Question about online interaction...

[OneGrassRoot]

This forum (DU, but specifically ASAH) is the best example, to me, of ongoing, in-depth discussion.

Most other online venues like Facebook, LinkedIn and other such social media sites don't really foster ongoing discussion, imho. They are AWESOME as far as sharing information, but to really flesh out discussions about topics of interest and engage many people, I find them lacking.

I'm chatting with a gentleman who really wants to gather people to explore empathy and compassion, and create or gather info regarding curricula to put these qualities into action. That's something I've wanted to do as well at Wishadoo!, as well as groups focused on other topics of interest that could be fleshed out more in depth by community members.

I wonder what it is about this space that allows detailed, open and honest discussions to flourish? I realize the gathering of those with like mind and heart, who are ready and willing to discuss things in depth, is the most important factor, but is there something about this format that is more appealing and supports such ongoing discussion more than other sites, even though it's public?

Are there other forums or formats that you've found where people have ongoing, detailed discussions?