posted on Jan, 25 2009 @ 11:19 PM
Open and inquisitive discovery and discussion is what brought me to ATS. I love the fact that you can ask a "stupid" question and have it discussed
politely and seriously.
Things that we may think about but don't dare whisper a word of to our colleagues, friends or family for fear of ridicule can be discussed and
debated on ATS with impunity.
That said, I have to agree that trolls and ill-mannered know-it-alls irk me immensely. I chalk it up to lack of character and the anonimity of the
internet.
If someone attacks me and I feel it is due to inability to properly express my reply then I will clarify for the sake of clarification so that the
discussion can continue without misunderstanding. If I feel they're just being an argumentative, narcissistic troll then I don't reply to them any
more.
S.O. just sent out a notice about civility and decorum on the board so, hopefully, that will slow down the trolls for a while and the rest of us can
have intelligent discussions about matters near and dear to our hearts.
ATS is a great place but not everyone in it is great. It's up to everyone to rise above the petty bickering and the ridiculous, inexplicable NEED to
"be right" on an anonymous internet discussion board.
There are precious few posters whose opinions I value enough to care what they think of me or my ideas. If the discussion gets ugly, I move on. If
people quit responding to the trolls THEY'LL move on.
Btw, Natureboy, thank you for letting us brain-washed Christians off the hook. Very generous of you. And thank you for providing an example of my
point.
[edit on 25-1-2009 by whitewave]