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Ballardian Forum, reinstated?

Author: Simon Sellars • Jul 7th, 2008 •

Category: Ballardosphere

Would readers like to see the return of the discussion forum to this site? There was one appended a couple of years ago but it got infested by spam. Plus the site wasn’t as well known then, so there weren’t too many legitimate users adding to the discussion.

I’ve thought of bringing it back precisely because the site has built up more of a readership since then, and with it ample chance for discussion. Anti-spam tools are better now, too. But also because I am in the last stages of writing up my doctorate and time is beginning to constrict: updates might be very slow over the next few months, depending on how stressed I become.

I don’t want the site to freeze during that time so a forum should keep discourse ticking over nicely.

PS: I should mention that I will still be adding features and articles from other writers during this time, so to anyone who wants to contribute, please get in touch.

Author: Simon Sellars
Find all posts by Simon Sellars

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10 Responses »

  1. Supervert on July 7th, 2008 at 11:41 pm:

    I do think you should implement a forum. It’s relatively easy to do and, as you point out, spam tools have improved enormously in the last year and a half. It is difficult to say how to make a forum achieve critical mass, but you clearly have a high-quality group of core readers. Even if you only have these ten people contributing with any regularity, a forum would be worth the while.

  2. Simon Sellars on July 8th, 2008 at 12:47 am:

    i agree. i’ll try and get one happening over the next few weeks.

  3. Mike H on July 8th, 2008 at 4:21 am:

    Yep – I’m up for it, Simon!

  4. johnny strike on July 8th, 2008 at 9:53 am:

    i’ll add my 2 and a half cents since i obviously have way too much time on my hands.

  5. Crashman on July 8th, 2008 at 6:55 pm:

    Let’s do it! Ballard everywhere!

  6. Cropsaius on July 9th, 2008 at 3:08 am:

    Good idea, definitely would love to see this feature implemented.

  7. Suza on July 9th, 2008 at 6:36 am:

    Hello and forgive me if I have landed up here due to a virtual mistake…

    Can anyone advise me, pls?

    My father (75) shared almost all the experiences of JG Ballard. My dad is only slightly younger and was interned in family prison camp and knew many of the people JG writes about.

    My Dad now has a terminal illness and we do not think we will keep him past Christmas time. For a long time now he has wanted to write a letter to JGB and perhaps send some photos etc -

    Do you know how this couldbe done, please? I am going to try the publishers, but thought this might be helpful.

    Again, apologies if this is a strange request, but I would like to do something to help my Pop before we lose him.

    Many thanks

    Suza

  8. MaaqF on July 9th, 2008 at 8:39 am:

    A forum does seem like a good idea. The only downside I can foresee is the commitment of time to managing such a beastie.

  9. Simon Sellars on July 9th, 2008 at 10:18 am:

    Suza, if you send me an email via this link (http://www.simonsellars.com/contact.html), I’ll get back to you with some details.

  10. Simon Sellars on July 9th, 2008 at 10:55 am:

    I don’t think there would be a time factor with a forum; it really looks after itself doesn’t it?

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