A forum should work in tandem with a chatroom in an "ideal" online community, imo. Searchable Q&A with a communication for additional, nuanced interaction. They serve different purposes and can be more powerful when used together, than they could be on their own.

Lemmy does seem to have a bunch of old, crotchety internet nerds on here that like the "old ways" of the webs. But just tell 'em to "go fuck yourself", if they're being a dick; and than don't reply to them again. It's very freeing. They're just butt sensitive about linux and foss, cause they were bullied on early internet forums and now act the same way, when expressing their loud-ass opinions. It's like an unfortunate cycle of abuse that has existed on forums, but don't let it discourage you from asking anyway... the question might help others

I'm a crotchety old internet nerd... tell me to "go fuck myself", just for funsies! It's empowering!

And also... fuck you buddy, get good!