I personally find that threaded discussion substantially worsens the social aspects. When the “best” comments float to the top, any topic turns into soapbox vs.

I personally find that threaded discussion substantially worsens the social aspects. When the “best” comments float to the top, any topic turns into soapbox vs. soapbox and actual conversation rapidly breaks down. Social norms are also reinforced and very little change happens in practice. In a linear discussion, topics don’t die when they reach the width of the page. People can go back and forth on an idea for days or weeks. I believe this property is very important for fostering bonds and maintaining a community spirit. Otherwise, everyone just becomes a collection of their pet ideas.