General Discussion

1monster

(11,044 posts)

264. Sigh. I've seen several really good message boards ruined by those who use bad manners,

Sun Aug 18, 2013, 02:58 PM

Aug 2013

lack of courtesy, disrespect, and other such methods to belittle others, rather than offering reasoned thoughts and facts, so that their viewpoint will stand.

In the end, the last people standing on those boards were the ones using those methods, as those who believedi in thoughtful and factual debate left in disgust for greener pastures. Then the dismissers went in search of the ones who left and infiltrated the new discussion boards (on several different occassions) and followed the same pattern. Eventually, those who believed in civilized behavoir completely disbanded with a very few still in rare e-mail communication with each other.

The OP is correct. The character and flavor of this board has changed, and not for the better. I don't see DU fading away any time soon, but the disease has set in and it would take strong medicine to treat it. I don't see that happening any time soon either.

In the meantime, I doubt anything I've typed on this thread will make any kind of positive impression on you, thus, I am bowing out of further discussion with you.

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A thank you to Democratic Underground, and a plea. [View all] TekGryphon Aug 2013 OP

"but I want to leave you with a thought that deeply disturbs me" zappaman Aug 2013 #1

Thanks for the example. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #4

My apologies for that dickish response from a fellow DU'er Pretzel_Warrior Aug 2013 #95

I wish I could say it surprises me davidpdx Aug 2013 #201

That one just cannot help itself, can it not? Link Speed Aug 2013 #253

Speaking of "dickish posts"... zappaman Aug 2013 #256

Mine too BobbyBoring Aug 2013 #274

One of my favorite songs zappaman Aug 2013 #283

You're right. There's way too much of that on DU these days. n/t pnwmom Aug 2013 #141

And the first response proves your point... malthaussen Aug 2013 #197

... Rex Aug 2013 #96

Totally uncalled for. 1monster Aug 2013 #250

Ask the OP why he was banned before. zappaman Aug 2013 #251

I don't care if or why the OP was banned before. You are the one who behaved badly in 1monster Aug 2013 #252

ahhhh zappaman Aug 2013 #255

If the poster you are referring to was previously banned (and how the heck would you know 1monster Aug 2013 #260

"unpardonably rude" zappaman Aug 2013 #263

Sigh. I've seen several really good message boards ruined by those who use bad manners, 1monster Aug 2013 #264

" The character and flavor of this board has changed, and not for the better. " Puglover Aug 2013 #267

Or in 2004 when Kerry got roasted. Rex Aug 2013 #268

No, I've been reading since March, 2001 and have been a member since 2002. 1monster Aug 2013 #271

One doesn't need to take note. Puglover Aug 2013 #276

Agreed. Its always an easier sell to point out the disagreement(s) we may have with others, Volaris Aug 2013 #280

DU has become chock full of people who seem hell bent on destroying kestrel91316 Aug 2013 #275

This message was self-deleted by its author TekGryphon Aug 2013 #2

Allow me to be the first rec Fumesucker Aug 2013 #3

The community has changed nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #5

I'm considering using ignore to knock out the passive aggressivism on both sides... TekGryphon Aug 2013 #14

And you will have even less of those nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #17

It's always been like this, that's why we have dungeons. bemildred Aug 2013 #6

It has not always been like this, not even close. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #9

Yeah, I mean fuck, how would I know? nt bemildred Aug 2013 #16

Selective memory, I suppose. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #26

I come here to argue. Arguing is not bad. This is not some echo chamber. bemildred Aug 2013 #36

"I come here to argue" TekGryphon Aug 2013 #46

Arguing IS debate. nt bemildred Aug 2013 #47

And debate is arguing. What you want is civil discourse. bemildred Aug 2013 #49

Thank you for sharing that. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #50

Amen! Just Saying Aug 2013 #60

Yes ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2013 #75

+1,000! Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #295

And the really sad part of the matter is ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2013 #299

It's true jzola Aug 2013 #129

The dictionary definition of "argue" is this.. Fumesucker Aug 2013 #135

You've said it all right there, TG--civil debate has degenerated into agressive argument... Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #180

i disagree too. iamthebandfanman Aug 2013 #249

Oh no it isn't. BlueStreak Aug 2013 #215

+1000 !!!! orpupilofnature57 Aug 2013 #54

Excellent observation, TG... Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #179

I've noticed the lack of new material also. CANDO Aug 2013 #228

The signal to noise ratio here in GD is pathetic these days Fumesucker Aug 2013 #12

That's because we are important now. bemildred Aug 2013 #19

Disagree about what? Fumesucker Aug 2013 #34

I never did either. If fact I would question the idea. bemildred Aug 2013 #37

Post removed Post removed Aug 2013 #7

That post was, imo, a good example of the problem. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #10

I will not go quietly into the night. PowerToThePeople Aug 2013 #13

"There is no discussing with them." TekGryphon Aug 2013 #18

No. PowerToThePeople Aug 2013 #23

Not much of a homework assignment. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #24

He could provide plenty of such posts, what he said was he didn't want to bother. sabrina 1 Aug 2013 #109

NOPE fascisthunter Aug 2013 #281

I agree with him...there is no room anymore nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #31

Trust me, paulbots is mild from what they really think nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #21

Visit the Gungeon, an OPEN group BTW, and Paulbots is mild stuff. Eleanors38 Aug 2013 #244

I've been here since '05. cherokeeprogressive Aug 2013 #8

Why do you think I would enjoy the BOG? TekGryphon Aug 2013 #11

What's the BOG? redwitch Aug 2013 #15

It's the Barack Obama Group. A "safe haven" where nary a bad word is tolerated. n/t cherokeeprogressive Aug 2013 #20

Barack Obama Group, I think. War of the Insults goes on, this thread apparently not helping. nt bemildred Aug 2013 #22

BOG is Barack Obama group darkangel218 Aug 2013 #51

I enjoy the BOG mimi85 Aug 2013 #64

Lol. Im banned from there. Myself along with 91 other people darkangel218 Aug 2013 #68

Lol. I can't imagine why. Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #99

Lol!! so enjoy it! we wont bother you :) darkangel218 Aug 2013 #131

"We?" Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #134

In my previous post i mentioned 91 other people are banned as well. darkangel218 Aug 2013 #140

? Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #149

The very first post you replied to! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #156

And what do my hidden posts have anything to do with BOG? darkangel218 Aug 2013 #133

Probably more to do with the underlying attitude Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #137

Lmao!! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #138

No, I seriously doubt that Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #148

" A good portion of that number reflects banned trolls" darkangel218 Aug 2013 #163

Whooosh Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #219

No, let me be blunt. All you do is flame bait and throw personal attacks. darkangel218 Aug 2013 #221

"harmless conversation" Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #229

And i wasnt lecturing anyone about anything. You started this. Did you not? darkangel218 Aug 2013 #224

it's a subgroup where the truest devotees of the President meet to speak of his goodness, share Douglas Carpenter Aug 2013 #139

Dammit! now i regret ever disagreeing with thwm! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #142

I don't see too many of the bickering nitwits Warpy Aug 2013 #25

Recovering republicans... I say Conservatives, period nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #27

Interesting Andy823 Aug 2013 #45

Thank you. kentuck Aug 2013 #28

Yes, our haven was "discovered" elfin Aug 2013 #29

Even local news that should be national nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #30

The trouble with not replying to inflammatory posts is then they get accepted as true Fumesucker Aug 2013 #32

The DU was "discovered" over a decade ago TekGryphon Aug 2013 #39

Cancer outside infantile passive-aggressive clique wars bemildred Aug 2013 #40

I hope I'm not the only one who can appreciate this irony. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #41

I was once attacked for only having 1300 or so posts... CANDO Aug 2013 #231

Nah, there are perhaps 10 posters here that dominate and disrupt discussion. Mojorabbit Aug 2013 #59

Well I have to say defacto7 Aug 2013 #91

Care to link to something that illustrates what you are saying? That would be helpful. sabrina 1 Aug 2013 #115

Keep an eye on the Greatest section of the Home Page TekGryphon Aug 2013 #123

I've been here for nearly nine years, so I'm familiar with the way the Greatest page works. sabrina 1 Aug 2013 #136

Read the 3rd post of that "substantive" thread TekGryphon Aug 2013 #172

If so, then they were posting here when you thought this was a great board. merrily Aug 2013 #196

This sums up what I'm thinking theaocp Aug 2013 #207

Posting is not holding his feet to the fire, though. merrily Aug 2013 #300

P.S. I think it's easier and vastly more preferable to control one's own reading behavior merrily Aug 2013 #301

I don't see it as one issue posters hootinholler Aug 2013 #217

This needed to be said Marrah_G Aug 2013 #33

I would argue that this site has been largely the same since you arrived burnodo Aug 2013 #35

No, I completely reject that. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #38

In 2002 the entirety of the site was aligned against George W. Bush burnodo Aug 2013 #42

There's a lot of truth to your post, but I still remember the debates TekGryphon Aug 2013 #43

Those debates are still happening burnodo Aug 2013 #44

No, they really are not nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #61

Didn't you just sign up in April? You seem like such an expert for so short a time sabrina 1 Aug 2013 #158

Bazinga! HangOnKids Aug 2013 #165

. darkangel218 Aug 2013 #167

I have answered numerous attempts to peg me to "a side" of the NSA issue TekGryphon Aug 2013 #171

I appreciate your posts on this thread. nt msanthrope Aug 2013 #199

Ask him why he got banned the first time from DU. Rex Aug 2013 #242

Something smells rotten. zappaman Aug 2013 #247

Yes I believe so. Rex Aug 2013 #257

Apparently not zappaman Aug 2013 #258

Yes you should learn the rules of debate per the OP! Rex Aug 2013 #262

I signed on to DU about March or April of 2001... kentuck Aug 2013 #48

Add to that the small group of people nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #53

... my take on it too. n/t RKP5637 Aug 2013 #57

You are a writer! Rebellious Republican Aug 2013 #83

Thank you RR! kentuck Aug 2013 #110

Thanks kentuk! Rebellious Republican Aug 2013 #130

RR where the heck have you been? I've been watching for your posts. madfloridian Aug 2013 #190

I have to take breaks on occasion, to keep my perspective fresh. Rebellious Republican Aug 2013 #254

That's a great synopsis of DU history. defacto7 Aug 2013 #125

Yep. Right on the money. Rex Aug 2013 #126

I love how half the posts in this thread prove your OP to a T. Number23 Aug 2013 #52

It is a shell, but as you said, it is by design nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #58

I'm curious what you mean in saying, defacto7 Aug 2013 #151

It's the moderation nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #218

... Kali Aug 2013 #279

!!! zappaman Aug 2013 #284

Thanks for filling me in Nadin. defacto7 Aug 2013 #289

I honestly don't know any more nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #291

This message was self-deleted by its author nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #292

DU is a business and has been one for a while Fumesucker Aug 2013 #157

Pretty much. joshcryer Aug 2013 #173

Exactly right LondonReign2 Aug 2013 #225

You said it, N°23! Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #193

And protestations that "DU is a business" don't mean squat. The dwindling page views Number23 Aug 2013 #288

There are things that could be done to improve the quality of discourse Fumesucker Aug 2013 #290

Word! Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #296

Well said, I think there are a lot of schoolyard fights on DU anymore. n/t RKP5637 Aug 2013 #55

I guess you've forgotten the 2004 primary season. Warren DeMontague Aug 2013 #56

LOL laundry_queen Aug 2013 #74

hear, hear! defacto7 Aug 2013 #127

+1,000! Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #186

There are some very serious and troubling issues impacting our party and nation... Demo_Chris Aug 2013 #62

+1million!!! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #63

'How Other People Dissapoint Me'-Variation Number Who's Counting? Bluenorthwest Aug 2013 #65

Your sentiments are felt here Sedona Aug 2013 #66

90% of everything on DU has always been crud... hunter Aug 2013 #67

Nope. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #70

An example of what? That 90% hasn't always been crud? hunter Aug 2013 #106

Allow me to clarify: TekGryphon Aug 2013 #183

Du has changed in some ways. mstinamotorcity2 Aug 2013 #69

+1 well stated. n/t jaysunb Aug 2013 #84

Thank mstinamotorcity2 Aug 2013 #92

+1. Right on the money. nt bemildred Aug 2013 #122

Thanks Tek 90-percent Aug 2013 #71

People are not universally progressive or conservative and particularly they are not interested in Mass Aug 2013 #72

Good post! By 'n' large, I'm still pretty content with DU. calimary Aug 2013 #90

I'm actually quite happy to see so many liberals willing to stand up to the DLC. liberal_at_heart Aug 2013 #73

Thank you. 840high Aug 2013 #78

You are getting there RobertEarl Aug 2013 #76

The majority of comments to this OP ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2013 #77

Right on cue. Rex Aug 2013 #79

With the cliques meme too! HangOnKids Aug 2013 #86

It is like watching a bad television program. Rex Aug 2013 #87

You seem to have a soft spot for that one Egnever Aug 2013 #88

No. Thanks for asking though. n/t HangOnKids Aug 2013 #132

In 2002 I was busy realizing that Ronald Reagan wasn't the worst the GOP could throw at the world. delrem Aug 2013 #80

One hundred and fifty-eight posts since 2002? Hmmmm? another_liberal Aug 2013 #81

I will not pardon you, because you're a perfect example of the problem. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #102

Need I tell you what you are a "perfect example" of? another_liberal Aug 2013 #144

Then feel free to prove you're not an irrational, phantom-chasing, loon... TekGryphon Aug 2013 #145

The top post of this string. another_liberal Aug 2013 #152

That is not apologizing for the NSA muriel_volestrangler Aug 2013 #188

I happen to disagree . . . another_liberal Aug 2013 #192

There is no hint of a 'hidden message' whatsoever muriel_volestrangler Aug 2013 #194

That is your opinion, sir. another_liberal Aug 2013 #195

I was the first rec on the OP Fumesucker Aug 2013 #226

Meh. I think the earlier thread shows they are consistent about one thing muriel_volestrangler Aug 2013 #243

You can stop calling me "paranoid" . . . another_liberal Aug 2013 #248

They know everything about everything! Rex Aug 2013 #259

Yeah . . . another_liberal Aug 2013 #266

For no reason, you think government agents are trying to oppose your point of view muriel_volestrangler Aug 2013 #261

Like I said . . . another_liberal Aug 2013 #265

And there you have it... Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #297

Oh be careful he might call you names while moaning about name calling HangOnKids Aug 2013 #147

Just a dupe . . . another_liberal Aug 2013 #150

They are all 29 on the internet! n/t HangOnKids Aug 2013 #166

lmao!!! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #169

Sometimes, you can not only see through their "cover" NorthCarolina Aug 2013 #230

Very good point. another_liberal Aug 2013 #246

Well young buck, I have been around here for a few days, and a former republican.... Rebellious Republican Aug 2013 #82

Been a member since 2009 tiredtoo Aug 2013 #85

What the hell. It is a discussion board. People disagree. People feel strongly about issues. n-t Logical Aug 2013 #89

Thank you for the heart felt post. I hope this thread Pretzel_Warrior Aug 2013 #93

I too mostly read the information here before beginning to post. SleeplessinSoCal Aug 2013 #94

DU goes through phases. Blue_In_AK Aug 2013 #97

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but MannyGoldstein Aug 2013 #98

The party is divided. Notafraidtoo Aug 2013 #100

Thank you for the dinner, I had a wonderful time, well exceptthe fish was overcooked... Safetykitten Aug 2013 #101

11 years later and from 18 to 29. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #103

Far from perfect. Ask anyone here, they will tell you. Safetykitten Aug 2013 #104

No one needs to tell me. I can see ugliness just fine. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #107

Well you did say you were a conservative. I don't make up the facts, just report 'em. Safetykitten Aug 2013 #111

And now I'm a progressive, and I see that as a progressive... TekGryphon Aug 2013 #113

Oooohhhh, your a progressive now. I see, you said you came from an economically conservative family. Safetykitten Aug 2013 #116

I was an economic conservative when I was 18, 11 years ago. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #118

this is the right place questionseverything Aug 2013 #153

Also, pray tell, what is "my party"? TekGryphon Aug 2013 #105

I don't know, you tell me. Safetykitten Aug 2013 #108

No. You tell me. Among the rest of your disgusting and offensive accusations... TekGryphon Aug 2013 #112

Well, my mistake, "The Beverly Pauls." By the way, is Rand really Jethro? Safetykitten Aug 2013 #114

Ahh, I see. You're suffering from the fantasy that my opinion on the NSA... TekGryphon Aug 2013 #117

Good for you, your first decision on a Democratic board..."lalalalalalalala" *fingers in ear* Safetykitten Aug 2013 #120

It does scare the shit out of me. Because where else is there to go? nt kelliekat44 Aug 2013 #119

Others are suggesting that the debates are still occuring on DU, but are buried in the sub-forums.. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #121

There is some stuff in the main forums - you could use the 'keyword trash' feature to clear the view muriel_volestrangler Aug 2013 #189

This is an awesome thread for anyone who wants to update their "ignore" list. hunter Aug 2013 #124

exellent olddots Aug 2013 #174

DU is still a place I get a lot of my news A Little Weird Aug 2013 #128

Maybe you started watching during an election season? pnwmom Aug 2013 #143

Your post must have *something* going for it. Systematic Chaos Aug 2013 #146

This is a hell of a strange OP. defacto7 Aug 2013 #154

Yeah, I'm starting to get a slightly hinky feeling about this too Fumesucker Aug 2013 #159

I'm with you man! DonRedwood Aug 2013 #155

I kind of think of DU as an atoll of rationality nowadays Fumesucker Aug 2013 #160

Why on earth would anyone on DU want to make this site more palatable octoberlib Aug 2013 #161

Agreed ! King_Klonopin Aug 2013 #162

Well said, KK...I identify entirely with your experience of DU. n/t Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #182

There is only one guarantee about our world. mick063 Aug 2013 #164

put the Bots on Ignore and it's more like the old DU Skittles Aug 2013 #168

You cannot help being the age you are. SheilaT Aug 2013 #170

I do think there used to be a greater number of substantive discussions on GD theHandpuppet Aug 2013 #175

K&R B Calm Aug 2013 #176

Thanks, TG, for daring to raise your voice above the general din Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #177

K&R But fear is never the answer. Fear is for those without conscience or conviction. Egalitarian Thug Aug 2013 #178

Cliques and purity tests and in-group/out-group thinking are destructive. nt Bernardo de La Paz Aug 2013 #181

Well said, friend. JNelson6563 Aug 2013 #184

Thank you, TekGryphon, and welcome... OneGrassRoot Aug 2013 #185

. blkmusclmachine Aug 2013 #187

Are your exchanges with Safety Kitten, beginning at Reply 101, merrily Aug 2013 #191

you said it! Chiquitita Aug 2013 #198

Your membership shows a start date of April. TBF Aug 2013 #200

+1 million! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #202

This message was self-deleted by its author seaglass Aug 2013 #204

Dear tek... annabanana Aug 2013 #203

Umm, OP. You just called a DUer a troll only days after you joined. darkangel218 Aug 2013 #205

I called him a troll in a direct reply to his trolling. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #235

IKR!? Rex Aug 2013 #238

There is a fundamental disagreement between factions of the party Doctor_J Aug 2013 #206

You are to be commended for your diligence randr Aug 2013 #208

Are the encroachers taking both sides of the issues? TekGryphon Aug 2013 #210

Perfect example randr Aug 2013 #214

My reply was just that. A reply. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #237

I think DU functions best when members and hosts follow the admin's SOP which for GD says Bluenorthwest Aug 2013 #209

Yes, I invite others to do the same. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #211

Except this is a post by you the very day you joined, attacking a good DUer with great venom. Bluenorthwest Aug 2013 #212

I think my posts in that thread speak for themselves. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #233

Oh thanks but I am not that great. Rex Aug 2013 #241

I thought you might at least address the contradictory nature of your own manners and the Bluenorthwest Aug 2013 #223

.... darkangel218 Aug 2013 #227

The silence is deafening. Agschmid Aug 2013 #232

You seem to be suffering from a bad case of false equivalency. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #234

Something to remember. There is no correlation between post count and contribution/insight BlueStreak Aug 2013 #213

I think what you're seeing is CrispyQ Aug 2013 #216

This message was self-deleted by its author School Teacher Aug 2013 #220

I have to say it is amusing to watch folks who have posted since April TBF Aug 2013 #222

No no no...he is an old member that got banned. Rex Aug 2013 #239

This message was self-deleted by its author seaglass Aug 2013 #272

Goodbye DU and Thanks for Showing It's True Colors School Teacher Aug 2013 #278

See post #1 zappaman Aug 2013 #285

There is a lot of BULLYING going on here at DU. It's smug and insidious LaydeeBug Aug 2013 #236

This is my favorite post ever. mahina Aug 2013 #240

With all due respect. Puglover Aug 2013 #245

Good for you, Puglover! another_liberal Aug 2013 #269

Sadly I didn't have that opportunity. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #282

I grew up without a Dad Puglover Aug 2013 #286

scared the shit out of me, too... once. stlsaxman Aug 2013 #270

I doubt you'd still be a conservative. caseymoz Aug 2013 #273

To me, it looks like it is not nearly as active as it used to be. Jamastiene Aug 2013 #277

people- it's the loss of the mods you are seeing. mopinko Aug 2013 #287

Hilarious thread. I give it 4.5 nachos out of 5. Dash87 Aug 2013 #293

This is without a doubt, one of the most hilarious threads on DU in ages. Safetykitten Aug 2013 #294

Directed by Steven Spielberg. Narrated by Morgan Freeman. Dash87 Aug 2013 #298