The History and Future of Advanced Drug Discussion forum

[STREISAND-EFFECT]

Personally, advanced drug discussion has always been a light hearted escape from the [understandably] limited exchanges one can have via other communications [for the most part because of disinterest, misunderstanding or strong bias against such topics]. Bluelight ADD is of course one of MANY similar drug discussion boards currently active but I would predict alongside another it is the most publically viewed with highest website hits at present.

From personal observations in the past there were a lot more in depth discussions, particularly following the influx of users / visitors from ‘that famous’ board when it was closed abruptly. Not entirely sure what my opinion now is on the complete disclosure of all scientific and experimental data and/or opinions. It is certainly true that some drugs ‘out there’ can have their inspirational roots traced to discussions which happened here. Still like the war on drugs blocking information or discussions will have little effect in the long run and for every negative outcome there will be a beneficial harm reduction, safety or lifesaving effect for an individual or group elsewhere. As with most things in life it is a careful balance between being too restrictive and letting complete freedom and the resulting chaos ruin everything (something that the moderators do an excellent job of in my opinion).

Getting nostalgic and looking back it’s only now that I realise some of the direct but also indirect benefits gained from getting involved in discussions. I feel indebted and thankful to the community and hope that others can benefit from some of the useful knowledge on this site and would not like to see it disappear. Ultimately I believe the free flow of *most* drug information and associated opinions is of huge benefit and serves to improve and increase knowledge and understanding by everyone.

To kick start one discussion only (with the mods permission):

What are people’s thoughts on the future of this group and others similar? Will they still exist in 50 years’ time? (Even if they are virtual 3d environment type forums!) Do people feel they have gained benefit from getting involved?

Please give honest opinions but not negative ones. I.e really don’t want ANY angst against moderators or “not being like it used to be, this sucks, I am out of here” etc. Keep discussions POSITIVE, PROACTIVE and useful.

 

[pofacedhoe]

i've learnt a lot on here and i think this niche will exist maybe in a new form but people will still want high quality information about the drugs they take.

the whole era of random chemicals being thought up on here only for vendors to come and steal them for mass production appears to be dying down a bit, which is a good thing

 

[Epsilon Alpha]

Well from what I can tell me and most of the other "knowledgeable" posters are academics, so a good chunk of the discussion of late might be less accessible to new users. Like I'm not going to give a giant spiel on the differences between D1-like and D2-like receptors when I explain the regulatory differences between them in addiction. It also kind of explains the growing anti-RC sentiment here.

I feel that most of the benefit I've provided is to harm reduction style threads, and discouraging the rampant and irresponsible RC scene. I can imagine these kind of groups switching to purely academic discussion if the online privacy bills that keep on being brought up pass in full. Its one thing to have intellectually stimulating discussions, but its another thing entirely to have something that might garner unwanted attention to your private and professional life.