by Jeremy Devries

Created on: February 12, 2009

Helium is not perfect! In fact, Helium is so far from perfect that it might not even be good. Now I am not saying that I want to leave or that I will never write again, but I am saying that there are ways to improve. Let's be honest, not many writers are making money on this site. In fact, most of us are writing because putting our thoughts on paper is cheap therapy. Others write from their gut with the intent of being persuasive to change people's point of view. Unfortunately, I feel that often times the topics are too narrow and Helium could dramatically improve by widening the scope of debate. If nothing else, Helium could definitely improve by adding a more personal touch rather than automated computer responses to its members concerns and suggestions.

About a month ago for example, I received several automated responses from a computer in god knows where stating that my topics were ambiguous, and did not distinguish between the NFL, (National Football League) and the collegiate level of football. For this reason they were being rejected by Helium. At first I really didn't care. I thought, "So what. What's the big deal if Helium doesn't want to discuss who the greatest quarterback of all time is." But after a couple days, I realized this wasn't a question of them denying my topic, it was a question of fairness to all Helium members and that I needed to make a case.

First, I can understand how encouraging narrow and specific topics is a benefit to Helium and to its users. However, limiting the topics also limits debate. It limits free thinking, creativity and quite frankly stifles persuasive arguments that are at the heart of the question itself. These are the reasons authors write. To be persuasive!

Helium's denial of my topics and requiring a more narrow subject matter is like asking this question: "What is the greatest flavor of ice cream of all time?" and then being forced to add on the tag line, "Oh, but you can only choose from chocolate, vanilla or strawberry." Everyone knows that there are literally hundreds of other options to choose from and compelling arguments can be made for ALL of them.

Forcing authors to speak only of the NFL, NCAA, or British Soccer, is like forcing people to choose between chocolate, vanilla and strawberry only. Everyone knows that pistachio fudge caramel is the greatest ice cream of all time. No, wait a minute. My grandfather made homemade ice cream using real snow and rock salt on our back porch. That was the greatest ice

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