Off Topic
Tim A.,
Heck, most every thread on SI suffers from a balance problem, in at least a few participants' minds. It's just (and, very rightly, should be) the nature of the beast.
I think anyone should feel free to post most anything on a given thread. If it's off-topic or tangential at best, preface it so. If it's at odds with the thread's current slant, so much the better. These are supposed to be "discussion" threads. Me-to-ism is OK, to a point, and conflict is OK, too, as long as it remains, at all times, civil. Analysis -- shallow, deep, convoluted, penetrating, confused, and insightful all have their place, for each viewpoint allows us to approach the topic yet again, perhaps with a new perspective, from an angle we hadn't previously considered. Even (and maybe especially) those arguments completely at odds with one's current opinions can aid in developing a fuller picture and increase comprehension.
Anyone who orders another poster off "their thread" is perhaps just a bit too insecure in their own convictions to be able to tolerate any dissenting voice. If another poster's opinions are challenging, we can debate the points raised, if agreeable, elaborate and clarify, if tiresome, simply ignore.
IMHO, just because one encounters disagreement, that should never be taken to imply that that one's contributions are unwelcome. It's oh so natural to wish the world's issues to be painted black or white, as most politicians, theologians, and lesser demagogues would have us believe. However, any topic worthy of discussion cannot be cast as simply as an either/or proposition. That's why we are here. |
