Thread: Trying to maintain civility

Don't think I can't take a joke, I can take it as well as give it. But, recently I've had a lot of idle time on hand to review the threads and cast opinion or comments. I follow along on some of the threads to see subsequent entries and on rare occasion comment again. However, it disappoints me when rational, calm debate turns to hateful personal attacks. It's fine to agree or disagree with other peoples opinions, that is what makes our country as great as it is. You can have an opinion and not be shot, hanged or imprisoned for it, much to the chagrin of some I'm sure. When someone who disagrees, takes your comments and turns them into a nasty, hateful and insulting diatribe... Why? Would the world stop spinning if you maintain civility and offer a mature and reasoned response? Agree to disagree is not unreasonable. Don't personalize it, because it's not personal until you start insulting people. Maybe I'm old fashioned (or just old) but I was taught to respect others, and treat as I wish to be treated. Some would call it manners.

Cajun,

I hope this is not in response to my response to your post in the global warming thread. I have been meaning to reply to your response to tell you: I am sorry if I offended (as it appeared I might have). If you scan through that post you will note that I have debated almost everyone posting in it; do not take it personally. AGW/GW is a topic close to my heart because I have been involved in research for it for quite a few years (prior to Gore's movie). My discussion was in no way intended as an attack, but just an offering to provide some information and an encoouragement to perhaps examine the evidence i have put forward (as per .gov and .edu websites).

Sometimes, on the internet, it is hard to read anothers expression and they may come off "sounding" insulting when it was not intended that way. I love to debate things, especially on scientific topics. As stated previously, my response was in no way intended to be taken personally as we do not know each other and there is little I can say personally about almost anyone here at TTP. In the off the servers forum, expect any opinion put forward to be subject to scrutiny by the trolls and forum whores, myself included, and possibly debate. Even heated debate and argument.

The reason I did not reply yet is because I like to responde to all posts in a thread aimed at me or interesting enough to respond to all at once; I want to make sure no one feels left out. Continue to maintain civility, it can get you far. If it was my response that offended, I offer my humble apologies.

See you on the battlefield.

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

Continue to maintain civility, it can get you far. If it was my response that offended, I offer my humble apologies.

No man, wasn't you, and I appreciate your concern. Your thread was interesting and that's why I participated in it.

Originally Posted by Addrake

Anonymity breeds poor behavior.

That's why I made a conscious decision years ago to always use either my real name or a very close approximation to it in all my online postings. It keeps me from saying things I would not otherwise say.

All you have to do is look at 4chan and see what anonymity brings.

Here is a link to a phenomenal article in The New York Times detailing these assholes and the things they do "for the lulz". I would not hesitate to put my fist through the face of one of the pieces of slime.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/ma...ls-t.html?_r=1

That was a very good article. Glad you posted that.

holy crap look at that avatar

Ragun,
I unerstand your concern and like others I agree.


On a side note please take a look at this

http://www.texasteamplayers.com/index.php?topic=9976.0

Thank you

i think some of the problems (and i'm talking as a whole, not pointing anyone out) is it seems many people here don't read prior posts and just decide to come in and act like the tough guy. I've already seen it in one thread where apparently i'm showing no "respect" despite posting something informative and to the topic trying to be helpful.

Originally Posted by RagunCajun

Don't think I can't take a joke, I can take it as well as give it. But, recently I've had a lot of idle time on hand to review the threads and cast opinion or comments. I follow along on some of the threads to see subsequent entries and on rare occasion comment again. However, it disappoints me when rational, calm debate turns to hateful personal attacks. It's fine to agree or disagree with other peoples opinions, that is what makes our country as great as it is. You can have an opinion and not be shot, hanged or imprisoned for it, much to the chagrin of some I'm sure. When someone who disagrees, takes your comments and turns them into a nasty, hateful and insulting diatribe... Why? Would the world stop spinning if you maintain civility and offer a mature and reasoned response? Agree to disagree is not unreasonable. Don't personalize it, because it's not personal until you start insulting people. Maybe I'm old fashioned (or just old) but I was taught to respect others, and treat as I wish to be treated. Some would call it manners.

I agree with your message Ragun.