[Morticia]

Thanks, slade....for bringing this up.

I just wanted to remind everybody that while we close the polls, we never close the discussion threads.

I know many members have "Showing threads 1 to 13 of 13, sorted by "last post time" in "descending" order, from "last day" --- that "last day" part won't show all the threads. There are not that many!! (See the bottom of the Film Class Forum for what I'm talking about!)

So far there's been no pressing reason to close the discussion threads, the whole year will generate 52 discussion threads....not too many!

Don't be shy...jump on in on an 'old' discussion -- the water's fine!

[Dom]

I'm right on with Bjørn N.
I'm also very keen on reading what others have to say about the movies I like, since I'm not very talented in analyzing them and writing down my thoughts.

[Dom]

See? I'm a bad writer. i started every one sentence in the post above with "I'm"

[DimWit]

I think that there's burnout involved. Too many *good* films posted. Sounds strange but after a while most start sounding the same.

If you look at the most dynamic threads on films (Minority Report anyone?) it to discuss flaws or story/fact misunderstandings or just to bitch about the politics and/or artistic merits.

Problem is... who gets to pick those types of films?

[Morticia]

Interesting point, DimWit.

But we discussed "A.I." which, when it was in theatres, inspired a zillion threads. Not much discussion in Film Class.

And the members pick the films...they picked "A.I.", and only got 11 replies and 194 views. "The Matrix" got 23 replies, as did "Casablanca".

I don't think it's the type of movies, to be honest. And since the Forum members nominate and vote....

Here's an idea....

Should slade and I come up with a surprise discussion once in a while? Something like, What do you think is in the briefcase in "Pulp Fiction" or Which is the better version of "Legend" and why? Why are Adam Sandler's films so popular?

Just off the top of my head....and that head hurts alot right now

[dvds'r'us]

I just want a Ghost World thread.

[MrTony]

Originally posted by Morticia
Should slade and I come up with a surprise discussion once in a while? Something like, What do you think is in the briefcase in "Pulp Fiction" or Which is the better version of "Legend" and why? Why are Adam Sandler's films so popular?

That's a really interesting idea, Morticia. I would love it.

[Morticia]

Thanks, MrTony....

Well, I think I'll end up coordinating with slade this weekend about these new topic ideas. We got one from MrTony about it....that's better than a meadowful of crickets!

Anything else? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?!

[Ratbert]

All of these are good ideas. Thanks for your work in the Film Class, you Gods and Goddesses!

[KevinC]

I love it when the films coming up for discussion are announced in advance. This lets me see the film before discussion begins rather than blowing half the week with nothing to say because I haven't seen the film and haven't been able to work it into my schedule. I'll try to keep in mind that the old threads are still open, but I also think the discussions will be more vital the more people participate during the posted discussion date. (I guess by "vital" I mean that we are more likely to get more interesting give-and-take among posters, and fewer grandiloquent posts expounding *my* take on the film under discussion.)
Regards,

[Morticia]

Good points, KevinC!

Also, the film schedule is kept updated in the Announcement thread. We've had complaints about putting up film threads too far in advance, so this was a sort of compromise.

I do agree that the discussions seem more 'vital' during the actual week, but....we at the forum love it when old threads are dug up with new ideas, too!