Reply #44: The problem with this sort of forum

[Az]

Is that threads that are controversal get a lot of attention for the simple reason people what to refute things they disagree with. But if you post a well written post that most agree with you will get little response beyond a few thumbs up or agrees. This sort of forum rewards disagreement and punishes agreement. That which most agree on will quickly drop out of the main page and disappear into obscurity. That which people argue about will forever remain kicked to the top.

There have been some changes that alter this dynamic a bit (ie recommendations). But even those cannot beat a anti-gun thread or a religion bash thread for sticking ability.