IMDB Message Boards - what You Did or Didn't Like About Them

The layout was really bland. I'm surprised that in all those years they never made an attempt to make it look nicer. But it was easy to navigate and use.

Whenever I watched a movie I would check the board for that movie. I didn't post a lot though, because usually everything had already been said/my questions had been answered, so I didn't always remember what I'd posted. Once or twice I re-watched a movie and went back to the board, saw a post I totally agreed with, and then realized it was me who made the post years ago. That was fun. Also, I would sometimes get an email notification for someone answering a post I made years ago. Sometimes they would answer my question from the past, and then sometimes they would feel the need to tell past me what an idiot I was.

I liked the fact that I could find old threads (often from years ago) that would help me understand movies better or see interpretations that I would never have thought possible otherwise.

I didn't like the fact that those threads were often riddled with deleted posts (ether by the posters themselves or by administrators).

I wish that once someone posted something, they could delete it or edit it all they wanted UNTIL someone replied to it. Then it stays there forever. Once it's part of the discussion, it remains exactly as it is forever so that people who are late to the party (as I often am) can still read the discussion in its entirety as if it was just posted today.

I have the same sentiments as far as gaining perspectives from others around the world. I remember a remarkable teenager from Australia totally schooling some grown ups that had an odd take on some taboo interests. I appreciated the intellectual conversations people would have on various subject matters. And, some people are just friggin' hilarious. Some would even share their personal stories. For instance, on The Reader board, as you can imagine; the debates were profound. One poster shared the story of relatives from opposing sides falling in love despite the turmoil. It was truly touching.

I enjoyed having a favorites list on the right for quick navigation. Sorta hope that arrives at some point.