Where, oh where, to find >variety< of conversations on these topics?

[Frank in Bangkok]

1. On such topics as these, this is one of the best forums I've ever found.
(I won't try to define or explain "such topics".)
Alas, it is a forum ... and all forums restrict exchange of ideas in various ways, some of them unforeseen.

2.And ... I'm looking for more variety.
Other points of view.
Other people writing.
And, yes, other methods of conversation rather than a "forum".

3. The usual suspects here will say, as they usually do, that joining the "Mentor Group" is the solution to everything.
Nope.
I'm posting here to get different viewpoints outside of this forum and that group.
Since I'm not in the Mentor Group, how can I possibly know their views??
Easy ... just take back-bearings on what they write on the public forum.
(Anyone with even a bit of open-source intelligence work will understand how to do that.)

4. Ideally ... what I'm looking for is NOT a forum, not Instagram, not Twit, etc.
The medium is the message.
The very nature of forums, all of them, discourages conversation, whilst pretending to promote it.
So ... I'm looking for other formats.

Over many years, email lists have consistently been the best; private email lists.
And the most secure for discussing "delicate" topics.
Public email lists -- where anybody can sign on ... are never worth much.
"Platform hosting" like those mentioned above, are all self-censoring.
Easy to get deleted or banned, so people are very "careful".

Years ago I used to participate in an email list titled something like, "Crypto, Gold and Offshore".
Covered many of the topics discussed here.
Private and very quiet email list, with some brilliant thinkers.
And I got on airplanes to go to meet a few of them in their countries.
But that list is gone now.
It "died suddenly" when it changed from private to open to the public.

Also years ago, another discussion group, something like, "The Golden Club".
The plan was to actually have a real club, with a club room, meetings with speakers, even meals.
I travelled to their first (and only) dinner meeting, many years ago, in a land far, far, away.
Fascinating conversations and high hopes.
And I did serious metal business with one member whom I met there.
But, in the spirit of "equality and inclusion" club started to let in anyone and everyone.
Of course, it didn't last long.

Those both were years ago, when the World Wide Web was new, and still somewhat difficult to use.
Now, 20-30 years later, should be easy to find more men of "like mind".
But it isn't easy.
As least not easy for me.

When I've mentioned these ideas to a few others in various places,
the most common reply is usually, "But what about the cost?"
My answer, "With men who have serious interest in such topics, the cost won't be a problem. I promise."

So, I'm asking here, at the best source I've been able to find.

Comments and critique welcome.

Private messages also welcome.


Final question: Am I allowed to post a contact email on this forum, or that is not allowed?
(I'd use a "burner email" so not worried at all about spam.)
I think not allowed here, so asking before I do anything like that.

Thank you for reading.

- Frank (writing from Bangkok)

 

[Sols]

Public online communities. There used to be more but OCT is the last of its kind, that has meaningful activity. There are others around, including some language/country specific, but AFAIK there is nothing else like OCT.

The internet is quickly becoming just a handful of websites that people gather on. The old internet of a wide range of websites and communities isn't how people use the internet anymore. I'd hazard a guess that to the majority of people, nearly all of their internet engagement is done with no more than four—five websites.

Private online communities: tend to be short lived if there's nothing else binding the community together. There are some in the shape of forums, some as groups on social media websites (LinkedIn, Facebook, Telegram). They unfortunately often end up infiltrated by grifters/spammers, which gradually take over after the original members lose interest.

Offline communities: friends, acquaintances, professional networks, second/third degree connections. These happen organically, only you have to put yourself out there. E.g., attend industry events, work in the industry, and generally be places where your peers and people you're interested are likely to be.

Other places/means, such as private membership business clubs, aren't nearly as common anymore. They're still around but from what I've heard, membership is dwindling. You're more likely to strike up an interesting conversation at something like a golf club or yacht club.

Final question: Am I allowed to post a contact email on this forum, or that is not allowed?

Generally speaking, no. It can also be hard to tell a genuine request for connection from unsolicited advertising. I don't think you'd do it in a malicious manner but would still ask that you don't. Sorry.

 

[JohnnyDoe]

Reddit
Bars
Strippers/escorts
The Johnny Doe Become Rich Quick™ program

Anyway, I would never join a club that would have me as a member

 

[Sols]

Bars
Strippers/escorts
The Johnny Doe Become Rich Quick™ program

These three are all the same place, right?

 

[Frank in Bangkok]

... OCT is the last of its kind, ... AFAIK there is nothing else like OCT.

... majority of people, nearly all of their internet engagement is done with no more than four—five websites.

... unfortunately often end up infiltrated by grifters/spammers, which gradually take over after the original members lose interest.

... Other places/means, such as private membership business clubs, aren't nearly as common anymore.

Thank you, @Sols, for taking time to write those thoughts.
I think you are correct on all points.
I don't like to read it, but you are correct.