NewsTalker tradition : declaring an impasse
Impasse
Here at NewsTalkers we have a tradition . We have found that the simplest way to deal with intractible arguments is to just declare an impasse . What that means is that it is time to cease hostilities and also to cease addressing the argued issue . I am writing this article as a means of informing new members [and reminding old members] that we should respect it when either party declares an impasse .
I recently did that on a thread but the argument persisted . I should have been more aware that this was a new member and therefore was not aware of our tradition . For that I accept the blame . So this is an attempt to rectify that error [and hopefully to instruct about our traditions here ] .
No , I am not just bloviating to hear myself talk . This is not my rule . I do respect it however . It really is a tradition here at NT and members really need to respect it . If there are any questions or comments , feel free to respond . Likewise , if there are alternative suggestions of how to deal with an impasse , lets talk about it here .
Thanks and lets keep it respectful ...
BTW , I have been reminded that it was Mac who came up with the idea and I'd like to thank him for that contribution .
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Once again , I'd like to apologize for not explaining our tradition at the time that I declared an impasse . Frankly I got caught up in the heat of the moment because it is a topic I get very involved about . Live and learn ...
Nice article Rich, and a good reminder.
Mac came up with the idea of "declaring an impasse". While most of the time, people tend to want to discuss a topic till the end...LOL which really means till the next time, there have been many times when an impasse has been called and it has served this community well. It is a tradition and not a part of the CoC, as we try to have as much free speech as possible.
Yes, live and learn!
I'm not sure of the exact date Max . However , I think the rule is in the CoC . And if its not it should be . Do you want the triggering event that brought this about ?
Max,
Mac is the first person to come up with it... I believe it was during an discussion with Brent, but I may be wrong.
It is just a tradition and isn't in the CoC. Whether it should be can be discussed here.
So maybe it is time to have a discussion on whether or not it should be in the CoC . And if not there then where/when ?
RDS ,
That can work if you are familiar with the members here . But for a newbie a more formal rule seems to be the easier approach .
"I believe it was during an discussion with Brent"
That was no discussion . That was a knock down drag out brawl !
Now were getting dirty! And I might like it....
Feronia can go first.
"I could see someone arguing their point, getting egotistical/nasty and in the same e-breath, stating "impasse" so they get the last word in."
That's a possibility but it has not happened .... much . Actually there was someone who did that but he became very easy to ignore .
From my POV as a moderator calling an early impasse [before the fight has really begun] is just a copout and would not be respected . You have to get a little bloody before you do that . That's my take on this .
We are not setting a good example for new members by getting playful about formal declarations of truce . Right ?
The "rule" was my idea, beginning on the original NT site.
There's really no viable reason why it can't be self-implemented by individuals who feel they have exhausted their divergent views and are close to, or, actually in to ad hominem (attacking an opponents motives or character rather than the policy or position they maintain) commentary.
Unlike other sites, we prioritize self-moderation ...
Once it appears that no one will "win" - one or both "combatants" should just declare "IMPASSE" and both individuals should accept that their dialogue with one another on that thread ... is done.
A. Mac
Which is why it's not in the CoC.
But this is a good reminder of the "IMPASSE" tradition.
Ha! Got him!
It was a simple , yet effective rule and it works for me . I'm glad you brought it into existence Mac .
Kudos Rich, nicely done man!
I'm with you there new guy . Decided I've got to act more responsibly with my seniority [such as it is] . Hope we can get more effective convos going in the future . You are definitely no dumb dumb .
This could get interesting . Till then ...
Credit where credit is due!
Therefore, let it be resolved in going forward, that I hereby construct an amended variation of the "IMPASSE" rule and sanction its implementation as per the discretion of any and all NT members as circumstances arise.
Be it further resolved that the AMENDED VARIATION shall, from this moment forward be identified as either the FUCK-OFF/IMPASSE RULE, or, as per tradition, the IMPASSE RULE.
Members declaring such discussion status may do so in a comment or reply by writing either ...
"IMPASSE!" or "IMPASSE/FUCK OFF!"
Resolution passed by affirmation, this 2nd day of February, 2012.
______________________________________________
NOTE: Mike, I think we should create a L.L.C.
As Vice President of the L.L.C., you are entitled by protocol to place said discussion on the agenda for the next meeting (which will be called to order at such time, if ever, we are fishing from my 12' jon boat on a lake in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, or, fishing for cutthroat trout in Pyramid Lake out your way).
All in favor so signify by saying "Aye," opposed, "Nay."
Those not wishing to respond ... "Fuck Off" (No IMPASSE, just FUCK OFF - it's our L.L.C. not yours).
Just sayin' ...
Fredo is in Tahoe ...
Luca Brazzi sleeps with the fishes ...
Leave the gun, take the canollis ...
Give this to Clemenza ...
I'm just a sap for South Philly traditions ...
Yooose godda problum wif dat?
I'm not going to ask....
I disagree.
While the impasse is an important part of how this site has come to function, so is levity. Often,argumentshave ended with just a bit of silliness. Just ask Mike! This is very different from other sites. The community is what makes this works and it's what we have all come to value.
I love attention to detail ...
And Mike's comment too.
Thanks for the clarification Mike; I've heard the rumors but until now wasn't sure of their veracity.
:~)
Al's infamous technologicalwizardryknows no bounds!
Gotcha on this one Mike.
Al Gore actually is responsible for the inception of the modern Internet!
Al Gore and the Information Superhighway
By Mary Bellis
Gore actually coined the phrase "Information Superhighway."
And Gore NEVER said he "invented" the Internet. That's right-wing intentional misrepresentation!
Once again, I enjoy educating.
But don't thank me now ... there is so much more to teach.
Ya' might want to jump off Mike's bandwagon.
Humility is the door to an open mind ...
Proud of ya', Mike ... atta' guy!
I feel your pain ...
Slight as it is.
We liberals have great sensitivity and empathy after all.
"Okay: Compromise- We agree to a neutral party (an Independent, if we can stomach it) and I'll send it to them, and they can send it to you."
I agree to be said indie 3rd party . However , I insist on receiving a portion of your stash of illegal drugs as a middle man's fee .
I'm going out now to get more beer . The rest of you keep partying ...
I'd hate to get sanctioned by Imam Mike X. Blue Moon it is.
Agreed, Blue Moon is a nice American wheat, but I don't think that moon is crescent shaped...you truly inspire a new version of theIslamiclogo too?
How about I just go with an XM25..or maybe go out from an XM25 ?
The XM25 is one of my favorite weapons on Call of Duty!
I guess this thing has not been deployed in the real world yet , just in that game . Correct me if I'm wrong .
I thought you meant the Fireball XL5. That's really cool!
No, that weapon is as real as real gets...KAPOW!!!
Nah Perrie . This weapon is far more down to earth than that . Can't get more grounded than the infantry .
Larry ,
Do you know if it has been deployed in combat regions yet ?
It is an absolute bad-ass rapid grenade launcher with a built in range finder. You select your range, and KAPOW you explode a grenade directly above the heads of the enemy combatants.
Oh yeah!
:~)
This weapon is 100 % relevant to the thread topic . What would be more effective than this to break through an impasse ?
My thought too Rich. I mean hell, if ya can't agree to disagree then ya might as well turn it into the ultimate frag war, because by that time, it's all over anyway.
I think Bruce was using the Mike variation on the theme; "IMPASSE" all by itself will do just fine ladies and gents.