Posts by FlyingHighNow

80

Is RIDICULE acceptable in online debating?

by nicolaou in

this topic was inspired by one of fhn's comments on the 'warzone' thread, so i'll just restate my post there .

.. "i've been wondering for a while now if ridicule really is an unacceptable feature in debate - it certainly isn't a valid form of argumentation.

the thing is, some individuals really do come out with the most laughable nonsense and parade it as a serious proposition that merits attention.

FlyingHighNow

Believers often leave the forum for the same reason that JWs ban critics from pro-JW forums. They prefer to live in an intellectual bubble.

You think only believers have left? You're sadly mistaken. Intellectual people don't usually feel the need to ridicule either people or ideas. Pseudo intellectuals, that's another story.

80

Is RIDICULE acceptable in online debating?

by nicolaou in

this topic was inspired by one of fhn's comments on the 'warzone' thread, so i'll just restate my post there .

.. "i've been wondering for a while now if ridicule really is an unacceptable feature in debate - it certainly isn't a valid form of argumentation.

the thing is, some individuals really do come out with the most laughable nonsense and parade it as a serious proposition that merits attention.

FlyingHighNow

I'm disappointed to see that people have not evolved beyond this tactic. Unless Simon calls people on it, I guess they will remain stagnant.

80

Is RIDICULE acceptable in online debating?

by nicolaou in

this topic was inspired by one of fhn's comments on the 'warzone' thread, so i'll just restate my post there .

.. "i've been wondering for a while now if ridicule really is an unacceptable feature in debate - it certainly isn't a valid form of argumentation.

the thing is, some individuals really do come out with the most laughable nonsense and parade it as a serious proposition that merits attention.

FlyingHighNow

Ridicule is a bad idea, no matter who is doing it.

80

Is RIDICULE acceptable in online debating?

by nicolaou in

this topic was inspired by one of fhn's comments on the 'warzone' thread, so i'll just restate my post there .

.. "i've been wondering for a while now if ridicule really is an unacceptable feature in debate - it certainly isn't a valid form of argumentation.

the thing is, some individuals really do come out with the most laughable nonsense and parade it as a serious proposition that merits attention.

Ridicule says more about the person handing out the ridicule than it does the object of the ridicule.

Websters: : the act of making fun of someone or something in a cruel or harsh way : harsh comments made by people who are laughing at someone or something

Dictionary dot com:

noun

1.

speech or action intended to cause contemptuous laughter at a person or thing; derision.

verb (used with object), ridiculed, ridiculing.

2.

to deride; make fun of.

The Free Dictionary:

1. The act of using words, gestures, images, or other products of expression to evoke laughter orcontemptuous feelings regarding a person or thing: a remark that invited the ridicule of hisclassmates.

2. The words or other products of expression used in this way: was subjected to a torrent ofridicule.

tr.v. rid·i·culed, rid·i·cul·ing, rid·i·cules

To expose to ridicule; make fun of.

Cambridge:

words or actions that make someone or something seem foolish or stupid:

80

Is RIDICULE acceptable in online debating?

by nicolaou in

this topic was inspired by one of fhn's comments on the 'warzone' thread, so i'll just restate my post there .

.. "i've been wondering for a while now if ridicule really is an unacceptable feature in debate - it certainly isn't a valid form of argumentation.

the thing is, some individuals really do come out with the most laughable nonsense and parade it as a serious proposition that merits attention.

FlyingHighNow

If you feel you have to resort to ridicule, to be understood, then your communication skills need some serious development.

I ask people, "Do you post over at JWN anymore?" I often get the answer, "No, I'm tired of the ridicule and the spirit of ridicule that has overcome the place." That is from both atheists and non atheists. If you're wondering why so few former members post anymore, ridiculers can take a lot of credit for it.

80

Is RIDICULE acceptable in online debating?

by nicolaou in

this topic was inspired by one of fhn's comments on the 'warzone' thread, so i'll just restate my post there .

.. "i've been wondering for a while now if ridicule really is an unacceptable feature in debate - it certainly isn't a valid form of argumentation.

the thing is, some individuals really do come out with the most laughable nonsense and parade it as a serious proposition that merits attention.

FlyingHighNow

It's always possible, if a person wants to take the time, to disagree with an idea without resorting to childish, insulting ridicule. Ridicule is ineffective. Ridicule is only enjoyable to those who engage in it. If Simon did not allow it, which in my opinion, he should not, you wouldn't be standing up for the practice. Because he does allow it, you feel emboldened. That doesn't make the ridicule anymore effective. It does on the other hand, show the true colors of those who engage in it. Anyone, including me, can slip and do it, because it is human weakness to ridicule. To the defend the practice as an effective communication tool, shows a lack of growth and maturity, when it comes to expressing your core beliefs.

80

Is RIDICULE acceptable in online debating?

by nicolaou in

this topic was inspired by one of fhn's comments on the 'warzone' thread, so i'll just restate my post there .

.. "i've been wondering for a while now if ridicule really is an unacceptable feature in debate - it certainly isn't a valid form of argumentation.

the thing is, some individuals really do come out with the most laughable nonsense and parade it as a serious proposition that merits attention.

FlyingHighNow

I wonder how many people on both sides of the theism-atheism coin have left this forum because of the ridicule. I know many who have all but stopped reading or posting. I only check once in a great while. I don't know why this thread came up in my history, which is what I check when I come every few weeks or months. I'm hoping the stuff has stopped, for the sake of everyone who reads or posts here. This used to be a great forum. I'm hoping it will be again.

12

A lesson on bitterness

by FlyingHighNow in

jw
friends

ponder, contemplate, discuss.

this is a public service announcement.

https://www.facebook.com/ariannahuffington/photos/a.158003868278.115593.17893008278/10152529838228279/?type=1&theater.

FlyingHighNow

I don't think he meant that you shouldn't feel anger. I think he meant not to let it turn to bitterness that lingers on forever and keeps you captive.

1

* This time with visible meme: Ponder, contemplate, discuss. This is a public service announcement.

by FlyingHighNow in

jw
friends

.

FlyingHighNow

BTTT

49

New WT video: Like taking money from a baby!

by WingCommander in

jw
friends

just when you thought may's jw dot org video featuring wide-eyed cult lunatic gb lett guilting the masses into giving every last dime they have couldn't be topped, your children will now be fed a guilt-inducing cartoon in which they are guilted into giving every last cent they have to the wt cult.

the wt entitles this one, "give us your money!

even your children are to be shaken down!

FlyingHighNow

I think using music videos will work just as well. Toe tapping, entertaining, catchy:
From This is Spinal Tap