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Author Topic:   Forum Etiquette
Grizz
Member (Idle past 5471 days)
Posts: 318
Joined: 06-08-2007


Message 1 of 11 (409677)
07-10-2007 7:04 PM


This probably won't make it through the process but I thought I would post it regardless.
Having moderated a forum elsewhere I know how hard it is to keep discussions focused. Internet forums would make a good study for complexity theorists. Disorder is easily introduced into the system. Small perturbations introduced into a thread can have profound impact on its direction and future state. Moderation of forums acts as a vaccine but mutations occur very quickly so it's hard to keep up. Other mutations lie dormant. They lay hidden and lurking waiting for the opportune time to arise. It can be a mess.
Many come to the Colosseum simply out of a thirst for blood - they thrive on the carnage. This problem exists anywhere on the net. It arises because anonymity is a license to kill and always brings out the worse in many people. Some people behave and act in ways they would never conduct themselves in person.
I have not been around long but in the short time I have spent here I have learned quite a bit just from reading. While I have some differences of opinion with some items, I have found posts by RAZD, Nemesis_juggernaut, modulus, Percy, and others to be well thought out and constructive. Unfortunately these examples of restraint and composure are usually the exception rather than the norm on the Internet. At times I end up simply asking what's the point? If you don't agree with someone and it is obvious no progress can be made why not just drop it and move on? Why take it so serious and resort to banter? There is enough distrust and animosity already without making it worse.
So here is my poetic tribute to those destructive elements everywhere. It could easily be titled 'Why I rarely frequent Internet forums' but instead I will call it my Ode to the Internet
Oh the Internet how I love thee !
Your anonymity brings out the best to see
It leaves one free to be belligerent and crass
Without having to watch one's own ass
No fear of being called on the floor
I can continue to be all this and more
I can be anything I ever wanted to be
Without having the requisite ability
I can be a Doctor, a Lawyer,or a Navy Seal
For nobody knows the real deal
Armed with the ability to post at will
Wikipedia allows one to fill this bill
So with a PhD in the subject at hand
I can surely be considered part of the klan
The goal is to lay clam to being an Intellectual
All the while I am not being that effectual.
Here reality is something that can vary
So most others will simply not be weary
I am free to create my own personality
And can do so in complete anonymity
So always be skeptical of most that you see
Don't take things as they might appear to be
Tis a world where women are all divas and chicks
All guys lay claim to twelve inch sticks
What's that you say - you don't agree???
Why I certainly don't see how that can be !!
Not having an egg placed in my basket
I will surely proceed to blow a big gasket
I kick and I scream and I get red in the face !
How dare them I will surely show them their place !
But one will remember the truth that is told
Not by the blood that ones face can hold
So what is it of which I thus speak?
Nothing but watch what comes from ones beak
For while your face may continue to glow
The world in it's own will continue to flow
Here one should not take things too serious
Or you too could end up becoming quite delirious
You would surely do better to take this advice -
just pull down your pants and slide on the ice
Grizz
Edited by Grizz, : No reason given.

Replies to this message:
 Message 3 by Nighttrain, posted 07-11-2007 7:12 AM Grizz has replied
 Message 5 by riVeRraT, posted 07-13-2007 3:02 PM Grizz has replied
 Message 11 by iceage, posted 07-22-2007 1:11 AM Grizz has not replied

  
AdminPhat
Inactive Member


Message 2 of 11 (409704)
07-10-2007 10:14 PM


Thread moved here from the Proposed New Topics forum.

  
Nighttrain
Member (Idle past 3993 days)
Posts: 1512
From: brisbane,australia
Joined: 06-08-2004


Message 3 of 11 (409770)
07-11-2007 7:12 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Grizz
07-10-2007 7:04 PM


LJT
Having moderated a forum elsewhere I know how hard it is to keep discussions focused. Internet forums would make a good study for complexity theorists. Disorder is easily introduced into the system. Small perturbations introduced into a thread can have profound impact on its direction and future state. Moderation of forums acts as a vaccine but mutations occur very quickly so it's hard to keep up. Other mutations lie dormant. They lay hidden and lurking waiting for the opportune time to arise. It can be a mess.
Hi, Grizz, think of it as evolution in microcosm. And running through the thread is the determination to either de-bag the opponent, or pull down your pants and moon the opposition. I call it LJT or Lateral Jeans Tranfer, the object being to infect and change the other, or improve their jeanome. Sadly, there ain`t many neutral mutations, but still posters keep trying. Still, many go on to develop into a real gem--sorry--jem.
Or in the words of Ogden Nash:
Life couldn`t be drearier
Than having to show your posterior
To convince a boor
That you know the score
Or was that Eartha Kitt?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Grizz, posted 07-10-2007 7:04 PM Grizz has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 4 by Grizz, posted 07-12-2007 5:30 PM Nighttrain has not replied

  
Grizz
Member (Idle past 5471 days)
Posts: 318
Joined: 06-08-2007


Message 4 of 11 (409998)
07-12-2007 5:30 PM
Reply to: Message 3 by Nighttrain
07-11-2007 7:12 AM


Re: LJT
Hi, Grizz, think of it as evolution in microcosm. And running through the thread is the determination to either de-bag the opponent, or pull down your pants and moon the opposition. I call it LJT or Lateral Jeans Tranfer, the object being to infect and change the other, or improve their jeanome. Sadly, there ain`t many neutral mutations, but still posters keep trying. Still, many go on to develop into a real gem--sorry--jem.
We all enjoy controversial subjects and adding our own two cents. We all like to slam dunk too. Unfortunately a gentleman's discussion too easily turns into a catfight. Some people taunt or provoke out of anger or frustration. Others just get bored. Some come just for the sake of the conflict itself.
We all have a point where we can blow a fuse. The best way to avoid serious conflict is to know when you are reaching that point and just walk away. Of course it's easier said than done but in the end it expends less energy and one gains more respect from one’s peers.
Conflict has a strange power of acting like a pheromone of sorts. People are drawn to it. Remember in High School when someone yelled ”fight’ and we would all gather around to watch the mess unfold? At the time it offered emotional relief from the mundane and boring aspects of life. What other explanation is there for millions of people wanting to watch two people beat the hell out of each other in a boxing ring or tune in to watch people throwing chairs at each other on Jerry Springer?
Our species is unique in that we seem to seek out and revel in conflict and violence for no other reason than we have nothing better to do and have a lot of free time and energy on our hands.
We never see Lions seeking stimulation through conflict because the only thing they have to do is lay around in the grass. Not only would it expend too much energy but the consequences could be too severe - instead of being verbally insulted they could have their limbs rearranged or chewed off.
The best way to defuse conflict is simply to not feed it. If that doesn’t work making the result too costly also helps.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Nighttrain, posted 07-11-2007 7:12 AM Nighttrain has not replied

  
riVeRraT
Member (Idle past 416 days)
Posts: 5788
From: NY USA
Joined: 05-09-2004


Message 5 of 11 (410166)
07-13-2007 3:02 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Grizz
07-10-2007 7:04 PM


Nice!
I am guilty of falling into traps, but I never set them (or at least not intentionally).
Tell you the truth, I have no chance of understanding what a person is telling me, if they resort to insults, and personal attacks. Further more, anything they say in the future will be partially damaged, as I can only forgive, not forget.
I kind of feel like I am ending my rope here anyways. I have gained much from being here, but some people will forever remain stubborn.
My faith has remained throughout, so call me superstupid.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Grizz, posted 07-10-2007 7:04 PM Grizz has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 6 by ringo, posted 07-13-2007 3:26 PM riVeRraT has not replied
 Message 7 by Grizz, posted 07-13-2007 5:25 PM riVeRraT has not replied

  
ringo
Member (Idle past 412 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 6 of 11 (410172)
07-13-2007 3:26 PM
Reply to: Message 5 by riVeRraT
07-13-2007 3:02 PM


riVeRraT writes:
... I have no chance of understanding what a person is telling me, if they resort to insults, and personal attacks.
That's a handicap that you should try to overcome. The thinness of your skin shouldn't be a barrier to understanding.
My faith has remained throughout, so call me superstupid.
The Forum Guidelines discourage that.

Help scientific research in your spare time. No cost. No obligation.
Join the World Community Grid with Team EvC

This message is a reply to:
 Message 5 by riVeRraT, posted 07-13-2007 3:02 PM riVeRraT has not replied

  
Grizz
Member (Idle past 5471 days)
Posts: 318
Joined: 06-08-2007


Message 7 of 11 (410191)
07-13-2007 5:25 PM
Reply to: Message 5 by riVeRraT
07-13-2007 3:02 PM


I kind of feel like I am ending my rope here anyways. I have gained much from being here, but some people will forever remain stubborn.
Nah..stick around. I wouldn't take it personal. Just don't take it too serious - it's just an internet forum. I mostly read and watch(I am waiting for my employers spyware to block this link. For some reason this message board isn't tagged yet).
When people know they have you going they are going to use subtle cues to rile you up and try to get you to lose your cool. You are going to have to expect heated volleys when you discuss a controversial subject.
We are all stubborn really. It just appears you have the minority view here so you are going to get a lot of heat from debators with an aggressive style. That happens anywhere. Just ignore the taunts and stick to the specifics of the topics. If those are your firmly held views then what else can you do but stand your ground without resorting to the same aggressive tactics?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 5 by riVeRraT, posted 07-13-2007 3:02 PM riVeRraT has not replied

  
Dierotao
Junior Member (Idle past 6095 days)
Posts: 22
Joined: 04-03-2006


Message 8 of 11 (411123)
07-19-2007 12:37 AM


Grizz, I appreciate you bringing up this matter. I joined this site about a year ago, and then left due to the general lack of maturity among the members here. I have been hanging around in the shadows for the past week since coming back, and haven't found a great deal of change, though I have very much appreciated your posts.
The question I am really asking myself is can I change anyone here? Can I have any affect on others? That doesn't necessarily mean I am trying to convert others to my specific line of belief. I simply wish to see people who are open minded and able to think about the bigger picture, and who can then consider the possibilities therein. And if that wasn't enough, then be able to openly discuss our differences in a friendly manner. I'm afraid I have little hope of finding such in more than a few individuals, though I'm willing to give it another try.
Thanks again for bring up this topic.

Replies to this message:
 Message 9 by crashfrog, posted 07-19-2007 2:06 AM Dierotao has not replied
 Message 10 by Grizz, posted 07-20-2007 5:48 PM Dierotao has not replied

  
crashfrog
Member (Idle past 1467 days)
Posts: 19762
From: Silver Spring, MD
Joined: 03-20-2003


Message 9 of 11 (411145)
07-19-2007 2:06 AM
Reply to: Message 8 by Dierotao
07-19-2007 12:37 AM


The question I am really asking myself is can I change anyone here?
You can change yourself, by being exposed to arguments that you never would have thought of, on your own.
And we don't often get a chance to know for sure, but the lurkers - and there are many - often get "caught in the crossfire" - their minds are often changed by what is said here.
And if that wasn't enough, then be able to openly discuss our differences in a friendly manner.
If you want to talk about things that are important to you, then it just doesn't pay to have a thin skin. It's not that people aren't friendly; it's that the differing level of seriousness with which people take a certain subject causes hurt feelings. It can't not.
If you're intent on being offended, you'll "discover" plenty that offends you. But the reverse is true, as well.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 8 by Dierotao, posted 07-19-2007 12:37 AM Dierotao has not replied

  
Grizz
Member (Idle past 5471 days)
Posts: 318
Joined: 06-08-2007


Message 10 of 11 (411459)
07-20-2007 5:48 PM
Reply to: Message 8 by Dierotao
07-19-2007 12:37 AM


Grizz, I appreciate you bringing up this matter. I joined this site about a year ago, and then left due to the general lack of maturity among the members here. I have been hanging around in the shadows for the past week since coming back, and haven't found a great deal of change, though I have very much appreciated your posts.
The question I am really asking myself is can I change anyone here? Can I have any affect on others? That doesn't necessarily mean I am trying to convert others to my specific line of belief. I simply wish to see people who are open minded and able to think about the bigger picture, and who can then consider the possibilities therein. And if that wasn't enough, then be able to openly discuss our differences in a friendly manner. I'm afraid I have little hope of finding such in more than a few individuals, though I'm willing to give it another try.
Thanks again for bring up this topic.
Look at it as Intellectual Entertainment, just like watching the Discovery channel, or playing with a puzzle. We all would like to win, but in the end, for many of us at least, this is just a game we play to amuse ourselves. Just as with a high contact sport, fights are inevitable. When our Egos bump too hard there is bound to be conflict. Our ego is going to take a hit now and then, that’s just part of the game.
Rule 1 of Internet forums is: There are always going to be those who come to pick a fight, not to play nice. Rule 2 is: Moderators can't change rule 1, they can only try to minimize the impact. If someone insults you or looks like they are provoking, don't reply. Ignore the visceral comments and focus on the issue.
Many have yet to figure out that getting in someone’s face, or responding in turn, is not going to accomplish anything. It may make you feel good, but it won't do anything to help your position. The only thing it will succeed in doing is distancing others even further.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 8 by Dierotao, posted 07-19-2007 12:37 AM Dierotao has not replied

  
iceage 
Suspended Member (Idle past 5914 days)
Posts: 1024
From: Pacific Northwest
Joined: 09-08-2003


Message 11 of 11 (411711)
07-22-2007 1:11 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Grizz
07-10-2007 7:04 PM


Griz writes:
Many come to the Colosseum simply out of a thirst for blood - they thrive on the carnage. This problem exists anywhere on the net. It arises because anonymity is a license to kill and always brings out the worse in many people. Some people behave and act in ways they would never conduct themselves in person.
When I read my local online paper which has a comment section under each story (anonymous of course) I am always amazed on how primal, cowardly and stupid people can be when they are hiding under the cloak of anonymity.
I try to always maintain myself in interaction with another person on the internet the same way as if we were discussing the issue at the local pub. Anything less would be cowardly.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Grizz, posted 07-10-2007 7:04 PM Grizz has not replied

  
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