I cannot count the number of friendships I've made and the amount of help I have both received when a newer DJ (I didn't START until 40..in 1996) and now as a more experienced performer am able to provide folks who were newer DJ's.
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't learn something.
experiencing people who don't contribute and only bring you down is common on any public forum.
I'd say that Weeding them out becomes the most valuable skillset to learn when navigating a forum, because it saves time ,effort and often money, because you learn who to trust and who not to trust, based on their contributions.
I cannot speak for others, for it's been my experience that you get out of something what you put it into. I've put a lot into it, and I've gotten more than my fair share of help, answers and support, no matter how simple the question.
But yes, They have been more beneficial than harmful, imnbho.
It simply boils down to respecting others the way you wish to be respected.
This as a factor in the online experience is to all other factors as the number 4 is to 1 in terms of beneficiality. Otherwise, it's simply a trainwreck.
I wonder this from time to time.
From the very public forums like Our DJ Talk, DJ Chat and whatever the hell Ryan Burger calls his now, to the ones that are less public or invite only. I have been a part of most on both ends of the spectrum.
It's been about 15 or so years since these were introduced to the DJ Industry nationwide.
Has it helped or hurt the industry?