While I love general discussion areas of forums they do tend to go down a couple of routes depending on the "hobby horses" of those taking part. Most of these discussions are in full flood elsewhere and while I enjoy taking part sometimes they don't seem to achieve much.

The CB is much like the water cooler in that you only get to see/hear if and when you go there. If you are away or bring a flask in you "miss out" and the news looses its appeal and context if repeated elsewhere. Probably due to the loss of immediacy and intimacy with folk taking a brief rest away from the coal face.