Why are you here (CE/P)?

[markalot]

Why do you read these forums?

Why do you post?

---

My answer:

I've always considered myself a moderate. The political party I most identify with is libertarian. The left sees me as conservative and the right sees me as liberal.

I came here to express my opinions and get feedback from people I know will disagree. I call it a learning experience. I haven't changed my mind on many things, but I do think it's fair to say I would have voted for the banning of gay marriage had I not discussed it here first.

A lot of posts here (some of mine included) seem to try to tear down other people who have a different viewpoint. So that's why I ask the question, why are you here.

[Stine]

I only read. To become more informed.

[keyst2891]

pure intellectual entertainment.

I would rather sit and have these conversations over a cold beer, but since I'm at work and have no other outlet for my political banter, I come here to get my fix.

[Buzzstein]

Actually I mostly try to avoid this forum.

Usually gives Buzzstein headache, but sometimes interesting.

[purple_octopus]

Originally posted by markalot
Why do you read these forums?

Why do you post?

---

My answer:

I've always considered myself a moderate. The political party I most identify with is libertarian. The left sees me as conservative and the right sees me as liberal.

A man after my own heart ;)

I usually listen to 97X streaming when I'm working, and never realized there was a messageboard here.

Mostly I started posting to stay awake at work. I saw one thread that I felt compelled to respond to, and I got sucked in. If my boyfriend knew about this, he would never let up on me. I make fun of him constantly for the "time he wastes" on messageboards. I must admit that I'm enjoying the exchange of ideas, though. I suppose as long as I'm having fun... it's not a waste of time???

[tobedawg]

To read the articles and opinions that are posted. To analyze. To learn. To Vent.

There are many reasons.. I'm a die-hard progressive liberal. In High School, I was a radical, well into my early 20's.. Then I became slightly more mainstream liberal (if there is such a thing)..

[crazybob60]

Why do I read this forums???

Because I can and I find it fun usually and also it is for the most part informing for me on most levels.

Why do I post on these forums???

Because if I feel like I have something to say or contribute then I will...

[akip]

i'm a little weary of fighting right now, even though i was a glutton for it for a while. but a forum like this is one of the few places you can be deadly honest. in face-to-face conversation, you can't, unless you heartily agree with the other person. it's rude to go to a dinner party and argue with the host, especially when your husband wants to hit him up for a big contribution.

it's a challenge to articulate your position in writing and then defend it. not many dummies on this board and posters will call you out, even make you present data. that's good.

[Wolverine]

Originally posted by markalot
Why do you read these forums?

Why do you post?


I go... where I want to go.

;)






Communication is the first step on the road to understanding.

[wileE]

Originally posted by Buzzstein
Actually I mostly try to avoid this forum.

Usually gives Buzzstein headache, but sometimes interesting.

Same here. Most of the times I have hung around here made me annoyed and angry.

[yoshomon]

I don't care about the issues... I'm just here to pick up men.

[foolsgold]

Personally, I love reading the things a bunch of whiny blowhards have to say. Nothing like spouting off poorly supported diatribes which boil down to little more than self-aggrandizing showboating which offer no ideas of how to better society. I’d wager that most who post in here the most often do not volunteer and are not politically active (outside of blathering to the converted and on message boards). After all, it is so much easier just spinning your wheels, calling attention to yourselves and vehemently attacking those with any sort of divergent thought.

[the happy prole]

Well, I just grew a beard if you're up for some "bear and cub" action.

[postfeminist]

I don't care about the issues... I'm just here to pick up men.

:D i'm dying to know how that's going for you so far...

i'm here because i'm a crazy progressive and i love to fight. :D

[Crispin]

I'm here because I'm fond of crafting a logically sound and insightful argument then tossing it out the window of histrionics and beating my head against a wall.

[JSpaceman]

I like to read what people think about politics and religion and then read other people say that they're wrong and then they'll accuse them of not listening to them and then later they'll accuse them of saying something and then the other person will say they didn't say that and then the other one will say "oh, just because I disagree with you I'm an idiot?" and then the other person will say "you don't have to agree with me but at least say you're listening" and then... oh, nvrmnd.

[Rafe]

Originally posted by the happy prole
Well, I just grew a beard Nice touch - Goatee, or have you gone for a "Grandaddy" look?

[Content Chick]

I'm in CE/P? How the hell did I get here? Somebody direct me to where they post about ninjas, pirates and Shatner... please.

[despondent]

why not?

[ianalex10]

I like picking on Libs!!

[Mr. I.]

I like to keep up with the geeks of the world. It's always entertaining and sometimes insightful.

[akip]

Originally posted by akip
i used to be pretty mean before i had my lobotomy.

but most of you are just grumpy.


Originally posted by foolsgold
Personally, I love reading the things a bunch of whiny blowhards have to say. Nothing like spouting off poorly supported diatribes which boil down to little more than self-aggrandizing showboating which offer no ideas of how to better society. I’d wager that most who post in here the most often do not volunteer and are not politically active (outside of blathering to the converted and on message boards). After all, it is so much easier just spinning your wheels, calling attention to yourselves and vehemently attacking those with any sort of divergent thought.


see what i mean? grumpy.

[Rafe]

Originally posted by akip
see what i mean? grumpy. Yet somehow dastardly attractive.

[Jeff59]

I post here more for entertainment, and because of the local flavor to the board.

Its also not overrrun by rightwingers like alot of other political boards, and people here have a bit more of perspective and humor about it...politics isnt the big deal in their lives like it seems on some other boards Ive seen.

[Duemellon]

Originally posted by Jeff59
...alot of other political boards, and people here have a bit more of perspective and humor about it...politics isnt the big deal in their lives like it seems on some other boards Ive seen. really? Wow.

This msgboard (the whole of msg.WOXY) is the only msgboard I evr felt like stayin & talkin at. All othr places were based on things I was marginally interestd/w a crowd I had very lil' if anythin in common.

CE/P is where I got my first 1000 posts or so? Idunno, 'twas a long time ago.

The "storytime" reason why i'm here is b/c of Bronzetree, but he alrdy knows that story so I shant retell it. I came in a rough & egotistic, but hav changed. I came here initially to hone my arguments for the discussions I was havin/w "real" ppl & to bettr equip myself for the protests, riots, & community groups I was involvd/w.

It helpd me gear up for my meetings with Luken, Pepper, Smitherman, & Co. I'v since let the anger-fire die down & havn't really been drivin to change local politics (more out of bein disillusiond by repeatd defeat than anythin... especially at the hands of Luken *blech*).

I stayed b/c I was angry & had a place to yell. That's changed, altho some ppl can't let go of that from back when...

damn them,... damn them all to Xenia.

[paranoidandroid]

what the fuck you wanna talk about?

the weather?


;)

[ApplesauceDave]

Randomville has been quieting down. Just moving to somewhere else where I can speak.

[jps]

Well, not too long ago in my past I was considered quite the conservative. Even had someone call me a nazi, which I wasn't of course, but that is how conservative some thought me to be. I volunteered on some republican campaigns (mostly state and one national campaign, doing the door to door thing and making signs. Over the course of several years and with some changes to my political philosophies and with great change in the political landscape that we currently exist in, several people call me a bleeding heart liberal. Apparently for Americans to live as they please and not have the government telling them what they can and can't do has shifted from being a conservative (laissez faire) political belief to being a liberal belief (stay out of my bedroom and let me decide what is best for me). That and some deficit hawking which is clearly a lefty attitude these days. I am a bleeding heart. Though I prefer intellectual elite (I still can't figure out how that one has a negative conotation?).

I come here to these boards seeking different perspectives in order to clarify my current beliefs, gain an understanding of other wide ranging differences in beliefs in hopes to find truth or at least the least gray area available.

[justa bill]

i'm just hoping to win some the fabulous prizes...

[classicgrrl]

Is the question why do we read the boards in general or why CE/P in specific?

The answer to the boards in general is to gain a sense of community that has very much been lost in current American day to day life.

The answer to CE/P is to learn and find out stuff I didn't know before. And for laughs. I mean c'mon that hmmmmmmmmmm thread was hysterical!

edited to add: I also come here to converse with folks that have 1/2 a brain. I've spoken with the more mainstream suburban mall-walkers and you simply cannot have a real conversation with these people. They have given their brains over to marketing.

[yoshomon]

Originally posted by postfeminist
:D i'm dying to know how that's going for you so far...

Well, I got in inalex22's pants. That's a start...

[slow-dog]

I showed up because someone told me there'd be punch and pie.

[foolsgold]

Originally posted by akip
see what i mean? grumpy.

Good call and you're right. But I said that with very good reason. You see, I am a big believer in DIALOGUE and in the past 3+ years CE/P has been in existence, I have seen little. What I have seen in the same cast of characters arguing the same points but offering precious few ideas of how to right the ship. Instead, I see these posters sniping back and forth with each other, while trying claiming to either being persecuted or taking the moral high ground. In other words, they don't give two shits about the problem unless it can be used to call attention to themselves.

CE/P is a kneejerk forum where temperance and reason has become a dirty word. I've read posts from the 'open minded' calling for assignations, rapes and assaults of those who don't fit into their belief system. I've read racist epitaphs and personal attacks. I've seen my religious beliefs being mocked and viciously and offensively attacked. Hell, even a personal medical issue was used to prove someone else's point.

Certainly not every thread in this forum is guilty of these things and I do read from time to time, but enough do. Hopefully, people are able to take something positive away from here, but I was never able to get past all the intolerant soap boxing.

So yeah, I guess you can call it grumpy.

P.S. Rafe, any time, any place.

[JSpaceman]

Originally posted by yoshomon

Well, I got in inalex22's pants. That's a start... Ewww... I thought much better of you...:eek:

[supra-genius]

Originally posted by yoshomon


Well, I got in inalex22's pants. That's a start...

Got any video?? grabs popcorn...

[Duemellon]

I disagree on the sentiment that CE/P has become a place where people just do grandstanding soapboxing for personal gain. In fact, I think we've gotten to the point where those who did such have left.

I say this because we've had several discussions on topics that previously led to bitter flame wars but now we talk about them. It gets a bit heated but nothing like it was. I tend to think that those who feel it's worse today than before are not looking at the situation with new eyes. Most people who are here from the last year probably don't understand what you're talking about.

I definitely don't think they understand the bitterness that is being alluded to. Although they have a limited view.

Trust me, newbies, it was much much worse than this.

Much worse.

[markalot]

Good call and you're right. But I said that with very good reason. You see, I am a big believer in DIALOGUE and in the past 3+ years CE/P has been in existence, I have seen little.

I suggest that because that's what you expected that's what you see.

[akip]

Originally posted by foolsgold


But I said that with very good reason. You see, I am a big believer in DIALOGUE and in the past 3+ years CE/P has been in existence, I have seen little. What I have seen in the same cast of characters arguing the same points but offering precious few ideas of how to right the ship. Instead, I see these posters sniping back and forth with each other, while trying claiming to either being persecuted or taking the moral high ground. In other words, they don't give two shits about the problem unless it can be used to call attention to themselves.

CE/P is a kneejerk forum where temperance and reason has become a dirty word. I've read posts from the 'open minded' calling for assignations, rapes and assaults of those who don't fit into their belief system. I've read racist epitaphs and personal attacks. I've seen my religious beliefs being mocked and viciously and offensively attacked. Hell, even a personal medical issue was used to prove someone else's point.

Certainly not every thread in this forum is guilty of these things and I do read from time to time, but enough do. Hopefully, people are able to take something positive away from here, but I was never able to get past all the intolerant soap boxing.


i think it ranges all the way from slugging it out down in the gutter to thoughtful.

hey, there's always the temptation be a smartass, esp. after you've embarrassed yourself by posting something sincere, or to lighten things up, or to fit in, or maybe just cos you're in a particularly pissy mood---for instance, your side is getting its butt kicked.

but for myself, personally, i've decided to try to stay away from the stupid hick/religious nut comments in the future. like i've said here before, i have devout close friends and family (believe it or not, it's true!) so if i'm shooting my mouth off here, i'm dissing them too.

stylistic issues aside, i still disagree with the religious right and will keep fighting the pro-separation of church 'n state fight.

political junkies do love a good fight.

[foolsgold]

Originally posted by markalot
I suggest that because that's what you expected that's what you see.

Originally posted by foolsgold
I've read posts from the 'open minded' calling for assignations, rapes and assaults of those who don't fit into their belief system. I've read racist epitaphs and personal attacks. I've seen my religious beliefs being mocked and viciously and offensively attacked. Hell, even a personal medical issue was used to prove someone else's point.

So, I didn't see any of these things?

Thanks heavens that can all be boiled down to not being hooked on phonics....

Like I said, this seems to be working for you, but I know that many, myself included, feel like we have no voice here and that leads to a lot of resentment. From my experience in here, from the things I have written, nearly all of them have been called into question, which, in and of itself, I have no problem with. What my problem is, is when those questioning me, do in such a way that they just assume that I am some feeble idiot who gathered all his information from the front page of USA TODAY. And when I've tried to explain my reasoning, it is either dismissed as ignorant folly or worse, my words get twisted to prove the other guy's point.

To me, that is not dialogue, MLot. It looks like it is working for you and that is great. My idea of dialogue actually involves people checking their egos at the door and giving the other person the benefit of the doubt that their opinions have been formed through serious thought and research (where applicable). It is not about trying to impose your belief system on the other person which is what I see too much of here.

[yoshomon]

Originally posted by Frost
I can't believe I missed the chance to use alanis morrisette lyrics in response to why i'm here...ugh

You're such a bastard. :D

[yoshomon]

Originally posted by supra-genius
Got any video?? grabs popcorn...

What do ya think we're watching at the next bash? ;)

[markalot]

Originally posted by foolsgold




So, I didn't see any of these things?

Thanks heavens that can all be boiled down to not being hooked on phonics....

Like I said, this seems to be working for you, but I know that many, myself included, feel like we have no voice here and that leads to a lot of resentment. From my experience in here, from the things I have written, nearly all of them have been called into question, which, in and of itself, I have no problem with. What my problem is, is when those questioning me, do in such a way that they just assume that I am some feeble idiot who gathered all his information from the front page of USA TODAY. And when I've tried to explain my reasoning, it is either dismissed as ignorant folly or worse, my words get twisted to prove the other guy's point.

To me, that is not dialogue, MLot. It looks like it is working for you and that is great. My idea of dialogue actually involves people checking their egos at the door and giving the other person the benefit of the doubt that their opinions have been formed through serious thought and research (where applicable). It is not about trying to impose your belief system on the other person which is what I see too much of here.

Oh NO, it will certainly happen because these are, for the most part, un-edited boards.

Are you playing the victim card here FG? I'm not sure how to respond. I'm certain you have seen it as I have both seen it and done it. I'm not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. All I can give you is that if I make a mean post I almost always regret it.

Checking our ego's at the door is a lofty goal, but since ego makes up a lot of who we are I'm not sure we would be left with anything entertaining to read if removed.

I was remembering a quote from that guy who always does the PBS fundraisers and does self help talks. The premise is that you get what you expect because you look for what you expect. If you expect to have a bad time you usually do. If you expect to be insulted you usually are, etc.

This board is full of comedy, high drama, insults, petty arguments, and decent coversations. You'll most likely find what you are looking for.

[supra-genius]

Originally posted by yoshomon


What do ya think we're watching at the next bash? ;)

:D

[foolsgold]

Originally posted by markalot
Are you playing the victim card here FG?

If I have to play cards, I'd rather play UNO cos I am aces at it.

It was not my intention to play the VC (victim card/viet cong?!?) with that last post. Just giving a laundry list of things about this forum which frustrate me.

[Bronzetree]

Originally posted by Duemellon
I disagree on the sentiment that CE/P has become a place where people just do grandstanding soapboxing for personal gain. In fact, I think we've gotten to the point where those who did such have left.

I seriously have to restrain myself from posting a reply to this.

[markalot]

Originally posted by foolsgold


If I have to play cards, I'd rather play UNO cos I am aces at it.

It was not my intention to play the VC (victim card/viet cong?!?) with that last post. Just giving a laundry list of things about this forum which frustrate me.

That's cool and I understand, I don't see a fix though. :(

Frost just played the victim card to playing the victim card.

[Homsar]

Why am I here?
Because I finally found intelligent people with which I can converse.
Also, I like how my views can be verbally accosted. That makes me think about things a little more.

And I like to think I'm being heard.
:)

[Duemellon]

Originally posted by Bronzetree
I seriously have to restrain myself from posting a reply to this. [/B]i kno i kno, u think it's me.

But from where I sit & what I'v seen, it's been mighty tame compared to 2 yrs ago...

A lot less vindictiv & personal, well... that was until i20 & that lil' thing that sent Muse_Rocks runnin.

[Buzzstein]

Originally posted by Homsar
Why am I here?
Because I finally found intelligent people with which I can converse.
Also, I like how my views can be verbally accosted. That makes me think about things a little more.

And I like to think I'm being heard.
:)

what did you say??? I can't hear you!!:D :D :D

[sarahbell]

As a writer I'm drawn to all forums, online and off. I'm particularly fond of beaches, malls, public squares, public meetings, rallies. Basically anyplace where I can easily go from fly on the wall to participant and back again, under most everyone's radar.

I enjoy listening more than talking. While there are plenty of times on a message board where you wonder if anyone's "hearing" you, listening opportunities abound.

[postfeminist]

i think it's funny that a conversation about why people do and don't post here has turned into a poster child for those exact reasons.

foolsgold, i miss having you around. you're a smart guy and i like hearing what you have to say. also, your avatar makes me so happy i could do a little dance--i'm glad to see it lately.

bronzy, good to see you too.

[weezer6]

i tried to come up with a clever answer to why i post in this particular section of the woxy boards, but i don't have a clever answer. there is an entertaining mix of knuckleheads, wise people, kids and adults on this board, and i enjoy the interaction.

[slow-dog]

Originally posted by foolsgold

I've seen my religious beliefs being mocked and viciously and offensively attacked.

Such is the cross that we snake handlers have to bear. Keep the faith, brother.

[yoshomon]

Originally posted by foolsgold
If I have to play cards, I'd rather play UNO cos I am aces at it.

I worked with kids all last summer, so you best watch out for my UNO game.

[Rafe]

Originally posted by slow-dog
Such is the cross that we snake handlers have to bear. Keep the faith, brother. This particular aetheist has no problem whatsoever with snake handlers.

[Bronzetree]

Originally posted by Duemellon
i kno i kno, u think it's me.

But from where I sit & what I'v seen, it's been mighty tame compared to 2 yrs ago...

Can't disagree there.

Not to drudge up old arguments, but from where I sit and what I've seen, the intensity that began two years ago began with your arrival. Now that a huge chunk of the people who were here a long time before you - and had many a war with you - are gone, it doesn't happen much anymore. I don't necessarily think it's specifically because those people are gone so much as the fact that a lot of people new to this place are far more willing to tolerate, ignore, humor or go along with you than those who left.

I'm not saying you're solely responsible for the exodus or the way the boards are these days, but you certainly set a precedent for disrupting much of the reason most of us came around in the first place.

But this:

"I disagree on the sentiment that CE/P has become a place where people just do grandstanding soapboxing for personal gain."

Come on, dude. That's EXACTLY what CE/P is. You were the poster boy for it when you arrived, and you still are.

[classicgrrl]

Originally posted by yoshomon
Well, I got in inalex22's pants. That's a start...

shut up! did you really?

give us details!

WE WANT DETAILS!

[yoshomon]

I was joking, but if he drops me a PM... I wouldn't mind "getting to know him".

I think I've taken this joke way too far.

[Duemellon]

Originally posted by postfeminist
i think it's funny that a conversation about why people do and don't post here has turned into a poster child for those exact reasons.that is irony.

[markalot]

Originally posted by Frost


and there you go again, playing the playing the victim card by saying somebody's playing the victim card to playing the victim card.

tsk tsk tsk

And actually, now that I think about it, by repeatedly saying you're the victim of people who play the victim card, you're actually playing the victim card yourself.

hypocrit! :D

I feel like I've been victimized. :D

[JSpaceman]

Originally posted by postfeminist
i think it's funny that a conversation about why people do and don't post here has turned into a poster child for those exact reasons.
Took the words right out of my mouth...

[Buzzstein]

some people take message boards too seriously

and that's all I have to say about that...

[postfeminist]

Took the words right out of my mouth...

that's because it's so big, i could reach right in.

just kidding, you know i <3 ya... :D

[Duemellon]

Originally posted by markalot
I feel like I've been victimized. :D I blame myself.

[yoshomon]

Did Frost play the card card again?

[Buzzstein]

I think he played the card card card card again

[aqualou]

http://www.reseauvoltaire.net/image/jeudecarte-en/big/roi-caro.jpg

[postfeminist]

gawd, GWB looks so much like my father-in-law, only my f-i-l has the face of a man who worked outside for a lot of years...

[Homsar]

...CE/P has become a place where people just do grandstanding soapboxing for personal gain.

Personal gain?
Do you mean the false satisfaction of trying to get strangers to think better of you because of a few likable posts?
Or do you mean the satisfaction of being able to see other viewpoints and deeming them crap?

I think it's good to see a broader range of experiences and opinions.

[agate0ph0be]

i come here because i'm grossly out-of-touch with current events.

...and because nobody was posting in randomville.

**didn't bin laden's family like denounce him? or am i horridly misinformed? it wouldn't be the first time.