I'm sorry - I just don't get all this GD-bashing in here

[AussieDave]

like it's some sort of toxic waste dump. I post there sometimes and it's just fine - a little heated maybe, but it's debate, ranting, venting, personal attacks, exchanges of ideas.

GD is just like the good Lounge - the topics are different.

Am I just too naïve ??:eyes:

[Texasgal]

1. Yeah...

You are too naive... :P

[KitchenWitch]

2. There are some folks over in GD

who are - how shall I put this mildly - extremely confrontational.

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

6. holier then thou?

[KitchenWitch]

10. Who me?

:rofl:

[ThomCat]

52. Amazingly egotistical?

Or EgoTesticle on occasion.

[LaraMN]

3. But they have scabies!

I'm not down with that!

[Random_Australian]

You are either naive, or thick skinned.

A lot of the loungers get this way when people mostly unintentionally, say things that in the context of a person's personal experience is extremely offensive/hurtful.

[Beaverhausen]

4. The arguments in GD are about important topics that people...

...get really passionate about. Some people aren't cut out for that I think.

Here in the lounge the topics are a bit lighter. Like "what sitcom is your favorite?" or "The White Stripes suck ass."

[Crazy Guggenheim]

7. But how many times can someone be called an agent of KKKarl Rove?

:popcorn:

[Beaverhausen]

9. But the White Stripes really do suck

And I don't think trolls come here to the lounge, do they?

[Crazy Guggenheim]

11. There are probably some trolls here. But I think they are more drawn

to GD since it's more "political". BTW, Poison was better than White Stripes.

:popcorn: :popcorn:

[xmas74]

21. Yes they do.

They've been known to come in here just to boost their post count and then wreck havoc.

And then we've had trolls post pornographic pics in here or just come in and flame.

[ThomCat]

53. Porn? I've never seen any porn here.

How the hell have I missed that? Where was I? :7

[xmas74]

55. It went away really fast.

I remember pm'ing w/ Rev_Acts about it. We weren't sure if we saw what we thought we saw.

That idiot spammed numerous forums on here w/ the same pic that day.

[WeRQ4U]

30. But often there is a vaccume of substance in there.

Don't get me wrong, I scan GD all the time, and I post in there every now and again, but sometimes the honest discussion is replaced with counterproductive rantings and accusations. Good, thoughtfull arguments make way for bullshit circular firing squads.

I think people over there get so worked up that they forget that we are, to a certain extent, on the same fucking team.

And whether or not the White Stripes suck or not is a very important topic. People need to know that they do, indeed, lick ass.

[AussieDave]

32. "bullshit circular firing squads"

best line of the week !!

And I'm the same - I scan GD but rarely start a thread there, and post in a few if I can intelligbly contribute. I guess the more controversial the subject the more inflamed the exchanges get.

And who are the White Stripes and should I care ??

[WeRQ4U]

34. If you don't know who they are, you're already ahead of the game....

Stay away. Stay very, very far away.

[eyepaddle]

51. That's what finally launched me out of GD--the frequent lack of

substance. I'm okay with a debate--even with an argument, if only the people had some idea as to what the hell they are talking about.

I think it was the threads about lumber on Mars that pretty much closed the book on GD for me. Well, that and anything HAARP related.

"I don't have the faintest idea what HAARP does, neither do you, but we can agree that since we don't know what it is capable of, it MUST have caused the Tsunami."

Where do you even start with a topic like that? :scratches head in befuddlement:

[Crazy Guggenheim]

5. Those GDers don't like my yak!

:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

[ThomCat]

54. And it was such a nice Yak!

:)

[Blue_Tires]

8. i've never understood it as well, since i use both equally

unless there is an inside joke i don't know about

[khashka]

12. The reason I say never post in GD

is it very quickly becomes personal.


An example, say a woman I know...

GD:OK, so say she and I disagree and I call her a bitch because of that. And she responds and then I respond and it gets ugly. (And if you think people don't make serious personal attacks in GD, then you are naive, It can get really ugly.)

So , in The Lounge.... She calls me a bastard or a fag. No harm no foul. It's all in fun. But if she did so, I'd know it was just for fun. A friend poking a friend in the ribs to make him wince and then laugh.

Not so in GD. Ask Xmas! She got totally trashed in GD for being a bad mother. Ok here is how she is a bad mother: she works hard to support her family, unlike most people here she will not post pix of her kid. Because it would be innappropraite and subject to abuse. Personally I think that's first rate. But she got trashed and I defended her. (Not that she needed me, I was just angry)

And that's what GD boils down to. And it is very ugly. Or can be .

So yes you are naive.

Khash.




[xmas74]

23. I'd forgotten about that incident!

Once again, thank you for getting my back.

I was thinking more along the lines of how I've been called out in GD for residing in a "red state". I've had my liberalism questioned on a few threads. I'll jump into a thread and post something. Next thing you know someone will post "I read your profile. I see you live in MO. You must be a freeper!" Don't you know that liberals can only live in "blue states"?

I'd forgotten about the "You are white trash because you are a single mother" and the "breeder" comments over there.

Of course, I've yet to totally learn my lesson. I was in there Sunday and Monday, posting away and fighting it out.

[khashka]

27. Yeah, don't thank me

I did it for me....
And anyway, we've got each others back!
That's what friends do...



Now STAY OUT OF GD or you'll really learn what duct tape can be used for!


Khash.

(Nothing nasty - I'll tape her fingers together so she can't type! You sickoes!)

[AussieDave]

35. Wow - I must live a sheltered life in here

I haven't seen anything like that and that's just WAYYY over the top. I'm so sorry that happened - must be some pretty fucked-up heads out there among us.

The flame-fest going on about Cynthia McKinney is just nyukyular - guess I'll give that one a wide berth.....

[khashka]

37. Well, Dave

When people can't present a coherent argument they resort to ad hominem attacks. You've been lucky so far.

You wanna see something really funny? Google your screen name. The stuff said here doesn't compare to what they say about us. The freepers decided I was the lamest most pathetic man on the planet. I laughed.

Maybe I am lame - I'm disabled! Pathetic? Part of the time, maybe. But I try. And a lot of people like me. That's the ultimate test.

As for Cynthia McKinney... I'm not getting into that. I know the assholes called her a ghetto whore - but I thought she looked great.


Khash.

[AussieDave]

44. I googled - luckily or not my screen name isn't unique

Lame and pathetic ?? You and a few others I find here are amongst the funniest people I've ever encountered - the back-and-forth about anything and nothing has me crying with laughter and always glad I drop by.

That and the sense of wonderment at how tight-knit the DU community is.

[xmas74]

47. That's because any other use of duct tape would

be enjoyed.

And you know that if the topic is too interesting I'll just gnaw through the tape and post anyway. After warm-up my typing speed is 122 wpm so you wouldn't even realize that I had posted until it was too late.

[realisticphish]

13. I used to post in GD

but my biggest problem is this:
you can't discuss ANYTHING. At least not in the manner I like to.
In GD, you may start out with rational debate, but VERY quickly it becomes "wow, great argument :eyes:" and it goes downhill from there. People aren't willing to give and take. You get 2-3 people on each side, and everyone else just posts "yeah!" and "right on!." I've been called everything; freeper, fundie, idiot, ignorant, racist, sexist etc. When I'm none of those things, it gets fucking irritating after a while. You might be fine with ad hominem attacks, but i am NOT. I refuse to debate in that environment. I'll stick to my groups, where things are relatively sane and rational.

[LSK]

19. I almost never get called names in GD

Not sure what you do in there...

:shrug:

[LSdemocrat]

25. It's not necessarily names, but people respond with sarcasm and innuendos

People for the most part believe in their opinions to such a degree that they believe them to be unquestionable. As a result, instead of using facts to respond, people respond dismissively and fail to even consider the opposing viewpoint.

[ThomCat]

56. I've been called a freeper, a troll, a water carrier for the pukes,

and other such fun names.

I'm a gay, pagan/agnostic, vegan, disabled former activist who's spent thousands of hours volunteering for civil rights and pro-choice causes. If I can be accused of being these things then anyone can. Just post a strong opinion that goes against the grain.

Then watch as in the next thread you get accused of being too far to the left, too radical, too idealistic and not pragmatic enough.
:puke:

[jukes]

14. it's like the lounge

but bare-knuckle. some us like that.

[AussieDave]

15. The main argument I'm getting here is that GD gets too personal

and that's quite correct - it does, but I guess by the time I get into the thread a lot of the nastiness and name-calling has passed.

I'm not passing judgement on anyone who doesn't like posting in GD - as in all things, it's a personal preference. You go where you are comfortable.

The verdict: the Lounge is friendlier, and sometimes you get popcorn and some great recipes (but coriander should still be eradicated as a noxious weed). I'll still dip my toes in the GD pool occasionally, but will always stop by the Lounge for some inspired insanity.

Thank you all !!!:grouphug:

[WeRQ4U]

31. Case in point, no one in this thread has called you a nasty name...

Or accused you of being a right wing sympathizer.

[AussieDave]

33. You're right - and that backs up what I said earlier

the Lounge if friendlier, and I guess that's why it's the Lounge.


BTW - love the Kirby Puckett avatar - my favorite player when I followed the Twins in the 80's and 90's. He passed too soon.

[crispini]

38. Freeper!

Why do you hate America? ;)

[AussieDave]

41. ...

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[YouthInAsia]

16. Only prob I have with GD (with DU in general) is the FACT

that you cant discuss certain topics. You ALWAYS get flamed for bringing up certain things. Its ridiculous. I thought we were allowed to discuss any topic and hold ANY belief we wanted, but apparently not.

[Chovexani]

17. It *is* a toxic waste dump

Anything reasonable that gets posted in there is drowned in a sea of spooge.

GD wanks so hard it's a wonder it doesn't chafe.

[ThomCat]

57. Semantic Masterbation

I often refer to threads over there as semantic masterbation. Your description a bit more colorful than mine. :)

[LSK]

18. its just some venting and some comedy

Most of post in GD or at least read it. Its not serious most of the time. Sometimes GD does get on my nerves when the kneejerkers come out.

[bigwillq]

20. If you don't like GD, don't go in there.

No need to hate.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

22. This is a political site. People debate passionately. Go figure!

:shrug: GD definitely has its days but any forum on this site can be a viper pit with the right ingredients. Hell, if we had a knitting forum, I am sure there would be flames in there too. That's the nature of the internet.

[Jade Fox]

26. Well said, NSMA.....n/t

[Robeson]

28. That pretty much nails it.

[Ekirh]

48. Heck

Just post anything that has to do with meat or vegetables in Lounge and you got the flames cooking instant. . .

[Shine]

24. I think a lot of people here in the lounge get turned off by the GD vibe.

I know I do.

Things get heated in there, it's true. IMO, it's a turn off sometimes, because people get so attached to their opinions and their self-righteousness that if someone dares to disagree, it's seen as a Personal Attack and things go downhill from there very quickly.

It's the personal attacks and lack of basic mutual respect that I have trouble with sometimes.

That said, I do occasionally post in GD. It's not ALL bad. :D

[khashka]

36. Oh I post in there too, Shine

I just wish people could keep their political beliefs out of the personal. I have been very upfront about my personal life. And when I post in GD it becomes an isssue.

Surely not by everyone..... there are good people there. Which is why I keep going back. Even when I heatedly disagree with them. I don't mind disagreement when people agree to abide by the rules of being civil. Many in GD actually do that: Judge a person by (as MLKsaid) the content of their character - and I love that sort of argument. Where my viewpoint might be disagreed with - Come on! I never said I was always right! If you think differently, tell me! I won't acheive perfection without it.

But some will use anything against you. So I advise people to stay out.

Khash.

[amitten]

29. In GD, people want to hurt you.

Bad.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

39. It can be downright toxic in there.

Check out the McKinney threads and some posters accusing others of racism (on DU of all places).

[AussieDave]

42. I have - and it's downright scary

Disagreement is one thing but personal abuse is just wrong - period. Accusations of racism without basis is the last resort after all one's other arguments have been shot down.

Sad.

[vi5]

40. GD tends to be a cult of personality, which I worry about in general

My problem with GD is everyone in there gravitates towards obsessing about individuals and making them out to be saviors above reproach or criticism. McKinney is the latest example but it's been everyone from Joe Wilson, to Richard Clarke, to Fitzgerald, to Feingold to Boxer to Thomas.....you name it. Even the slightest deviation from "This person is a god on earth who can do absolutely no wrong whatsoever" results in name calling and venom rather than addressing of the actual points or issues. It's ultimately in many ways no better than what you see at Free Republican or amongst republicans in general. I really hope if we do regain our power that the left/dems don't become a cult of personality like the republicans have under Bush.

[AussieDave]

43. Well said - as for your last sentence I think the memory

of the last five years will prevent that - who wants to be compared to the worst president in US history ??

[Shine]

50. hmmm..."cult of personality"....interesting perspective.

Good point. :thumbsup:

[ThomCat]

58. Well said.

:)

[dogday]

45. 2 reasons, people get OFF on confrontation and

two there are lots of freepers running around....

[AussieDave]

46. Tell me about it - I almost regret even starting this thread

after seeing the stuff going on in GD about Cynthia McKinney - the hysteria is just incredible.

And that's just one issue out of a brazillion.

[Ekirh]

49. Yah G.D is quite bad

But I don't mind it too much.

It seems in G.D the biggest problem I have with it is the topics will get quite one track mindness a lot . . . and instead of keeping it all in one thread everyone has to make a post about said topic.

There are those who are confrontational for the sake of being confrontational . . but you see that in the lounge here and there also (Not as often but it's there). . .

I Post in G.D very little though so my thoughts and experiences with it might not be the same as those who use to post in there more or have taken part in an argument and such . . . but although it can get quite bad I don't mind G.D

[dolo amber]

59. Because 99% of the time it's utterly impossible to have

a real *discussion* about anything. The threads where there SHOULD be discussion sink like stones (and I'm not just saying that because that's inevitably what happens to all of mine over there :P) and the ones that are either preaching to the choir or expressing an unpopular POV erupt like Vesuvius. It's fucking tedious. :eyes: