Thoughtfulness on Demand

Ok, I'll make this shorter than the last one. I also had the thought (I think it was around 11:30 pm on Saturday night) that computer-mediated communication (CMC) like this blog can be good. However, some of the research I was dealing with (for comps) stated the importance of learner control in CMC and distance education. Then I began wondering, if we are REQUIRED to post "x" amount of "thoughtful" communication pieces each week (not very learner controlled), how does that affect one's attitude toward and perceptions of this CMC? I would venture to say it may not be all positive...