Your cartoon shows only one image for two aspects of internet discussion areas like this.
I believe (have faith or theorize, take your pick) there are at least three aspects of many discussions.
1. Those who believe THIS
2. Those who believe THAT
and
3. Those of US who believe neither, yet, but are looking for answers in order to arrive at a conclusion.
The cartoon shows either a THIS or a THAT person. (Either one. It doesn't matter which you choose to assign to the image.)
The problem is the THIS and THAT factions seem to believe there is ONLY a THIS or THAT aspect and never really try to make their case. They simply use whatever means possible to make sure everyone else is wrong except them. They seem to believe that if everyone else is wrong, then by DEFAULT they are right. Wrong!
The rest of US, seeking answers in order to make a decision or come to a conclusion, get bored with such bickering back and forth and eventually leave.
LOL I seem to be a mix of all three at different times.
sometimes I'm getting educated, sometimes I'm educating and sometimes I'm just searching.
Hell sometimes I'm even just wasting time cause I'm bored.
Interesting comment-- and right on target!
Thinking about it, that also applies to me.
(Although I think there are some folks who log on for one reason and one reason only-- to push their agenda, whatever it may be. (Usually its political, sometimes religious [& that may include Atheism]..occasionally perhaps for some its something else). But for many of the "true believers" its an obsession..they are here to only to proselytize).
Some people come on just to chit chat. What is that all about doctor?
Sorry-- I guess I was unclear. I was not trying to generalize but rather say that some people go online for different reasons. Some go online for different reasons at different times-- or go online to do several different things in the same session.
Some are angry at their spouse or kids or boss-- and logon merely looking to blow off their anger in a fight-- they find someone to lash out in hopes of provoking a nasty fight. And some aren't angry-- they just get their kicks by attacking people trying to get a rise out of the. (The classic troll).
tBesides those, There are others, though, that logon primarily or even only for one reason only. As you mentioned, just to chat. But some want to share things about a special interest they are passionate about-- maybe pets or cooking, or religion or music, etc. Some are really lurkers who seldom if ever comment or seed-- they logon and just read things (you might no even know they are there).
And I've even known a rare few who want to escape the daily barrage of politics we're subject to-- they read and participate in almost any discussion at all-- as long as its not politics!
And I've even known a rare few who want to escape the daily barrage of politics we're subject to-- they read and participate in almost any discussion at all-- as long as its not politics!
3. Those of US who believe neither, yet, but are looking for answers in order to arrive at a conclusion.
LOL I seem to be a mix of all three at different times.
People often ask me, what is the point of doing what we are all doing. My answer is this. Those who have made up their minds will not be swayed, but they might have points I have never thought of. But the discussions we have here are not for the people who have made up their minds. The discussions matter for those who have not made up their minds.
Now as an independent, I have changed my opinion when I see a good point being made. 45% of Americans identify as independents or moderates according to the Pew. So the discussion is for us, the undecided.
Now that is not to say that I don't have strong opinions on some issues. I do. But for most, I keep an open mind and enjoy the back and forth of the debate.
Perrie, let me ask you a question, in all seriousness I guess. What kind of entertaining discussions do you think you would have if everyone was always looking to compromise or find common ground ? I think discussions should be civil, certainly, but disagreement is the lifeblood of a discussion forum. Other than in the "fun" articles that is. Or the educational ones.
What kind of entertaining discussions do you think you would have if everyone was always looking to compromise or find common ground ?
Well again-- people differ. So if someone was, for example say, an ENFJ or some similar type, they might take a great deal of pride and joy in guiding others to work together to improve themselves and their community.
That being said, everyone here doesn't have to compromise or find common ground. In fact we've had some excellent discussion right here on NT which ended with one or more people disagreeing on some or all of the things said.
(And in any event, you can't get a Zebra to change its spots. People are different. The important thing is that discussions be civil-- that people at least listen to what other says. And express their own ideas as well. But while someone with strong views should express them, it should not be in a nasty manner).
Actually i was going to preface what I said by saying that while I realize that the quarion was not addressed to me, I' d answer it anyway! (Just a little obnoxious habit I enjoy-- replying to comments addressed to someone else. Its a bit rude, actually-- but what the heck-- after all, this is the Internet!
THAT COMMENT IS TOTALLY CRAZY! ZEBRAS DON'T HAVE SPOTS!
(That's a FAKE outrage joke. Sarcasm. As an example of how some people use any opportunity just to prove others wrong, without even trying to prove anything to be right. Funny, huh? No? I don't think so either. ROTFLMAO.)
But as several people have remarked, you do have one obvious weak point-- your incredible hostility that occasionally comes out-- usually quite unpredictable!. Usually you manage to keep it under control-- but when you loose control it can be really nasty.
I'm just going to say this as a member. People coming over from NV have been without a moderator for a long time now. Coming here is an adjustment to them. They will get the hang of this.
I have read Squirrel's remarks and I don't think they are meant to be hostile. We all know that the written word lacks inflection, that gives us cues on how to take a comment. I think that is what is going on here.
Perrie, let me ask you a question, in all seriousness I guess. What kind of entertaining discussions do you think you would have if everyone was always looking to compromise or find common ground ? I think discussions should be civil, certainly, but disagreement is the lifeblood of a discussion forum. Other than in the "fun" articles that is. Or the educational ones.
Where did I say that I wanted that. Granted I feel that any discussion can be civil, but the purpose of debate is to draw out the things we may never have thought of before. I think you are confusing debate with government. To have a successful government, there must be compromise. To get to that point, you need two sides willing to debate.
It has always been about the discussion and for that, you will always have your partisans wanting to debate, while the rest of us listen to hear who makes the better case.
IMHO, disagreements of opinions, POV's and/or beliefs can be good for discussions. Full-out verbal warfare IS NOT. When a discussion becomes to the point of hostile verbal warfare there is nothing to be gained and the discussion ceases to be and becomes nothing more than gross, childish back and forth ranting.
I myself can certainly have, and have had, a discussion with someone whom I disagree with without stooping to name calling and verbal hostility toward each other. But, there are some who are so intolerant that they can't accept that others have a different opinion, view point or belief, and refuse to accept that of others thinking theirs is the only one that is right. They are not interested in debate or open discussion, only in capitulation of everyone else to their own way of thinking, and feel that engaging in verbal warfare is only way to convert others to their own thinking or belief.
So no, there is NO reason, or excuse, for any discussion or debate to sink into a verbal bloodbath, at least not here on NT.
But the discussions we have here are not for the people who have made up their minds. The discussions matter for those who have not made up their minds.
People participate in these forums to express themselves. There isn't any doubt about that. Convincing other people of something is simply a by product.
What would people rather talk about on a forum than anything else, in most cases?
Themselves, and secondarily their opinions about things.
Someone is wrong on the Internet!
Exactly.
Your cartoon shows only one image for two aspects of internet discussion areas like this.
I believe (have faith or theorize, take your pick) there are at least three aspects of many discussions.
1. Those who believe THIS
2. Those who believe THAT
and
3. Those of US who believe neither, yet, but are looking for answers in order to arrive at a conclusion.
The cartoon shows either a THIS or a THAT person. (Either one. It doesn't matter which you choose to assign to the image.)
The problem is the THIS and THAT factions seem to believe there is ONLY a THIS or THAT aspect and never really try to make their case. They simply use whatever means possible to make sure everyone else is wrong except them. They seem to believe that if everyone else is wrong, then by DEFAULT they are right. Wrong!
The rest of US, seeking answers in order to make a decision or come to a conclusion, get bored with such bickering back and forth and eventually leave.
Good cartoon though! Ha! Ha! Ha!
LOL I seem to be a mix of all three at different times.
sometimes I'm getting educated, sometimes I'm educating and sometimes I'm just searching.
Hell sometimes I'm even just wasting time cause I'm bored.
LOL I seem to be a mix of all three at different times.
sometimes I'm getting educated, sometimes I'm educating and sometimes I'm just searching.
Hell sometimes I'm even just wasting time cause I'm bored.
Interesting comment-- and right on target!
Thinking about it, that also applies to me.
(Although I think there are some folks who log on for one reason and one reason only-- to push their agenda, whatever it may be. (Usually its political, sometimes religious [& that may include Atheism]..occasionally perhaps for some its something else). But for many of the "true believers" its an obsession..they are here to only to proselytize).
Some people come on just to chit chat. What is that all about doctor?
Some people come on just to chit chat. What is that all about doctor?
Sorry-- I guess I was unclear. I was not trying to generalize but rather say that some people go online for different reasons. Some go online for different reasons at different times-- or go online to do several different things in the same session.
Some are angry at their spouse or kids or boss-- and logon merely looking to blow off their anger in a fight-- they find someone to lash out in hopes of provoking a nasty fight. And some aren't angry-- they just get their kicks by attacking people trying to get a rise out of the. (The classic troll).
tBesides those, There are others, though, that logon primarily or even only for one reason only. As you mentioned, just to chat. But some want to share things about a special interest they are passionate about-- maybe pets or cooking, or religion or music, etc. Some are really lurkers who seldom if ever comment or seed-- they logon and just read things (you might no even know they are there).
And I've even known a rare few who want to escape the daily barrage of politics we're subject to-- they read and participate in almost any discussion at all-- as long as its not politics!
And I've even known a rare few who want to escape the daily barrage of politics we're subject to-- they read and participate in almost any discussion at all-- as long as its not politics!
I agree, but is that a better reason?
I agree, but is that a better reason?
Sounds like you may be in a bit of a judgem,ental mood tonight.
My comments are not judgemental (They are not categorizing things as good or bad, better or worse). Rather they are merely descriptive.
Is it time to lighten things up a bit? Okay
Some come here to read and think,
Others spew their shit and stink,
While others simply scratch their ass
and read the bullshit on the glass.
true and some log on just to harass others to try to boost their own ego.
trolls !
No! Really? /s
LOL I seem to be a mix of all three at different times.
Me too.
Thank you for your comment!
Your cartoon shows only one image for two aspects of internet discussion areas like this.
I believe (have faith or theorize, take your pick) there are at least three aspects of many discussions.
1. Those who believe THIS
2. Those who believe THAT
and
3. Those of US who believe neither, yet, but are looking for answers in order to arrive at a conclusion.
The cartoon shows either a THIS or a THAT person.
Exactly!
And that's why I chose the title "Why people argue so much on the Internet"-- because, those who believe "this" or those who believe that argue.
While those who believe neither obviously don't!
3. Those of US who believe neither, yet, but are looking for answers in order to arrive at a conclusion.
LOL I seem to be a mix of all three at different times.
People often ask me, what is the point of doing what we are all doing. My answer is this. Those who have made up their minds will not be swayed, but they might have points I have never thought of. But the discussions we have here are not for the people who have made up their minds. The discussions matter for those who have not made up their minds.
Now as an independent, I have changed my opinion when I see a good point being made. 45% of Americans identify as independents or moderates according to the Pew. So the discussion is for us, the undecided.
Now that is not to say that I don't have strong opinions on some issues. I do. But for most, I keep an open mind and enjoy the back and forth of the debate.
The discussion matters!!!
Perrie, let me ask you a question, in all seriousness I guess. What kind of entertaining discussions do you think you would have if everyone was always looking to compromise or find common ground ? I think discussions should be civil, certainly, but disagreement is the lifeblood of a discussion forum. Other than in the "fun" articles that is. Or the educational ones.
What kind of entertaining discussions do you think you would have if everyone was always looking to compromise or find common ground ?
Well again-- people differ. So if someone was, for example say, an ENFJ or some similar type, they might take a great deal of pride and joy in guiding others to work together to improve themselves and their community.
That being said, everyone here doesn't have to compromise or find common ground. In fact we've had some excellent discussion right here on NT which ended with one or more people disagreeing on some or all of the things said.
(And in any event, you can't get a Zebra to change its spots. People are different. The important thing is that discussions be civil-- that people at least listen to what other says. And express their own ideas as well. But while someone with strong views should express them, it should not be in a nasty manner).
Perrie, you've grown facial hair !
Just kidding Krish.
Perrie, you've grown facial hair !
Good catch!
Actually i was going to preface what I said by saying that while I realize that the quarion was not addressed to me, I' d answer it anyway! (Just a little obnoxious habit I enjoy-- replying to comments addressed to someone else. Its a bit rude, actually-- but what the heck-- after all, this is the Internet!
you can't get a Zebra to change its spots
THAT COMMENT IS TOTALLY CRAZY! ZEBRAS DON'T HAVE SPOTS!
(That's a FAKE outrage joke. Sarcasm. As an example of how some people use any opportunity just to prove others wrong, without even trying to prove anything to be right. Funny, huh? No? I don't think so either. ROTFLMAO.)
And another thing, zebras don't have spots, lol.
And another thing, zebras don't have spots, lol.
Often on line I feel that people don't even read comments before responding. So once in a while I like to do a little reality check!
(BTW I recently posted the same thing not so long ago on NV-- no one noticed it!!!)
And another thing, zebras don't have spots, lol.
I already said that!
I already said that!
Well aren't you just so very special!
Yes. I guess I am!
Yes. I guess I am!
But as several people have remarked, you do have one obvious weak point-- your incredible hostility that occasionally comes out-- usually quite unpredictable!. Usually you manage to keep it under control-- but when you loose control it can be really nasty.
ROTFLMAO! That is hilarious. No one here has ever seen me get hostile. You people are way too touchy and insecure.
p.s. You really have to learn to recognize a joke when someone tells one. You are way way too insecure!
Krish,
I'm just going to say this as a member. People coming over from NV have been without a moderator for a long time now. Coming here is an adjustment to them. They will get the hang of this.
I have read Squirrel's remarks and I don't think they are meant to be hostile. We all know that the written word lacks inflection, that gives us cues on how to take a comment. I think that is what is going on here.
Just my POV.
Perrie, let me ask you a question, in all seriousness I guess. What kind of entertaining discussions do you think you would have if everyone was always looking to compromise or find common ground ? I think discussions should be civil, certainly, but disagreement is the lifeblood of a discussion forum. Other than in the "fun" articles that is. Or the educational ones.
Where did I say that I wanted that. Granted I feel that any discussion can be civil, but the purpose of debate is to draw out the things we may never have thought of before. I think you are confusing debate with government. To have a successful government, there must be compromise. To get to that point, you need two sides willing to debate.
It has always been about the discussion and for that, you will always have your partisans wanting to debate, while the rest of us listen to hear who makes the better case.
IMHO, disagreements of opinions, POV's and/or beliefs can be good for discussions. Full-out verbal warfare IS NOT. When a discussion becomes to the point of hostile verbal warfare there is nothing to be gained and the discussion ceases to be and becomes nothing more than gross, childish back and forth ranting.
I myself can certainly have, and have had, a discussion with someone whom I disagree with without stooping to name calling and verbal hostility toward each other. But, there are some who are so intolerant that they can't accept that others have a different opinion, view point or belief, and refuse to accept that of others thinking theirs is the only one that is right. They are not interested in debate or open discussion, only in capitulation of everyone else to their own way of thinking, and feel that engaging in verbal warfare is only way to convert others to their own thinking or belief.
So no, there is NO reason, or excuse, for any discussion or debate to sink into a verbal bloodbath, at least not here on NT.
Just my own thoughts.
You can BE a racist all day long on NT.
But if you mention to the racist that he is racist, you might get suspended.
Isn't that curious?
Aha!
But the discussions we have here are not for the people who have made up their minds. The discussions matter for those who have not made up their minds.
People participate in these forums to express themselves. There isn't any doubt about that. Convincing other people of something is simply a by product.
What would people rather talk about on a forum than anything else, in most cases?
Themselves, and secondarily their opinions about things.
What would people rather talk about on a forum than anything else, in most cases?
SEX!
Sex and drugs and Rock 'n Roll!
(But of course I speak only for myself...
)
Sex and drugs and Rock 'n Roll!
Better done than talked about though !!!
Better done than talked about though !!!
Yes-- but some of us may be going through a "dry spell" right now (well, except maybe for the Rock 'n Roll!
)
Sometimes life, well It just sucks.
LOL
Thankfully and hopefully it's always changing and that doesn't last long for ya.
"Isn't that curious?'
Not at all, John...at least not to me. The reasoning behind it is quite clear to me.
An "oldie but goodie"...