|
RandalFlagg
Stranger
Registered: 06/15/02
Posts: 15,608
|
Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies?
#5547271 - 04/23/06 12:23 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
The population of this forum is mainly made up of people who have been here for years. Pretty much everybody knows what everybody else's stances are.
So, it wouldn't hurt to get some new blood in here. But, I think that might not be happening because us long-timers tend to dismiss newbie posts because they are usually about something that was touched on already in a shitload of threads over the years. This might cause a lot of newbies to leave and thus the population of the forum will continue to be us old fogies.
|
daimyo
Monticello

Registered: 05/13/04
Posts: 7,751
Last seen: 12 years, 21 hours
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: RandalFlagg]
#5547282 - 04/23/06 12:28 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
I think for the most part druggies don't wish to discuss politics outside of the legalization of their substance of choice. That, and most of the posts from the newcomers are about conspiracy theories.
--------------------
"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
|
zappaisgod
horrid asshole

Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 81,741
Loc: Fractallife's gym
Last seen: 7 years, 7 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: daimyo]
#5547337 - 04/23/06 12:52 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
daimyo said: That, and most of the posts from the newcomers are about conspiracy theories.
I think this is true and when they find that this place isn't universally accepting of such nonsense they go elsewhere. They much prefer their own company and would rather sit around and whine and hold their heads in their hands with similar losers. They do not stand scrutiny well, in spite of their well-practiced denial mechanisms and dogmatic adherence to utter nonsense.
--------------------
|
Silversoul
Rhizome


Registered: 01/01/05
Posts: 23,576
Loc: The Barricades
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: RandalFlagg]
#5547365 - 04/23/06 01:01 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
I think many newbies are surprised by the number of right-wingers in this forum. It's shattered many people's illusions about psychedelic users all being a bunch of anti-capitalist hippies. Most people prefer to discuss their politics around like-minded people, rather than having their beliefs challenged by others, so it's no surprise that most of them steer clear of this forum. I see it as a good thing. It means that most of the people who do post in this forum are either open-minded enough to consider other viewpoints or strong-minded enough to defend their views in the face of opposition.
--------------------
|
zappaisgod
horrid asshole

Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 81,741
Loc: Fractallife's gym
Last seen: 7 years, 7 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Silversoul]
#5547399 - 04/23/06 01:15 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Well I'll be dipped in dogshit. Me and Paradigm seem to agree on something
--------------------
|
Annapurna1
liberal pussy

Registered: 05/21/02
Posts: 5,646
Loc: innsmouth..MA
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: RandalFlagg]
#5548483 - 04/23/06 06:26 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
it is..if the said newbie is a right-wing nutcake...
--------------------
"anchor blocks counteract the process of pontiprobation..while omalean globes regulize the pressure"...
|
Redstorm
Prince of Bugs



Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 3 months, 11 days
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Silversoul]
#5548818 - 04/23/06 07:48 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|

Anyone who is not capable of defending their position should do a bit more learning before trying to make conversation about it anyways.
I don't think it's that bad here. I lurked for a couple years here before becoming an active participant, and though the presence of knowledgable people here was intimidating at first, it has done wonders for my learning and growth. We were all newbies at first and we're still here, so I would imagine it must be relatively welcoming.
|
wilshire
free radical


Registered: 05/11/05
Posts: 2,421
Loc: SE PA
Last seen: 14 years, 3 days
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: RandalFlagg]
#5551517 - 04/24/06 03:45 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
i think the forum is welcoming to anyone who is willing to partake in honest, quality debate or discussion. people who aren't don't get a warm reception (see fresh313's "american fuckUEnomicks" for example).
the regulars here are usually more interested, and therefore more knowledgable, about political issues than those that don't post here or don't post often. they come to this forum because they enjoy good political discussion. a lot of the newbies that don't stay long don't have a clue what they're talking about and come to just fire off a bunch of nonsense without support. they usually don't last long here, and i say that's fine.
|
Habitual_Liar
Liar Liar PantsOn Fire

Registered: 02/20/06
Posts: 62
Loc: On the couch with ya momm...
Last seen: 17 years, 6 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: zappaisgod]
#5551548 - 04/24/06 03:57 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
zappaisgod said:
Quote:
daimyo said: That, and most of the posts from the newcomers are about conspiracy theories.
I think this is true and when they find that this place isn't universally accepting of such nonsense they go elsewhere. They much prefer their own company and would rather sit around and whine and hold their heads in their hands with similar losers. They do not stand scrutiny well, in spite of their well-practiced denial mechanisms and dogmatic adherence to utter nonsense.
Well that sounds open minded![sarcasm] The hypocrisy here Sounds a bit like church on sunday. How amusing.
|
zappaisgod
horrid asshole

Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 81,741
Loc: Fractallife's gym
Last seen: 7 years, 7 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Habitual_Liar]
#5551687 - 04/24/06 04:49 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Fine, I'll be more succinct. They get their asses handed to them and run away. They can't stand the heat. This is most definitely not the Pub. My observation has nothing to do with openmindedness. You can either see that the lemon is yellow or you can be "openminded" and accept the possibility that it might be purple if only we all could get along. Fucking drivel.
--------------------
|
Gijith
Daisy Chain Eater

Registered: 12/04/03
Posts: 2,400
Loc: New York
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: RandalFlagg]
#5551806 - 04/24/06 05:41 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
zappa's got a good point.
Also, from what I've noticed, new posters get on better here when they take their time and respond to threads before making a bunch of their own.
-------------------- what's with neocons and the word 'ilk'?
|
Annapurna1
liberal pussy

Registered: 05/21/02
Posts: 5,646
Loc: innsmouth..MA
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Gijith]
#5553585 - 04/25/06 12:45 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
are you kidding??...zappa&co have turned PAL into a half-assed parody of hannity & colmes..and newcomers are naturally repulsed (at least the non-coulterites)...there is only one remaining liberal here..without whom this place would be the fucking white aryan nation...
--------------------
"anchor blocks counteract the process of pontiprobation..while omalean globes regulize the pressure"...
Edited by Annapurna1 (04/25/06 12:51 AM)
|
Redstorm
Prince of Bugs



Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 3 months, 11 days
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Annapurna1]
#5553633 - 04/25/06 01:07 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
That's nonsense. I am far from right-wing, yet I feel at home here. Bukkake and Alex are both liberal, yet I have the pleasure of reading their posts all of the time.
|
RandalFlagg
Stranger
Registered: 06/15/02
Posts: 15,608
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Annapurna1]
#5553759 - 04/25/06 01:48 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Annapurna1 said: are you kidding??...zappa&co have turned PAL into a half-assed parody of hannity & colmes..and newcomers are naturally repulsed (at least the non-coulterites)...there is only one remaining liberal here..without whom this place would be the fucking white aryan nation...
I love you.
|
gluke bastid
Stinky Bum


Registered: 12/20/00
Posts: 3,322
Loc: Charm City
Last seen: 5 years, 3 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Annapurna1]
#5554398 - 04/25/06 09:51 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Annapurna1 said: are you kidding??...zappa&co have turned PAL into a half-assed parody of hannity & colmes..and newcomers are naturally repulsed (at least the non-coulterites)...there is only one remaining liberal here..without whom this place would be the fucking white aryan nation...
Zappa may be a bit aggressive, but that doesn't mean he dominates the debate. I think there is a lot of liberal voice in here, but probably Alex123 is the only one who is as aggressive and committed to the left as Zappa is committed to the right.
I think what's great about PA&L right now, and I have watched this forum closely for years, is that most of us here tend to be shrinking away from the left vs. right spectrum. We still get a lot of rehashed republican vs. democrat debate, but we also get a lot of debate you'd never hear on TV from people who think outside of the predictible lines. In other words there is a lot of independent thought in here.
I think newbies who come in and try to say "look how stupid republicans are," don't really find a chorus of agreement. Which is good, because what would be the point of this forum if it just propped up partisan politics?
--------------------
Society in every form is a blessing, but government at its best is but a necessary evil - Thomas Paine
|
afoaf
CEO DBK?


Registered: 11/08/02
Posts: 32,665
Loc: Ripple's Heart
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: RandalFlagg]
#5554451 - 04/25/06 10:16 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
the main thing that wrecks noobs is nonsense cited above (freshman).
the problem is that among the population on the boards, I don't suspect there's a lot of well informed, debative people here.
-------------------- All I know is The Growery is a place where losers who get banned here go.
|
DoctorJ


Registered: 06/30/03
Posts: 8,846
Loc: space
Last seen: 1 year, 2 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Redstorm]
#5554568 - 04/25/06 10:54 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Redstorm said:

Anyone who is not capable of defending their position should do a bit more learning before trying to make conversation about it anyways.
I disagree. Sometimes conversation is how one learns. I've learned a lot from this forum, and would recommend it to anyone who is trying to figure out the ins and outs of politics.
|
daimyo
Monticello

Registered: 05/13/04
Posts: 7,751
Last seen: 12 years, 21 hours
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: daimyo]
#5555257 - 04/25/06 03:18 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
You know what this forum needs? Sitewide drama resulting in a split, and the creation of a new forum.
--------------------
"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
|
SirTripAlot
Semper Fidelis


Registered: 01/11/05
Posts: 7,460
Loc: Harmless (Mostly)
Last seen: 2 hours, 8 minutes
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: daimyo]
#5555320 - 04/25/06 03:38 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
In general agreement.........my first post here got me ripped to shreads....but everyone should be able to take a licking, and learn.....if you are fightened of anothers politics, in my opinion, you are a pussy and closed minded!!!
-------------------- “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
|
blaze2
The Witness


Registered: 12/20/02
Posts: 1,883
Loc: San Antonio, TX
Last seen: 11 years, 6 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: SirTripAlot]
#5555361 - 04/25/06 03:47 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Politics doesnt have to be Hardass, the point is you can completely shatter someones viewpoint without being a asshole about it. newbs expect to be wrong in the eyes of hte old guys(or at least I did, since I'd seen it enough times before), but when teh old guys are asses about it(obviously sometimes people just get tired of the same old thing, but that is no excuse for being an ass) that newb probrobly wont come back.
"Do unto others" applies everywhere even annonymous political debate forums. Peace
blaze2
-------------------- "Religion without science is blind, Science without religion is lame." Albert Einstein "peace is not maintained through force it is acheived through intelligence." Albert Einstein "Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one." Thomas Jefferson "To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical." --Thomas Jefferson
|
zappaisgod
horrid asshole

Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 81,741
Loc: Fractallife's gym
Last seen: 7 years, 7 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: blaze2]
#5555483 - 04/25/06 04:32 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
I think most newbies think they're talking to their stoner friends who all pretty much agree with them and thus bring weak, lazy arguments. We ALL need a strong, thoughtful opposition. This is the only place I have seen this mix. The only thing missing is the total whackjob religious right. Which is too bad because I like to give a good sound beat down for breakfast. Nobody weak hangs here. If you aint got game you are out.
I do not post here flippantly. You may disagree but I come ready for that. Most newbies don't expect it and think it's a chat room. In a word, pussies.
And what the fuck's the deal with fresh? He's been at the Shroomery for a while and all of a sudden he loons the forum up. Oh well, Anna and Alex need help, 'cause me and Phred have been eatin' their livers.
--------------------
|
Redstorm
Prince of Bugs



Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 3 months, 11 days
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: zappaisgod]
#5555513 - 04/25/06 04:50 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
I agree. Pretty much everyone who posts here regularly have the knowledge to make a good argument and the means to back up these arguments. I may not agree with 75% of the people who post in the forum (both left and right), but I have to commend almost everyone here on their dedication to this forum.
|
zappaisgod
horrid asshole

Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 81,741
Loc: Fractallife's gym
Last seen: 7 years, 7 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Redstorm]
#5555554 - 04/25/06 05:12 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
"but I have to commend almost everyone here on their dedication to this forum"
--------------------
|
gluke bastid
Stinky Bum


Registered: 12/20/00
Posts: 3,322
Loc: Charm City
Last seen: 5 years, 3 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: blaze2]
#5555601 - 04/25/06 05:29 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
blaze2 said: The point is you can completely shatter someones viewpoint without being a asshole about it. "Do unto others" applies everywhere even annonymous political debate forums. Peace
blaze2
Its true, and i practice it, but sometimes its no fun to shatter someone's opinion without being an asshole about it
--------------------
Society in every form is a blessing, but government at its best is but a necessary evil - Thomas Paine
|
Alex213
Stranger
Registered: 08/22/05
Posts: 1,839
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: zappaisgod]
#5557543 - 04/26/06 04:05 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Oh well, Anna and Alex need help, 'cause me and Phred have been eatin' their livers

You've been smoking too much chronic.
|
Asante
Mage


Registered: 02/06/02
Posts: 86,795
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: RandalFlagg]
#5557668 - 04/26/06 06:21 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
The matter of a forum being predominantly leftwing or rightwing (within reason either way) isn't the issue IMO.
The question is if a forum is welcoming to newbies, if a newbie on arrival is pulled into the social circle with a coffee and apple pie or whether he is chased off with a shotgun.
I think its more to the latter.
If you read some of the above posts you get the impression that a newbie often is "an idiot stoner with lame arguments who cannot debate ans is all about leftwing hippie bullshit and conspiracy theories"
That isnt just judgemental, thats condemning in the strictest sense.
PAL isn't your pal when you're a newbie and expecting discussion in the atmosphere of comraderie. Rather he is expected to stand his ground in tough debate or else he is unworthy and should fuck off.
You can oppose someone's viewpoint and be friendly about it.
Many posts in this forum are emotionally cold with a competitive edge to them. This is socially uninviting. So yes, PAL is tough on n00bs.
-------------------- Omnicyclion.org higher knowledge starts here
|
Seuss
Error: divide byzero


Registered: 04/27/01
Posts: 23,480
Loc: Caribbean
Last seen: 2 months, 20 days
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Asante]
#5557722 - 04/26/06 06:54 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
I would claim that PAL is only tough of 'n00bs' that don't understand the concept of debate. The moderators here do a very good job of enforcing the rules against personal attacks and flames. This is not a huggy, feel good, forum. Instead, it is an emotional forum that deals with issues that really get peoples blood boiling. Newbs that are looking for a warm security blanket of people that agree with their life views are not going to find this forum very welcoming. Newbs that can argue a position without taking offense when others disagree are going to get along fine.
> PAL isn't your pal when you're a newbie and expecting discussion in the atmosphere of comraderie
Again, the forum has traditionally been a platform for debate. Seldom is there an atmosphere of comraderie during a good debate, even among friends. Almost every regular of this forum has respect for the various people posting. Perhaps I see the forum through optimistic eyes, but I certainly don't feel that PAL is unwelcoming to newbies. However, the newbies have to be able to stand on their own... nobody here is going to hold their hand.
-------------------- Just another spore in the wind.
|
BatCountry
Wanderer


Registered: 02/27/06
Posts: 76
Loc: Uranus
Last seen: 13 years, 10 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Seuss]
#5557998 - 04/26/06 09:59 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
sounds like some crazy shit, can i join or do i have to be hazed first? Perhaps you'd like me to drink the blood of a christian baby??
-------------------- Why Should I take Your Bad Trip? -Ken Kesey
|
Seuss
Error: divide byzero


Registered: 04/27/01
Posts: 23,480
Loc: Caribbean
Last seen: 2 months, 20 days
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: BatCountry]
#5561766 - 04/27/06 05:10 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
> sounds like some crazy shit, can i join or do i have to be hazed first?
"Say, your a freshman... how's this years crop of freshman chicks?" Oh wait, wrong movie. 
From somebody with only a handful of posts, what is your opinion? Are we too mean to fresh blood or do you feel that you can participate in debate without worry?
-------------------- Just another spore in the wind.
|
exclusive58
illegal alien

Registered: 04/16/04
Posts: 2,146
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Asante]
#5561892 - 04/27/06 07:50 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Wiccan_Seeker said:
If you read some of the above posts you get the impression that a newbie often is "an idiot stoner with lame arguments who cannot debate ans is all about leftwing hippie bullshit and conspiracy theories"
That isnt just judgemental, thats condemning in the strictest sense.
PAL isn't your pal when you're a newbie and expecting discussion in the atmosphere of comraderie. Rather he is expected to stand his ground in tough debate or else he is unworthy and should fuck off.
You can oppose someone's viewpoint and be friendly about it.
Many posts in this forum are emotionally cold with a competitive edge to them. This is socially uninviting. So yes, PAL is tough on n00bs.
Definitely 
Even mods can be very cold and condemning. I'm especially thinking about Phred. Last post I read from him, he was saying "no you don't sound condenscending, but you do sound ignorant." That's pretty condescending in itself.
I see more competition than debate here, more accusation than investigation. And not alot of respect. No matter how much one disagrees with another, one should always be able to stay mature enough to respect the poster.
--------------------
|
BatCountry
Wanderer


Registered: 02/27/06
Posts: 76
Loc: Uranus
Last seen: 13 years, 10 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: exclusive58]
#5561962 - 04/27/06 08:36 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
i loved dazed and confused, I personally dont feel intimidated that you guys are mean but anyone engaged in a debate in a political forum is going to have very strong opinions and (hopefully) strong evidence to back it up, and when engaged in a topic like politics one can expect the arguments to get pretty heated. And its only natural to want to keep the forum free of...ignorance
-------------------- Why Should I take Your Bad Trip? -Ken Kesey
|
Redstorm
Prince of Bugs



Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 3 months, 11 days
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: exclusive58]
#5562346 - 04/27/06 10:38 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
He was in the absolute right to say what he did. A person made an absurd claim, and when asked to back it up, he said he didn't have to. That is ignorance. There is nothing wrong with telling it how it is.
|
EquilibriuM
dream stalker

Registered: 07/17/05
Posts: 2,323
Last seen: 16 years, 7 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: RandalFlagg]
#5562418 - 04/27/06 11:08 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Its not welcoming at all, but I don't mind, more interesting that way.
-------------------- HELP!!!!!!!!!
|
exclusive58
illegal alien

Registered: 04/16/04
Posts: 2,146
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Redstorm]
#5562421 - 04/27/06 11:09 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
The problem is, the claim wasn't completely absurd, the Iraq-9/11 link is debatable, its not all black and white. And then Phred comes in and pretty much says "you're ignorant", because he doesn't agree, or rather because he claims to know what is true and what isn't.
If you come in here on your high horse and say, "this is how it is, and if you don't agree, you'e simply an ignorant fool", I'd say there's definitely something wrong, and its definitely repelling to someone who is freshly new here.
--------------------
|
Redstorm
Prince of Bugs



Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 3 months, 11 days
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: exclusive58]
#5562428 - 04/27/06 11:10 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
exclusive58 said: The problem is, the claim wasn't completely absurd, the Iraq-9/11 link is debatable, its not all black and white. And then Phred comes in and pretty much says "you're ignorant", because he doesn't agree, or rather because he claims to know what is true and what isn't.
If you come in here on your high horse and say, "this is how it is, and if you don't agree, you'e simply an ignorant fool", I'd say there's definitely something wrong, and its definitely repelling to someone who is freshly new here.
Nope, you're wrong once again. Phred claimed he was ignorant because the person said he "didn't have to show proof". That is ignorance and he was right to point it out. If someone can not take part in a meaningful debate, they have no right to waste everyone's time.
|
exclusive58
illegal alien

Registered: 04/16/04
Posts: 2,146
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: Redstorm]
#5562458 - 04/27/06 11:19 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
I'm pretty sure he said he was ignorant because of his 9/11-Iraq claim, but maybe you're right.
|
Redstorm
Prince of Bugs



Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 3 months, 11 days
|
Re: Is the Political forum welcoming to newbies? [Re: exclusive58]
#5562465 - 04/27/06 11:22 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
Don't get me wrong; I don't agree with the 9/11 assertations that some members here make, but I would not consider them ignorant for their beliefs.
|
|