Forum Decorum: Civility and Debate
- Thread starter warfelg
- Start date
While I understand the intent, and you are certainly welcome to give yourself any tagline you want, I don’t think we could or should mandate it. Many people here need a certain level of anonymity for a variety of reasons.
There is a difference between the rhetorical appeal to authority and citing your expertise. The former is a cheap trick designed to persuade. The latter is a way of establishing your credentials on a specific topic.
There is a common belief, I have observed, that everyone has equally valid views on every subject. In my opinion, that is simply untrue. If someone has a degree in a specific subject or many years working in a particular field, they most likely have a depth of expertise that a layman lacks. Measurable data, established facts, demonstrated experience, and real research simply should carry more weight than feelings, despite current cultural norms to the contrary.
(That last paragraph was addressed to everyone in general, not to anyone I quoted above.)
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Zachary's Randomly Ranked Rules for Reasonable & Respectful Retorts:
- Always assume the other party is more clever (and way better looking) than you. There may not be an actual disagreement at the root of the conflict—they may have just looked at the data in a way you never thought of.
- Try to look at the other party's perspective from every angle imaginable—giving them every possible benefit of the doubt along the way. If there's a scenario in which there isn't a conflict, opt to accept that one and move on because, more than likely, you aren't the sharpest knife in the cutlery drawer and everyone else saw it that way from the start.
- Avoid arguing over opinions at all costs. Instead, state your perspective with all of the data and analysis to back it you can muster—preferably never addressing the other viewpoint at all.
- If the point of disagreement is not core to the other party's argument, don't take issue with it at all as you'll likely just look like an asshat at the end of the day.
- If the point of disagreement is not core to the overall discussion at hand, don't take issue with it in said discussion because Zachary will get fucking pissed move your post to Pointless Discussions.
- Always assume the other party is a well-respected expert in the field in question. Talking down to anyone about something they may already understand (read: mansplaining) will make you look like a total douche canoe and everyone will hate you forever.
I just want people to be happy. Why can't people be happy?
It's theme parks! The happiest places. Be happy.
Edit: I know the solution to this isn't telling people to be happy. But I'm just so tired...
It's theme parks! The happiest places. Be happy.
Edit: I know the solution to this isn't telling people to be happy. But I'm just so tired...
we've had a good streak going the last couple weeks with everything being very civil. With the recent thread on the 4th of July storm, I think that it shows why people get rude. When a thread seems to move in circles with very little progress on a topic, people seem to get upset and start with the name calling. In this particular case the people annoyed don't even seem to be the folks who are leaving the on topic posts.
I think what it comes down to is that even if you're done with a conversation, others might be content to sit and repeat very similar things over and over. Sure it might be boring to read, but sometimes you just gotta let it happen. This forum has all kinds of different people, who think very differently. If the conversation isn't that interesting to you, that doesn't mean that it is the same for others.
Lastly, and kinda on another train of thought, this is a forum with the majority of folks being from VA with KD or BGW as their home park. While there are always things that they could do better, if most of your posts are critical of the park, it's bound to cause some elbow knocking. Sure there might be many ways the park could improve, but given how passionate many folks here are about their parks, I don't think it's a stretch to say that a dig on the park is taken a bit personal by some; because many of us see BGW or KD as one of the biggest sources of joy in our lives past or present.
I think what it comes down to is that even if you're done with a conversation, others might be content to sit and repeat very similar things over and over. Sure it might be boring to read, but sometimes you just gotta let it happen. This forum has all kinds of different people, who think very differently. If the conversation isn't that interesting to you, that doesn't mean that it is the same for others.
Lastly, and kinda on another train of thought, this is a forum with the majority of folks being from VA with KD or BGW as their home park. While there are always things that they could do better, if most of your posts are critical of the park, it's bound to cause some elbow knocking. Sure there might be many ways the park could improve, but given how passionate many folks here are about their parks, I don't think it's a stretch to say that a dig on the park is taken a bit personal by some; because many of us see BGW or KD as one of the biggest sources of joy in our lives past or present.
So I wasn't sure which thread I should post this in, but the conversation in the politics thread made me feel as though I needed to comment a bit.
Some posts in that thread have hit the absurd of the absurd. Yes we all have different views. I don't think that I ever expected all of us to view things like politics through all the same lends. But I'm seeing a pattern through all 'discussions' on here that to me is troublesome; and the issue is it extends past just ParkFans.net.
That pattern to me is that when a discussion gets heated, and someone makes the comment that it's time to cool off the discussion and it's hit that point, the blame goes to everyone else. I know this is a just personal take, but it's hard or me to put stock in the person that says everything is someone else's fault. I'll gain so much respect for people who just step up, admit they are part of the problem going on, and vow to stop the behavior.
But the problem is the antagonistic, I'm right you aren't attitude tends to carry through everywhere. And frankly it's annoying. Want to make comments about BGWFans not being invited because of threads like politics thread? How about not throwing these fits of everyone else started it that last for 2-3 pages and just moving on. I gather through reading the issue is that we're critical of BGW, but I'll go an extra step that when someone posts a criticism, and there's a counter point, spending the next 2 pages going on an on calling people things and comparing BGW to everyone under the sun doesn't help.
It's why many times, there's posts of mine where I disagree that say "That's fair enough", "Good point", or "Touche". That's my way of saying you made a great point, and I'm moving on to something else. I honestly don't see enough of that in the world today. I think if we all made an effort to move into this concept of letting someones counterpoint sit out there and not always have to have the last word is ok.
Some posts in that thread have hit the absurd of the absurd. Yes we all have different views. I don't think that I ever expected all of us to view things like politics through all the same lends. But I'm seeing a pattern through all 'discussions' on here that to me is troublesome; and the issue is it extends past just ParkFans.net.
That pattern to me is that when a discussion gets heated, and someone makes the comment that it's time to cool off the discussion and it's hit that point, the blame goes to everyone else. I know this is a just personal take, but it's hard or me to put stock in the person that says everything is someone else's fault. I'll gain so much respect for people who just step up, admit they are part of the problem going on, and vow to stop the behavior.
But the problem is the antagonistic, I'm right you aren't attitude tends to carry through everywhere. And frankly it's annoying. Want to make comments about BGWFans not being invited because of threads like politics thread? How about not throwing these fits of everyone else started it that last for 2-3 pages and just moving on. I gather through reading the issue is that we're critical of BGW, but I'll go an extra step that when someone posts a criticism, and there's a counter point, spending the next 2 pages going on an on calling people things and comparing BGW to everyone under the sun doesn't help.
It's why many times, there's posts of mine where I disagree that say "That's fair enough", "Good point", or "Touche". That's my way of saying you made a great point, and I'm moving on to something else. I honestly don't see enough of that in the world today. I think if we all made an effort to move into this concept of letting someones counterpoint sit out there and not always have to have the last word is ok.
I am moving this here, so I don’t derail a thread that has gotten itself back on track.
This post is worded in a such a way that it doesn’t technically break our rules. It is rude enough, however, that it has been reported. I can see no value to anyone (other than to presumably amuse the poster) in saying these nakedly aggressive things, completely unprompted. I will once again ask that people keep their comments polite. This kind of post serves no purpose and completely yanks discussions off-topic. Please stop.
If it doesn’t break the rules I guess you will just have to get over it. 🤷
Not my fault the site has dumb illogical stupid rules.
Or maybe you can use that thing where, instead of just calling out blatant stupidity, instead you jump through a lot hoops, PM a member of the secret police, get them to bring it up during a Illuminatiesque meeting where the chosen ones do a circle jerk debating what should and shouldn’t be changed.
Up to you 👍
And before you accuse me of being disrespectful in my response, understand that I do not mean my comments to be disrespectful to you in a way. I feel sorry for you. Being stuck in an awful system that makes zero sense…
Having said that I don’t think you needed to bump a two year old topic to discuss this. I had already moved on, as had most of everyone else. That is… unless… you enjoyed the drama 👺👺👺👺😈👿
Hey man, I know you're having a riot. It's pretty cathartic to be a jerk to people you disagree with; but we're all here to talk about a hobby. No point in trying to share a hobby with people and then constantly trying to piss them off.
You're totally allowed to say whatever isn't against the rules. These posts are just a kind way to say that you're being an ass, it's noted, and you're degrading how everyone sees you. Regardless if you're for team squares or team circles, trying to drive a wedge in a friendly social group isn't welcome.
That's all that's being said. Everyone here is perfectly able to be a jerk, but don't think that you won't be seen as a jerk for doing so.
What I object to is the stupid rules and games. Now if you would like to continue with these stupid rules then when they don’t work out don’t blame me. I’m an ass only when someone is dumb. For instance, I don’t disagree that perhaps the reason the PGA got into Williamsburg has nothing to do with busch gardens. I do disagree (and consider it a dumb unsupported foolish argument) that there is
Zero possibility of a crossover between families comming for golf and an amusement park. So that is dumb. I labeled it as such. I don’t feel bad about.
I didn’t have the same response to someone informing me that yes, regional parks have gotten exclusive firsts. I only save my rudeness for dumb people. They get what they get, I guess.
At the same time, can’t argue with anything you are saying.
I didn't "bump a two year old topic." I moved the discussion to the appropriate thread. Whether or not you, the instigator, had moved on is completely beside the point. The rudeness and tone of the post needed to be addressed.
Just as you seem to have misconstrued the way this forum works, you also seem confused about the Advisory Panel and it's processes. I'm sure any Admin or AP member would be happy to answer any questions you have, since you don't seem to understand this community's approach to trolls.
I am confused, I will admit, about why you continue to come back to a place with what you consider "stupid rules and games." You have the ability to request changes, but you don't. Maybe there are better places around the internet for you to spend your time.
Just as you seem to have misconstrued the way this forum works, you also seem confused about the Advisory Panel and it's processes. I'm sure any Admin or AP member would be happy to answer any questions you have, since you don't seem to understand this community's approach to trolls.
I am confused, I will admit, about why you continue to come back to a place with what you consider "stupid rules and games." You have the ability to request changes, but you don't. Maybe there are better places around the internet for you to spend your time.
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I mean, isn’t it obvious? I appreciate the hard work that @Zachary (and others) puts into creating content, and I enjoy reading peoples thoughts about the park. Everything isn’t stupid. Only some things.
And I did request changes, just not in the “rubber stamped approved ways” so fuck all that. I won’t participate in stupid things.
Not to play the victim here, because obviously every one here knows I’m not, if someone is going to act stupid I will point that out and I don’t feel bad about doing so. Walfreg could of allowed for the possibility that there was some crossover, but he chose not too. That’s on him.
So, "fuck" any process that isn't structured in the way you would have designed it? Your loss, I guess.
Please try to be civil in the future. The constant rudeness is tiresome.
Please try to be civil in the future. The constant rudeness is tiresome.
You asked me to request changes. I did. What more do you want. Shall I lick your boot?
I am unaware of your PMing and AP member or Admin recommending a rules change. Please feel free to resubmit it, if it somehow fell through the cracks.
While this is not technically a rules violation. I think it is treading into a grey area.
Calling out a single individual contributes nothing the discussion and in no way strengthens the case. It just comes across as a gratuitous attempt to undermine his credibility.
As both the co-runner of KDFans and BGWFans and a ParkFans Admin, of course I am frustrated by the constant drumbeat of people attacking our credibility and professionalism, and goodness knows I wish I were still that young. But calling out the people who seem to feel obligated to “defend” the park against evidenced-based reporting, and who apparently don’t actually read enough of what we write to know how supportive we are, when the parks do deserve accolades, serves no purpose. In fact, I would argue it seems just as childish. Honestly, the bitterest irony to me is that we are simultaneously accused of being shills for the parks. So, I guess that we must be striking a pretty good balance, if we are upsetting both sides.
Regardless, please resist the temptation to call people out by name.
Be careful out there, in these forums calling hitler a bad name might get you banned.
If you're going to imply an insult to a deceased person on the forum civility thread, at least be specific.
when you say Hitler no one thinks about the Gay one.. also thought they read tldr gay hitler and wanted to read more.