Help me out. Why are there so many people in the Lounge

[cboy4]

who refuse to participate in General Discussion, General Discussion Politics and some of the other more popular forum debates? Is it really that scary/traumatic/intimidating?

I've read many comments from regulars here in the Lounge who stress they have no intention of leaving the Lounge because they don't like posting in GD.

I'm just wondering...is the only reason you come to DU is to visit with friends??

And I'm not trying to be snarky. I'm genuinely curious what's so scary about getting involved in other forums, including controversial threads? Is there no interest in debate?

Of course, I don't mean everyone, but there are quite a few here who infer they almost need therapy because of their experiences outside the Lounge.

I don't understand what the big deal is. :shrug:

Oh well.


On edit, I just noticed Heidi's thread............> http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x7030691

[SteppingRazor]

1. Oh, I think just about anyone interested in politics is interested in "debate"...

it's just that you don't often find genuine debate in GD or GD politics.

[Guava Jelly]

2. I just enjoy the lounge more

The people are nicer.

[cboy4]

6. So basically what you're saying is you use DU as

a My Space-type chat site when it comes to posting?

Interesting.

I enjoy the sports forum, yet I still get involved in GD, etc.

[Guava Jelly]

12. I first came here totally to bash repukes

But i met some great like minded people here so i hang out in the lounge.
Every now and then i will stray in to gd for a post or two.
I found that i could post anything in gd and offend someone..
So why bother..I sure as shit ain't going to change anyones minds

[lost-in-nj]

3. and that thread just about

sums it up......


lost

[graywarrior]

4. Because you can be ripped to shreds for commenting on "Kerry"

or "smoking" or "Nancy" or "Nader" depending on the level of bloodlust at the time you are there.

[cboy4]

13. So what graywarrior? I see you post in GD and you

do a great job handling yourself.

You don't come across as someone who is intimidated by the large number of assholes in GD.

Then again, maybe you're speaking for others in the Lounge and not yourself.

on edit....typo

[graywarrior]

21. I've witnessed the bloody entrails of unsuspecting victims over there.

I mourne them.

And I've run outta there a few times, into the lounge, bitching.

[LynneSin]

5. You the hell are you to fricking judge us??!!

I happen to know we loungers are extremely active in the political process having met mostly loungers at the 12+ protests I've attended in DC and NYC.

Here's a concept - perhaps we've got better things to do then hang out circular firing ranges like GD or GDP where people would rather enable another 4-8 years of republican rule then actually try to do something to change this party.

Who the hell are you to judge us? Go back to GD if this is your attitude

[graywarrior]

9. I think you forgot your

:loveya: smiley.

:rofl:

[LynneSin]

16. um, ok, whatever

I think I forgot this smilie

[graywarrior]

23. You really need this one, just in case

[LynneSin]

97. Yeah this works out well......

:hide:

[Critters2]

127. A taser smiley!!

:rofl:

[cboy4]

17. Don't you find it ironic that you're speaking to me

for apparently the same reason you avoid GD?

I'm not criticizing anyone who sticks to the Lounge. I'm trying to understand why.

[LynneSin]

19. Buddy - do a search for my name in GD

Nuff said

[graywarrior]

29. I just did, and I must say. . .

I'm impressed.

[cboy4]

31. Ok, I can see you don't avoid GD, but you made it

sound like you did.

That's no reason to taser me "bro." :cry:

[IntravenousDemilo]

63. Hee hee...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AkMkGOpAF4s

[Kajsa]

149. Hey you!

One of our 'Jeopardy' stars!

What's up, my friend?


Sorry cboy for the hijack,
I'm really happy to see IDemilo.

:hi:

[cboy4]

158. GASP! How dare you!!!

No worries at all Kajsa.

[Kajsa]

162. LOL !

:pals:

[IntravenousDemilo]

163. Hey back!

(Doug blushes slightly at the term "stars")

Not much, Kajsa. Right now I'm enjoying the fact that my J! money has allowed me not to be a wage slave for a little while longer.

[Kajsa]

165. That IS nice, Doug

It's good to see you here.

:hi:

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

32. delete

[QueenOfCalifornia]

77. Too much coffee today?

Wheee.....

[Fran Kubelik]

146. Hey

:yourock:

[SPKrazy]

7. used to post in GD, still do sometimes

just think it is not much fun

i like the lounge more

i come here for fun, not to get into fights with people or snark wars

:shrug:

[TK421]

8. Most people in the lounge don't get attacked or insulted when they

offer their opinion on something. It's more laid-back here

[Deja Q]

10. Because, all too often, to post anything different from the crowd pleasing topic, results in flames.

Sometimes there is actual discussion.

Usually people keep their blinders on and pretend theirs is the only viewpoint; anyone else is instantly and immutably incorrect and must be shot down as quickly as possible.

This scenario is true of virtually any forum site, and the more serious the topic, the more the asbestos flame-resistant suit needs to be worn. After all, when people bicker in Star Trek Land over which captain is better (Janeway or Archie), things never seem to boil up so excessively quick...

[BarenakedLady]

11. I don't need to debate to be political. (n/t)

[Guava Jelly]

15. I think you do

[BarenakedLady]

18. No, I don't.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-572077907195969915

"This isn't an argument. It's just contradiction!"

;)

[Guava Jelly]

24. Yeah you do

:D
Is this the 5 minute argument?

[Kutjara]

86. I told you once, already. n/t

[BarenakedLady]

103. No you didn't (n/t)

[Kutjara]

107. I most certainly did. n/t

[DS1]

14. It's true there are some people who found DU, posted here and there

and now only come back for the community aspects of 'the lounge'. It's a free board, and they're allowed to do so. One of the big things on my shitbag list is "OMG I just posted in GD" threads. Get a goddamn spine. Get a life. All of the above.

GD and GDP aren't that bad, it's just a messageboard after all, and you just have to remember that on the other side of the keyboard used to slam you, it's just another bored douchebag with nothing better to do than vent phony outrage over the Internet. I'm actually surprised violent crime rates haven't gone down since the Internet, but hey, I don't hear about many Richard Ramirezes, or John Wayne Gacys, or Son of Sams these days. Maybe it's a balm for psychopaths.

Of course, there's that whole "GD posters are in large a bunch of humorless shitheads" aspect, but that's all relative. Poke a little jab at one of the greats, say Al Gore, and expect to get pissed on, shit on, personally attacked by serious cat x 1000.

[Haole Girl]

53. "It's just a messageboard after all"

Yes. I think that is food for thought. It is not real life, right?

On that note, none of the people on DU should be sensitive, naive, or trusting, either.

The sooner people realize that "it's just a messageboard after all" the better of we'll all be.

Yeah...

well, I am split, 50/50, on this subject.

When I figure it out... and figure out how to detach my emotions & feelings from the "just a messageboard"

I'm sure I'll be a lot healthier and happier... and maybe a hell of a lot less sensitive, too.

We need to be careful not to blur the lines between this and IRL, don't we?

[GOPisEvil]

20. Just because one rarely posts in GD does not mean one does not participate.

I read GD all the time. I just rarely feel the need to post.

[ghostsofgiants]

22. It's not scary / traumatic / intimidating...

The threads just tend to be more flamewar than cogent debate. It's more frustrating or annoying than anything else, at least to me.

[Ariana Celeste]

25. I don't post often in either anymore

I think people can be just as vicious or just as cool on either board.

[bridgit]

26. them's fight'n words put up yer dukes...

[cboy4]

27. LOL, how dare you!! It's on!

[Haole Girl]

28. I'll read LBN and GD...

...but most of the time I don't feel qualified (for lack of a better word) to hold my own against the "hostile fire" that goes on in those forums. Nor do I need that stress! :hi:

[Heidi]

30. Please don't use my thread to support your premise.

I'm a former four-term LBN and GD Mod. I don't find GD "scary" in the least and so it's hardly accurate to link my Lounge thread in an OP that opens with "refuse to participate" and "Is it really that scary/traumatic/intimidating?"

For what it's worth, people posting in the Lounge don't routinely get branded as sexual deviants simply because they're interested in discussing the efficacy of existing sex offender laws. That's what got my back up this morning. You?

[cboy4]

33. Ummm, I have no idea what you're talking about --

especially the part about "please don't use my thread to support your premise."

I have no idea what thread you're referring to.

[Heidi]

35. Your premise is that Lounge posters, not all, but many, are somehow afraid of GD.

Does that clear things up for you?

[cboy4]

39. Never mind, I'm an idiot. I forgot Iinked you thread.

Sorry.

I'm not trying to pick on you. I just see lots of threads in the Lounge that talk about the point in my OP.

[Heidi]

Okay, I'm gonna give you _exactly_ what everyone comes to the Lounge for

but eventually are driven to GD to actually _get_:

[cboy4]

48. Don't taser me bro?

:shrug:

[Heidi]

50. Hahahahahahaha! I'll take that as an "I'd prefer a wedgie!"

No hard feelings, cboy4. :pals:

[cboy4]

55. Oh you say that now after you put 50,000 volts

through my body! :pals:

[SPKrazy]

36. you uhm LINKED HER THREAD

to your OP

how much clearer could that be?????


:eyes:

[cboy4]

40. Yea, I just remembered that. I'm watching football, so

it's affecting my complete concentration. LOL

[Haole Girl]

37. Oh

I see we've cleared that up.

[IntravenousDemilo]

34. Many GD posters take themselves way too seriously and have no discernible sense of humour. n/m

[greatauntoftriplets]

45. Or a sense of irony.

Thanks for making the point that you did.

[IntravenousDemilo]

66. You're welcome, and thank you.

Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think.
(Jean de la Bruyère -- or Horace Walpole, depending on your sources)

[Pierre.Suave]

148. That would make my life a...

Tragic Comedy.

Pretty much sums it up.

[cboy4]

51. Who cares? Why does that stop/silence you from

articulating your views.

If everyone felt your way, the other forums would be ghost towns.

And BTW, I disagree with your assessment that there's a sense of humor shortage in GD.

I find there are a lot of funny people.

[IntravenousDemilo]

60. Oh, don't worry, it doesn't stop me.

It's just that after a while they make me tired and, quite frankly, bored. Some people are all snark and no cattle.

[supernova]

38. I post in GD when I feel

the topic is:

1) Something I have knowledge of (Yes, I realize that doesn't stop a lot of people, but it's my personal code of ethics to keep to subjects I'm knowledgeable about)

2) The thread is a cogent argument; key word "cogent." I love it when there is a genuine exchange of ideas and perspectives. In those times, you might have a glimmer of persuading someone else, and they might have the same hope for you to learn something new too. I don't like when threads disintegrate into flame wars over who's more progressive than whom, or other instances of one upsmandship. What's enlightening about that? It's not worth my time.

3) Bad subjects in 2) repeat themselves with alarming regularity. Hillary is too corporatist. Al Gore quit too soon. Breastfeeding in public is wrong! No, it's NOT! *YAWN* Instead of concentrating on the future, we continually ruminate over past wrongs and mistakes. I hate to sound jaded, but how many times do you watch a rerun before you change the channel? (I've been here since Spring 2002) We've had too many repeats and it's not good for our future. I admit I have contributed to this by not posting more future oriented topics. I promise to change that. But often folks who think outside the GD box those threads sink like a stone in a river.

4) There are a lot of us who are active in local politics and come to DU just for the support and camaraderie.

5) The Lounge is supportive and friendly. My life is difficult enough as it is. I don't need to generate conflict to make it more interesting. I can always share a hug, a laugh, a crying jag or two with some genuine, witty, and intelligent people. And that's worth a lot right there. :grouphug:

[cboy4]

42. Oh totally. All very good explanations.

Thanks. I'm not criticizing, simply trying to hear why. ;)

[SarahB]

111. May I recommend your post?

Well said. :thumbsup:

(I'd also add an extra thumbs up re: your local politics statement. Keyboard warrioring isn't necessarily where the most political productivity lies for most of us.)

[La Lioness Priyanka]

41. what i dont understand is why some people think they are better activists because they post in gd

its still argument with more or less like minded people on an internet board. not any real form of activism.

i have always been confused about that one.

[datasuspect]

44. better activists aren't sitting here wringing their hands about the quality of their online

experience.

[cboy4]

46. I didn't realize the purpose of posting in GD is to

be an activist, if that's indeed what you're inferring.

I thought the purpose is to debate/discuss current events, and I don't think you have to be an activist per se to express your views about such topics.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

59. no i wasnt inferring anything about activism from your OP. mine was more of another thing

i dont understand is the activism aspect.

[jonnyblitz]

54. what i don't get is why lounge folk continuosly gasp in horror

that there is political debate going on (which is what they are doing when they whine about GD)when this is mainly a POLITICAL discussion board. you'd think this was primarily a fucking hookup or attention whore picture posting site the way they carry on whining about the POLITICAL forums. I wonder the same thing CBOY4 does everytime i see an "OH MY GOD I JUST POSTED IN GD" thread. DUH, what part of POLITICAL discussion board do lounge folk NOT understand?!?! :eyes:

I am not complaining about the lounge sillyness so much as I am rolling my eyes at people who are STUNNED that people are debating political issues on a political site. DUH

[La Lioness Priyanka]

58. yeah, i dont get that either. my posting was tangential.

but i have often seen people criticize other for not being activists because they dont post in gd. i dont think that these things are related.

also check your pm.

[cboy4]

64. Exactly jonny...what you said it what I'm talking about

and what I too don't understand.

[TK421]

74. Since I was involved with one of those threads, I would like to respond to that

I don't have a problem with political debate at all..but there was no debate in sight and I made a statement and got attacked...for no good reason. I don't call that debate, unless the definition of that word has changed.

But I have noticed people getting jumped on for simply expressing their views, and I think that is ridiculous. If you want to debate something with me, then fine. When it turns into personal attacks, then it is no better than being on a Yahoo or AOL message board ( where people attack each other freely ).

[ronnykmarshall]

62. Didn't you get the memo?

[datasuspect]

43. because it's part of an internet discussion forum?

do you really equate the quality of a person's activism with what subforum they choose to post on in a discussion website?

any reasonably educated person knows by now that seeking wisdom in discussion forums is like looking for nice pieces of corn in a steaming pile of shit.

and "debate?"

debate = 1 rw troll being purposely obtuse and contrarian + several well-intentioned people castigating the troll for being intentionally obtuse and contrarian. lather, rinse, repeat.

the most interesting stuff sinks like stones here.

[cboy4]

47. Alright, well you gave me your reason and that's what

I'm interested in hearing.

And no, I don't judge anyone's activism period.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

79. Hmmmm....

very loquacious of you in a very short form sort of way...

me likey

[CGowen]

90. "the most interesting stuff sinks like stones here."

That's what I noticed, too


I use GD to post articles that are some days old but still important, I can't post them in LBN but in GD they sometimes sink like stones or when I'm lucky they get 5 recs and that's it.

[Kajsa]

96. Thank you, datasuspect.

I've seen really good threads sink like lead weights.

After kicking them umteen times, I finally give up.

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who notices that.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

49. Because crazies like this hang out there:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2041946

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2041946&mesg_id=2042654

Loungers are crazy, too, but at least we know we are. ;)

[Haole Girl]

61. "like a double-removed kidney"

Wow. That response was pretty harsh!

:scared:

[MedleyMisty]

69. Both links say "You are ignoring the author of this thread"

Yay for ignore!

[HEyHEY]

52. After awhile here... you realize there's no point

[stuntcat]

56. honestly, personally..

Some of what I've seen in GD makes me ashamed of my party. I've been a Democrat ever since I could think but some of what I've seen since I came to DU is making me want to give up on my party and go all the way Green.
At least in the lounge people aren't usually there to fight and flaunt what pigs they are.
I listen to way too much news but coming to DU a few minutes a day gives me a little hope, as long as I stay away from fighty assholes.

[cboy4]

65. Oh I'm a big Kucinich fan and I completely understand

your point. Sometimes I feel like I'm arguing with a bunch of right wingers in GD.

But the more smart people like yourself stop debating, the more DLC right of center GD becomes. :)

[stuntcat]

67. true that.

We have to step in and Represent from time to time ;)

[johnnie]

57. Probably for the same reason that some people only go to GD..

..and they sit there waiting to attack other's views. They never post in any other forum and almost all of their posts are attacks.

Politics is not all about debate and whining, there is also the fact that you can hang out with like-minded people and have a bit of fun. The Lounge is set up so people can have fun. I don't see a problem.

[Midlodemocrat]

68. Honestly, I think the lounge is scarier.

At least in GD, there really are no hidden agendas. In the lounge, it's the exact opposite. Posting in what one thinks are innocuous threads come back to bite you in the ass when you least expect it.

[bicentennial_baby]

70. Word.

It's like a pack of hungry hyenas up in here, for reals.

:hi:

[Deja Q]

71. And people think I have a dirty, kinky mind!

:rofl:


:hide:

[cboy4]

73. Nice analysis Hitler. n/t

[Genevieve]

78. . . . .

I've been here since 2003
(name -change, left DU for a short time, and just recently came back)

And you have SO hit it on the head!

(as did Bi-B in her post below)

[QueenOfCalifornia]

80. Not for me

I enjoy the humor here and the fun... Even when someone gets all full of themselves and truly believes their own crap.

There is really nothing scary about this part of the DU --- except of course KitchenWitch... She skeeers me silly!

:rofl:

[hisownpetard]

72. I mostly post to GD or GDP and have learned a lot about politics - not only from

the opinions posted but from the many links provided. I relish the idea of getting into a good debate
about an issue. I'm getting close to the milestone of 1000 posts and have only been "attacked" once;
I posted something about Gore, and within minutes was bombarded by so many mean comments
that, rather than answer them all, I just said, "I'm gonna go take a nap."

When that happens, it does leave you feeling kind of beaten up! So it seems that many people
who probably don't like confrontations of that sort avoid GD like the plague and hang out in the Lounge,
where no one is going to attack you for a mis-spelling (or practically anything else).

Here's the difference, as I see it:

Lounge visitor: Someone who prefers to sit at the bar
with a bunch of friends, being convivial, chit-chatting and drinking beer.

GD visitor: The couple who prefers to sit at a candle-lit table where it's less chatty than the bar,
sipping wine with their 3-course meal and enjoying a robust exchange of opinions which sometimes
can get heated (but is quickly smoothed over so that the evening isn't ruined).

GDP: Some people are 'lurkers,' finding the GDP very interesting but being afraid to post, so they read
but do not participate in the give and take. It's like listening to a really interesting conversation at the next
table, when you and your dinner mate haven't said a word to each other in 20 minutes.

Then there are the awesome, tireless stars of DU who post important information and well-written opinions, replete
with links to audio and video and photographs and drawings and emoticons and keep us informed on the important
issues of the day. They know how to do everything and are willing to teach others what they know. They are sitting
at the big round table, a little off to the left, the liveliest in the place, where everyone wishes they were sitting, too.

Not to be forgotten, there are always a few like the person who sits skulking, way in the back, drinking Jack,
who blows out the candle as soon as he/she sits down and waits for the waiter to try to relight it,
just to have the pleasure of blowing it out again.

[Myrina]

75. I think some people come here *despite* the politics ...

... in the past there have been Lounge regulars who NEVER went to another forum - they were Loungers only, because that's where they could play their little personality clique games and get attention. Some of them never made a political comment. Ever. Du was probably just another 'pickup/chat board' to them.

:shrug:

[cboy4]

93. Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out....whether there

are a lot of people who primarily use DU and its Lounge as a personal chat room, as opposed to a political discussion board.

I couldn't care less either way.

[Omphaloskepsis]

145. I find the political discussions here tedious.

Lousy debate at its finest. If I want to discuss politics I will head over to one of the many other sites that debate.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

76. Nice Post Hitler

that's an example....
Of the things I have seen there...

Others are: Why don't yopu just shut the fuck up, You are a total idiot, How can you say something so stupid, You are a brainless idiot, You make me sick.... etc...



BTW, I post over on the GD and GDP regularly - But I like a friendly less stressful online experience - that is why I come into this lounge area.

We know enough over here to let our differences be celebrated... We are not in any kind of political lockstep -but we leave that stuff in the other areas of the DU

[cboy4]

89. Nice response Castro.

;)


I absolutely get what you're saying about the ugly comments/atmosphere over at GD from time to time.

However, I don't allow that to influence me to the extent that I won't participate.

Yea I get angry, frustrated and take time off occasionally.

But political debate is a rough business. I understand and accept it. In fact, I view it as a challenge.

Again, I'm not blaming people who don't like the atmosphere and would rather remain in the Lounge. I'm simply looking for explanations as to why people have made that decision.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

135. You want to join....

the Lounge, DON'T YOU?

I can tell...

You want to learn the secret handshake and everything.

Admit it.

[cboy4]

137. Sure. As long as the "and everything" doesn't

refer to any tapping of Republican feet. LOL

[Dystopian]

81. GD exodus.

I just started visiting here...and feel more open to post...
I recall when I first came to DU not so long ago, a DUer asked me to recommend a thread...and to also start another one regarding our candidate...(John Bonifaz) I told him I couldn't recommend as I didn't have enough posts...

"Go post a bunch of insignificant stuff in the lounge to build your count."

So that's what I do here now...but nothing to do with post number as that's irrelevant to me...I just come here to be ignored...

:woohoo: :woohoo:

peace~

[QueenOfCalifornia]

82. IGNORE

I am ignoring you....

for saying that.

[Dystopian]

85. Thank You!

:loveya:

You made my day!



peace~


:rofl:

[QueenOfCalifornia]

87. I said

I was ignoring you.

[Dystopian]

94. Awesome!

Thank you for doing it again! Oh happy day for me!



:yourock:


peace~

[Connonym]

83. Yes I come here to socialize

Does that make me a bad progressive?

I prefer progressive liberal people so I come to DU or go to Salon to be among like-minded people to socialize. I occasionally post on GD or the Wisconsin forum but I love the lighthearted friendly nature of the Lounge and if we didn't have the Lounge I probably wouldn't participate on DU. I'd rather discuss ideas than debate them.

[cboy4]

92. Hey, you're being honest.

And I don't really think I was insinuating that people who stay in the Lounge are bad progressives. Was I?

I'm simply asking people to explain their rationale....which you've done.

[Connonym]

98. I felt that there was an implication in your post

that people who primarily post in the Lounge are somehow inferior. Perhaps you didn't mean it in that way but I don't think I'm the only one who felt that vibe from your post.

[cboy4]

100. Of course I didn't mean it that way. I have many friends in

the Lounge. lol

[skygazer]

84. I don't see a whole lot of debate in GD

I go there often and I find it interesting that people think if you don't post there a lot, you must be "intimidated" or something. I rarely see the point.

I read a lot of the threads and I glean some good information here and there. But most of what I see are threads of two types.

There are the threads with one person saying something pretty unprovocative and sure to please most of the members, followed by 120 variations of "I agree."

Then there are the threads with one person saying something controversial and 382 replies which consist of 14 well thought out and interesting remarks, 87 snarky jokes, a couple of deleted subthreads containing about 112 responses total, 122 posts that you can practically see the foam the author was dripping out their mouth, 45 variations of "Nice post, Hitler," and 2 people who've posted in the wrong thread.

That's not debate.

I used to post there quite a bit and I assure you I'm not intimidated by anything but it's discouraging when people don't actually debate - in fact, so many of them use the same tactics as the right wing (personal attacks, non sequiturs, empty talking points), it sometimes seems like I've wandered onto the wrong board.

I find some very stimulating debate in the Lounge and not just about what the proper breading for chicken is. Don't we have enough members so that people can post wherever they like without being branded in some way? You have no idea what we may do politically.

[cboy4]

95. Oh come on now. I never said people **must** be

intimidated.

I asked whether in fact intimidation might be a reason. I asked because I wasn't sure.

You put words in my mouth/took things out of context in your reply.

And for the millionth time in this thread, I'm not criticizing anyone. I'm simply seeking for answers.

[skygazer]

101. I just re-read my reply

And I don't think I put any words in your mouth or took anything out of context.

"Is it really that scary/traumatic/intimidating?" Those were your words, not mine.

You seem a little thin-skinned for someone who's chastising people for not posting in GD. And that's exactly what you're doing, regardless of what you claim. It's the same passive aggressive tactic so many people use - insist they're "just seeking for answers" while they toss out jabs like, "is the only reason you come to DU is to visit with friends??" (Complete with 2 question marks and immediately followed up with the assurance that "I'm not trying to be snarky." Mmmmm... Yeah....)

"Is there no interest in debate?"

That's what I was attempting. And you've answered your own question with your reply.

[cboy4]

102. Sure. Whatever you say. n/t

[skygazer]

106. I thought you wanted debate?

Seriously. I gave you my reasons for not posting much in GD and I was simply accused of putting words in your mouth. That's exactly the sort of shit I run into over there and it gets old. I end up arguing semantics with some asshole instead of debating the original point.

You know what I don't get? I don't get why anyone would care one way or another where other people posted. And I don't get why some people get all high and mighty about the beauty of debate and then hide behind "sure, whatever you say."

:rofl:

Jesus, I love this place. :P

[cboy4]

108. You need to practice your reasoning skills, and I

bet you'd fit in at GD in no time!

I can see why you have trouble from you two posts alone. (no offense of course)

[skygazer]

109. And I can see why you DO fit in at GD

Personal attacks, insults and completely avoiding the actual topic at hand. Brilliant. I applaud you. :applause:

Oh, and by the way, I don't "have trouble." Any "trouble" I have is in keeping the person with whom I'm "debating" on track. :eyes:

[cboy4]

112. Here's what you should ask yourself. You should ask

yourself why I can withstand personal attacks and insults in GD (as can countless other members), yet have enough self confidence to not let it bother me.

While you apparently cannot withstand conflict, and are forced to hide under a proverbial rock in the Lounge.

You are overly sensitive, which is a sign you need to work on your self confidence. You know how they say you need to have a thick skin, right?

By the way you've handled this interaction with me, it's hard to imagine you'd last a single day on a campaign trail.

The first negative attack ad, or negative comment by your opponent would have you in tears.

You've completely overreacted about this thread. I was simply asking a question. If you notice, just about everyone else gets it/

[Name removed]

114. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Zephyrbird]

142. This subsection is why I don't post in GD or GDP

I've been here since 2001 and have engaged in many a debate.

But the insults given here to skygazer in simplistic nyah-nyah style bores the living crap out of me and is indicative of the mindset in GD (god damn) and GDP (god damn pricks). Just because some folks roll around in swamp mud doesn't mean I have to.

And bite my ass to anybody who doesn't like it.

I think we need a "bite my ass" emoticon in DU. Perhaps I can borrow Matcom's yellow butt??

I too find stimulating topics in Lounge. And I think folks who are here show their funnier, truer sides than seeing who can make the snarkiest comment.

[cboy4]

144. Which kinds of insults are you talking about Zephyrbird?

You mean like this one that was directed at me down thread?

Redstone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Sun Oct-14-07 06:33 PM
Response to Original message

135. No, they DON'T "infer they almost need therapy." They IMPLY. You INFER.

Jesus, get those two words straight, would you?

Redstone


And what other kinds of insults are you referring to Zephyrbird?

"GDP (god damn pricks)?"

Such hypocrisy from someone who acted as though they were so despondent over insults and rolling around in swamp mud as you put it.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

88. Carrot Top

[Jamastiene]

141. I could have lived my whole fucking life

without seeing that. My EYES!!! Oh, to be able to un-see that. :puke:

[lost-in-nj]

91. Because

we have picture threads
and DS1's photoshopping....

and when him and Matcom get into a tiff, well they are so cute and its fun to watch....

ppffftttt

why else??


:shrug: :shrug:


lost

[SPKrazy]

99. I'm Paying Pennance

for the snark in GD by posting here....


:wtf:

I like it here

i post other places as well

what difference does it make????


:hi:

[cboy4]

104. Well then if you post other places as well, my comments

in the OP prolly don't apply to you.

Right?

:hi:

[Danger Mouse]

105. Started out in R/T, which makes GD look like a bunch of kittens playing with yarn.

I post in GD at times, until the poo-flinging starts to get to me.

[Capn Sunshine]

110. Its comedy vs tragedy

or put another way, serious vs fun. Some , especially the cliques in the lounge are only here for fun, MySpace type socializing and have no plan to enter into the fray.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[cboy4]

115. Yea, exactly. There is nothing wrong with just being

here for fun.

On the other hand, it's clear some people are frightened they're going to be insulted or called names when that happens to just about all of us.

I just don't let it bother me.

[Capn Sunshine]

124. While much is made of the hostile environment

I think it's intentionally overplayed, kind of an "in" joke amongst certain Lizards. The flamewars are unbelievably nasty , but I bet NONE of you ever venture into the gundgeon or IP. THAT is just awesome in its scariness. I come here when I was a brief respite from the vagaries and batterings our campaign takes, or when I just can't take the crap any more. That's the way it's been since 2001. Back then we used to mock Skinner incessantly, unlike these days .

And Will Pitt was still a high school teacher.:popcorn:

[mainegreen]

113. I like GD, but GD:P is a complete waste of time.

It's not a discussion, it's a huge, illogical, citation-free, shill-full flame fest. Pointless to the max.

[cboy4]

119. In my opinion, you're painting GD:P with a broad

brush.

There are some excellent essays in GD.

Of course there are some threads that become heated, not the least of which are those about the death penalty.

But that's what debate is all about.

The floors of Congress can easily be described as flame fests, but it's debate. That's how you further ideas.

[mainegreen]

125. I tend to think GD:P only gets good right before and after an election.

Otherwise the amount of 'your candidate eats babies and has sex with Rove' is too much to wade through to find any quality.
Editorials and other Articles though always tends to have fine and provoking posts, but sadly that forum really doesn't draw much in the way of posts. Not sure why.

I love GD. It's really the core of DU imho.


But it's all a matter of taste I guess.
One mans butter and all that.

[cboy4]

130. Yup....you make a lot of good points. I just hate the

idea that some smart DUers are staying out of important discussions over at GD when they would have so much to offer.

They key is to tune out the nuts, and no question, there are plenty. :)

[philosophie_en_rose]

116. Does GD ever solve anything, really?

Sometimes there are brilliant posts, but - for the most part - it's the same old same old flame fest.

It's not that I'm afraid or intimidated, it's just that it's the same old shit again.

[cboy4]

118. Well philosophie_en_rose, is the purpose of

General Discussion to solve things?

Or is the primary purpose to present topics, trade ideas, learn and even vent about things that bother you?

I've not taken a survey about this, but I find it hard to believe that there are many people who think things are solved in GD.

[philosophie_en_rose]

120. Sigh.

First, the Lounge is also a place to share "topics, trade ideas, learn and even vent about things that bother you." If people in Lounge enjoy the Lounge better, why does it matter?

Second, no one thinks the point of GD is to solve anything. That's the point. Why should anyone that prefers the Lounge feel obligated to participate in GD discussions that hold no interest for them and don't solve anything?

I sometimes post in GD and sometimes read some brilliant material. However, I've been here for years and, once I've posted in one GD flamefest, I don't feel obligated to post in all of them.

[cboy4]

128. No philosophie_en_rose,...the problem I have with

your point is you make it sound as though GD is one non-stop flamefest.

That is an exaggeration.

DU is primarily a political discussion board. I've been here since 2002, so I know a little bit about what I'm talking about.

I just scrolled through the front page of the Lounge, and there are literally dozens of threads that have nothing to do with politics or serious current event issues.

Again, there's absolutely nothing wrong with hanging out in the Lounge.

I have friends that are regulars here.

But don't make it sound as though there's no difference between the content in the Lounge and the content in the hard news forums.

[MrScorpio]

117. I go to GD on occasion

I'm sure that you see me in there fro time to to. when I'm not holding court here

[cboy4]

123. I do indeed see you there, and I think you contribute

a lot to the discussion MrScorpio, even though perhaps we may not always necessarily agree all of the time! :)

[MrScorpio]

126. Thanks

And of course if we always agreed it wouldn't be as much a discussion as it would a cheer leading session.

[IndianaJones]

121. where else can I ask about changing vacuum cleaner bags? you're just jealous. nt.

[cboy4]

132. Why do you hate Barry Bonds? n/t

[Guaranteed]

122. DU is primarily a swingers' club.

If you didn't know...well...

[cboy4]

136. LOL! n/t

[Redstone]

129. No, they DON'T "infer they almost need therapy." They IMPLY. You INFER.

Jesus, get those two words straight, would you?

Redstone

[cboy4]

133. Are you intoxicated/under the influence of narcotics

tonight Redstone, or are you simply rude toward people who aren't talking to you?

[Omphaloskepsis]

151. Well, I have been drinking...

And I think you are have been a total dick to people in this thread.

[cboy4]

157. You're quite the scholar, aren't you Omphaloskepsis?

The last time I checked, I didn't personally attack you in this thread, so why would you call me a dick....especially since my OP is a legitimate question in response to the post I linked?

You need to be less sensitive.

P.S. Redstone PM'd me an apology for what he said.

[Redneck Socialist]

131. The names change from time to time, the arguments never do.

I post in GD from time to time, but really the "discussion" there doesn't change too much. (shrug)

The lounge rarely fails to bring a smile to my face and I appreciate that a hell of a lot more than the political significance of Hillary's cleavage.

[Ava]

134. it's because GD can be extremely scary

especially when it comes to certain topics :scared:

seriously though it's a shame that some people can't just have civil debates and instead turn to flame wars and pissing contests.

[Guaranteed]

138. Yup. See, pissing contests in the Lounge would be VERY different...

A lot more messy.

[Jamastiene]

139. I do participate in GD sometimes, but I come back here to

The DU Lounge to lick my wounds and heal after going there. Like my new sig picture? It conveys my feelings about GD. It truly is scary over there, but sometimes I sit and psyche myself up and say, "I shall wade into the muck today." I go in, fire off a couple of shots, and run back here before they can roast me alive. It IS rather painful over there on any given day. The place is legendary for making you feel 1mm tall, but I do wade into the muck from time to time.

Btw, :hi: Long time no see. :pals:

On edit: FFS, Is there any place I can finally upload a signature picture where the picture won't break or refuse to load? :crazy:

[cboy4]

140. Hey my friend!! No explanation from you is necessary.

You're smart, articulate and more than capable of handling any of the evil that permeates GD!

BTW, I *do* like your new sig picture and I miss not chatting with you! :hi:

--Damien :pals:

[Dastard Stepchild]

143. Because the predictable hysteria is tiring....

Someone posts something inflammatory. People jump on it.

It has all the intrigue and subtlety of a junior high girls' locker room. I just can't tolerate the excessively bold proclamations and whatnot that are part and parcel of GD discussions.

[hisownpetard]

147. Curious to know what you thought of my analysis (post#72) in response to the

question in your OP...?

[cboy4]

156. D'oh!! I'm sorry hisownpetard....you took the time

to write all of that and I forgot to respond. Don't mind me, I'm an idiot ;)

I thought your analysis is very well written. Very good points, in my opinion. :thumbsup:

Thanks for offering your insight and sorry for not responding.

[hisownpetard]

159. Oh, good. I was afraid you thought it was a one-liner and didn't read the rest of it.

I'd be curious to know if other people have had the same impressions - if anyone
cares to respond!

Thanks.

[Kajsa]

150. Hi, Cboy! GD can be very caustic.

I'm in there quite a bit, but I occasionally post there.

Debate has given way many times to the well known flamewars and personal attacks
that are prevalent there.

Many good, substantial threads sink like stones in GD. ( here too, for that matter)

Sensationalistic fanning of the flames has moved in.

The Lounge is calmer, and having a sense of humor here is a requirement.

You can be humorless and survive in GD.

Not so, here.

:hi:

[cboy4]

152. Hi Kajsa. Yea, no doubt, GD can be very caustic.

But of course, politics is not for the weak. lol

At any rate, you come across as being very smart and I know you can handle yourself just fine wherever you post.

I'm more curious about those who refuse/aren't interested in posting in GD, GDP at all, and their reasons -- some of which I realize you just mentioned.

So thanks for your input and have a wonderful day!! :hi:

[Kajsa]

161. Thanks for the kind words.

:D

You are a smart, tough cookie yourself!

:pals:

[AlCzervik]

153. i post in gd, i try and find the non flame war threads which is getting harder to do.

gd can get awfully tiresome, between the buzz words that start flame threads and the duplicates it can get extremely frustrating.

[flvegan]

154. I post in GD and GD: P all the time.

Also, in LBN when I have something that's, well, LBN.

A break from each forum is soothing to the soul. There are days that I stay out of GD, days I stay out of the Lounge, depending on my mood.

I do hang out in the Lounge quite a bit, though.

[cboy4]

160. Oh like I'd ever disagree with you so I get my ass beaten.

;)

Yea, I know you post outside of the Lounge. And thank God...you not only make excellent points most of the time, you make things interesting -- AND, you support a great candidate!

[Akoto]

155. There's usually more mean-spiritness than debate.

I participate in GD sometimes, but the atmosphere does not exactly lend itself to reasoned debate. I've been called trash, ignorant, a member of the male patriarchy (because I refused to say that porn is evil and didn't agree that all men want to hold women down), etc. Those sorts of things, which are clearly aimed at hurting feelings rather than taking a reasonable stance in a discussion.

[eyepaddle]

164. For me it was either the tread about lumber on Mars, or

the (multiple) assertions that HAARP caused the tsunami. I participated in both those threads, I think the tsunami one even made the NY Times as an example of nutty thinking. And no matter how well thought, or even with knowledge born from personal experience a response which should've ended the whole thing, some jack-off would kick-off a whole new round of pointlessness by innocently stating "I'm just asking questions."

Hell, I enjoy flame wars, it just struck me as a something of a sham after a while.

And to be honest, I think as much information flows around in the lounge as anywhere else on DU, but since it is sweetened with innumerable kitten threads snarky polls, folks seem more open to listening than the more combative forums.

However, I do avoid the almost perpetual "GD is fucked in the head" threads which almost come across as lounge filler.

Here are the threads:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2891534#2893464

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2871661#2872194