Do you think twice before posting certain ideas or commentary...

[Subdivisions]

...not because you're anxious about DUers' reactions but because you fear that what you post may be noted by someone other than a DUer, perhaps "the authorities", whom may be watching what we discuss here?

[el_bryanto]

1. Actually i've done all three, depending on my mood.

Bryant

[winyanstaz]

12. yup...me too

[WonderGrunion]

15. Another "all of the above" here

Depends on the topic and my mood.

[hlthe2b]

2. Certainly... there are times when sensitivities are on such a

hair-trigger that I avoid anything even remotely likely to incite... Ditto, generally, some of the more hyper-emotional forums (e.g., gungeon) where nearly anything posted that questions gun policy in any way is automatically construed as advocating for universal gun seizure and outlaw. This often unleashes paranoia from some on a level that is disconcerting at the least (and frightening at its worst).

On edit, I see you were referring to concerns from those outside DU--e.g., governmental perusal of posts. I honestly don't think I harbor views that would likely be misconstrued as posing anything even remotely questionable to the Agent Mikes of the world unless it becomes season on liberals in general.... :shrug:

[StarfarerBill]

3. No, that's never worried me; if I have a file somewhere, they already have enough on me...

...to throw me into a dark, dank hole if they want.

I do worry about posting something someone has already posted, though. ;)

[sui generis]

4. There are posts and then there are POSTS

Hyperbole is not the friend of many people here - I can't tell you the number of times I've said something over the top that people took seriously.

The thing is - no matter WHAT you post if you try to be eminently fair the only "thinking twice" one has to do is whether it will be worth the effort to be viewed as a contrarian at a lynching, and we do have those here on DU. Lynchings, I mean.

Not agreeing completely is NOT the opposite of agreeing.

But there are others people who post "on behalf" of the mob, (a.k.a. "mainstream democrats", a.k.a., recent republican converts) who think it's their duty to "talk in code" about the you know, the uppity homos, and the you know, progressive liberal commi pinko's, who probably would be better off not posting at all.

Those people should think even just once before posting, on DU.

[Echo In Light]

5. Other: Too Late, You've Already Made The Master List of Red Flag Materials, Terms & Interests

[Double T]

6. And 'we' are referring to what specifically?

Sometimes 'we' have to walk a fine line, but the ideas and messages must get through.

[dmallind]

7. How about "nope because I only post what I can defend objectively". NT

[bemildred]

8. So thoughtless posting is good?

I think about it any time I post something serious. One ought to do that.

[damntexdem]

9. Think twice? What about thinking once?

I mean, twice is just too much of a burden. Even once can be problematical. ;-)

[snagglepuss]

16. LOL nt

[Javaman]

10. Nice post, Knee Jerk!!

oops, sorry...

:blush: :rofl:

[Arctic Dave]

11. I do improv. Thinking only decreases creativity.

[applegrove]

13. Twice in the last week I've pressed unrec when I meant to press rec.

[rug]

14. Never.

.

[Stinky The Clown]

17. Yes

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

18. Sometimes I say unconventional things, but nothing illegal, so fuck 'em. -nt

[hyphenate]

19. I post what I want for the most part

But I've learned to recognize certain words that start arguments or controversy when that's not your intent. I probably don't know all those words, but you learn from experience.

And as Forrest Gump's mother might say, if you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all. It's not exactly what I want, but over the years, you often find that discretion keeps you from making more trouble for yourself. Nowadays, the real fighters are the bloggers.