reply to post by srsen
I do agree with you srsen... BUT... I think the true issue is most people don't know how to debate. Yes things can get heated, and sometimes
emotional... BUT because we have differing views DOES NOT mean we are wrong, The issue lies in people deciding to name call, and go for the low blow.
I can take the heat of a good debate (heck, I know I have angered more than my fair share of ATSer's, but I kinda take pride in it[as this is a sign
you have completed your goal of proving your side to be the stronger point, without the emotional reaction]), the question lies in; how do we teach
our newer members how to debate, without going for the lowest common denominator?
It all lies in respect for your fellow members well balanced with a passion for the board.
A good point would be that another member and I were recently going through the back and forth on a thread, when the name calling started (thus my
reason for not naming names or pointing to threads.) My response? to weaken their argument by pointing out they went to the lowest common denominator.
A common tactic to gain advantage in the debate.
Remember one thing. We learn new things throughout our lives. Sometimes we're the teacher, most times we're the student. If we can all agree that
this is the case, a LOT of Ego and ID issues on this board will subside very quickly.
Hopefully our membership will stick to the adult ideology of "turn the other cheek" as opposed to the childish "eye for an eye". Sometimes (myself
included) we have to just sit back and accept, we may not be 100% correct.
ALSO let's not forget we have one of the BEST moderation staffs on the internet. MOST problem threads are shot down, and filed in folder "13"
(a.k.a. trash) before they become to much of an issue.
If we all fall in love with the alert button (but not so in love we click it everytime we don't like a comment) our mods will be glad to investigate
the corresponding thread, and take proper actions (warn, ban, trash-bin, closed thread) It's our board... WE have to take the control that is given
to us. The mods aren't omnipotent. Sometimes they need a little direction (maybe even light finger pointing
)
I hope you fall back in love SRSEN... It sucks to lose logical, intelligent members.
Edit to add the N't to are from the statement "The mods are omnipotent"
as much as we treat 'em that way, I don't want to come out and directly say they are the gods of ATS
[edit on 2/9/2008 by coven]