Snark tends to arise when a forum becomes heavily used and inevitably its readers are heterogeneous. Some readers want to discuss A, other readers want to discuss B and C, and others just want a quick answer to a question.

Developers of forum software and social networking sites have struggled with this problem for many years, since the days of Usenet. There is no magic structural and software solution, because the core problem is human nature.

TalkBoard can discuss and recommend small changes which can make marginal improvements. I believe that a "Thanks" button on posts will help. I used to believe that a member reputation feature would help, but I am now more skeptical of that approach. Any and all ideas should be discussed on TalkBoard Topics. I hope we can get six votes to try something in the coming year.