You have an interesting argument... I will say, though, in reference to your point about comparisons of characters... I've known a lot about characters of other shows before I watch them, because of the internet and discussions and comparisons. I think that factor still exists. I can name all of the Doctor's companions since 2005, for example, but I've just finished season 1 and I'm barely into season 2, and there's only been one companion I've met. I absorb a lot about other shows and fandoms through exposure on the internet.

But like other people have said, a lot of the sites that still exist don't promote real discussion. I think a lot of it is partly because on LJ, I originally made friends through fandom, and that was the gateway to friendship outside of fandom. And I frequently have discussions of fandom outside of LJ, too, whether it's via a chat, or in 3D (example: my friends and I were discussing Buffy and Angel in depth tonight, and how the characters that spanned both shows developed and changed).

I think I may start up my Top 100 TV episodes thing again. That'd be a fun vehicle for discussion. I love discussion and all that stuff, and I think sometimes, I don't have a spot to do it. I mean, obviously I have LJ, but LJ is also where I like to read about my friends' lives, too.