Question on Forum Ettiquette

[Icarus Fallen]

Illustrious Admins,

Seriously, when another poster clearly exhibits the defining characteristics of, say, a "narrow-minded ol' geezer", ...why can't I say so?!

I feel all constricted and repressed around here.

[Goat]

Illustrious Admins,

Seriously, when another poster clearly exhibits the defining characteristics of, say, a "narrow-minded ol' geezer", ...why can't I say so?!

I feel all constricted and repressed around here.

This place is built on being civil, and you can address the issue , not the person.

[Icarus Fallen]

Goat,

This place is built on being civil, and you can address the issue , not the person.

But there are times in which "the person('s)" narrow-mindedness can (and probably should) be explicitly identified, so that its undeniable bearing on that individuals' understanding (or lack thereof) of "the issue(s)" in question can be considered and dealt with accordingly.

What's so great about "civil(ity)", anyway?

Let me tell ya', some of the most 'productive' conversations I've ever had ...have been straight-up NASTY!

I dunno. As a 'blue collar' layman and a High School dropout (albeit one with a PHD from the University of Hard Knox), there's something very archaic and unnatural about having to check myself with a civility meter that's been calibrated by a bunch of crusty ol' chodes I don't often agree with...

[otseng]

What's so great about "civil(ity)", anyway?

For me, and I believe for many others here, it's very important.

I dunno. As a 'blue collar' layman and a High School dropout (albeit one with a PHD from the University of Hard Knox), there's something very archaic and unnatural about having to check myself with a civility meter that's been calibrated by a bunch of crusty ol' chodes I don't often agree with...

There are plenty of other forums that are not restricted by being civil and respectful. Why do you then stay here?

Seriously, when another poster clearly exhibits the defining characteristics of, say, a "narrow-minded ol' geezer", ...why can't I say so?!

Because the rules that you agreed to when you signed up says you cannot.

I feel all constricted and repressed around here.

The rules are not going to change simply because you feel constricted and repressed.

[Icarus Fallen]

Otseng,

There are plenty of other forums that are not restricted by being civil and respectful. Why do you then stay here?

Surely you're not implying that active memberships on such discussion boards preclude the capacity for an account here as well?!

What can I say? -- My hunger for discourse is voracious, and my taste ...eclectic; but that doesn't mean I can't prefer some flavors to the others.

[...]the rules that you agreed to when you signed up says you cannot [call a spade a "spade".] [bracketed interpolation IF's].

Oh, come on. Nobody actually reads those things, and you know it.

The rules are not going to change simply because you feel constricted and repressed.

Hm. Obstinacy in the face of oppression: ...how typically civil.

[Icarus Fallen]

...it's truly a wonder that civil rights have been subject to any meaningful change at all.

[McCulloch]

But there are times in which "the person('s)" narrow-mindedness can (and probably should) be explicitly identified, so that its undeniable bearing on that individuals' understanding (or lack thereof) of "the issue(s)" in question can be considered and dealt with accordingly.

I disagree. If a person is being narrow minded and lacking understanding, an answer which provides a wide perspective and improves understanding is far superior to one which simply labels the bigot or ignoramus as such. Allowing the readers to come to the obvious conclusion is better than providing them with the conclusion spelled out for them.

I dunno. As a 'blue collar' layman and a High School dropout (albeit one with a PHD from the University of Hard Knox), there's something very archaic and unnatural about having to check myself with a civility meter that's been calibrated by a bunch of crusty ol' chodes I don't often agree with...

I suspect that the challenge would be worth the effort. How to make someone appear to be a bigot or a dunce without explicitly naming them as such. More effective, but more challenging than name calling.

[Icarus Fallen]

Micky C,

I suspect that the challenge would be worth the effort. How to make someone appear to be a bigot or a dunce without explicitly naming them as such. More effective, but more challenging than name calling.

More challenging, maybe; ...but more civil?

Is subversive disrespect somehow less disrespectful?

Sorry, but in my eyes, thinly veiled insults are more generally telling of the insulter's deficiency in the sack dept. ...than of his or her cleverness.

[LiamOS]

Trust me, I share your pain in my struggle towards civility, but a well worded and civil post carries much more weight than one full of blind swearing and pointing out somebody's logical shortcomings.

The civility here is why I stick around.

[Skyangel]

Illustrious Admins,

Seriously, when another poster clearly exhibits the defining characteristics of, say, a "narrow-minded ol' geezer", ...why can't I say so?!

I feel all constricted and repressed around here.

If you or any other readers are interested in a forum where you are totally unrestricted and can say whatever you want to say without fear of getting banned, PM me and I will invite you to it. Very few post there because most people hate it when a person literally says what is on their mind without restrictions and they tend to leave not long after they have been invited. They can't handle the heat in the kitchen. It gets far too hot and makes them bothered.
Do you think you can handle getting the same medicine as you wish to give to others?