Date: 7/22/2002 10:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 4292
ACK, this is why I don't usually look at the debating post's...i'm not a big debater, and i'm afraid of some of the contraversy it can cause...*yieks* good post though..and I do agree..I think we could change that..but it would take alot of work..  |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 34487
I agree, I used to post more in-depth issues but got so much flack. I didn't want the hostility so I've been down-playing them ever since. ;o)  |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:34:00 PM
From Authorid: 31765
heck no. dumbing them down we'll end up with debates such as 'who's better: barney or elmo. i choose elmo but that's beside the point. I don't debate much, but I really enjoy reading the good one and ya know what? I've accidentally learned a few things along the way. So no....veto the dumbing down.  |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:34:00 PM
From Authorid: 15621
No and No..........I come here to talk to the intelligent people who like to discuss things like Osiris and You and Lady nyx and Enki , and the list is long.....these peopel respect the work that goes into each post and gives the writer of that post respect, I also come here to be with people who believe as Ido to chat and fellowship.....I do not come here to argue about whats best, Pepsi or coke...but those that do have a right to do so  |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:36:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 17516
Yes my love, you're right that they have a right to do so BUT, I think that those who complain about USM changing have a responsibility to do the work to make it better.  |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:36:00 PM
From Authorid: 50435
I do what I do and if someone doesn't like it then tough cookies. If I put a lot of time into a comment and the author deletes it, then no more comments for that person. I don't work for naught. If someone disagrees with me then hey, am I not disagreeing with them too? How can I delete a differing opinion? I expect respect, so I must also give it...  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:37:00 PM
From Authorid: 50435
Elmo and Barney are both evil. Teddy Ruxpin is the man...er...bear...LOL... |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:39:00 PM
From Authorid: 15621
I agree......but will they or are they indeed lazy? |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:39:00 PM
From Authorid: 30051
Well...I come here for entertainment..A good laugh..Good friends..Sometimes a good debate..No I don't reasearch..I also don't post to many debates..I will put my 2 cents in with out researching though..Laugh out loud..Good post..BTW Britney sucks..Elmo wins by a long shot..and boy bands are LAME...JMO!!!  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:40:00 PM
From Authorid: 30051
I could very well be lazy..??? |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:41:00 PM
From Authorid: 53052
*scratches my head* did i reply to this yesterday??  |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:41:00 PM
From Authorid: 54429
I persoannly put ALOT of research into my post about the ancient Mayan and Egyptians, read this http://www.unsolvedmysteries.com/usm275892.html i put tons of research into that and some replys said "ITS TOO LONG" and i got only 10 replies where as a game would usually get 15.~SlightOfHand  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:43:00 PM
From Authorid: 31765
I was thinking Paddington Bear, Gallytuck, but hey to each their own...lol.,..I too practice your action: Delete me once for no good reason, and that'll be the last time I read or comment. I had it happen the other day, so..just won't be reading that author anymore. |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:44:00 PM
From Authorid: 48129
No, i dont think anyone should have to "dumb" down their posts just so to not cause conflict with others...I choose not to complain about ANY posts because what right do I have to say that a certain post bites because its so lame or that a post is so boring because it's religious...i just don't do it...I think USM is a great place because it lets you post what YOU want to post and people should not feel restricted to only post certain things that will not cause conflict or disagreement...everyone has a right on here to read a post OR NOT read a post. *peace and hairgrease*  |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:44:00 PM
From Authorid: 277
The people make the website. So, if the majority of the people want more quality they need to do their part to make this a better quality website. No one should dumb down anything. WHen someone researches before they submit a post, it does make it better. Even if few have a rebutal they'll at least gain knowledge in reading it. I also think people will read the educated (researched) posts. I'm not into Brittany vs. Christina posts. The younger crowd can still submit their type of posts. But the older crowd should have some other things to read beside Coke or Vanilla Coke! LOL! I haven't posted in debate in a long time. But, I do have some ghost/mysterious stories that I could post. So, I think that will be my part to help add substance to USM.  |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:46:00 PM
From Authorid: 5353
I must admit I agree with you KK. I'm getting sick of the stupidity I see cropping up on this site. And I can't even say it's recently either, as it's been a downward slide for quite a while. I only post when I have something relevent to say. (hence why, after almost 3 years here, I have a total of 79 posts.) I don't enter into debates much, for many of the reasons you listed. Most people don't want to listen when there is an opposing view, often it's presented in a "my way or the highway" fashion, and debaters recieve personal attacks for their beliefs. That is why we are reduced to 'who is better' and 'isn't my teacher being unfair' posts, posts that don't impact more than 1% of the population. And it's not just in Debate, it is infecting every category. People just don't take the time to present a decent post anymore. Hell, they don't even bother to spell check or even use recognizable English half the time. I've secluded myself from most of the drivel, but invariably something leaks through, as the filters Admin offers don't catch enough. Perhaps I have strayed from the point, so I will wrap this up by saying I would like to see USM 2 years ago, when hot topics were debated and not deleted, and people could be civil even when disagreeing. I admit I have done little to change it, since anything that tries to break this drearyness is inevitably buried.  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:46:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 17516
Thanks for all your comments so far! So are you all saying that you're happy with USM the way it is? For the most part I am, but I wish there were more substantial posts. |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:46:00 PM
From Authorid: 44448
This is USM. IMO, If you don't like it, don't come here. Its that simple. If you're gonna come here to whine about the place, go somehwhere else. Just my opinion.  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:47:00 PM
From Authorid: 44448
I think USM is great though, personally. I wouldnm't change it. |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:47:00 PM
From Authorid: 1631
Lately I haven't even felt motivated to research anything since most debates get deleted by administration due to "hurt feelings". Why should I bother putting my heart and soul into meticulously researching my side when someone else is going to charge in on an emotional rampage and spout off feelings and not facts? Those who carelessly throw out their feelings wind up getting them hurt and then the run to an admin to have the whole darn post trashed. The end...  |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:49:00 PM
From Authorid: 17525
hmmmm...good question. I always feel like I'm walking on eggshells with my big mouth. Maybe I shoud forget about personal feelings. What am I doing to change it???? Not much lately. Peace  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 55376
Sometimes there are subjects where an individual with a professional level of knowledge needs to put it in layman's terms. I would not necessarily call that dumbing down. Og |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:51:00 PM
From Authorid: 277
I am happy with USM the way it is. However, I was also happy with the way it was. WAS=More time spent on creative thoughts before submitting a post. WAS=More time spent in research. WAS-Originality. WAS=Being able to give an honest opinion without someone feeling that your a bully. WAS=Comments weren't just about submitting the right amount to gain a tag. I think you guys may get the picture! ANyways, Don't get me wrong, I am happy with USM, but it is time to add some more quality. |
Date: 7/22/2002 10:54:00 PM
From Authorid: 23610
Oh....I love Lady Lee's posts. They are always so intelligently written. Good example there, Karma Killer. I agree that a lot of "dumbing down" has gone on here at USM. I think some of it is in an effort for some who want to get a lot of replies. They believe that if their post is too long or too complex no one will want to read it and no one will reply. And....sadly, I think there is truth in that. Because we see that so many of the "Pepsi or Coke" "Brittany or Christina" type posts get more replies. I research just about everything that I bring to a debate. Mainly because I don't want to propagate lies and also because I want to know that when someone rebuts my claims I have a leg to stand on. It really annoys me when someone I am debating with does not check out any information and merely states ill informed opinions....especially when they get angry when you bring evidence to prove that their opinions are not based in fact. Hey, how is that supposed to be my fault that you did not research your comments? ....... As for the posts like Lady Lee's that are so informative, I believe that posts like that will reach the people that they are meant to reach. There are those here (even if in the minority) who are looking for information and upliftment. In a case like this, it can't be a "numbers" thing. Your comments are not going to be many....but the importance to those they do reach will be profound.  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:56:00 PM
From Authorid: 30051
You know what has changed?? The number of younger USMer's..Teeny boppers = Britney vs. Christina |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:56:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 17516
Well I think that a post (especially a debate) CAN be intellectually honest without attacking anyone. The thing to remember is that a good idea, or truth is independent of it's source, so I can be the worst degenerate in the world and still speak truth, therefore it's pointless to attack another person's character. |
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Date: 7/22/2002 10:58:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 17516
Let me use Kat as an example. Kat you say that if I don't like it don't come here. Where did I say I didn't like USM? Also, how is this a whining post? I am pointing out what I consider a problem BUT I'm asking for the opinions of others and constructive ways to fix this. Are you saying that one should never point out problems with a mind to making them better? |
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Date: 7/22/2002 11:03:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 17516
I have an idea. Perhaps those of us who enjoy and wish for more intellectually challenging posts can get together and each post something say once a week. The topic is really irrelevant, as long as the author is interested in it and takes the time to write it well. Anyway, there's my 2 cents. |
Date: 7/22/2002 11:04:00 PM
From Authorid: 35720
CORY! I'm offended! Someone delete Cory's reply NOW.. it hurt my feelings!! hehehe JK Great post, though... I understand what it is that you're saying. I don't think anything should be deleted unless it is breaking a rule. Alot of things get deleted for things that are NOT in the rules. I love USM, though, and I'm happy as long as their are for the most part no arguments.  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 11:07:00 PM
From Authorid: 17525
Maybe we should start an adult section! Think about it....we wouldn't have the dismay of "what's your favorite color?" or "cats or dogs". If we had an adult section, kids may stop by, but they would see some intelligent discussion....maybe even learn from it! Everyone, that is, except for Jestr!!!! HAHAHAHAH Just kidding buddy! Seriously though, posts could be limited to serious topics....until....we all get naked and get into the sandbox with the nerf-bats! But I think an adult section could actually work (maybe a different name) for those of us who'd rather not debate the merits our favorite cartoon characters. Just a thought. I don't even know who Britany is! LOL Peace, |
Date: 7/22/2002 11:08:00 PM
From Authorid: 4548
i share ali's sentiments. when i first arrived you couldn't pay me to shut up about my opinions. now i don't even engage half-heartedly in debates. why bother only to have a comment misconstrued and eventually deleted. i mostly only post in the coffee house these days. and what a coincidence, ali just happens to be my next interview subject! august 16th! don't miss! (lol, shameless promotion)  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 11:09:00 PM
From Authorid: 44448
I didn't say you didn't like USM. I'm indicateing the people you mention who complain about it. I'm saying I agree with you. I don't think you're complaining, I'm saying i get annoyed at complainers who don't look at the whole situation like you said. |
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Date: 7/22/2002 11:10:00 PM
From Authorid: 44448
Sorry that it was interpreted the wrong way. |
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Date: 7/22/2002 11:12:00 PM
From Authorid: 44448
And I don't think this is a whining post. Actually I'm glad to see some thought put into one. As Osirius pointed out, there are so mang stupid stories that its pointless. |
Date: 7/22/2002 11:12:00 PM
From Authorid: 54987
Okaaay.. good post.. I feel there is a lot of 'dumbing down'. I don't know if it's intelligent people 'dumbing down' or less intelligent 'dumbing up' But it's definitely getting a bit samey... just boring religious stuff... nothing to get your teeth (fangs into)... I go get tired of the debates sometimes but what else is there? I wanna get into REAL stuff... stuff that is really affecting our lives, not the mumbo jumbo crap... So what do you suggest? I don't want to debate religion... I want to debate real stuff. I want to help change the world for the better... open peoples eyes... express who I REALLY am! .... I want to be FREE!!!!.... Coolade  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 11:12:00 PM
From Authorid: 23610
Yeah, but Osiris, the adults do it too. I've seen the "Guess What Furball My Cat Coughed Up Today" posts too. LOL. |
Date: 7/22/2002 11:14:00 PM
From Authorid: 4883
Jez don't forget to ask Ali about the cuffs...LOL... Ali, yours or mine...  .... ~ Jay ~  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 11:17:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 17516
Gosh Coolade, I'm crushed. I LOVE to debate religion, LOL (true), but I'm not so single minded that I can't debate or discuss other things. What interests you? Would you like to be the guinea pig and post our first serious post? I'm sure all the great folks that have checked in here will reply. |
Date: 7/22/2002 11:22:00 PM
From Authorid: 21867
Totally agree with you KK...and I really can't be bother any more ya know. Sure peeps can say we are either part of the problem or part of the solution...cool...great...three cheers and rah rah for that...but I still can't be bothered right now. Anything juicy gets axed...any good argument (and I'm gonna say argument instead of debate, as I believe arguments are where you find peoples TRUE thoughts and selves) gets killed quick...the consistancy of what stays and what goes is often as clear as mud...the fact that people who have proven time and time and time again to do little more than attack behind a rather thin disguise are either still here, or been kicked and allowed back, only to go straight back to their ways...quite frankly the Policing of the G-rating absolutely mystifies me. Yet I still like the site. Sad thing is 6 months ago I would have said I loved the site...today its 'like'. Peace,  |
Date: 7/22/2002 11:32:00 PM
From Authorid: 22080
i hate those post about the entertainment industry them people dont work there hands raw to make there money heck pop stars pay people to right there songs i rather see more knowledgable post well thats all for now  |
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Date: 7/22/2002 11:45:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 17516
Mmmm turning leaf is nice, but my favorites come from Bella Sera. You should try their merlot. |
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Date: 7/22/2002 11:46:00 PM
From Authorid: 15621
I agree Osiris..Ive been pulling for that section for sometime now |
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Date: 7/23/2002 1:43:00 AM
From Authorid: 22080
and HEY osiris i resent that lil comment j/k why do you gotta pick on me tho lol |
Date: 7/23/2002 2:39:00 AM
From Authorid: 28946
I agree with Agent Smith. They let someone back here that put down usm and certain good people on here. That awful person even told usmer's real names on her site and called every usmer names that was slanderous! How can someone like that be allowed back here is beyond me.  |
Date: 7/23/2002 4:26:00 AM
From Authorid: 16950
Wow Penny! Someone really did that?  I have never heard anything about that but then again I am pretty much out of the loop most of the time. LOL  Love & hugs,  |
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Date: 7/23/2002 4:27:00 AM
From Authorid: 16950
Now that I think about it, I think I know who that was. Luv, |
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Date: 7/23/2002 5:33:00 AM
From Authorid: 1631
I hear you there, Agent Smith. My passion is fading due to the constant deletions and unecessary censorship (necessary censorship I'm FINE with i.e. profanity and vulgarity). I'm just not cut out to be a drone. Where does that leave me?... |
Date: 7/23/2002 6:07:00 AM
From Authorid: 51173
What irks me is half-hearted research on the serious posts. You know, only using sources that confirm your own pre-concieved notions on a subject. Someone once posted a story on pagan copycat myths (Mithraism in particular) and their influence on Christianity. I researched their sources, found rebuttles, found rebuttles for those rebuttles, found rebuttles for those rebuttles, and even found a document from a secular historical society saying Mithraism had no influence on Christianity but Christianity influenced Mithraism. And the author replied, "You're a Christian. I'd expect you to lie for your faith." (BOY WAS I HOT!!) And this kind of thing is happening too much here on religious posts. Research is dismissed because of who it comes from not the quality of the information. --- Another issue with me is the justifications for deleting a post. Last week, I posted a reprint of a story from another web site (with their permission I might add - and ironically it was on Mithraism too) that read like a Monty Python skit. And it was pulled because it insulted Mithra worshipers - which there haven't been any in 1500 years! I feel it was just an excuse to take out a post that ran contrary to someone's preconcieved notions. Peace, Tom  |
Date: 7/23/2002 6:23:00 AM
From Authorid: 33925
I have learned here over the past year that if you have any type of intelligence its considered a liability. Post a serious post and noone comes..post a silly post and they come by the truckloads..ugh...I TRY very hard to write posts that are intelligent and well written..not that I always succeed though..and I have to agree with Agent Smith and Penny..I cannot for the life of me understand how someone who has attacked GOOD members of this site could be allowed to come back..that just blows my mind. And then you have people like Gail who will not come back..I couldnt even beg her..She has had enough and just does not want to be a part of a site like this, where the whiny, snotty, and rude get promoted while the good people of this site get snubbed..I can't say as I blame her..She has willpower..For me..I have non and readily admit I am addicted to USM and could not, NOT come here.  |
Date: 7/23/2002 6:37:00 AM
From Authorid: 19092
If I wasn't so dumb, I'd probably have something intelligent to say. I don't feel anyone should "dumb down" a post because of fear about offending someone. Sometimes, people are going to be offended when it comes to subjects they hold close to their hearts such as religion and God regardless of the intellectual level of the post. I often wear my feelings on my sleeve and have let my emotions control my words. It is a "fault" that I am still learning to deal with. There's a small group of good, intelligent debators here that have had some awesome discussions and I feel we have all learned from each other. If the "dumb" ones don't want to take the time to read, reply, get involved, and learn then they can just stay "dumb". I love to have fun too and clown around, but I also need to exercise my more serious side. Thanks Karma for an "intelligent" discussion...  |
Date: 7/23/2002 7:53:00 AM
From Authorid: 14254
Question 1: I don't think anyone should dumb-down their answers. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to...and when you don't, an arguement erupts because that person has no idea of the point you're trying to convey. I hate dumbing-down anything because it makes me sound as ill-informed as the person I'm debating. Question 2: Never, ever forget about researching! Research and post, even if half the room doesn't get it. There will always be one person out there who reads your research and becomes enlightened, though 99 others will drool and decide not to comment. And yes, a little more substance would be cool. I personally avoid the "mainstream fluff" posts. I could care less about Brittany and Christina (no offense to the author of that post...just my opinion). They'll both be gone the way of Debbie Gibson and Tiffany in ten years, anyhow. A good theological/philosophical/political debate is meaningful, because those three will always be around.  |
Date: 7/23/2002 9:09:00 AM
From Authorid: 25438
I would say you need to find a happy medium to post at. YES do research but don't bore people...keep the post interesting just throw your facts in here and there when NECESSARY!!!  |
Date: 7/23/2002 9:11:00 AM
From Authorid: 24732
This reminds me of the time when I spent a long time writing a debate here about "madatory volunteerism in schools", then I got some replies. But another debate was right next to mine on the debate page, it had over 30 replies. And the saddest part was it was over something so frivilous like "Freddy vs. Jason" A small paraghraph about charachters in a horror movie had more people that my debate that I researched and took time writing. I usually don't get very mad, but that made me angry. I probably would get lots of replies if I wrote "fluff" debates like I see all the time, but I refuse to write a debate that doesn't make me think more than one choice over the other.  |
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Date: 7/23/2002 3:44:00 PM
From Authorid: 54987
Alien you are so right! That happened to me too. I sometimes think that a bunch get together and agree to post silly remarks in order to bump up the replies. An example was a silly post on conspiracy section about cerial. I think Admin should move these silly posts to the 'humor' section. What's the point of having sections devoted to certain areas just to find silly joke posts. It seems to me that quantity is more important than quality... Lady Nyx you are such a good debater! They should have you in the UN together with Thinker.... Coolade |
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Date: 7/23/2002 4:42:00 PM
From Authorid: 30051
Peace dude |
Date: 7/23/2002 9:29:00 PM
From Authorid: 27678
I don't know the answer to these questions, Karma. I had a really important piece concerning FEMA and tent cities for city dwellers that was deleted, and I still don't understand why, except that it wasn't debatable somehow, but I give up. It seems that this "war" has taken away the fire out of some of us, and we're all tip toeing around, afraid to have real discussions or debate important matters. Brittany vs. Christina is so old, but what can we do? It's not a "freedom site," and when you have to deal with moderators who don't like your political views, then I suppose you have to expect to get thrashed. At least, I do.  |
Date: 7/23/2002 10:10:00 PM
From Authorid: 37900
If someone posts or replies on USM, s/he must believe s/he has a thought or information that others would be interested in. Otherwise, there is no reason to get an ID. Responses to posts prove to me that others are interested in people's opinions. For me, constructing a response is like surgery: addressing the issue with precision and minimum damage. I am very interested in how others respond to my comments, because replies are a gauge of my effectiveness as a writer. The function of posts and replies should be to learn something about the topic, something about others and something about you. IMO, people are offended because they choose to be; not every idiotic comment that someone makes to you or about you deserves a reply. I view personal attacks as evidence that the author has exhausted his or her arguments, and has resorted to diversions. I hope that those of you who post frequently will do your best to ignore the shallow minds that feel the need to insult, and continue to put your best effort into everything you write. Great post!  |
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Date: 7/23/2002 10:18:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 17516
Alfrowi, if that is your goal, I would say that you always reach it. I love to read your comments and am always honored when you take the time to reply to my posts. |
Date: 7/24/2002 8:28:00 PM
From Authorid: 59261
I'm new here but have replied to several different posts in different catagories. A few replies I have made in the religion catagory. being an Atheist I have replied with my opinion hoping others would respect and leave up there for others to view but they were deleted. Guess some are just close minded and think only what they think is fact. Why post a question for others to reply to too begin with ??? I still love the site and find the people as well as the topics very interesting and still plan on replying and posting if need be. ~*Robyn*~  |
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Date: 7/24/2002 8:36:00 PM
From Authorid: 51173
As it should be Robyn. Welcome aboard. Peace, Tom |
Date: 7/25/2002 8:01:00 PM
From Authorid: 53314
Honestly I hate the people that dont really debate just say you odd for no signifigant reason like "Your wrong because my bible says so".  |
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Date: 7/26/2002 7:54:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 17516
Well I can't say I "hate" them, but lazy thinking from anyone bugs me, so I know what you mean |
Date: 7/26/2002 11:32:00 AM
From Authorid: 51070
Well, if you don't research what you're going to write, then you're going to sound like a complete idiot when you have a few facts wrong. And, also, why should we "dumb" down our posts so we don't get people mad at us? We state what's on our mind and if someone doesn't like it, they can buzz off! There's such a thing called Freedom of Speech, no?  |
Date: 11/12/2002 8:22:00 PM
From Authorid: 20296
a simply stated "NO"  |
