BS: Some Fighting Suggestions

Subject: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: olddude
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 10:28 AM

On mudcat, we will argue that rain is not wet ... it is part of our DNA. I personally have decided I need a better way to fight so I have some ideas that folks can help me with. Typically someone will write something and the response back is:

"you socialist, communist, liberal, right wing, progressive, Nazi asswipe"

how about Instead:

"Thank you for sharing your views, differing opinions are welcome here even from Lunkheads like yourself"

Or

"In America, even the misinformed and uneducated have the right to speak"

any other suggestions for a better way to fight?

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: jeffp
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 10:37 AM

"You might want to contact Joe Offer. Somebody has been posting absurd drivel under your name.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 10:43 AM

"In America, even the misinformed and uneducated have the right to speak"
Now THAT sounds like an argument some will attack to the death! ;@)
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Ed T
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 10:47 AM

Just my opinion below...and I am not out seeking an argument, or abuse by posting it:)

There are some posts that come up now and then, having a few participants, where few dare to enter.

The reason for these threads to exist, seems more to spread personal perspectives, rather than enter into insightful and respectful discussion. Even if you do not have a fixed viewpoint, if you say the wrong thing, or link to the wrong site, you face instant accusations from those with firm views and even are at times called bad names. Folks argue back and forth....and often agree on some or many points....but, are simply too fired up to even know it themselves. In these posts there is no clear knowledge gain. In fact, folks cannot even seem to agrree to agree on the points they agree on (for example, to agree that the sky may be blue).

If you watch closely, you will also see that some folks are out "gunning for" individuals in a thread....because they are offended by something that happened in another thread....but, that's life, I guess.

I doubt if there is a cure for all that, other than avoiding offending posts, and those who seem to be more likely to be agressive in discussions. But, there could be a cure for those who frequently "name call" or clearly disrespect others..the ones who may contribute to alot to negative thread antics..if there was a Mudcat will to do so.But, I doubt there is this will.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: olddude
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 10:57 AM

JEFF - PRICELESS!

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 11:01 AM

Well, Olddude, is calling somebody a lunkhead really any better than calling him an asswipe? I suppose that lunkhead isn't a "naughty word," but it's still an attempt to insult.

I'd like to think that the answer is to discuss, not fight, but maybe there's no room for friendly, intelligent discussion on Mudcat any more. I'd like to think it's still possible to have a discussion forum with a pacifist attitude, where "to fight" is not the object. But maybe that's an impossible dream.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: olddude
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 11:03 AM

impossible dream indeed joe so i settle for lunkhead :-) its the best i can hope for

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Ed T
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 11:16 AM

When I am disrespected by someone on Mudcat, I just go to Youtube and play this YouTube compilation of programs from Canada's comedy program "Trailer Park Boys". It can be healing:)

BTW, go to the site at your peril, as some may be offended by the language:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7bG8atSBtQ

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 12:16 PM

Only one rule is necessary; no name calling.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Little Hawk
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 12:43 PM

I've been making the same suggestions for years, Oldude. ;-) I've also been suggesting that certain individuals here tone down the sarcastic personal attacks, the excessive character assassination, and the outrageous use of hyperbole (extreme exaggeration of another person's supposed position on something by dragging it to some bizarre extreme and then attacking the other person as if that WAS their position, which it almost certainly is not).

But all to no avail. The people who engage in that sort of personal invective are, I think, either unaware that they do it...or else they feel justified in doing it...and it gives them pleasure...and ameliorates their emotional pain a bit...therefore nothing you or I say about it is going to get them to ease off.

The best revenge is to make fun of them for being that way, I figure. And I do. ;-D One is wasting time anyway to take this sort of tripe very seriously. It's really just a bunch of useless noise.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Ed T
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 12:56 PM

"The best revenge is to make fun of them for being that way, I figure"

It is true, that humour rules. I tried it and it worked. I walked away refreshed...not having to refer to the Trailer Park Boys video:)

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: olddude
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 12:56 PM

Captain, Little Hawk, Joe ... they are all right on but history of mudcat proves we will never stop calling each other names ...so if we are still going to ... and we will how about a less aggressive terms instead of nazi or f-bomb asshole ... maybe a lunk head like myself or Lame brain or something like that with the overall goal to eliminate it entirely someday some terms even make the person directed at laugh because it is creative... hopefully ... naive suggestion from me ? probably but at least think about my lunk head idea?

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Bobert
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 12:57 PM

What kinda commie, fascists, socialist, lunkheaded, right winged liberal thread is this, anyway???

Sheeesh...

B;~)

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 01:02 PM

Bobert, stop being a powder-puff bunny-rabbit and play nice or I'll have to give you a time-out in the corner.

If it's a political thread and the invective outweighs any intelligent discussion I'm outa there. In many I don't go in even once.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Little Hawk
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 01:06 PM

Kinder, gentler terms of abuse, Oldude? Sure, why not? Sounds like a plan to me.

How about:

chucklehead
diddlyboob
fuzzwit
ticklemeister
beanie-capper
diefendorfer
nerbleknacker
paintywaist
cheese-eater

and

Mister potato head!

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Emma B
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 01:32 PM

For real efficacy use the Shakespeare Insult Kit

but, can I please request folks to refrain from using homophobic language as insults or fallcious charges of anti-semitism etc

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 01:36 PM

Fighting suggestions? Okay, first get in close. Try to gouge out the other guy's eyes, but failing that...oh, not that kind of fighting.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 01:39 PM

Perhaps I'm lucky...(or unlucky, depending on your perspective)...but I know many people here personally, including some of the more 'opinionated' ones, and I will guarantee it is harder to get into an actual 'fight', with name calling, when you may see them next week..or at the Getaway.
Thus, I try to discuss & debate here **as if** I am standing face-to-face, and I assume they may be nice, friendly, generous caring people...despite not agreeing with ME on some points.
Then, I attempt to counter & disagree with their argument not their heritage, personal habits or religious orientation...etc. (Yeah, it IS hard with a few).
I am not sure why it is that some use the semi-impersonal nature of a forum to toss serious insults about and employ the most vitriolic of comments...as if calling someone a nasty name might get them to change their minds and agree with YOU!

I have been here since the beginning....which means also since arguments and 'heavy' opinions began to appear. I have had a few strong exchanges with some folks on*issues*, but 'almost' never had it taken to personal levels. Alas, some seem to assume that disagreeing with their sacred cows and entrenched views MEANS you are insulting them!
If you read my posts carefully, you will see that a very large portion of my complaints are about bad reasoning or careless research....my argument being that bad logic and knee-jerk decisions often leads to faulty facts and judgments.

So... rather than finding better ways to 'fight', I advocate learning spirited debate techniques based on reason, fairness & the assumption that you MAY meet your opponent someday under circumstances that make you wish you had taken it a bit easier.


(What? You say "that don't sound like fun...If I can't call an asshole an asshole, why bother?".... I dunno what more to say.....

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: GUEST,oldude
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:09 PM

LH
perfect !!   more creative terms, less repetitive and even funny
perfect ... hey we are gonna call each other names ... why not get more creative and less aggressive ...

Potato head Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:16 PM

Well, dandelion fluff...I think less aggression would be good for all of us, including politicians and generals and....

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Little Hawk
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:19 PM

You are a true gentleman, Bill, and a scholar as well. ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:41 PM

The thing is, people here with all the brain power I see all the time, we can get much more clever and a whole lot funnier and hence less aggressive.   Spaw is a master, one time I think he called me a
Cross dressing Savant or something along those lines. Where he pulled that out I have no idea but I laughed for 3 days. Every fight we have, it is the f-bomb, the a-bomb, and it goes down hill to the point were people say ... meet me outside at 2 oclock .. we can do much better, and much funnier also ...and a whole lot less aggression. People here have way too good a sense of humor and way too much education. The comeback lines we tend to use are only the frat boy ones who can't come up with anything better to use.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: theleveller
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 03:20 PM

You're entitled to your opinion, even if it is wrong.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: kendall
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 03:52 PM

Remember, when someone throws out an insult or starts name calling, it says more about them than about the target, and they have already lost the contest.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 04:44 PM

Well, when I call my wife dear...... in a certain tone of voice, she knows what I'm thinking.
Sweetheart can be just as scathing....
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Ed T
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 05:35 PM

People don't fight in all posts. The doughnut post seems to be fight free...yet, that is.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 05:55 PM

There are no fights in MOAB because Mom doesn't permit it.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Little Hawk
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 06:11 PM

None that aren't tongue-in-cheek anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 06:22 PM

"You are a true gentleman, Bill, and a scholar as well. ;-)"

You callin' me names?

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 06:23 PM

MOAB don't allow no crotch-kicking 'round here
MOAB don't allow no crotch-kicking 'round here
Well I don't care what MOAB don't allow
Gonna kick 'em in the balls anyhow
MOAB don't allow no crotch-kicking 'round here.

MOAB don't allow no eye-gouging 'round here
MOAB don't allow no eye-gouging 'round here
Well I don't care what MOAB don't allow
Gonna pop out eyeballs anyhow
MOAB don't allow no eye-gouging 'round here

I do think that some civility -- perhaps the Marquis of Queensberry rules -- should apply.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 06:28 PM

When discussions turn into exercises in chucking insults around, I suspect there are two reasons. One is that chucking insults can be fun, if they are imaginative and it's done in a spirit of fun.

But when it happens in a thread about a serious issue, and it turns nasty, I think one reason is that some people have absorbed the notion that it is insincere or inauthentic to have a discussion in calm terms about an issue where you feel strongly. It's seen, I suspect, as a kind of unhealthy repression.

Best thing is to ignore that posts coloured by that assumption, and resist the temptation to respond in kind. And make a firm resuolyution never to submit a post written in anger until the next day, by which time someone else will probably have put in the boot anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: olddude
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 06:35 PM

IN regard to the donut thread.

Why you Communist, Socialist, Liberal, Progressive, Right wing, Sarah Palin and Obama loving Nazis ... everyone knows Tim Horton's is the best donut anywhere...

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Don Firth
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 08:45 PM

Okay, let's take a purely hypothetical situation—something that would never happen here on Mudcat.

Let us say someone starts a thread having to do with, say, a foreign country passing a law making blue eyes a capital offense. Many people join the thread, ageeing that this is absolutely outrageous, that it is not just an example of civil rights violations, but a humanitarian issue—nothing less than a pogrom.

But then, a couple of people jump in and, although they don't outright support the law, they talk about how most, if not all, people with blue eyes have filthy and disgusting habits, they spread disease, they exploit and pervert the young, and should be generally ostracized from any and all societies.

All reputable scientific studies, however, have long established that none of this is true as a general rule for blue-eyed people; certainly no more prevalent among blue-eyed people than in the population as a whole.

The couple of people who are obviously opposed to blue-eyed people deny the validity of these scientific studies and cite articles on the web sites of various groups who have long been known to regard blue-eyed people to inferior, perverted, dangerous, and a blight on society as a whole. Because of the vitriolic nature of this viewpoint and vehemence of the way in which it is expressed, and because it actually encourages those who would like to see such laws passed in all countries, many people on the thread object. Harsh words are exchanged.

And sooner or later that dreaded word "bigot" appears!

By any and all definitions of the word, it is accurate. And very much to tthe point. But still, no matter how accurate, some people blanch in horror at its use in this or any other context—with the possible exception of when blatant racism is involved. But even there. . . .

At that point, there are those who immediately put on their superhero capes, leap into the fray, and chastize those who use the word for merely using it.

Without taking into consideration the expressed beliefs that prompted the use of this word.

In the spirit of "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing," one wonders what the moral and ethical position is of those people who object to those who, indeed, are attempting to speak out against evil.

Think about it.

Don Firth

P. S. Interesting to note that the use of terms like "asshole" and "fuckwit" and the rest generally come from those who object to being labelled—accurately—as bigots (which, incidentally, is a fairly precise term, whereas the scatalogical epithets are generally not).

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: GUEST,Uncle Rumpo
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 08:58 PM

my old Dad always said..

if a big bully picks on you unexpected for no good reason

stay calm and don't panic, focus on the threat

and go in fast for his knees and his ankles

and get him down on the ground away from you at least a good hefty kicks distance..

then pick off additional weak spots if he refuses to see sense
and stop his belligerent nonsense....

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 09:31 PM

,,,and in this virtual world, we'd do that how?

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 09:59 PM

I don't mind being called an asshole. Assholes are very important, everyone has one, and without it you'd die. In fact, I'm leading a crusade against calling people assholes for those reasons. I have no idea what a "fuckwit" is, unless it's a contraction for "fuck with" or some sort of bird.

If you want to hurl insults, please show some intelligence and creativity. People are inured to the usual ones and you certainly don't want to be considered boring, do you?

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: GUEST,Uncle Rumpo
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 10:21 PM

well, errrmm.. I guess the metaphore be.

don't engage on the bullies terms,
don't react hasty when the aggressor dictates the battle plan,
but wait until you feel less fearful & confident to strike and pull the nasty cunts
legs from under him ..

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 10:33 PM

"under HIM"?...mixed gender metaphors and insults in a post on how to avoid trouble? *tsk*

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: GUEST,Uncle Rumpo
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 10:54 PM

oh.. pshhh

so whos's the nasty mudcat lady got you so riled up then..???

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 11:17 PM

If you want to get into a fight, just tell them the truth. If you want to avoid a fight, just give them the like-minded boring 'parrot bullshit rap'.

Lordy sakes, I've had my share of attacks from the crazies..but considering the sources........I'm pretty much on track!. Remember, that a good argument is also an opportunity to get more FACTS out. If the bozo doesn't get it, other readers may, or do....might as well make it as entertaining as possible!...but I certainly wouldn't lose any sleep over it!...Hey, what time is it???.....Yikes! Its past my bed time!

Off to the dungeon.....

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: olddude
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 09:11 AM

Dang,
this is too hard, lets just go back to asshole and communist bigot , it is easier, gettin a headache LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 09:36 AM

tone down the sarcastic personal attacks

Yea, sure, THAT'S going to work...

:D (eG)

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Bobert
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 09:41 AM

Good on you, Oldster... Don't swim upstream or try to fight city hall...

Plus commie is shorter than knothead and the c is easier to find than the k...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Don Firth
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 01:22 PM

Hey, Bobert, you know who started that idea that you can't fight city hall?

City hall!!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 01:28 PM

Yawn, stretch, and think about what a lovely day it is.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: frogprince
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 01:54 PM

Only a twitterpated old towhead like Olddude could have started at thread like this!!

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: olddude
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 02:01 PM

LOL, true, very true ... :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Les from Hull
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 02:03 PM

Perhaps we should insult in our own local argot.

Olddude - tha's reet addled, tha numpty owd claht 'ead!

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 04:47 PM

Well, iffen y'all are gonna start that, I'd have ta say he* ain't got the sense to pour piss outa a boot with the directions writ on the heel. Why, he'd likely try ta mount a horse from the horse's right side er try make a pair of pants outa wet rawhide. He's the sorta feller who has to reach way up ta climb outa a snake's track in a wagon rut, but if he's sober he sure don't steal hardly at all, leastways not from folks more'n three feet tall.





*Fill in with the name of your choice.

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: olddude
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 05:21 PM

Les, brilliant ... can't stop laughing ... good one indeed

Subject: RE: BS: Some Fighting Suggestions
From: Midchuck
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 07:19 AM

Rap, you left out one of my favorites - from "Doc" Smith, the great old space opera writer:

"He's so low he could put on a tall silk hat and walk under a duck!"

P.