So, what I’ve noticed about the long threads that show up on my site lately is they quickly break down into snarky, condescending insult matches and become totally devoid of anything even remotely intellectually interesting. I’m certainly as guilty as anyone of fanning flames in both posts and in follow-up comments, as are many commenters here from every corner of the ideological spectrum. Now, lots of people are into the aggro venting flame war-type threads, and that’s fine. The question, I suppose, is whether to let that keep going, or to institute a civility policy. That would mean I’d have to play nice too, which might get boring.
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This is your blog. You’re not required to be “fair” or to tolerate people who are, in your estimation alone, going beyond what you are willing to tolerate.
This isn’t a democracy. I comment here with the full knowledge that you might tell me to shut the hell up. You don’t need a policy, IMHO. If someone gets out of the realm of civility, maybe email them and let them know that you appreciate their position but that being shitty to other commenters isn’t cool. And if they keep it up, well, then you get to decide what to do next.
Of course, my blog isn’t so popular, so this may be a shit plan. Who knows?
Well, Nikki, it’s not a popularity contest. Your blog may not be “popular” by some calculations, but who cares? It’s your blog - your place to write whatever you damn well please. Isn’t that the point, after all?
I’ve deleted comments from my blog before (rarely, but it has happened) - and the commenters in question usually get pissy about it - but what do I care? They either have, or should start, their own blogs if they want a place to spew their particular brand of vitriol.
I say just ask people to at least stick to some form of intelligent debate if they disagree and if they don’t kill their comments you ignorant hippie fuckhead. Sorry I was a republican for a second.
The main problem is that many of you know one another and take things personally. I like a little flame war when the objective is fun and creativity. The point is to bust someone’s balls. It works best when: A. There is anonymity and B: It pertains to subject matter which people don’t feel strongly about.
I have seen some personal attacks on here from time to time, but more often I have seen people making broad generalities and assumptions about others. So if someone were to make a post that is diametrically opposite to another poster’s p.o.v., condescending and insulting posts are made about an assumed political orientation instead of going after them in a blatant personal way.
I would prefer someone just coming out and saying it over the passive aggressive approach. Like I have said though, that doesn’t seem to work real well when personal relationships exist outside of this electronic forum. Also, Rusty you know me. I’m a Dick who likes to argue and be as blunt as possible. I say it’s your blog. Do what you want. I also say who cares? People have the right to say what they want. They don’t have the right to not be offended.
why bother? i think it just drives more traffic to your site. i’d say let it go. i’ve NEVER had that many commenters at my site. of course, the grass is always…
I’ve modified someone’s comment once but that was only because he posted copyrighted material. In his original post, he didn’t even give credit for the material he posted. I had to search for it on google — woe is me
Honestly, I’ve been online since 1994, and I’ve seen moderation done in plenty of styles, plenty of times. By now, I’m of the mindset that it’s okay to let people be stupid from time to time.
If you’re not prepared to have stupid people come and comment, don’t let ‘em comment. If all they want to do is bust your balls, don’t respond (or, stop responding, if that’s your case, as it has been mine a few times).
Flame war problem? No problem. There’s a pretty thick line between stupid and asshole. Stupid people bully you on the playground. Assholes go out of their way to cause you real, tangible harm.
Yes, lets have some goddamn civility here, Rusty, you piece of !#$%&*#!
It’s not a democracy…it’s a cheerocracy!
By which I mean…three peas in a bucket - fuck it!
I like snarky. Snarky is awesome sauce that I like to be dipped in every night. Bitchy and small-minded, however. Well, only every third night. Oh, god, okay, arm-twisted, every other night. My rhetorical god, you bring the honest out in me, Rusty.
Ahh, the blanket of anonymity. The Internets make a good duvet. Except when the cat pisses on the duvet. Then, its kind of a gross duvet. And, really, you shouldn’t wash a duvet. You should just throw it out and get a new one. By which I mean IP address. Or something.
Here’s the ultimate ‘no shit’ statement for today:
I’m semi-sauced.
Rusty, you are the Jaguar King.
You can do anything.
Seriously, the massive commentary on your blog is pretty freakin’ awesome. Just the comment count alone makes me say, “Way to go, Jaguar King!” If it gets all snarky, then so be it. You’ve managed to collect a pack of smart and opinionated readers. Congratulations. And since smart people love their stores of information and ideals, it is only natural for them to defend their own.
Now, when someone starts getting juvenile and personal — and not in the sarcastic and bantering manner we all employ from time to time — it’s time to start swinging the “delete” and “blacklist” bats.
Just sit back and enjoy the imminent fame, Jaguar King.
Fuck!
Because I missed out on the long threads by being too busy at work and I’m not feeling very creative right now. So, at least I can join in on the spirit.
Oh, Dyl, there’s always a heapin’ helping of “fuck”ing to go ’round. Help yerself!
Glad to see you around. I guess I could just email you, but I think it would be funny if I just posted it here, in the comments section of another person’s blog, instead. You know. To lighten shit up just a teensy bit.
——-
Hey, Dyl! How goes it? I left you a message on Monday (I think) to see how Crawford was and about that other thing, but I think you had already gone to work.
I was thinking about hitting up the Saucer in the square on Saturday afternoon…you free? Their turkey sandwich is passable but their barley sandwiches…Holy Stumbbble Two Yer Kar Whever The Fuck I Parked It, Batman! They have Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA on tap! Grab ye a brew or two…it’s been too long.
Well, work’s been kind of a bitch. I swear I’ve never even really caught up from all of the traveling, but I’m managing okay. I meet with my lawyer on Friday to talk specifics and I expect that the proverbial ball will be proverbially rolling pretty soon (like Monday.) I’m kind of scared, even still, and I don’t know why. I guess its just because its a really big deal, you know?
Well, connect with me soon, via IM/Email/Phone soon. Hope you’re doing okay.
Love, Mel
——-
If this doesn’t get blacklisted I don’t know what will! Just kidding, please don’t blacklist me.
Rusty, I have enjoyed this blog both reading and writing and hilariously enough. The topic of mine fits this question, so I will sound off by saying the following.
I have friends who if they care to identify themselves are always stating that they argue and debate from a purely logical standpoint. I have always found this statement to be hilarious, especially when I can see the blood rising in their face, and the shortness of breath that comes with true emotional discussion. Look, we are fooling ourselves if we make statements such as “logic governs our decisions”, “I always look at things from a logical angle”, or “I try to sit back and always come from a logical point of view”.
Now before all of you take great umbrage and start stating that this is strictly a personal characteristic flaw that I have (which would be emotional) or start using profane language to make points (illogical and emotional) or even throw acerbic witty personal responses to this post (emotional, illogical and irrational) try to look at it logically. See not as easy as one thinks.
I endeavor as a faith based man, to step back before commenting on issues, but there are times that it just seems as if the words are pointed directly at me. As if what I am reading is speaking directly to whom I am, and then I find myself typing and have an extremely hard time stopping. There are numerous reasons why this occurs. The single most important of which is that I am human. That’s right I am only human and as human’s have proven over the years we are not real adept at taking emotion out of responses, arguments or thoughts. Secondly, I care deeply. I have people in my own family that ask me on a daily basis, “how is it you care so much about so many things” my answer is that I simply don’t know how to live any other way. Lastly, I believe in people, not that all are good, but people will attempt to better themselves if they see that the actions they are taking lead down a path of destruction.
So, my statement is this, none of us are capable of holding up to the great statement that, “I argue and discuss from a logical standpoint” or any of those other ridiculous statements above. We can try to make ourselves believe that if we wish, and those with a low self esteem, who “have” to be right, they will continue to make those arguments. The rest of us humans will go on feeling our emotions and truly living a healthier life because of them.
I don’t think that “profane language” or “acerbic, witty responses” are indicative of an emotional response. I think it’s just indicative that 1) some people just think that “profane” words are just words, and we use them in everyday speech, with or without emotion; and 2) the people who comment here that I personally know are all funny, sarcastic people, whether they’re emotionally invested in the topic or not. So, be careful with the “emotional” paintbrush there — things that you consider hallmarks of “emotional response” are not necessarily applicable to everyone you meet on the intarweb.
I just find it weird that comments a week ago were funny but now get people piss off. I’ve know Rusty for a while and thought that I knew his humor. Posting a joke with a joke gets you in trouble now so I guest that this page has losts its luster to me. Sorry, have fun with this page
You guys might want to write this shit down. This is a small aside that I’ve learned through years of self-examination and introspection combined with a love for sophisticated logic. Seriously.
First, a three paragraph disclaimer. Despite how to-the-contrary I may try to make it seem, I really do not care much for politics, political issues, social issues or political discourse. As I told someone last night, I prefer to operate at the general theory level, and all of the aforementioned “issues” seem, to me, to be middle theory. And, as I also told that certain someone, I am immeasureably thankful there are smart people that I respect doing a good job of hammering it out. This does not, however, preclude me having a strong understanding or opinions. Its just that I think my opinions are pretty irrelevent, just like I think everyone else’s opinions are irrelevent. Sorry, folks. It’s true. Call me a bitch if it gives you wood, but ultimately, it means that I think I am neither right nor wrong, and I believe you are neither right nor wrong, either. I am very lucky that I lack some kind of ego element to my personality that requires me to feel vindicated by being right or feel injured by being wrong. Being “right” or “wrong” is immaterial to me. I don’t hold it against you if you don’t believe me, but just ask anyone who knows me.
I also like to think that I have distilled my few worthless opinions to the point that knowing me should automatically give you a sense of what I think of things. I think of myself as severe. Dylan says I’m just extreme. I value being a prescriptionist. It is one of the things that I love most about myself. To deny that there aren’t, some times, some things about which I am more conscriptive. However, when I run across those areas, I try to work out whatever it is in my pattern of thought, feeling, or behavior that is preventing me from being prescriptive about it. If you really consider what I’m saying and how it might be applicable in my life, you might find yourself thinking, “Good goddamn, what a cold hearted bitch.” I wouldn’t blame you. Most people find logic cold and inhuman. “If we analyze everything, if we science and logic everythig to death, it takes away the beauty of this world. It takes away the undeniable ‘magic’.”
But there is still magic in this world, no matter how much you reduce and split and logic things out. There’s still always that space, you know? That infinitesimally small space that is just out of reach of analysis and escapes quantification and qualification. Don’t believe me? Ask any particle physicist. There is still magic in this world. The beauty of logic and the beauty of humanity are not mutually exclusive.
—-
What I have discovered is that Jeffery Sherman is half correct. There are plenty of people in this world who are slaves to their emotions and who have difficulty not taking things personally, have difficulty entertaining anything that would antagonize their beliefs which are rooted in emotion, and who feel certain issues and certain people affect them to “their core.” The first thing that pops in to their head is the right thing, the only thing. Empirical evidence, following logical standards, and rational thought be damned. These people are called zealots. Where I disagree with Jeffery is that I do not find zealotry as a requirement for humanity, and I sure as shit do not think it is synonymous with humanity.
However, to say that most people don’t participate in zealotry, as I described it, to some degree or another is a bit myopic and perhaps duplicitous. What makes the difference between someone who is able to thoughtfully entertain notions conflicting with their gut response and those who have sincere trouble even considering something antithetical to their natural impulses? Here’s the last train to Clueville, now boarding: my word choice in that last sentence is not accidental.
It boils down to self-restraint and self-control. Initially in thought and, naturally, as communication, afterward. This, just so happens, is also one of the major distinctions between children and mature adults. I do not find that correlation to be coincidental. There are lots of people out there - those in power, those who are oppressed, those in the richest 2% and those on government aid…this does not seem to follow any sort of socio-economic pattern - who just can’t be bothered with self-control. They look like adults, they do adult things and go adult places…they have all of the makings of an adult. But the lack of self-control that they exhibit is a strong indictment to the contrary. (Can you exhibit a lack of something? I’ll have to think about that and get back to you.) I’ll rephrase. The self-control they do not exhibit is damning testimony that they are, in fact, not adults.
And, shit guys, I’m pretty unsympathetic to overgrown children. That said, I’m also one of the most forgiving people that I know. It would be like kicking a sick puppy, you know?
Sorry, Rusty. I didn’t mean to write a treatise in your comments. Who am I kidding? Yes I did. Sorry if it was inappropriate, is all.
All I was going to say was that sometimes I don’t comment when the thread gets too long, cause I feel like it is no longer important; but somehow it seems dwarfed by what Melissa has to say…. But! I think that is what the blog is for… get your feelings out there, whether people agree or not; it is up to you to maintain the civility if you should choose… you told me best:
So, I kick the same advice back to you, as it helped me out! And thanks for the advice and the well wishes on the new job!
I don’t know what your talking about in actuality Rusty. This place is finally getting interesting. Less of a one-sided pc discussion on governmental politics and happenings, and more of a heated debate. It’s a little more like the British parliament. Everyone’s balls tend to get a little bigger when behind a keyboard. You know that. Everyone should keep that fact in mind when reading. I tend to do things very much intentionally. I like laying a big fucking turd on the dinner table and hanging around for the guests reactions.
Consensus seems to lean toward not moderating generally. Okay. But if I ask someone once to avoid a topic, that should be the only time I have to ask. Not following that rule will get you banned from commenting. Accept it or not.
Seriously though, when did your site become fun? I’ve only noticed it recently. I mean…I don’t come to the Internet for information. That would be like reaching in the septic tank for a cookie. Sure you may find one, but it will be covered in shit. I come for entertainment. This, by my agressive dickhead standards, is now entertaining. I like the people who fuck around for the sake of fun. I like the people who take it serious. The drama unfolds like a crappy soap opera. It’s fantastic.
Well, that’s taking a little too far.
Actually, this place still sucks. Go back to the fucking pirate dumbass.
My darling, luscious Lust. Lush. Lush. Gee golly, you sure make me Freudian slip-pery. God, I’m gross sometimes.
Anyway, I have a nagging suspicion I have something you want.
The answer. To your question. That you have besought twice (at press time, bitches). At what moment did Rusty’s blog start kicking ass and taking names at some time other than the ass-kicking time?
I’m pretty sure this was it.
See comments 1, 10, and 14-19.
It wasn’t the first time I commented on this blog. That was way back when I said that the name “Al-Jazeera” always makes me think of ejaculate. I thought that was much funnier than the stupid cross post, but I’m my own worst critic and my biggest fan. Which means pretty much not shit.
Related (to ejaculate), I saw Willy Wonka today. Now, Johnny Depp is one of those guys who I would fuck on principle alone. I don’t think he’s especially attractive, but, you know. He’s Johnny Depp.
Now, I was pretty sure that this movie was going to be an abomination of the first order. I couldn’t have been righter if I was Pat Robertson a right-handed hand job while making a right hand turn on to Right Street.
That movie virtually guarantees that I will never be able to imagine Johnny Depp going down on me without him quipping, “weeird” at the most inappropriate times. Thanks Village Fucking Roadshow. Thanks Tim Goddamned Burton. Thanks Cine-fucking-mark Shitty Tinseltown Goddamned USA Asshat Grapevine 20.
Don’t feel sorry for me, though. There is more - oh, god, there is so much more - from whence THAT came.
that is to say, if I were giving Pat Robertson a right-handed hand job while making a right hand turn on to Right Street.
However, I suppose I could be even a little bit even more righter if I were actually Pat Robertson giving mine ownself a right-handed hand job while making a right handed turn on to Right Street.
But really. Have you ever tried masturbating while driving? Think of the most difficult think you can, and then double it, and the imagine it’s not a Rubix Cube. People yell all sorts of vulgarities at me when I weave all the fuck over Hwy. 114 because they see me with the cellular telephone glued to my ear. Oh, if they only knew. Sometimes, you accidentally make right hand turns, if you’re not careful. But I’m always careful. So, so careful.
Masturbating while driving is wrong. Even if you were making a right turn on to Right Stress while giving yourself a right-handed hand job, you’d still be wrong. Your selfishly endangering others. Masturbation is for the bathroom at work and crowded theaters.
My vibrator is translucent blue.
Seriously, it is.
Happy Say Something Explicit In The First Line of Your Post So That It Shows Up In the Snippets On The Homepage Day!
All seriousness aside, Lush, I must take issue with your profane and acerbic witty response to my mention of masturbating and driving. Simultaneously, that is. I have done a good job of not exposing too much of my political persuasion to the nets. However, I cannot stand for this.
I am Libertarian. Which means I think you should be allowed to do whatever you want so long as it doesn’t harm other people and you are of legal majority age.
So, I can’t Stroke and Drive now, huh? I’m older than 21, and I can drink and purchase alcoholic beverages, I can pay Phillip Morris’ baby’s momma’s rent by donating to the menthol fund, I can vote and I can die for my country. But you’re telling me, and you can say this with a straight face, that I can’t abuse myself at a stoplight in the privacy of my own car? And if I’m soooo omg unbelievably close, but not quite, I can’t finish up while I run a red light? Where I’m from, “ohmygod don’t stop, please don’t stop” means only one thing.
Sorry, padnah. That sounds like you’re encroaching heavily upon my pursuit of happiness.
What’s next? Only one orgasm, per 100 pounds of body weight, per hour prior to operating a motor vehicle? What happens if I’m out at a private party on someone’s personal, private property, and I feel like having a few casual, watered down, waves of pleasure? Are you going to give my boyfriend the breathalizer?
Where do you draw the line, you know? Do you see where I’m coming from? Where do you draw that line?
I like you. You’re a thread killer for sure. Off-topic comments are the bane of a serious bloggers existance. Good job.
Really though, there is a heightened potential for an accident to happen. It’s like driving drunk. Just because I’m shit-faced doesn’t mean I will have a wreck. It just means that statistics show that I am much more likely to do so.
So you have to keep a certain amount of your mental capacity on the task at hand. Physical stimulation just isn’t enough unless your thriteen. You have to have your “eyes on the prize” so to speak. If your eyes are on the prize, then who’s watching the road? Could you post some pics of the prize? Just so I can assess how much of a danger it is.
Clearly, you have never been the proud owner of female genitalia.
Post some pictures? Of “the prize”? I’m sorry, I had some crazy in my ear for a second. Besides, you’ll have to abuse a much more clever “turn of phrase” and use “better metaphors” before I’ll “post any” “pictures”.
Email me and I’ll send you something else, though. Echothegreek [at] gmail [dot] com.