Staying on Topic - Election Threads

[Cassie 8]

Anyway what I have noticed is that for every one person who is bored of the insults there are ten more people who thrive on them that's what they enjoy the most or why would these threads go on, and on, and on and why these kind of opinion pieces that are high on 'moral outrage' and low on content appear every day.

I really don't think that is the case though. I think more people would participate and you would get more thoughtful discussion if people weren't turned off by some of the mean-spiritedness in the political threads.

And yes, I realize that "if you don't like it you don't have to read it", etc. Just making an observation...it's not going to change and you can't control what people post and where. It doesn't mean I can't find it disappointing though.

Aye, I know I am tired of it. This constant posting of partisan commentaries, then the cyclical arguments that ensue is completely souring me on the idea of participating. I guess I have been the eternal optimist in waiting for a discussion of actual published facts instead of the constant bickering over nothing. Can't wait until I get the right to vote in the good ole USA!

I wouldn't advocate ignoring whole threads, but it can be beneficial to ignore certain chunks sometimes. However, I understand what you are getting at, but all the threads that have ever attempted to get to grips with policy have tanked. Now, that's either because no one is intererested, or because no one knows any facts.

That possibility is the one which, frankly, scares the bejeebies out of me.

[jundp 191]

Its cool Steven. At least I know where you stand on the issues and completely understand every time you have to use ancillary topics to make your points.

I certainly think some of the sillier tangents we could probably do without - along with a lot of that innuendo stuff (i.e. accusations of bias if you don't post in every single thread and the demand that every post regarding one candidate must include some mention of equivalence in the treatment/behaviour of another).

Oh but you didn't know its written in the TOS...

MUST post in every single thread- no matter what your opinion is about a given subject.

#######. I need to be suspended.

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

As for people staying on topic, It'd actually be really nice if people didn't sink to insults towards people who don't agree with them. That's what annoys me the most. I haven't really been insulted myself and I try not to insult others, but I see a bunch of people doing it to each other all the time. Well just because I wish it didn't happen doesn't mean it won't happen. All I know is respect is lost for people who use insults all the time because someone doesn't agree with their political views.

I agree. Many of the political threads sound like two spouses bickering with one another.

Husband: Honey, I thought you mailed off the house payment last week?

Wife: Don't honey me! You forgot to drop off that package I asked you to take the post offices back in April!

....and around and around it goes.

steven, did you forget to mail something and get in trouble with jinky?

I don't think it is a 'nice thought' though. I think Stephen is a bit weary because his candidate is getting drubbed of late.

well boo hoo. i certainly don't recall that stance when it was attack bush or any gop hopeful.

Edited September 10, 2008 by charles!

[Peikko 1,575]

Charles, dont quote me out of context.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

As for people staying on topic, It'd actually be really nice if people didn't sink to insults towards people who don't agree with them. That's what annoys me the most. I haven't really been insulted myself and I try not to insult others, but I see a bunch of people doing it to each other all the time. Well just because I wish it didn't happen doesn't mean it won't happen. All I know is respect is lost for people who use insults all the time because someone doesn't agree with their political views.

I agree. Many of the political threads sound like two spouses bickering with one another.

Husband: Honey, I thought you mailed off the house payment last week?

Wife: Don't honey me! You forgot to drop off that package I asked you to take the post offices back in April!

....and around and around it goes.

steven, did you forget to mail something and get in trouble with jinky?

I forget.

[jundp 191]

I'd offer you all a bunny with a pancake on his head, but my interwebs are messed up right now.

[Marilyn. 340]

I'd offer you all a bunny with a pancake on his head, but my interwebs are messed up right now.

will this do??

[Peikko 1,575]

Yes, I think this thread needs kittens - or maybe pandas.

I am sorry Steven, I wasn't deliberately trying to piss you off.

[jundp 191]

I'd offer you all a bunny with a pancake on his head, but my interwebs are messed up right now.

will this do??

Thank you Marilyn. Oolong makes me very happy.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Yes, I think this thread needs kittens - or maybe pandas.

I am sorry Steven, I wasn't deliberately trying to piss you off.

No worries. My hide's thicker than an armadillo's, but softer.

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

quote me out of context.

wilco.

[chri'stina 190]

I haven't had time to come back here and type more until now...but...

Steven, I admire that you don't want people to insult each other either, but I have seen you and GaryC go at it over and over, telling each other you're in bubbles or other belittling comments towards each other. I know you guys don't really dislike each other(at least I don't think so) but it looks like you don't like each other. And posting articles constantly that make the party you aren't a part of look bad or dumb is not helping much. And if the other side does the same, it's just endless. I won't say only you are posting these topics, b/c it;s also people from both parties or supporting both candidates. People need to stop treating others like they are blind or idiots or drinking kool aid just because they aren't voting for the same person. I don't think people are going to stop and while I can actually discuss this with you in a nice manner, some people won't be nice to someone who doesn't think like them at all.

Edited September 11, 2008 by Parivar CSK

[amiquechu 0]

I haven't had time to come back here and type more until now...but...

Steven, I admire that you don't want people to insult each other either, but I have seen you and GaryC go at it over and over, telling each other you're in bubbles or other belittling comments towards each other. I know you guys don't really dislike each other(at least I don't think so) but it looks like you don't like each other. And posting articles constantly that make the party you aren't a part of look bad or dumb is not helping much. And if the other side does the same, it's just endless. I won't say only you are posting these topics, b/c it;s also people from both parties or supporting both candidates. People need to stop treating others like they are blind or idiots or drinking kool aid just because they aren't voting for the same person. I don't think people are going to stop and while I can actually discuss this with you in a nice manner, some people won't be nice to someone who doesn't think like them at all.

It doesn't do much for your argument, either, when you talk about beating sense into people who don't vote the way you want them to and/or take into account the issues you think they should think are important.

[panamania79 2]

There seems to be this pattern each time a thread is made about a particular issue, someone else chimes in and brings up something else and then the thread turns into the same convoluted argument over and over again.

I'd like to suggest that we all (including myself) refrain from bringing up other issues in a thread and just respond to the topic at hand....for our sanity while things get pretty heated as we approach the general election.

It would also be nice if people would lay off the personal attacks and respect each others opinions.