Do you sometimes feel when posting topics or responding to threads that you have to dumb it down at times? Just follow the status-quo and laugh at stuff is somewhat offensive just to avoid conflict?

I have been here for a few days now and have tried to jump around to many topics. I seem to ruffle feathers with some of my ideas and opinions since I tend to post in a very no nonsense, non sugar coated way and very matter-of-fact. I was hoping that people posting here were able to think for themselves with some sort of an open mind and be up for healthy debate. The exchange of ideas is always exciting and leads to expansion of the mind. If you are so set in your ways and unwilling to see things from a different perspective then that's kind of sad. I have met a handful of interesting and intelligent people like sincereman51, Lex, and a few others. I like to debate and say what I'm thinking but I don't consider myself mean, bitter or rude as some have called me. I'm just extremely honest. Maybe sometimes the truth hurts.

Any thoughts on the art of debate or having differences of opinion and still being able to discuss them civilly online? Is it even worth it here or is it a exercise in futility?

now i dont use the 10 cent words, i say whats on my mind, and i get to the point. i dont use words that wont make sense, but a good debate is fun for me

gf.........I come here to have fun!!! I have a 4.5 gpa.....ya freakin genius I know...........

So when I get home from work I really dont want to talk shop you know?

I can in fact though kick some major butt if I have to but Im not really here for that.....

I just don't think people are so fragile as they are being made to seem. You question something and all of a sudden it's like you are attacking that person and you're being rude. We are adults here right? I rarely ever make it a personal issue. I try to discuss the facts. I state my opinions as to why I feel the way do. That's called a debate where I'm from.

I love a good debate!!!! Check out current events!!! Its debate central.....

I go there at times.....sometimes Im serious and sometimes Im not......

When I actually care about something I will fight till the end.......take no prisoners!!!

An intelligent debate is always interesting. However I have noted that they tend to turn to emotional responses after a while, not logical responses. So I stopped and just stay out of the threads where they happen. Add to that the majority on site are Americans, most subject matter (in Current Events) is about American policy, politics I was told to shut up since I had no business stating an opinion as I am Canadian. So now I just stick to the fun forums.

There is a time and a place for everything.Sometimes it's not the place and like wise.I never though of it as being rude or arrogant,just a little blunt and dry.?Laugh a little.

Personally, I believe we all have a right to intelligent discourse, if that is what is required.

It is a big melting pot of incredibly diverse people, from all different walks of life, and levels of intellect.

Sometimes even the most intelligent just want to goof off, and for want of a better term goof off.

Personal attacks are reducing, they reduce the poster. Being called rude bitter and any other names are unnecessary, unless the person is being rude, defammatory and bitter.

Personal agendas are best left at the door, along with egos fragile and bloated.

Personally, I believe we all have a right to intelligent discourse, if that is what is required.

It is a big melting pot of incredibly diverse people, from all different walks of life, and levels of intellect.

Sometimes even the most intelligent just want to goof off, and for want of a better term goof off.

Personal attacks are reducing, they reduce the poster. Being called rude bitter and any other names are unnecessary, unless the person is being rude, defammatory and bitter.

Personal agendas are best left at the door, along with egos fragile and bloated.

Ahhh gazundheit!!! I think I sneezed!!!

I agree with gypsy...

Brains are sexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxy by the way!!! Dont let anyone tell you different!!!

I do laugh tigger, quite often actually! Sometimes there are just some silly things that I can't seem to let slide because it starts to eat at me until I go back an give my 2 cents in.

Good Points well made Jess...

sociable

Also good points made by Tigger...Stop...look...listen...can you here it Saturn?...there is an intelligent conversation going on...

2 cent hell,, ill throw a dollar at em of mine, if they are stupid enough to post something that is childish, or lame, or whatever you want to say, i have fun with them. and forgive me for not seeming all smart, i type the way i talk, southern.

i dont necessarily get along with everyone but hey ..i dont care ..but i do have little faces.. j/k

thumper put down the damn sword geeeeeeeeez your gonna cut that mullet off!!!

i dont not have a tennesee tophat,, its an undercut,, dont make me get tooth pick after you