Debate

[mosy]

@ bag lady, nothing any of us say is likely to make a big difference is it - but it is a community thing that we know that someone's out there listening (well reading) or none of us would be on any interactive site <-me says needlessly.

Why speak? Well, because it's interesting to hear what others have to say in response. I feel no need at all to be "in" in a cliquey sense. Why should I or anyone? We think what we think.

Hey, it's the easiest thing in the world to sit on the sidelines and let someone else make a point you're shouting at screen about, and certainly less time consuming (meaning thinking time, not just typing time) given a variety of topics. It's that variety that makes it interesting whether about Sydenham or world affairs (about which some on here are very knowledgeable) and even more so when more views are expressed.

Post away, I say.

[Pally]

The more who post, the wider the viewpoints, the more interesting it becomes...and I think it is a shame if because of my post the "regulars" feel they will withdraw or lurk (but I may be making incorrect assumptions there)

.......well if nothing else my post seems to have created a debate about debate

[Annie.]

@Pally, sometimes the regulars take time out, I'm sure they will be back when the air has cleared, in the meantime it's nice to hear from people being pleasant

[Smiffy]

I think slagging off businesses in Town Hall when they aren't aware if this forum and can't defend themselves is unfair and unnecessary.
Town Pub is a different beast altogether. Views differ, things get heated and yes, insults and sarcasm are used when you feel like you're banging your head against a brick wall with other posters. Question Time has run for decades like that.
I don't think it's cliquey. If posters have the same views they're going to back eachother up.
Like the best referees Admin does a great job by rarely being seen but clamping down only when absolutely necessary. We're all adults, stop being so sensitive and let the pub debates flow!

[Pally]

This is NOT about sensitivity, its about sensible reasoned debate, see earlier posts. What on earth is the connection between heated debate, strong feelings on subjects and personal insults?

[Smiffy]

I freely admit I resort to sarcasm and I can understand people who throw insults about. It's a debate. Debates get heated. Sarcasm and insults get thrown into the mix through frustration, as I said, from seemingly banging your head against a brick wall.
What I do on here and other forums is what I do in the 'real' world. Discussions get heated, voices sometimes get raised. I get accused of talking crap, I accuse others of talking crap. Then the football comes on we have a few beers and we're all mates again.
As I said previously I do not agree with this in the Town Hall section but to me the Town Pub is a well moderated free for all that would be a very dull place if we spent our time making polite small talk, agreeing about everything and lacing daisies into each other's hair.
But hey, if that's what 's wanted I'll retire and let you get on with it.

[Pally]

Its a shame if anyone "retires"! Difficult to have a drink on a forum....which is why as admin said in an earlier post on this thread, consideration needs to be given to how others read a post!

Has anyone ever arranged a Sydenham forum meet up somewhere by the way ...now THAT could be interesting? But I'm not volunteering!

[Pally]

PS Daisies would fall out of my hair. ! I said ages ago that this is not about "fluffy, nicey, nicey". Ah well, we probably will never agree but at least a few others not entirely happy with some of the things I mentioned in my original post have said so so perhaps the air is a little cleared and we might have even more Pub, Whine and Town Hall debates

[admin]

Has anyone ever arranged a Sydenham forum meet up somewhere by the way ...now THAT could be interesting? But I'm not volunteering!

Yes, many times. But as the postings grows so the attendees shrink.

Its our 10th anniversary in a months time. I was thinking of doing something. But I could end up holed up alone in a corner of the Dolphin with 10 pints to help me incoherently test my vernacular on passers by. Is that a good idea?

Admin

[robbieduncan]

Has anyone ever arranged a Sydenham forum meet up somewhere by the way ...now THAT could be interesting? But I'm not volunteering!

Yes, many times. But as the postings grows so the attendees shrink.

Its our 10th anniversary in a months time. I was thinking of doing something. But I could end up holed up alone in a corner of the Dolphin with 10 pints to help me incoherently test my vernacular on passers by. Is that a good idea?

Admin

Sounds great!

[Pally]

Yes great but sadly I am away for several weeks soon so no me this time!

[Manwithaview1]

Tim

I have been considering your suggestion. It is only two in particular who are abusive etc , we have to accept that they have not grown up.

Also so many subjects seem to be not de riggeur , one wonders what one can post about.


May take a break or even bow out alltogether.

Best wishes to everyone , even the offensive duo.

Well done for posting the first derogatory comment on this thread.

[Tim Lund]

Well done for posting the first derogatory comment on this thread.

Not so well done for pointing this out, rather than passing it over in dignified silence.

I think all of us, Eagle included, are working on not letting our natural levels of aggression / obsessiveness get in the way of others enjoying this Forum, and even being tempted to post themselves. But we all sometimes have our lapses.

[mosy]

Yes Admin - a 10th Anniversary meet How could you not? I'm sure one of us will bring a cupcake with a candle for you to blow out and divide the cake amongst the throng.
Come on folks "We want a meet!" "Stamping and handclapping*
Surely some of us can come?
<-Oh, and don't call me Shirley, lol.

Does it have to be a pub with loud music though?

Happy travels Pally - hope it's for pleasure (see me in the pub pls). Maybe you can post some fluffy nicey pics

[Rachael]

Well done for posting the first derogatory comment on this thread.

Not so well done for pointing this out, rather than passing it over in dignified silence.

I think all of us, Eagle included, are working on not letting our natural levels of aggression / obsessiveness get in the way of others enjoying this Forum, and even being tempted to post themselves. But we all sometimes have our lapses.

Well said, Tim.

[Pally]

Happy travels Pally - hope it's for pleasure (see me in the pub pls). Maybe you can post some fluffy nicey pics

Sadly not for pleasure....so fluffy pictures in short supply!