Arguing Online

[LaffingBear]

1990s. Internet was a much less developed place. Political Correctness was less prevalent, and I was less aware of comments that might be offensive.

 

I was repeatedly exposed to a comment in the old AOL and IRC chats. Its fairly offensive, insulting to a group of people. But I've never seen an alternate phrase that conveys a sentiment quite so well.

 

So, with apologies in advance, and assurances that the generalizations and slurs dont represent my attitude,

here is that comment:

 

Arguing on the internet is like competing in the Special Olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded.

[+ WilliamM]

Arguing on the internet is like competing in the Special Olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded.

 

Please tell us how to avoid arguing even occasionally.

[+ Oliver]

... Its fairly offensive, insulting to a group of people ...

here is that comment: Arguing on the internet is like competing in the Special Olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded.

 

Not "fairly" - grossly!

[LaffingBear]

Please tell us how to avoid arguing even occasionally.

You cant avoid it.

But recognizing its beyond pointless, and theres absolutely no winning, helps me avoid it, and choose not to engage.

[+ poolboy48220]

When I first started using discussion forums, I'd get into endless useless debates. LaffingBear's quote, however offensive it may be, helped me realize how useless they were. Any debates of that nature I have now, I have in person, or not at all.

[BabyBoomer]

When I saw the title of the thread I thought it was about Marylander.

 

~Boomer ~

[mike carey]

When I saw the title of the thread I thought it was about Marylander.

You're very naughty!

[LaffingBear]

When I saw the title of the thread I thought it was about Marylander.

~Boomer ~

I've been reminded of the simile repeatedly in recent weeks.

 

I'll acknowledge that the actual trigger for the post occurred when, earlier today, I scrolled by a post with a reference to female anatomy. And a quick look at the post revealed... I dont know what I'd call it.

[Good Grief]

When I saw the title of the thread I thought it was about Marylander.

 

~Boomer ~

 

[LaffingBear]

Ive been giving these as gifts

http://www.teenavi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/What-Would-Endora-Do-180x180.jpg

[Good Grief]

Ive been giving these as gifts

http://www.teenavi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/What-Would-Endora-Do-180x180.jpg

 

Hope you have a box-full!

[+ azdr0710]

 

 

you've been posting fantastic gifs lately!!....do you mind me asking how you find them?.....how do you "search" for just the right sentiment?...or facial mannerism??!!!

[whipped guy]

When I saw this thread my first instinct was not to touch it even with a ten foot pole, but like Lot's wife at times one can not help themselves from doing something silly...

 

However, I do commend @azdr0710 for steering this thread in a very useful direction.... duly added!

[bostonman]

I got into a very odd and needlessly contentious online argument with someone the other day. My feeling at the moment is that it is best for me simply not to engage in conversation of any sort with this person, even though we still exist together on threads, etc. At some point maybe we'll be able to talk again. Not now.

[+ WilliamM]

But recognizing its beyond pointless, and theres absolutely no winning, helps me avoid it, and choose not to engage.

 

To be very blunt I have great respect for people who occasionally argue for what they believe in like @quoththeraven And [uSER=9528] @Kenny. @marylander1940[/uSER] posts in every forum, not a bad thing at all.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Tip: When you don't take the bait, it makes the trolls even more angry. Win-win situation.

[+ WilliamM]

I got into a very odd and needlessly contentious online argument with someone the other day. My feeling at the moment is that it is best for me simply not to engage in conversation of any sort with this person, even though we still exist together on threads, etc. At some point maybe we'll be able to talk again. Not now.

 

Since you may be writing about me, you should know I forgot about that discussion because I know not to hold on to grudges on the Internet.

[Good Grief]

Tip: When you don't take the bait, it makes the trolls even more angry. Win-win situation.

 

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkkz00Uhhq1qawgyho1_500.gif

[marylander1940]

To be very blunt I have great respect for people who occasionally argue for what they believe in like @quoththeraven. And @marylander1940 posts in every forum, not a bad thing at all.

 

by far my favorite character of that show, and a very accurate representation of the fashion of that decade.

[bigvalboy]

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkkz00Uhhq1qawgyho1_500.gif

 

If you ever come down to the 'Southern Command Post'...cocktails on me. You have me laughing all day long.

[+ WilliamM]

http://wist.info/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Moore-cant-be-brave-wist_info-quote.jpg

[marylander1940]

I got into a very odd and needlessly contentious online argument with someone the other day. My feeling at the moment is that it is best for me simply not to engage in conversation of any sort with this person, even though we still exist together on threads, etc. At some point maybe we'll be able to talk again. Not now.

 

I've taken that approach many times, I'm also a cat person

 

Since you may be writing about me, you should know I forgot about that discussion because I know not to hold on to grudges on the Internet.

 

Be nice my friend he @bostonman is leaving the door open. We've disagreed on a few things too, it happens.

I don't know the specific subject but I'm sure in a few weeks yinz won't either.

[MikeyGMin]

I got into a very odd and needlessly contentious online argument with someone the other day. My feeling at the moment is that it is best for me simply not to engage in conversation of any sort with this person, even though we still exist together on threads, etc. At some point maybe we'll be able to talk again. Not now.

This surprises me. You've been around a long time and have surely witnessed some truly heinous meltdowns and vicious posts. I can only imagine that you felt some kind of affinity towards the other member so the argument had more meaning.

 

My general attitude about all things internet is "water off a duck's back" but there are several members that I've had personal exchanges with that I would regret any kind of argument. The rest... either block them, ignore them, or just move on. I've been surprised several times by people I have argued with and then later find common ground and enjoy their posts. But you know all that. You're not a newbie.

[Good Grief]

If you ever come down to the 'Southern Command Post'...cocktails on me. You have me laughing all day long.

 

Thanks! I just might take you up on that invite!

[LaffingBear]

When I saw this thread my first instinct was not to touch it even with a ten foot pole, but like Lot's wife at times one can not help themselves from doing something ...

Lot's wife?

 

The only thing I know about Lot & his wife, is what Red Buttons used to say about them at the celebrity roasts:

 

Lot! Lot, who, as his wife turned to look back at Sodom, looked up at God and said,

 

"Salt I got. Popcorn, you should send!"......never had a dinner.