Politics in OTW

nrl · Guru Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 446 Location: Glasgow, UK

I am sure we are all aware of the large number of heated "debates" that we get in OTW these days. Now in light of the fact that 90% of them degenerate into the same unresolvable disagreements between the "neo-con fascists" and the "chicken shit bleading-heart liberals" among us, would it perhaps be a better idea to cut them down a little?
I am not suggesting that mods should lock down these threads and I will be the first to admit I have got involved in many a flame war :twisted:

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Anyway the question is simple "is there too much politics in OTW". I am refering in particular to topics where somebody posts a link to a news article or mentions an issue that has been discussed no end in the media already purely (or so it seems) to provoke a big flame war.

So what do you people think? Again I am not suggesting censorship and I am aware that I can easily ignore such threads if I choose, I am just interested in what others think about this.

PS. As usual if this is a dupe I apologise.

Edit: Oh yea and I am aware there are too many crap polls in OTW so just stick to the topic please

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feliperal · Apprentice Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 168

Too be honest, the flame wars on this forum are what make it very distinct and interesting. It just when people take in personally and make threats like I'm gonna fuck you up or kick your ass.

This is wrong. If you don't like my someone slanted right conservative opinions, at least state way. I don't mind of you call me a dumb fuck or an asshole--alot of people do anyways-- but back up your statements.

I think the moderators getting involved is wrong and limits the freedom of speech on these forums...Although it is not considered a public forum, the moderators have said that they would respect peoples opinons to some extent. Having them lock the posts or deleting them because some people thing they are offensive is censorship!

Just because someone has a far out or unpopular view, he should be able to express it to the point where is not threatning the person with violence.

idl · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 1:11 am Post subject:

What better to do then get involved in long heated arguments to pass the time waiting for ebuilds to merge?

solomonHk · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 1:19 am Post subject:

ROFL, howd you know the reason I come to OTW?????

Guest · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 1:23 am Post subject:

OTW is a very nice place to pass the time. I think that people like a23d56 have created some nice little characters for themselves and come in here and start sh*t to pass the time. Others, like me just read.

solomonHk · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 1:24 am Post subject:

Guest · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 1:28 am Post subject:

know whats sad. I just now noticed that a23d56 = 123456 .

solomonHk · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 1:30 am Post subject:

Guest · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 1:34 am Post subject:

Well, I can sit and think in RPN, but it takes me a couple months to count from 1 to 6 .

Mnemia · Guru Joined: 17 May 2002 Posts: 476

Why's it even matter? If you don't like to read all the flameworthy posts, then don't click on them. No one is forcing you to read them. The nice thing about the threaded interface is that it's totally up to you what you read on here.

Besides, I don't think there is any way of cutting down on it short of moderator intervention. It's pretty much a given that any board like this is going to have a lot of political debates, and more so because of how diverse the readership of these forums is (nationally, politicially).

Besides, it can be entertaining at times. I go through binges where I participate in a lot of OTW flame wars and then I take a few weeks off. It doesn't really bother me what other people say though, no matter how asinine I think it is :wink:

Gandalf the White · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 1:37 am Post subject:

@porodzila: LMAO dude, you have WAY too much free time.

Although I do think that there is way too much politics in OTW, and things have gotten a bit out of hand, I also think that, hey, it's OTW, it's supposed to. It'll never change, but yes, people, try not to take things so seriously.

Alien Orifice · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 2:11 am Post subject:

I for one like the opportunity for political discussion, and also believe that ( as has been said by many others both past and present ) it is vital to a truly free society.

Unfortunately, there is a small, yet very vocal, minority here who are unable to engage in debate and discussion of any kind. The inability of this minority to defend their positions in a logical manner devolves into name-calling, bigotry, borderline racism, and other fun stuff.

Now, there is nothing wrong with debates getting heated, as this can actually add to the discussion. Passion about ones ideas is a good thing. However, answers like "because liberals are all whiny babies" and other nonsense really make it pointless to continue. How about, I disagree with your liberal view because [ insert well-thought out counter arguments here ].

The real irony is this is a Linux forum, a place where I would expect a healthy respect for others differences. But, as is proved true here, there's these types in every crowd....
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khiloa · Guru Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 333 Location: Florence, SC

I sit here and try to take part in some of the conversations here in OTW but I usually can't find anything to say.

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robmoss · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 3:00 am Post subject:

Personally, I'm all for such debates, but when it descends into name-calling, it should be stopped. Insults are against the rules of the forum, and if you haven't read them - well that's your own luck out. They're there to read.

But considering that when it comes to supposedly grown-up arguments, we all start acting like children. We can't be trusted. As such, I voted "yes."
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Guest · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 3:05 am Post subject:

AgentMascan · n00b Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 29 Location: Idaho, USA

skyfolly · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 3:44 am Post subject:

OTW reflects how the cruel wars out there happen.

Everyone tries to impose their way of thinking on others.

Politics sucks, yet we have to deal with it in everyday's life.

People shamelessly bring all things into politics, from economy to sports, even an actress can be put into flame war of politics.

This makes me sick.
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solomonHk · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 4:09 am Post subject:

I dont really agree with you skyfolly. I think its more like everyone is so selfconcious of their own thoughts that they tend to think that whenever someone expresses a view opposing theirs that they are trying to push it off on them. Simply not true.

And I would hope that anyone, ANYONE, on this board that has been exposed to my cold, methodical, conservative side has also seen that I am not as serious as I get in some posts. Mostly I am here to have fun with people. Yeah, if you wanna call it trolling, yes I do get a kick out making people go off the deep end. But its all in good fun.

Oh well! Cheers everyone!

skyfolly · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 4:45 am Post subject:

Hm, perhaps I get things too damn seriously or My IQ and EQ are too damn low to realise the fun.

Thanks for reminding me anyway.
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blaksaga · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 5:23 am Post subject:

Yes, way too much politics.

I come here when I'm bored to be amused...so I usually skip over Erik's overly biased political threads.

I miss the good old threads like "pubic hair" and such.
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feliperal · Apprentice Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 168

stormcrowley · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 6:36 am Post subject:

Discussion of different points of view is fine, as long as it does start with the "your belief is wrong because" and degenerate into "you noob you're so stupid" etc etc.

Flamewars help nobody. If you find yourself actually getting mad about something posted here, do yourself and everyone here a favor and go run a mile. Once you're done, you should feel a bit better from channeling that energy into physical activity, and should be able to reply with a more calm mindset.

Instead of saying "you're wrong, bcause...," I suggest one simply says "I disagree with this point because..." since it's more respectful of other people.

Anyway, there's the change I dug out of my pocket. I think it ended up being a bit more than $0.02.

stonent · Veteran Joined: 07 Aug 2003 Posts: 1139 Location: Texas

Unlike certain people, I can participate in threads and argue without resorting to tactics that will get the thread locked.

That is why I will always know I'm superior. :twisted:

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stormcrowley · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 6:42 am Post subject:

NiklasH · Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 7:15 am Post subject:

I like a good flamewar, even though I don't often participate in them myself.
It's like watching a car crash... :twisted:

Although I think it's a bit over the top when people start threatening each other just because they disagree. I guess most people want all people in the world to be happy, it's just that we see very differently on how that could be achieved. Just because I think that conservatives and right-wingers are way off on most issues, it doesn't have to mean that I think they are evil people.

*Sigh* Aww, wasn't that cute...

Anyway: bring on the flamewars! They make for good entertainment while waiting for a build to complete.
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