Thugged Out, The discussions that you want to be a part of can happen--if one takes the initiative of posting material---the problem is that some person is going to come along and try and send it in a downard spiral: the comments about one's caste, mother, sister etc..you know the drill...what I find funny and frustrating is that people fall for it and start commenting on the comment istead of ignoring it...and there goes the reasoned discussion...down the gutter :-) I hate to say this, but, I don't think there are other sites that are much different...there are sites like Samudaya.org, but there too the regular types have an ego that is shockingly bloated and that gets in the way of discussions because everything is looked upon as a challenge to the other's immense knowledge...pseudo intellectuals apparently lack humour and the ability to take oneself less seriously Blogdai (http://www.nepalnow.blogspot.com/) has some interesting views on Politics in Nepal, but they tend to be on the more conservative side for me (Left wing nut job liberal that I am :-)) ...I guess my point is...I agree whole heartedly with what you say and I think there are times when a bit of trivial banter is necessary...but yes, what is it with the profusion of asinine sex threads on this forum?....hey, come on..I bet there are some on here that want discussions on issues you pointed to...stick around....comfort in number..maybe things will change?...if not...become the change..I'm sure you're up to the challenge :-)