Warning: A little long and I don't know how to do spoiler tags.
Hello peeps. I've been reading this thread and first, it makes me very, very sad.
But then, I am probably one of the so-called uber sensitive people, I suppose. I have so many conflicting opinions on everything that has been said, and as annoying as usual, can see and understand bits and pieces from each side. I probably should have jumped in sooner so my thoughts won't be all over the place.
I'm not sure if this was intended strictly for serious debate threads. I would tend to agree with the OP if the subject were something general that wouldn't involve personal human emotion/experiences. My first reaction is, most of us have been together for quite awhile now. I would think we have some inkling as to what types of things/words trigger certain responses from certain members. Personally speaking, I don't understand why someone would want to say/post a comment that should be pretty obvious it would get someone's dander up or hurt their feelings. If I am to be quite honest, sometimes I feel like things are said on this board to intentionally upset people. But then I realize that just because I don't ever want to say something to hurt or anger someone, this is 2013 and the internet, and apparently, common decency rules don't apply. I learned this the hard way when I started out on VB. So while this doesn't mean that I can't or don't voice my disagreement in RL, it's a whole other ballgame on the internet. And again, I realize that because I choose to pick my words carefully when disagreeing with someone, it doesn't mean I can impose this on others. Hence, you will rarely see me in threads that have anything relevant to convey. I feel a little sad about that...not being able to "be myself" totally, but it works for me in internet land.
Like, kazy, it's easy for me to like everyone here, even during the times when I don't agree with someone or I feel like someone is being rude or hurtful to another member. Not sure why...and let's not go there. I probably couldn't handle it.
I also feel like some people are way better at debating than others. Member #1 might have a good and valid point about something, but Member #2 comes along and has a knack for twisting words or being really subtle about breaking the TOS, better than #1 does. That's usually when I see the trouble start. It's not always about the content of the debate. One member just happens to be more slick than another. My observation/opinion only.
But to reiterate, if the OP was trying to set guidelines for the basics of debating and the core definition of what a debate is (supposed) to be, I think I get the purpose of the post. And, I've actually read something like this before...how we cannot control how we
feel, but sometimes,
in certain, situations, it is beneficial to work on how we
react. My co-worker has been in therapy for years and she is always spouting this. And I am not directing this to anyone in particular here as many of the threads go awry because some people don't necessarily play fair. Just saying it isn't totally without merit.
This is strictly my opinion and not, in any way, asking others to do or feel the same, but I would rather people try and be kinder/more understanding, than trying to make everyone toughen up. I'm not talking about everyone being all nicey, nicey, dancing through the tulips, either, or trying to make this a boring forum. But I don't quite get why it would be such a big deal to try and consider someone's feelings before saying or posting something. It just seem like the right thing to do. At least to me, IMO.
I think the world needs more soft touches. (Stole that from somewhere.)
So, I hope I haven't ticked off/offended anyone. I tried really hard not to and just wanted to express my take on the subject matter of this thread.
