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True. I admit I've done it a couple of times just to push buttons. I've also had it done to me on a gay issue. The poster admitted it later on. I laughed. He really had me wound up. It was good to find out that he was just having some "fun" at my expense, and it caused me to lighten up a bit. It was good.
Uh huh. It can be fun to sort of 'program' a discussion. The problem with it, on here, is usually attributable to a lack of inflection and such in writing, as opposed to verbal discussion, which can lead to misunderstanding until clarification is made. It can be exhausting, at times, to keep humor alive, but worth it , in the end.
Why can't people just argue intelligently and rationally?
Frankly I don't know, but it seems very difficult for many to do just that. Cut and paste quotes out of context, using the most ridiculous and fallacious analogies, outright misstatements of historical facts... I could go on. So, on the rare occasion that an argument being posted is rational and intelligent then they should be treated as such, when they are irrational and unintelligent as too many are, they deserve all the derision that they receive.
Frankly I don't know, but it seems very difficult for many to do just that. Cut and paste quotes out of context, using the most ridiculous and fallacious analogies, outright misstatements of historical facts... I could go on. So, on the rare occasion that an argument being posted is rational and intelligent then they should be treated as such, when they are irrational and unintelligent as too many are, they deserve all the derision that they receive.
Oh yes! The cutting and pasting of quotes, sometimes to the point of completely reorganizing statements, to read in a TOTALLY different way. Annoying is an understatement. However, that practice is a two edged sword. It does nothing to further the offenders argument, quite the opposite, in fact. It can be exhausting, at times, to discuss issues on here, but therein , also, is the fun of it. I look at it as a whetstone for the brain. That metaphor works well. Much depends on the piece being sharpened. In many cases, it would be like trying to whip out an edge on a cube. One just has to be selective in what to put to the stone. Think of it as an exercise in mental geometry.
I have a hard time respecting those who use incorrect spelling and grammar.
You are presenting yourselves as ignorant of your language.
A great number of these people form the right wing wacko contingent (not to be confused with articulate, informed RWers, whom I may or may not agree with).
The point is opinions can be idiotic because they're opinions. Your respect is neither sought nor required.
Problem is many try posting their "opinion" as the truth and then attempt to claim that others just too slow to get it. When others attempt to show them that their "opinion" has some flaws several will retort with insults. I agree with Jill in that some here do not deserve any respect. Do not forget some posters here have know each other for years and know very well through past dealings whether the person they are talking to is here for honest debate or are just another troll looking to, as some said "have a little fun". Yes, there are times when a litlle tit for tat can be fun but many of us have also seen what can happen to good discussion boards when that is allowed to go too far, end of dicsussion board.
Casper
I never assume someone who sounds wise is old, or someone who sounds immature is young.
I hate to feed into what you're posting about, b/c I don't like the belittling either, but you sound awfully sanctimonious. Many people on here are very upfront about their ages, or they'll say something like "when I was a kid back in the 50s" or whatever. Some posters will say they're still in high school; I try to give them a little slack. Many will talk about just graduating from HS or college. Especially after you've been on here a while, you know the regulars. If someone has small children, you can figure they're under 45 or so, maybe even younger. And so on.
While one person stated feeling bad about arguing with an elderly person, I sometimes feel bad about arguing with the young ones, who often don't know what they don't know. I have twentysomethings, I know what I'm talking about.
It's a release of every day pressures! DO YOU BUY IT.
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It was good to find out that he was just having some "fun" at my expense, and it caused me to lighten up a bit. It was good.
It can be fun to sort of 'program' a discussion. The problem with it, on here, is usually attributable to a lack of inflection and such in writing, as opposed to verbal discussion, which can lead to misunderstanding until clarification is made. It can be exhausting, at times, to keep humor alive, but worth it , in the end.
. Annoying is an understatement. However, that practice is a two edged sword. It does nothing to further the offenders argument, quite the opposite, in fact. It can be exhausting, at times, to discuss issues on here, but therein , also, is the fun of it. I look at it as a whetstone for the brain. That metaphor works well. Much depends on the piece being sharpened. In many cases, it would be like trying to whip out an edge on a cube. One just has to be selective in what to put to the stone. Think of it as an exercise in mental geometry.
