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To William, and everybody on this thread and other threads, here's a suggestion:
When posting messages, focus on the IDEAS, NOT the PEOPLE.
Most people enjoy a tough discussion about their IDEAS. But, they don't enjoy being attacked personally! Example:
- "You are OK, but your idea is DUMB! Here's why..."
versus:
- "You are DUMB! Here's why..."
In the first, the receiver of the message is challenged to defend his/her IDEA. Others become involved and we have a lively discourse. Everybody wins because ideas are shared.
In the second, the receiver of the message has to defend THEMSELF. The idea under discussion is completely lost. Nobody wins because everybody else tunes out both the sender AND the receiver.
Also, when one person launches a PERSONAL attack on another, outside viewers are less likely to listen to the attacker in the future. It is the attacker, NOT the attacked, who loses. For example, there is someone on another thread (I've never seen him on this thread) that attacks everybody. Anybody who disagrees with his opinions is attacked violently. Result - When I see his name on ANY thread, I NEVER read the message. Never! He loses!
Finally, we have the issue of shills - people who have hidden motives and agendas. I hate them. I wish they did not exist. But...
It's been my experience that, over time, these people slip up and show their true nature. They become forceful when it is not reasonable. They push ideas that seem irrational. If I suspect someone of being a shill, I attack their IDEAS. If they can't defend their ideas to a challenge, I categorize them as either dumb, a newbie or a shill and stop reading their posts. Most perceptive people (like members of SI) do likewise. Result - attacker loses! If they attack me, I write them off as a bozo. Result - attacker loses!
Let's focus on the ideas.
Regards,
Dan. |
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