Forums General Discussion Human Nature?

No finer amusement does the internet have than forums.

A short browsing of the threads reveals that any given post about puppies, kittens and cotton candy can quickly descend into a chaos comprised of virtually indistinguishable people, fighting personal battles for insignificant matters as though their family’s honour was at stake.

Where else does a group of “individuals”, who’s interests and hobbies are so similar, show each other such disrespect? Irony wins, when those who prize their intellect and knowledge are incapable of making enlightened decisions regarding basic social interaction.

For shame brothers and sisters, for shame.

I couldn't agree more. The reason probably is partly to do with human nature - people have different points of view about a topic, especially with something like mIRC which can expand out into many different branches of discussion. The recent mIRC version is an example.

Perhaps a longer browse of the Forums would show you however, that there are a number of good posts too - ones where people are being friendly, joking with each other and getting along in general, and those people who, as you point out, pride themselves on their own intellect, are in fact being social, even though IRC users are not exactly known for their affiliation with friendliness.

And in all my wisdom I will answer your question that was probably meant to be rhetorical - There are many places where people that share the same interests show each other equal amounts of disrespect. Look at football players when they get in a fight, or the government of many, if not all, countries. Even the average man on the street (man or woman to be politically correct) will get into brawls and fights with each other over mere disagreements about their hobbies which they share in common.

Anyway, I hope that you continue to gain amusement from these Forums, laughing's good for the soul

Regards,

So you think that one sociological deficit justifies another?

In my experience, there is something very specific about forums that cultivates the beliefin people that it is necessary for them to prove themselves by belittling everyone else.

Since I hate whingers so much I'll quote an old saying to you:

If you refuse to be a part of the solution then you forfeit your right to complain. Lead or follow but don't whinge.

Maybe your next post could contain a suggestion to satisfy your currently unjustifiable grievance.

Thank you for illustrating my point, watchdog.

I do not suppose you considered the fact that highlighting problems can sometimes solve them, simply by provoking self awareness? No, your interests were in typing balefully.

This is the precise reason for my post, and hopefully the next person who reads it will realise such and maybe have a little think before they type. Then maybe they can be “part of the solution” instead of part of the problem.

I'm not so sure and since I have been here slightly longer than you I would have a better understanding of what goes on here. Generally, most people here are quite helpful to each other. You'd realise this if you bothered to study more than three or four threads here.

Highlighting a problem that you deem to exist, contrary to your opinion, is seldom helpful in itself unless you are prepared to demonstrate why the subject is an issue worth looking at. What exactly are you looking for here?

Your first assumption is dead wrong too. IRC is far more fun than any forum anywhere in the world.

You really don’t get it do you?

Look at my post and look at what you’re doing. Look at your attitude. Can't you see it? Can't you see the problem and the people who create it?

Pot calling the kettle black

Regards,

Owned.

Lame.

yuh.

Thanks. Love you too

Again, pot calling the kettle black

Regards,

whatever you say eggbert

You really don’t get it do you?

No. I don't. Your post was stupid and lacks intelligence. Perhaps you understand this better than the reasonable approach I took before.

Judging by most of the other posts, at least some agree with me.

While i certainly cant dispute that some threads display exactly the behavior you bemoan, that is not a trait that exists solely on forums. It is a less than pleasant side of many individuals that they carry over from IRL.

You yourself display it to some extent in your reaction to Watchdog, who was, after all, voicing his opinion.

Forums, IRC, and indeed the world, are full of ppl who are pleasant, polite regardless of provocation and, like many here, dedicated to helping their fellow man in one way or another. Sadly, its the less than pleasant sides of human nature that get our attention and seem to take pride of place in our interpretations of events. Take a stroll thru here and you will find that the (happily) vast majority of posts display a far better side.

WHY do ppl feel the need to show others disrespect? Admirable question, for which there is no answer. Might also ask why do so many ppl volunteer their time to help others. Its a part of their nature. No more, no less.

I for one could do with a lot less venom (and one word replies meant to be insulting *ahem*) and a lot more courtesy, but i'm realistic. Within any group there is bound to be someone who at some point will exhibit traits we could all do without.

Perhaps the problem lies in what people believe to be a valid and constructive opinion. “Since I hate whingers…” might be perfectly valid, but is not constructive. “Your post was stupid and lacks intelligence.” is neither valid nor constructive.

Without any limitations to validity, it might be my opinion that changing the law to accommodate eating babies would suppress overpopulation issues, which is quite ridiculous.

To this end the problem might be mine, since my own personal standards for validating an opinion requires significant introspection.



I agree

In my naivety, I honestly hoped that speaking openly and frankly on the matter might prompt at least one person to be a little more constructive.

Unfortunately it had the reverse effect. I promise to never speak out again.

"I honestly hoped that speaking openly and frankly on the matter might prompt at least one person to be a little more constructive"

we can always hope. In fact i thought the very same thing when i first read your post. If it causes even one person to think calmly before hitting enter, surely its worth a bit of controversy