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Recently, I returned to another science forum, and remember now why I left. I'll never understand why people quote something you've posted, misconstrue the entire premise of your post (on purpose), and then reply to your post, with the expectation that you'll defend their perception of what they read. *shake my head*





(Oh, this is a thread for you to post off topic comments. Within reason.)  Big Grin
Yeah, that's s big reason why I don't post much at another science forum too. You try to tell them what you really mean, and they demand you never meant that at all.
Exactly. I've missed some over there, but there's always that one or two that ruin it. lol
It's a lazy straw man that the moderators allow because they employ it too. Their version of mob justice, where if one can make a straw man stick (in the eyes of their allies) then everyone can pile on, regardless of its validity.
Yea, there are lots of strawmen that some there ask me to battle. I believe in finding common ground during discussions, not needing to prove ''I'm right, you're wrong.'' because in many cases, I'm discussing philosophical ideals, and are there really any right or wrong answers?
(May 9, 2019 02:20 PM)Leigha Wrote: [ -> ]Yea, there are lots of strawmen that some there ask me to battle. I believe in finding common ground during discussions, not needing to prove ''I'm right, you're wrong.'' because in many cases, I'm discussing philosophical ideals, and are there really any right or wrong answers?


They're often not "discussion forums" at all in terms of people just wanting to talk to others with the same interests as their own or exploring a subject together in a curiosity sense. The participants are seeking confrontation to begin with (they're there for a battle), and if one is not handily presenting itself then they'll provoke a quarrel via whatever degree of misrepresentation and projection of "intentions and agendas" into another's post that it takes to do that.

Sciforums has apparently had irregular schizoid identity crises in the past where it couldn't make up its mind whether the upper section was purely a center for assisting students and sci-junkies -- along with retired practioners talking shop amongst themselves -- or a recreational place for experts/enthusiasts to battle with cranks. Or a mongrel version permitting both.
(May 9, 2019 06:23 PM)C C Wrote: [ -> ]
(May 9, 2019 02:20 PM)Leigha Wrote: [ -> ]Yea, there are lots of strawmen that some there ask me to battle. I believe in finding common ground during discussions, not needing to prove ''I'm right, you're wrong.'' because in many cases, I'm discussing philosophical ideals, and are there really any right or wrong answers?


They're often not "discussion forums" at all in terms of people just wanting to talk to others with the same interests as their own or exploring a subject together in a curiosity sense. The participants are seeking confrontation to begin with (they're there for a battle), and if one is not handily presenting itself then they'll provoke a quarrel via whatever degree of misrepresentation and projection of "intentions and agendas" into another's post that it takes to do that.

Sciforums has apparently had irregular schizoid identity crises in the past where it couldn't make up its mind whether the upper section was purely a center for assisting students and sci-junkies -- along with retired practioners talking shop amongst themselves -- or a recreational place for experts/enthusiasts to battle with cranks. Or a mongrel version permitting both.

This is helpful to someone like me, who really isn't confrontational. If I have to be, of course,I'll do my best. But, this at least helps me understand the motivation behind some of those outlandish posts. lol All in all, sometimes things get lost in translation. If we were all sitting across from one another, having a discussion in person, would we be more tactful? Probably. But, I'll say they also get me to think of positions I hadn't thought of. We all live in our own proverbial bubbles, and every now and then, we need to let others in.

If SF wants to increase and maintain a steady flow of traffic, they need to be a little bit of everything. James does a good job of moderating the top area, and weaving out trolls. I've always viewed the top section as a bit ''sacred,'' and one shouldn't enter in there with a bunch of woo and expect to be taken seriously. 
I love the philosophy section, it's been a fun exchange (for the most part)  Blush

Your posts always get me to think, and I appreciate them. Syne, are you banned from there? If not, you should come back.
(May 9, 2019 08:30 PM)Leigha Wrote: [ -> ]Your posts always get me to think, and I appreciate them. Syne, are you banned from there? If not, you should come back.

No, I'm not banned, but I really don't have the time or energy that forum seems to demand. And I rarely find the philosophy forum terribly interesting...likely because so much can't be nailed down. Only so much navel-gazing I can take without anyone being invested and willing to defend their views.

Also, many of the active members and moderators seem to actively hate me...and apparently can't let it go, even after I've been away for years.
Leigha Wrote:Your posts always get me to think, and I appreciate them. Syne, are you banned from there? If not, you should come back.
I'm pleased to see Syne's name come up here. I try to keep in mind a cartoon of a guy saying to a girl "I can't come to bed right now ... someone on the Internet is wrong.". The particular context I wish to dwell on is someone insulting Syne for ... whatever ... it doesn't matter. I'm sure I have insulted Syne many times too but the context in question included his right to hold (and post) whatever views he may or may not hold. It is possible that everyone finds egalitarianism rather poisonous - if everyone finds it equally poisonous - that would be the subject for another thread.
(May 9, 2019 10:37 PM)Syne Wrote: [ -> ]
(May 9, 2019 08:30 PM)Leigha Wrote: [ -> ]Your posts always get me to think, and I appreciate them. Syne, are you banned from there? If not, you should come back.

No, I'm not banned, but I really don't have the time or energy that forum seems to demand. And I rarely find the philosophy forum terribly interesting...likely because so much can't be nailed down. Only so much navel-gazing I can take without anyone being invested and willing to defend their views.

Also, many of the active members and moderators seem to actively hate me...and apparently can't let it go, even after I've been away for years.

I haven't been active there for a while, and I've returned, and have been sucked in. It's quite addictive. lol

But, you should post once in a while. Just be ...law-abiding.  Big Grin