How important is it to consider how DU looks to the outside world?

[bryant69]

Poll question: How important is it to consider how DU looks to the outside world?

While we are posting, in the language we select and what not.

To lay my cards on the table, I think it is important to consider, but shouldn't be the prime consideration. But i can see arguments to be made on either side of my opinion.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[EstimatedProphet]

1. I think it's moderately important

I do think we should be concerned that we do not have disruptive elements on the board, such as people who would call for assassinations or violence, however, the reality is that there is also a group of people that hate liberals, freedom, liberty, anything positive, etc. and we will never satisfy them. So, we can't let ourselves get too wrapped up in what other people think, especially sick crazy monster people like freepers.

[southerncrone]

2. This is our venue, we should feel free to speak as we se fit, & not be concerned w/outsiders.

[TahitiNut]

3. I think it's pretty important to show "the world" how ....

... easily people who claim to be 'liberals' can be provoked into personally attacking each other. I think it's pretty important to show how 'liberals' demonstrate incivility toward others, even those on their 'side.' I think it's pretty important to constantly allege that 'liberals' are sexists and bigots - and that DU is the 'best place' to out them. (After all, isn't it clear that such character failings are most evident in 'liberal' communities?) I think it's pretty important to show 'the world' that many on the left regard the military personnel in Iraq as criminals - that it's the military and NOT the citizens of a democracy that has the responsibility to not fight in Iraq. (After all, being a 'volunteer' is the same as admission of guilt.)

At the same time, it's pretty important to show 'the world' how the partisan left cares more about gaining political power than in adhering to the principles and values they espouse.

That's what I'm learning here, at least. :eyes:

[Double T]

4. Post intelligently and don't forget to use..........

'Check Spelling' button. Vitally Important.

[libodem]

5. kinda important

and that's coming from me...the lunatic fringe...I'm lucky to be out of the underground rooms in the 9/11 conspiracy theories section. It's funny how my screwball ideas are okay but other peoples are peculiar. You know what I mean. :)

[Forkboy]

6. I speak my mind regardless of the audience.

I really don't care who it does or doesn't offend.

[bryant69]

7. Ah - but do you care who it does or doesn't persuade?

[Forkboy]

8. No

If someone wants to take me seriously that's great.If they don't that's great too.Mine is just one voice and should be taken as just that.No more,no less.

[bobbie]

9. There is WAY too much concern here with what others think

I understand the desire to look thoughtful and responsible and grounded.
But I can just count on threads or posts on certain subjects being removed or locked.
Yes I'm talking about the moderation, which I'm not supposed to do.
So I can count on this post being deleted too.

Even so, this is the most important and best forum on the web.
Hands down.

I am so grateful to the founders and admins and mod.
Oh, and the members. Definitely the members. :)

[JNelson6563]

10. Language doesn't bother me as much

as the stupid, useless kind of posts. You know, like this: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x447083

Hard to say which is worse, crap like that or cult-like behavior we see from various candidate supporters.

It's shit like this cluttering up DU that has turned it into a great big lounge. Use to be fine dining, thanks to the tireless efforts of amny though it's now on par with a chain restaurant and we're not talking one of the better ones.

Julie--grateful LBN is still kept free of idiocy

[bryant69]

15. I'm curious though

The thread that was ripping off, did that thread bother you too? Or just mine?

I mean they were effectively the same damn thread; that was the point.

Bryant

[Rex]

11. Did ya see the shirt I had on yesterday? It said, 'have a nice day.'

What's the world coming to? :evilgrin:

[bryant69]

12. I don't understand the relevance

What are you trying to say?

Bryant

[Rex]

13. Say? Nothing, just a joke.

Have a nice day. ;)

[bryant69]

14. You too.

[Rex]

16. Tanks.

About your post up above, on the topic you cloned. Both were silly. IMO, if a person can't mentally handle hearing everyday banter then they need 'help'.

Anywho - you have a nice day now. :hi:

[wuushew]

17. People don't "accidentally" discover the discussion forums

If they are like me they would have first enjoyed the Top 10 Conservative Idiots list, Bob Boudelang or the various essays on the main page and wanted more. It is a self selective filter.

The only times one finds a link to a GD topic is because it is being showcased in freeperville or someone is so bored they are randomly clicking google links.

[MGKrebs]

18. Words are like little seeds, or drops of water.

With enough mass, they do have an effect. It is unavoidable. You put them out into the world and other people see them and react. Context matters too. I assume the OP means "in the main topic forums", since there are other places for words that generally are not intended to be especially meaningful or taken seriously. If you post in a topic forum and don't intend an effect or don't care, why not just keep it to yourself, because you are essentially just masturbating and we (well, many of us anyway) don't really want to watch.

Are the words you are using creating the effect you intend? Granted, words can be twisted, but there is a much better chance they will work the way you want if you craft them with a purpose in mind.

And it's not just the outside world that should be considered. There are many, I would guess thousands, who are members here but rarely if ever actually post, but they read. Their thoughs are influenced by what they see too, just like those who contribute to the discussions. Typing words on a discussion forum doesn't require as much responsibility as piloting a passenger jet, but there is responsibility to be embraced if one chooses to.

These words matter, and the analogy works too:

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
Robert F. Kennedy

[donco6]

19. Being concerned with others' perceptions of DU . . .

. . . is simply too much to worry about. It's hard enough worrying about what we think of each other, let alone what the lurking world thinks. I don't think it's important at all.

[ScreamingMeemie]

20. What he said!

donco, if I haven't said it lately... :yourock: We should start right here.

[donco6]

21. Gosh.

<blush>

Thanks.

[Selatius]

22. Fuck it. The Republicans and the Freeps will spin it to make DU look worse anyway.

Just say what is on your mind and dispense with the political correctness. Let lurkers read what is on your mind. You might get some agreement if you are more open.

[951-Riverside]

23. *scratches balls* *sniffs finger* *picks nose*

No not really.

8::::D~~~~ Penis.

[DeepModem Mom]

24. I think we could check a little self-indulgence in favor of a larger good.

My interest is in our cause, and I think we benefit when the board as a whole appeals to a broader, rather than a narrower, audience of liberals and progressives.