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Message |
    
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1301
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 12:58 pm: | 
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I have noticed over the years that people complain about how annoying the people and topics are on MOL. As if it's a horribly mean spirited and petty place. What I have noticed is that these complaints often come up when things are really heated on MOL. But I have seen the opposite situation happen on MOL. Like last summer (and other times too) people were complaining that things were so boring. Nothing was happening, no one was posting.
I guess what I've always felt is that a little dissension, THE DEBATE, is what makes Bulletin Boards interesting. Boards serve multiple purposes (like the personal ads, and the infomational threads) but what really gets people interested and returning is the disagreements, the passion and the opposite opinions. I know some people don't like the "fighting" and want to squash it. It's part of their personalities and who they are as a pwerrson. Thats fine. The board is big enough to accomodate everyone.
But do these people really need to demand that the conversation be eliminated and/or changed to suit their needs? Are these people self-serving MOL police? MOL is fine the way it is. Thanks. And so are the people who like a good online debate.
I think you should consider that while one user might irritate the heck out of you (Straw for me. Or possibly me for you) they don't for everyone. And without the dissenting voice, MOL might be a much more boring place. I would suggest you consider that next time you must complain about a particular thread (or user) that bothers you. It is extremely easy to ignore a thread or user that you don't like. No one is forcing you to read those posts or threads. There are tons of un-annoying threads that are more to your liking. Go and find them. And remember that part of the reason why there even is something worth reading is because there is ANOTHER voice to be heard. |
The Libertarian
Citizen
Username: Local_1_crew
Post Number: 1677
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 9:11 pm: |
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wool sweaters make me itchy |
Dr. Winston O'Boogie
Citizen
Username: Casey
Post Number: 1986
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 9:27 pm: |
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it's not the heat, it's the stupidity. |
CLK
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 2001
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 6:58 am: |
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What Dr. O'B said. I don't mind heat *at all.* I love really good discussion, up to and including what might be considered flame wars. There is NOTHING like a good flame war to improve your circulation, and to sharpen your thinking on the issue at hand.
However - and this is important - if people on *both* sides are simply shouting the party's talking points back & forth at each other, that's not a flame war. I don't know what that is. It's just boring, pointless, and stupid.
It's even worse when you see somebody struggling to share information, thoughtfully consider ideas, or even aggressively but intelligently push a point - and the drones come marching out to overpower the conversation with drivel they learned on the O'Reilly Show (or whatever).
That's why I stay out of the Politics board. It is a waste of time. I take my political discussion to other venues, though they're boring too - the same people agreeing with each other all the time. I can't learn anything from that, either. |
CLK
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 2004
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 7:08 am: |
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PS I wouldn't try to stop people from what they're doing - they're free to knock themselves out if that's what they want to do.
I just don't have any interest in hanging around. So I don't. |
composerjohn
Citizen
Username: Composerjohn
Post Number: 750
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 7:34 am: |
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Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12868
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 8:06 am: |
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I don't pay the insults much mind, except by rolling my eyes and shaking my head. It is a shame. Instead, I reply to the points of argument and try to use them to keep the discussion interesting.
There's a lot of effort put into discrediting the speaker rather than the points of the argument. And there are other cheap shots and faulty logic. Too bad for that, too.
I think stuff gets heated up because people don't listen well. And I suppose that's because people are really more fearful than they let on to be.
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Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 1267
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 8:55 am: |
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I'm sure there should be an exception or two... but I give everyone in the Political soapbox a lot of credit for hanging in there and posting. It is, frankly, a madhouse in there. |
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 1643
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 9:35 am: |
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I dislike the bad grammar and misspellings. I find that they showcase faulty logic, unclear thinking, and opinions for opinions' sake.
In my not very humble point of view. |
3ringale
Citizen
Username: Threeringale
Post Number: 82
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 9:55 am: |
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In theory, the anonymity of the keyboard should foster a focused and unhurried discussion of the issue. Unfortunately, some people seem to post before they think, which leads to the insults, etc. I like the exposure to different perspectives. It helps me to sharpen my own thinking (I hope), but I would try to avoid the personal stuff.
Cheers |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 4855
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 12:23 pm: |
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...it's about entertainment, plain and simple! Anyone want to argue about it?  |
Dr. Winston O'Boogie
Citizen
Username: Casey
Post Number: 1987
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 1:01 pm: |
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composerjohn,
I don't believe arguing on the internet is stupid per se, I just believe this board, over the past year or so, has attracted more than its share of stupid posts.
As innis points out, the politics section is dominated by people who don't argue well. Their posts are characterized by flabby logic, a tenuous grasp of facts, as well as egregious spelling and confused syntax. It's amazing how some people can couple ignorance with condescension - an appalling combination. Perhaps not coincidentally, many of the smartest, best informed posters of a few years ago don't make very frequent appearances on that section of the board any more. |
The Libertarian
Citizen
Username: Local_1_crew
Post Number: 1678
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 1:07 pm: |
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http://www.jakesjokes.com/funnypics/9070f510f1e76143cabdc0a4f8f55ee6arguingspecialolympics.jpg |
Scully
Citizen
Username: Scully
Post Number: 221
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 8:03 am: |
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Isn't there a difference between arguing (exchanging ideas and considering the facts on both sides before responding) and fighting (everybody's shouting, nobody's listening?)
And to me name calling is just a fallback for when you know you're losing...
Maybe we can have a political discussion/argument section AND a shouting/venting section? |
Nohero
Supporter
Username: Nohero
Post Number: 5181
Registered: 10-1999
| | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 10:40 am: |
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Quote:Maybe we can have a political discussion/argument section AND a shouting/venting section?
Scully, you put your finger on the problem. Hopefully, things will turn around before it comes to that. I think that's the "Monty Python argument sketch" solution - Q: Don't give me that, you snotty-faced heap of parrot droppings!
M: What?
Q: Shut your festering gob, you tit! Your type really makes me puke, you vacuous, coffee-nosed, maloderous, pervert!!!
M: Look, I CAME HERE FOR A POLITICAL ARGUMENT, I'm not going to just stand...!!
Q: OH, oh I'm sorry, but this is the Shouting and Venting section.
M: Oh, I see, well, that explains it.
Q: Ah yes, you want the Political Discussion/Argument section. Just click on the topic above this one.
M: Oh, Thank you very much. Sorry.
Q: Not at all.
M: Thank You.
Q: (Under his breath) Stupid git!! |
Scully
Citizen
Username: Scully
Post Number: 223
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 4:19 pm: |
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LOL !!!!!! |
Southerner
Citizen
Username: Southerner
Post Number: 820
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 7:42 pm: |
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You guys sure like the term "talking points". So, if I say that the Democratic Party wants to increase funding for education and college loan programs I get accused of discussing a talking point. Or if I say we should really look at the reasons we went into Iraq and consider a pullout, then again I get blamed for discussing a talking point from the DNC. In my opinion there are no things as talking points. There are only differing opinions and if you good people don't like hearing differing opinions then why do you continue on this board. There are plenty of Democratic only websites that you would never get challenged on.
Alley, I agree with your initial post, but see how quickly it got hijacked by the intellectually superior. |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1570
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 10:05 pm: |
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Um, talking points, while offering "differing" opinions are merely those statements spoon-fed by the respective parties.
Some folks can't derive a thought on their own and must lean on the spoutings from their party of choice.
So, has the RNC deemed that ye shall wipe your ••• with the left or right hand this week? |
Shashalagoumba
Citizen
Username: Shashalagoumba
Post Number: 51
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 10:24 pm: |
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I love MOL! So many extraordinary writers, which is most likely the reason why I'm somewhat intimidated to post in the first place. I'll continue to read and observe for now. Thanks for your gifts! |
Grrrrrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 375
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 11:48 pm: |
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SO Ref, I agree wholeheartedly with what you say, except I was wondering if you are of the opinion that Democrats also midlessly spout the party line, or is that only reserved for Republicans? I believe that element to be omnipresent on both sides. |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1571
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 7:43 am: |
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There are folks on both sides who offer nothing beyond party rhetoric. |
Scully
Citizen
Username: Scully
Post Number: 225
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 9:29 am: |
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Southerner, who are 'you people'? And what are 'talking points'? Not playing games, honest questions. Are they like 'sound bites' or did I totally miss your point (sorry)?
And why do you consider the thread 'hijacked'? People are discussing what AlleyGator brought up and adding their opinions to the mix. Isn't that what this board is all about? |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2584
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 9:35 am: |
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Scully, you need to read some of Southerner's posts on the Soapbox: All Politics to see where he's coming from. |
Grrrrrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 381
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 11:51 am: |
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Yes, SO Ref, that's why I view the soapboxes as mindless entertainment, just something to pass the idle moments, akin to playing video games...lol! |
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 1660
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 12:44 pm: |
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Grrrrrrrrrr:
from your posting above: "SO Ref, I agree wholeheartedly with what you say, except I was wondering if you are of the opinion that Democrats also midlessly spout the party line, or is that only reserved for Republicans? I believe that element to be omnipresent on both sides."
The problem that your posting unfortunately raises is that the Democratic party has NO party line, no coherent strategy, and a number of its nationally elected members (Russ Feingold excepted) appear to be playing the game of "me-too-ism."
It rankles the bejesus out of me that the party cannot move back to its roots, put social equity and social justice on the platform, and come out with guns blazing. I firmly believe that the party would thus get a reasonable hearing among Americans frustrated with tax cuts for the very well-to-do, inefficient and ineffective government, and impeachment for oral sex rather than impeachment for governmental lying and abuse of power. |
Grrrrrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 386
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 1:29 pm: |
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Innis, That goes back to the post I made the other night...the performance of the current administration notwithstanding, Democratic success is in no way guaranteed. The Clinton Impeachment IMHO had more to do with his conduct post-BJ, rather than the act itself...It could probably be fit into the "Governmental Lying" category. |
argon_smythe
Citizen
Username: Argon_smythe
Post Number: 785
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 11:11 pm: |
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Democratic success is in no way guaranteed?!?!??
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/45793
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Grrrrrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 388
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 11:54 pm: |
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good one... |
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