Flare Sci-Fi Forums: Whatever happened to the art of intelligent discussion?

This is topic Whatever happened to the art of intelligent discussion? in forum The Flameboard at Flare Sci-Fi Forums.

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Posted by Orion Syndicate (Member # 25) on :

When I first started at these forums about a year and a half ago, I found a place where we could all have decent discussions about a range of issues as well as have a laugh in the process. There were always a large number of threads where you could post your point of view and expect to get a very good reply which you could then counter if you wished. The discussions were always interesting.

However recently, quite a few threads that could prove to be interesting discussions are always hijacked by one or two people and they turn into nothing but a slanging match. Whereas I used to go through every thread and always have something to post, we only have one or two threads in each forum (if that) which seem worthy of posting into. Other times, I'm posting just for the sake of posting.

I don't have a problem with the diversity of threads and topics, but we need to regain these intelligent discussions that we used to have. I posted the 'religion is dead' thread, and so far everyone has seemed to refrain from any slanging off. *touches wood*. This has however been very rare in the near past and I have found myself coming into the library looking for some good threads, but don't find many.

I am in the end a creature of habit and have posted here for a while and will probably stay for a while longer, but we need to improve the quality of threads. I'm sure many new posters have registered, found nothing here that they like and have gone. All these new members that have appeared and disappeared recently would probably show this.

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Whenever people agree with me, I always feel I must be wrong.

[This message has been edited by Orion Syndicate (edited January 29, 2000).]

Posted by Alshrim Dax (Member # 258) on :

I've always found most of the comments placed here are rather intellegent, and somewhat well thought out !!

Truth is .. most of the time I come here to get away from reality... to live in the Star Trek world and be away with the harshness of life, if for just 15 minutes.

However, I always find myself in the Flameboards, cuz I also love a good debate .. and I have placed my opinions in a few of the threads here.

I'm not much on arguing religion - I really don't have opinions there .. I have learned that my beliefs are mine to carry .. and mine to keep. Everyone sees God differently, and there is, in my opinion, no wrong way to do it. Debate is futile.. I find that debate in this type of topic may lead into 'My God is better than your God' type of slamming .. and .. well..I find that type of conversation useless.

I have found 3 of the most recent threads here have touched this topic and I have avoided them.

I like topical discussion on science, gun control - most of you remember my heated words in that thread - I find it important to preserve the rights of individuals, their race, orientations etc.. I like the fact that we are free people .. but I can't stand the way some of the people in this world want to squash that freedom !! You know stuff like that..

I don't force my opinions on anyone ... I just put a voice out there with a different perspective.

In essence, I like good, intellegent debate as well ..

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-There can be only Nine !! ..mmm.. maybe 10 !!

- Alshrim Dax
The Other Dax!

[This message has been edited by Alshrim Dax (edited January 29, 2000).]

Posted by Montgomery (Member # 23) on :

Yesssss!
Nothing like sinking one's intellectual teeth into a weak argument and chomping away!

I value the Flameboard as I've found Trek fans are among the few people in the world who are willing to discuss anything of importance. I respect anyone who appreciates a good trek , thus am interested in what they have to say. Not that I agree withit all, mind. I mean, some of you guys is just CWAZY!

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"You don't need eyes to see; you need VISION"
- Faithless / Reverence

Posted by Aban Rune (Member # 226) on :

What I have found lately on a number of issues (not just the ones on the Flameboard, but in society in general) is this:

People who hold the belief that there is no wrong way to do anything and should be able to do as they please expect others to grant them that freedom and respect their choices. This is certainly understandable. No one should have their beliefs called stupid or wrong until they begin to infringe on the rights of others.

However, as soon as someone comes along with a more defined set of beliefs, a definate standard of living (as sometimes found in organized religion), they seem to forget the right of others to believe in THEIR own way, even if that means living by a set of rules.

In other words, it's ok to be "free minded" but being "narrow minded" (and, no, I do not believe that those terms necessarily fit but they were all I could come up with) is wrong and stupid and all the things the "free minded" people think that the "narrow minded" tag to their beliefs. People still have the right to think that certain things are wrong! People still have the right to think that certain things are incorrect! After all, how can you discuss a topic that has so much varied opinion without believing your opinion is right? If you don't believe that you are right, it's not a belief!

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"A gathering of Angels appeared above my head. They sang to me this song of hope, and this is what they said..." -Styx

Aban's Illustration www.thespeakeasy.com/alanfore

Posted by Mythril (Member # 286) on :

Intellectual conversation died when they began airing jerry springer.

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I am not responsible for the stupidity of other people.

Posted by Alshrim Dax (Member # 258) on :

*LMAO*

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-There can be only Nine !! ..mmm.. maybe 10 !!

- Alshrim Dax
The Other Dax: