Rhetoric and the art of Collaborative Discussion

[Elvis]

.he must have said something positive about me once upon a time

Slad, c'mon... it's not always about you. Some of those guys had their own separate issues with DrEvil. Anyway, let's not drag all that old stuff into this. For one thing, Mac had nothing to do with that splinter group or site.

Mind you, I'm not forgetting everything that was said 'over there', but it's old business and doesn't help anything to rehash it.

[JackRiddler]

I just read a thread on timeslips from 2011. Made me realize what we've lost.

Can you link?

[The Consul]

There is a Hugh Manatee hole in RI consciousness.

[JackRiddler]

There is a Hugh Manatee hole in RI consciousness.

Are you sure? Mr. Wonder Occludes Objectivity? He presented all of his schtick as rigorously and fundamentally materialist.

[Grizzly]

Oh, come on Jack, you could have ignored him. Granted he was annoying at times, but also in the right spirit of RI AND YOU KNOW IT.

[JackRiddler]

Don't look at me, I didn't start or lead the campaign to ban him, although I agreed after it was a groundswell. It really wasn't that he was annoying, or that the KWH theory/obsession was often incoherent and seemed to go for the most obscure references. As far as I'm concerned, he'd still be posting here and no one would care if ONLY he hadn't done his same thing every time on EVERY thread, making many people feel hijacked. But he never stopped. Also, he was always violently right about everything he said, and sooner or later tended toward designating everyone as THEM.

[chump]

https://youtu.be/L-H1iQ5Y6Eg
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[DrEvil]

war plans...starting Oct 19 2016

poor Dr. Evil I have no idea how he got this treatment ...he must have said something positive about me once upon a time

I distinctly remember us having a very productive and civilized discussion on the merits of burning babies for fuel.

But seriously, I think you're a good person with your heart in the right place. You also have a bit of a temper, but I don't mind that. There's never any question about where you stand, and I admire people who speak their mind, even if I don't always agree.

And I know exactly why I got that lovely picture in coffin_dodgers org chart. I kept disagreeing with him (okay, so I pretty much called him a stupid motherfucker, just not with those exact words), so he responded with some elegant and witty fat shaming after running away and starting his own secret club, because in his world every computer nerd is fat and sits around in their underwear. Joke's on him though, I'm not fat and I'm wearing pants.

[chump]

Uh-huh...

sure.

[Elvis]

Now cut that out.

[Jerky]

Do my eyes deceive me, or is that Alex Jones in happier times?

sure.

[Elvis]

I said cut it out!

[liminalOyster]

Do my eyes deceive me, or is that Alex Jones in happier times?

Maybe he took the DMT?

[chump]

"Baloney Mahoney Malarky Ya ’Big Kabloona!"


https://youtu.be/yOHGr8r5Cs4
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[peartreed]

I’m curious about what other people here think are the reasons for the prevalence of such uncivil behavior, rude commentary, aggressive acrimony and personal insult on the forum threads, especially of late. Is it the protective anonymity of the author used as a cover?

Do we disregard any imperative for considerate conduct simply because we can? Would our conduct change if our real identities were openly disclosed to everyone?

We were all raised with varying degrees of religious education where the common precept was love for one another, or at least a set of commandments or precepts as protocols for respectful social considerations and interactions. Schooling was similarly set upon principles of proper civil conduct in personal, family and community relations to enhance positive relationships and supportive coexistence. Even our recreation and entertainment involved media and stories promoting chivalry, saviors, heroes, good guys, idols and superhero capes. Especially later, in business, we had to learn the importance of positive cooperation with others the hard way.

So how is it that otherwise well-bred, intelligent and mature, presumably gentle souls turn so sour and sadistic online?

I’ve noted the numerous insults, sarcasm, sneering and denigration aimed at several contributors here and have particularly been disgusted by the shots at SLAD and HS from insensitive, self-proclaimed intellectuals who otherwise show some manly traits.

I wonder if the insensitivity is a personal, psychological handicap from upbringing adversity or just an ignorant disregard for any critics daring to challenge strongly-held beliefs. Or is it all simply a reflection of changing, deteriorating culture of self, of egoism, where impact on others is of no importance to the pursuit of “winning”.

I also wonder why moderation is no longer practiced as a modifier of objectionable extremes, especially amongst favoured friends.

If Trump can rise to the presidency I suppose being a rude, crude egomaniac works, but have we also lost our social conscience in our pursuit of posting popularity, group acceptance or personal predominance?

The archives, if ever activated, might become, instead, at this rate, a Hall of Shame.