Arguing on the Internet

by daniel-p 17 Replies latest jw friends

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  daniel-p

  Most threads on JWD have little to do with the JW's, and more often than not, the most popular ones are political and philisophical diatribes, full of back-and-forth rhetoric that rarely comes to any meaningful and productive outcome. Most of the issues are repeats, the same arguments over and over, often with the same exact participants.

  So how does it affect you? How do you feel after you think you've made your point? Do you check back repeatedly for any dissent? How far do you go to make your point?

  And what makes this activity more worthwhile than others that you'd do with your free time?
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  Kudra

  There are certain ones that seem to be perennial here: evolution, climate change, liberal/conservative and whether or not god exists.
  
  Some of those I am interested in. I usually check to see who the posters are and get involved based on that... some posters who are intensely invested in some of these issues just spew rhetoric or continually repeat their party line or refuse to use any amount of reason in their arguements, so there is no real "discussion".
  
  Other times there is definitely some good information disseminated.
  
  When I see people just getting riled up and only caring about getting THEIR point across I usually go find something else to do.
  
  -K
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  Kudra

  Actually I remember one time I "got into it" with the poster FMZ about near death experiences (I being the extreme skeptic) we slung a couple of sorta-insults but actually ended up having a good interchange and I feel I kind of gained a "friend" as much as one can really do so on the internet.
  
  That conversation was actully a productive one because I think we both changed our view a little and gave credit to the other poster's opinion.
  
  So, have a good night daniel-p, I have to go get "intensely invested" in some journal articles on atmospheric circulation patterns...
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  bikerchic

  Most of the issues are repeats, the same arguments over and over, often with the same exact participants.

  I give 'em an A+ or would that be a Good for repetition for emphasis.
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  BizzyBee

  Daniel P: I am worried about you - not so much for this thread, but a pattern I've observed.

  You are welcome to reassure me that you are on track, and OK etc., etc............?
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  Arthur

  When a forum contains this many posters with such diverse backgrounds and opinions; these kinds of debates are inevitable. Sometimes, I find the discussions interesting. Other times, I find them repetative and tiresome. I do not have the kind of personality that likes to argue. I enjoy getting into vigorous discussions where there are differing views and thoughts; but am not typically interested in getting into the pissing contests that sometimes erupt. I just don't have the steam for it.
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  SPAZnik

  Speaking for myself, I've learned a lot here. And still learnin. And I don't mind reminders. :) Things I've learned in battles on here has made me stronger in my real life battles. When I see others picking various battles, I mainly aim to respect their need or right to do so (just as I've fought for my right to do so at times). I hope they gain what they need from each battle. And in the process I hope they learn to battle/live in an honourable/respectable way through the various mistakes they're bound to make). I've been so grateful to have the freedom to make my own mistakes and learn at my own pace and I do my best to be patient with those that may now be where I've been, even as others are patient with me being where they've been. So, what do I think of arguments on the internet? I find it real. I love the honesty, self-control and humility entailed. I can respect a good warrior. There's a lot of heart there. I think it's wonderful to have access to so many points of view and ways of explaining things. It's even great to be able to turn it off when I've had enough.
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  oldflame

  I don't know if you realize but there is a action drop down box on the top of the page and it has many different topics to discuss. One being political. If there is a thread that you don't care to discuss then don't reply. It's pretty simple.
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  jaguarbass

  For me, I just got off the midnight shift at the county jail and I'm unwinding with a beer. Coming here helps me relax. I dont want to do something that will wake me up. I enjoy this. If I were to turn on the tv and watch the news you could say the same thing. Its the same old story over and over even with the exact same participants. Israel and palistine, Terrorism, high gas prices. Maybe youve come to the realization that life is not that exciting.

  How far do I go to make my point? Generallly I consider myself an observer. I dont really have many points to make. I consider this life the forum of many truths. My cup is half full so their is room for it to be filled. I do check back on some post that I find interesting.

  what makes this activity more worthwhile than others that I do with my free time? This is low impact, low stress and its addictive. Probbably some day I will taper off or even stop, But not today.
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  daniel-p

  Daniel P: I am worried about you - not so much for this thread, but a pattern I've observed.

  You are welcome to reassure me that you are on track, and OK etc., etc............?

  Bizzybee: Not really sure what you mean about a "pattern" you've obsverved. On track to what?

  I don't know if you realize but there is a action drop down box on the top of the page and it has many different topics to discuss. One being political. If there is a thread that you don't care to discuss then don't reply. It's pretty simple.

  Oldflame: thanks for clearing that up for me, Ive got over a thousand posts but I never realized we have different sections.