This is an example of a good thread.

[Rabi en Rose]

Now repeat after me.

Xerent.

[Hellblazer]

No, this an example of an extremely bad thread that's considered spam. Close this thread and neg her to death.

[Rabi en Rose]

No, this an example of an extremely bad thread that's considered spam. Close this thread and neg her to death.
This is an example of a terrible poster. Faith in forums population lost.

[Walrus]

Mooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[wolf rayne {D}]

i wouldnt call it a bad thread....
but ive read worse.

[gryph89]

i wouldnt call it a bad thread....
but ive read worse.

yeah I hear you on that lol.

[Rabi en Rose]

i wouldnt call it a bad thread....
but ive read worse.
No I think you've never read better. Does nobody have any common sense around here?

[wolf rayne {D}]

hm, well, i think you need to read the forum rules and then maybe consider trying to post.

[Rabi en Rose]

hm, well, i think you need to read the forum rules and then maybe consider trying to post.Nah rules are for wussies. Follow by example is the only way to post good threads. Remember, if one thread in a certain style is funny, then ten threads in that same style must be ten times as funny. Now follow or leave. And if you don't follow it just proves that the forums are going downhill. What happened to the old members who would make good posts? I think it's time I left.

[wolf rayne {D}]

.......

[Rabi en Rose]

yes, you suck. go away.
Bwahahahahahaaa.

And you didn't repeat after me either, so you still lose the game.

Also, because I have been slighted by this one poster, I shall decide to quit TAO and never return again...because my honor has been insulted. I hope you're happy.

[wolf rayne {D}]

okay.......

[Rabi en Rose]

if thats what you like....
we hate you, go away, piss off.
I'm not sure who's spamming. Me or you?

Something to think about.

[wolf rayne {D}]

pfft, i have a right to spam :)
ima post whore.

[Rabi en Rose]

pfft, i have a right to spam :)
ima post whore.
You automatically invalidated yourself and every comment you just made in this thread. Victim 1. Case closed.

The Rabi's Court will return after these messages.

[Zeratul]

Bwahahahahahaaa.

And you didn't repeat after me either, so you still lose the game.

Also, because I have been slighted by this one poster, I shall decide to quit TAO and never return again...because my honor has been insulted. I hope you're happy.
lol and there goes another TAO'er :) way to go Wolf

[wolf rayne {D}]

hm, well, whatever you say.

[Rabi en Rose]

lol and there goes another TAO'er :) way to go Wolf
No I decided to come back because my threats are always empty.

Also because not enough people cared when I said I was gonna leave so it made me look bad.

[ck1]

Hi Rabi. :cool:

[Rabi en Rose]

Hi Rabi. :cool:
Well you got the first part right. Congratulations, you have 1/3rd of a good post.

[Zeratul]

something tells me this thread is gonna be closed soon, now that's a good post!

[ck1]

Rabi en Rose.

What do I win? :cool:

[Duffman]

Duffman Duffman Duffman. Duffman Duffman Duffman Duffman. Duffman Duffman, Duffman Duffman Duffman, Duffman Duffman. Duffman DUFFMAN Duffman Duffman.

[Zeratul]

wow, duff spamming :confused: and he diden't even shut it down after :confused::confused:

[Godmic18]

This is an example of an excellent thread.

Godmic18Godmic18 Godmic18 GODMIC18 181818181818 godmic Godmic18Godmic18Godmic18Godmic18Godmic18!!!!!Godmi c18

[Warcow]

Now repeat after me.

Rabi en Rose.

Rabi en Rose,

Duffman

Warcow

[Blexican]

Rabi en Rose

Warcow

Duffman

Blexican

[Zeratul]

Rabi en Rose

Warcow

Duffman

Blexican

Zeratul

[Hugh Junit]

Look what I can do........*somersaults*

[Zeratul]

look at what I can do . . . *drinks two beers at once*

[Blexican]

uhh, im fresh out, hugh can you hand me one.

[T3km4n]

T3km4n

Rabi En Rose

Warcow

T3km4n

T3km4n.

[Blexican]

ow,fine just exclude me and zer

[T3km4n]

00ber n00ber.

[drakonfire]

Rabi en Rose

Warcow

Duffman

Blexican

Zeratul

T3km4n

drakonfire

btw rabi, bravo for the laugh, hellblazer and wolf... just... let well enough alone, lol, thanx for the entertainment though

[S_K_O_F]

No, this an example of an extremely bad thread that's considered spam. Close this thread and neg her to death.

you are worthless
and for suggesting that everyone neg Rabi...you get a neg from me

[S_K_O_F]

pfft, i have a right to spam :)
ima post whore.

can somebody please ban this idiot

EDIT - oh!

i forgot

Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
rAbi En RosE
Rabi el Roselito

[Medemia]

I love the genius of simplistic sarcasm. That's why Rabi is my favorite poster :D

[Tag Captain]

Oh dear, another new poster suffering from "Lack of veteran knowledge". Bad luck wolf, you chose the wrong "newbie idiot" to flame...

[finalfantasyt]

This is a good thread. :)
Xerent

Warcow

Duffman

Blexican

Zeratul

T3km4n

drakonfire

finalfantasyt

[xerent]

I am mad with the power.

[Jeffery]

Xerent

Warcow

Duffman

Blexican

Zeratul

T3km4n

drakonfire

finalfantasyt

Jeffery

[Godmic18]

Xerent

Warcow

Duffman

Blexican

Zeratul

T3km4n

drakonfire

finalfantasyt

Jeffery

Godmic18

[FryLock]

Pasta

Thai

Cheese

Beer

Pizza

Fry

Lock

[Tag Captain]

Cheese

Cheese

Cheese

KILLER SEIZURE ROBOTS

Rabi en Rose

Xerent

Warcow

Duffman

Blexican

Zeratul

T3km4n

drakonfire

finalfantasyt

Jeffery

Godmic18

FryLock

Bottle!

Yeah, this thread rocks!

[werewolfmaster]

Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Rabi en Rose
Duffman
Werewolfmaster

Um may I ask what the point of this is?

[Warcow]

Xe is drunk with power.

I say we get him drunk with vodka, and steal said power.

Who is with me?

[xerent]

I don't drink. ^_^

[Hoolwath]

Vodka is bullshit. Lets try Absinth ;)

[Warcow]

I don't drink. ^_^

Hey Xe, look over there! It is a massive pirate!

*Shoves tube down Xe's throat*

Let the beer bonging begin, let 'er rip Hugh.

[Glamdring]

Glamdring.

None of the rest of you matter. Except Rabi, who rocks the free world. And xerent, who is the only person in the world who is not a dumbass.

[Hydrant]

johnny depp

what? I havent been repping as much as I usually do

[S_K_O_F]

I don't drink. ^_^

i don't think that has anything to do with us getting you drunk

seems to me that you won't have much choice

[dirka dirka]

A thread needs to be made: This is not an example of a good thread.

[Glamdring]

But that would be silly dirka. I mean, who wants to follow trends? :rolleyes:

[Jonspen]

Wootage.

[dirka dirka]

But that would be silly dirka. I mean, who wants to follow trends? :rolleyes:
ROFL, that made me laugh.

[Glamdring]

:( No really, that actually had a purpose. (I forgive you though thebu)

I shall here declare my undying love for the posts of one Rabi en Rose. Every post she makes somehow captures the essence of good posting. I am not worthy to bask in the glow of the messages that comes from my screen. The days of waiting between her visits are agony, as I wait for that breath of cool, fresh air that comes with seeing a Rabi original on the first page. Her thread starting skills rival those of the legendary Lord Achilles (though differences in style really preclude comparison between the two.)

Any disagreements with the above statements will be met with a swift kick in a not-nice place.

[S_K_O_F]

:( No really, that actually had a purpose. (I forgive you though thebu)

I shall here declare my undying love for the posts of one Rabi en Rose. Every post she makes somehow captures the essence of good posting. I am not worthy to bask in the glow of the messages that comes from my screen. The days of waiting between her visits are agony, as I wait for that breath of cool, fresh air that comes with seeing a Rabi original on the first page. Her thread starting skills rival those of the legendary Lord Achilles (though differences in style really preclude comparison between the two.)

Any disagreemends with the above statements will be met with a swift kick in a not- nice place.
nuh uh

i disagree

[Glamdring]

nuh uh

i disagree

*kicks skoffy*

*runs away*

You like the pain, don't you?

[S_K_O_F]

*kicks skoffy*

*runs away*

You like the pain, don't you?

bring the whips next time

[Glamdring]

but last time you said you liked the glass shards better. Make up your mind!

[S_K_O_F]

but last time you said you liked the glass shards better. Make up your mind!

i actually prefer the cat-of-nine-tails with the glass shards attached to the ends of the tails

[Glamdring]

i actually prefer the cat-of-nine-tails with the glass shards attached to the ends of the tails
ah, now I understand. Now get on your knees, you filthy rodent.

Don't mind those guys, they're just bringing the rack in.

[S_K_O_F]

ah, now I understand. Now get on your knees, you filthy rodent.

Don't mind those guys, they're just bringing the rack in.

i am not a rodent

but ...

*gets on knees*

i must obey

[Glamdring]

i must obey
:cool:

*closes door to the rest of the forums*

[Hoolwath]

:cool:

*closes door to the rest of the forums*

*knocks* knocks again* *knocks again louder*

Yep, closed alright.

[drakonfire]

None of the rest of you matter. Except Rabi, who rocks the free world. And xerent, who is the only person in the world who is not a dumbass.


glammy! ouch...

but then i dont matter... why bother posting...? guilt trip! lets see if it works

[Realist]

No its not.

[Spit_101]

xerent

[wr4th4]

Ahh, the smell of a tightly knit community forum....how I wish to be included, :crybaby: I remember those days....by the way, this thread makes me laugh, but I'm still confused as to how to play the game.

freelance
gynecologist
for
hire

?? Like that?

[wolf rayne {D}]

hey everyone, before i get banned, id like to make an apology.
rose, im sorry for flaming you, id had a shit day (so far) and i was wrong to take it out on you, im really sorry...
i figure i might as well say that before im banned :)

[Hydrant]

how is this not just another RD thread?

[wolf rayne {D}]

hm, beats me.
EDIT:
rose, im sorry for flaming you, id had a shit day (so far) and i was wrong to take it out on you, im really sorry...
i hope this is what everyone wanted, again, im sorry.... :(

[Foundation]

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehehehe

[wolf rayne {D}]

? is that a "you're forigven" or a "we dont care if your sorry, go away"

[Hellblazer]

look at what I can do . . . *drinks two beers at once*
Look at what I can do...*gets negged 4 times for not realizing Rabi was a vet* :bigsmile:

[Rabi en Rose]

how is this not just another RD thread?
It's only random when I'm not here. Those darn classes, if only they didn't exist.
hey everyone, before i get banned, id like to make an apology.
rose, im sorry for flaming you, id had a shit day (so far) and i was wrong to take it out on you, im really sorry...
i figure i might as well say that before im banned :)
Why the heck would you be banned?No its not.
It's.

No I don't think it is either. Especially after I didn't get the exact responses I wanted. I should blame the forums for my own ineptitude of conveying what exactly I want, and will continue to throw hissy fits over the state of these forums while making duplicate threads similar in nature to already successful ones, and then complain when I do not get a positive response.

[Rabi en Rose]

Ahh, the smell of a tightly knit community forum....how I wish to be included, :crybaby:
Me too. If only I were a veteran. Then I could get away with making terrible threads and watch all the newbies call out what it is, while the veterans desperately defend it as if it were truly the best thread in the world out of obligation to old loyalties.

[abyaly]

Look at what I can do...*gets negged 4 times for not realizing Rabi was a vet* :bigsmile:
It doesn't matter whether or not Rabi is a 'vet'. What matters is that everyone who doesn't understand her sarcasm has to pretend to understand it so that they don't look stupid in front of everyone who does.

(I have no idea what this thread is referring to, but I'm not up to date on matters, so I'll assume it would be funny if I knew what was going on. I'm running on faith at the moment)

[Rabi en Rose]

It doesn't matter whether or not Rabi is a 'vet'. What matters is that everyone who doesn't understand her sarcasm has to pretend to understand it so that they don't look stupid in front of everyone who does.

(I have no idea what this thread is referring to, but I'm not up to date on matters, so I'll assume it would be funny if I knew what was going on. I'm running on faith at the moment)
Maybe I'm not referring to anything. Maybe I am just posting an example of an upstanding thread.

[abyaly]

Of course. I have no idea what prompted me to think otherwise.

Rabi en Rose

Warcow

Duffman

Blexican

Zeratul

T3km4n

drakonfire

finalfantasyt

Jeffery

Godmic18

abyaly

[Rabi en Rose]

All these lists of names don't make any sense.

[abyaly]

God damnit, what do you want from me?

[Warcow]

All these lists of names don't make any sense.

True, but we have to give people that don't understand what the thread is really after something to think about.

The reason your threads aren't crappy threads, is because they are created with a purpose, one of self reflection and self-betterment. Unfortunately many people misinterpret them, mainly the vets, and see them as something they are not.

[Hydrant]

God damnit, what do you want from me?

ab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

with the KOTR sheild!!!!!

*hug*

[Rabi en Rose]

God damnit, what do you want from me?Already got it. Thanks for showing up.
True, but we have to give people that don't understand what the thread is really after something to think about.

The reason your threads aren't crappy threads, is because they are created with a purpose, one of self reflection and self-betterment. Unfortunately many people misinterpret them, mainly the vets, and see them as something they are not.I don't need to be better I am already the best :p

[Foundation]

you want attention :? you want me...iknow:p

[drakonfire]

no, she wants to make a point, and a darn good one usually (now figuring it out, that the trick... for all of us ;) )

[Realist]

True, but we have to give people that don't understand what the thread is really after something to think about.

The reason your threads aren't crappy threads, is because they are created with a purpose, one of self reflection and self-betterment. Unfortunately many people misinterpret them, mainly the vets, and see them as something they are not.

Maybe there would be less misinterpretation if the people with some degree of understanding treated her threads as messages meant to be imparted rather than clique standards needing mob enforcement.

[Warcow]

Maybe there would be less misinterpretation if the people with some degree of understanding treated her threads as messages meant to be imparted rather than clique standards needing mob enforcement.

The problem is that most people that claim to understand still have no clue what is going on. This thread is actually more obvious than Rabi's previous master pieces, but no less true, and no less insightful.

Rabi's true gift is being able to impart such subtle lessons in seemingly purposeless threads, and nonsensical posts.

[Not Forgotten]

The problem is that most people that claim to understand still have no clue what is going on. This thread is actually more obvious than Rabi's previous master pieces, but no less true, and no less insightful.

Rabi's true gift is being able to impart such subtle lessons in seemingly purposeless threads, and nonsensical posts.

Well put, although I did not understand her threads at first, I've come to know, and love them. :clap:

[Warcow]

Well put, although I did not understand her threads at first, I've come to know, and love them. :clap:

I missed the first few, and unfortunately when I read them long after they vanished to the bowels of the vault, I was unable to grasp their meaning until I actually looked critically on these forums, like Rabi does.

The problem is people are SO used to everyone just assuming that vets can make threads and people will support them simply because they are vets. This thread actually reveals a two-fold truth.

[Foundation]

now wtf does it mean

[Realist]

The problem is that most people that claim to understand still have no clue what is going on.

I disagree. I think the point of this thread is quite clear to most people, and they use there oh so superior understanding and intelligence and experience as an excuse to beat up on the lowly noob who doesn't get it, because its fun to exclude others who you can then think of as inferior than you.

[Not Forgotten]

There, there realist. It's ok! We don't ALL think you're inferior to us, just most of us. :)

[Godmic18]

I disagree. I think the point of this thread is quite clear to most people, and they use there oh so superior understanding and intelligence and experience as an excuse to beat up on the lowly noob who doesn't get it, because its fun to exclude others who you can then think of as inferior than you.

Why thank you Realist. That was very kind of you, you human.

[Rabi en Rose]

Realist and Warcow are saying the same things in different words.

[Liquid Swordsman]

now wtf does it mean

I would attempt to tell you if I felt like reading the whole thread

[Duffman]

I disagree. I think the point of this thread is quite clear to most people, and they use there oh so superior understanding and intelligence and experience as an excuse to beat up on the lowly noob who doesn't get it, because its fun to exclude others who you can then think of as inferior than you.
We are just human.

[Foundation]

oh baby ! sum1 got burned !!!!1!! oh wait...

[Warcow]

I disagree. I think the point of this thread is quite clear to most people, and they use there oh so superior understanding and intelligence and experience as an excuse to beat up on the lowly noob who doesn't get it, because its fun to exclude others who you can then think of as inferior than you.

I don't think the purpose was clear to most at all until Rabi made these two comments, these made it blatently obvious. People n00b bashing here don't understand the purpose of the thread at all, because they are going against the message, that is unless of course I am completely off track, and this thread actually has no purpose. In that case I have become blinded by Rabi's previous threads, and Megabyte needs to come through and troutslap the hell out of me.

It's only random when I'm not here. Those darn classes, if only they didn't exist.

Me too. If only I were a veteran. Then I could get away with making terrible threads and watch all the newbies call out what it is, while the veterans desperately defend it as if it were truly the best thread in the world out of obligation to old loyalties.

[Rabi en Rose]

oh baby ! sum1 got burned !!!!1!! oh wait...
I will post a nonsensical reply to this to pretend I understand.

[drakonfire]

now wtf does it mean

*rolls eyes* come on foundation, your not that dense, even i understood it after said 2 comments by rabi (previously i was just being me and posting where i felt like it, and rabi's threads usually have a point, so its a safe bet to get people to stop the bashing and leave off her... except wait... [/hint])

[TheBlazedAce]

Rabi! I love you! Darn it I haven't seen you on in so long but I still can't add to your reputation. Where have you been?! We need you back! I don't know if I was one who said goodbye, but it if I didn't it was probably because I wasn't around for the goodbye thread. I missed you and we need more threads like this!

[Rabi en Rose]

*rolls eyes* come on foundation, your not that dense, even i understood it after said 2 comments by rabi (previously i was just being me and posting where i felt like it, and rabi's threads usually have a point, so its a safe bet to get people to stop the bashing and leave off her... except wait... [/hint])
Actually if nobody ever flamed me, my threads would be so incredibly boring and I'd have a hard time even making them work. I live in a glass house, but I throw stones anyway.

[Glamdring]

I can't believe you guys!

"Oh gosh, Rabi got us this time! what fools all the vets are, for jumping on the noobs, when all along she was just trying to prove that our actions are foolish and predictable, etcetera etcetera."

Ever think that maybe past the original post of her threads, Rabi isn't actually trying to prove anything, she's just being funny and ironic? I jump on the idiots every time her threads show up because I happen to LOVE her threads! Perhaps I'm the only one left who doesn't think it's some freak vet phenomenon, and that we "jump on the bandwagon" when she posts. I'm just going to continue to do exactly what I've always done when she posts. Laugh and enjoy.

[Foundation]

i still dun get it grepokpoerkgpoer i think it means threads with no points are the best thread owerpgkopwg i hafta go t o sleep now gnite everybody zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz bleh i love all of you, except you greopgokzzzzzz and you guys gotta relax man relax peiple

[Rabi en Rose]

i still dun get it grepokpoerkgpoer i think it means threads with no points are the best thread owerpgkopwg i hafta go t o sleep now gnite everybody zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz bleh i love all of you, except you greopgokzzzzzz and you guys gotta relax man relax peiple
I encourage thinking, not random slobbering, in a thread such as this, given its serious and highly intellectual topic.

[drakonfire]

Actually if nobody ever flamed me, my threads would be so incredibly boring and I'd have a hard time even making them work. I live in a glass house, but I throw stones anyway.


makes life far more interesting, doesnt it?

[Rabi en Rose]

I can't believe you guys!

"Oh gosh, Rabi got us this time! what fools all the vets are, for jumping on the noobs, when all along she was just trying to prove that our actions are foolish and predictable, etcetera etcetera."

Ever think that maybe past the original post of her threads, Rabi isn't actually trying to prove anything, she's just being funny and ironic? I jump on the idiots every time her threads show up because I happen to LOVE her threads! Perhaps I'm the only one left who doesn't think it's some freak vet phenomenon, and that we "jump on the bandwagon" when she posts. I'm just going to continue to do exactly what I've always done when she posts. Laugh and enjoy.
I never really prove anything. The people who post prove everything themselves. I just act as a catalyst for things that always were.
makes life far more interesting, doesnt it?
No it makes me sad and miserable when I pick up the pieces of my shattered ego. I am very sensitive to criticism that is why I only post popular things that I know will not be bashed.

[Northwind]

What's up with all these stupid, pointless threads lately? Rabi, you of all people should know that you can't just make a good thread just by saying that it's a good thread. (Actually, I guess you sort of did. Damn you Rabi!) :mad:

[Rabi en Rose]

What's up with all these stupid, pointless threads lately? Rabi, you of all people should know that you can't just make a good thread just by saying that it's a good thread. (Actually, I guess you sort of did. Damn you Rabi!) :mad:Of course. My threads are the standard by which all other good threads are measured. Because I am Rabi en Rose (don't tell anyone my real name is Bari en Sore, a name like that would never get me anywhere)

[drakonfire]

i'm going to bow out of this thread however gracefully i can, though i will say once again, thanx for the amusement rabi :)

[Rabi en Rose]

i'm going to bow out of this thread however gracefully i can, though i will say once again, thanx for the amusement rabi :)
You are far more amusing than I am.

[drakonfire]

You are far more amusing than I am.


now see, what really sucks is i have no idea whether to take this as an insult or compliment :confused: :huh: :eek:

[/stage left]

[Realist]

We are all just human!! Not much you can ask of us.

I possed Hellblazer to start to make up for anything he lost from his unfortunate predicament.

Rabi, this is an example of a good thread.

[TheBlazedAce]

We are all just human!! Not much you can ask of us.

I possed Hellblazer to start to make up for anything he lost from his unfortunate predicament.

Rabi, this is an example of a good thread.

You show compassion where it needs lacking and lack compassion where it is needed.

[Realist]

You show compassion where it needs lacking and lack compassion where it is needed.

Care to elaborate?

[TheBlazedAce]

Care to elaborate?

Just saying that you usually don't hold back when pointing logical fallacies, but when a noob insults another member you try to change make up for his "rep" for a reason I don't see when in my eyes if anything you should have neg repped him yourself.

[Glamdring]

You show compassion where it needs lacking and lack compassion where it is needed.
I strongly disagree. Maybe you just have a different understanding of where compassion is needed.

[TheBlazedAce]

I strongly disagree. Maybe you just have a different understanding of where compassion is needed.

It comes down to opinion and at that point nothing can be argued. Some would say compassion is needed when someone's son falls down and starts to cry while others will treat it otherwise by saying that the boy should "act tough" and "stop crying" and "be a man".

[Realist]

Its not about compassion...its about simple fairness. Some kid falls into a trap and a bunch of people who should know better mob him for not being enough "in the know." So I try to undo that a bit to put things more on an even level. Sorry if you think I care too much for the underdogs in this world, its just my natural attitude and worldview.

[Warcow]

Its not about compassion...its about simple fairness. Some kid falls into a trap and a bunch of people who should know better mob him for not being enough "in the know." So I try to undo that a bit to put things more on an even level. Sorry if you think I care too much for the underdogs in this world, its just my natural attitude and worldview.

What an anti-elitist :). A true xyx sentiment if I've ever heard one.

[TheBlazedAce]

Just so you know, I didn't neg rep him, first of all.

I just thought he should get what he deserves. I guess I treat people in a way that I think what they would learn from it so that I believe I'm benefiting them someway in the future. See, if every time he's ganged up on you come to the rescue how will he ever learn to fight on his own?

[Godmic18]

Its not about compassion...its about simple fairness. Some kid falls into a trap and a bunch of people who should know better mob him for not being enough "in the know." So I try to undo that a bit to put things more on an even level. Sorry if you think I care too much for the underdogs in this world, its just my natural attitude and worldview.

My roommate just clipped his toenail and it hit me in the eye.

[Realist]

What an anti-elitist :). A true xyx sentiment if I've ever heard one.

Yes! I'm returning to my roots on this forum. :cool: Come full circle.

[Realist]

Just so you know, I didn't neg rep him, first of all. I just thought he should get what he deserves. I guess I treat people in a way that I think what they would learn from it so that I believe I'm benefiting them someway in the future. See, if every time he's ganged up on you come to the rescue how will he ever learn to fight on his own?

I find it benefits people more to treat them fairly than to abuse them in hopes that learning to "fight back" will eventually make them stronger.

[Warcow]

Yes! I'm returning to my roots on this forum. :cool: Come full circle.

I've actually seen that a little from you lately. I slipped in that Xyx quote a few times. Interesting, what changed?

[Realist]

My roommate just clipped his toenail and it hit me in the eye.

I'm so sorry, fellow human. :(

Anything I could do to help?

[Not Forgotten]

I slapped him in his face with an eraser.

[Realist]

I've actually seen that a little from you lately. I slipped in that Xyx quote a few times. Interesting, what changed?

In short: I realized that people are human.

[Godmic18]

I'm so sorry, fellow human. :(

Anything I could do to help?

Not really. Unless you happen to live near Greeley and have eyedrops...

And maybe a pellet gun... :dry:

[Warcow]

In short: I realized that people are human.

Perhaps your greatest truth?

[Realist]

Perhaps your greatest truth?

Nope.

I still don't know much about truth.

But people are human, that at least I think I know.

[TheBlazedAce]

I find it benefits people more to treat them fairly than to abuse them in hopes that learning to "fight back" will eventually make them stronger.

If they can't stand on their own two feet they will eventually not have you to support them and when that happens it might matter more and in reality you screwed them over. I didn't say "abuse" them, I just said you don't soften them. If they can't fend for themselves they don't deserve the commodities they receive.

[Realist]

If they can't stand on their own two feet they will eventually not have you to support them and when that happens it might matter more and in reality you screwed them over. I didn't say "abuse" them, I just said you don't soften them. If they can't fend for themselves they don't deserve the commodities they receive.

Mmh. Why not apply that logic to slavery or something? Its wrong to try to free black slaves from the white society that keeps them there because they have to learn to stand on thier own two feet?

You treat people fairly in this world, no need to either soften or abuse. When you see abuse, you try to stop it, you don't justify it by saying it helps people become stronger.

People will become stronger just by living life.

[TheBlazedAce]

Mmh. Why not apply that logic to slavery or something? Its wrong to try to free black slaves from the white society that keeps them there because they have to learn to stand on thier own two feet?

You treat people fairly in this world, no need to either soften or abuse. When you see abuse, you try to stop it, you don't justify it by saying it helps people become stronger.

People will become stronger just by living life.

It's not a generalization of what you should do in every situation. How much would you be willing to be that people who have gone through at least 3 years in the armed forces are a lot stronger then the average dope who just "lives life". This isn't people being denied human rights, this is some immature child on a forum not understanding a thread and deciding that instead of waiting to see what it really means attempting to insult the creator without plausible reason. He deserves what he gets. He wasn't born into a life where he is mistreated and abused for no justified reason.

[Warcow]

Mmh. Why not apply that logic to slavery or something? Its wrong to try to free black slaves from the white society that keeps them there because they have to learn to stand on thier own two feet?

You treat people fairly in this world, no need to either soften or abuse. When you see abuse, you try to stop it, you don't justify it by saying it helps people become stronger.

People will become stronger just by living life.

Don't go to extremities Xyx.

Take spartan society. (Yes I know, nearly everything I say relates somehow to the Spartans, but hey! That doesn't mean that it isn't relevant!)

The boys were introduced to the Agoge at age 10, in which they remained until 18, completing their military training. Often, the Spartan peers took it upon themselves to harrass a child, drilling him endlessly about valour, life, honor, courage, battle tactics, etc etc. These came in the form of extreme insults. These insults were in no way intended to crush the boy's spirit, or to alienate him from his comrades, it was intended to teach, to harden the boy's mind, against the brutalities of life, and make him learn his lessons early, so he could learn them without being killed, or what have you. Getting hurt it something important to life, if we shield people from everything that could harm them, it makes them too soft, and incapable of standing on their own as Blazed said. If you didn't ever fall down and scrape your knees as a child, and learn that falling hurts, how would you know not to jump off a cliff?

[Realist]

To Blazed:

Your last statement sounded like a generalization to me. What makes sense in extreme cases doesn't make less sense in less extreme cases just because they are less extreme.

People in the armed forces are forced to be strong for a reason. Life is not the armed forces. And thats a really good thing too.

I'm not saying this is anything major, its a minor situation in this specific case. But that doesn't stop it from being an unfair situation which i felt needed to be rectified in whatever small way I could.

Hell was entirely correct in his comments on this thread; if a non-vet had made this thread, everyone else would be saying the same thing as him. It was just his lack of knowledge of his situation which caused people to suddenly attack, being overprotective members of their exclusivist clique needing to attack anyone who didn't immediately comform in order to justify their feelings of superiority.

[Realist]

Warcow:

Spartan society, always a great one to emulate. Didn't they kill like half their babies in an attempt to strengthen their people through unnatural selection? The Nazis had many very similar ideas as the Spartans, they too believed in raising up strong children, and those who couldn't keep up, well, let 'em die (of course they got defeated too early to carry out all these ideas, but we can see how some of their other ideas turned out for an interesting look into obsessively milatirilistic society.)

[Warcow]

Warcow:

Spartan society, always a great one to emulate. Didn't they kill like half their babies in an attempt to strengthen their people through unnatural selection? The Nazis had many very similar ideas as the Spartans, they too believed in raising up strong children, and those who couldn't keep up, well, let 'em die (of course they got defeated too early to carry out all these ideas, but we can see how some of their other ideas turned out for an interesting look into obsessively milatirilistic society.)

They killed all their unhealthy children yes, by way of the "ten ten and one" count, meaning all 10 fingers, ten toes, and one penis. Girl children were not put to death. Also, that really isn't unnatural, it is letting only the strongest survive, and strengthening the gene pool. While their customs were somewhat barbaric in your eyes, the principles of strengthening the mind remain the same. Even at it's prime, Sparta was a collective of 5 unwalled villages, and yet were the strongest military presence in Greece for quite sometime, so it is quite obvious their system worked. Also, please don't compare Spartan society to the Nazi Germany either, one little link like that doesn't really mean anything. The Germans believed in eating, so do you . . . Sparta was the flower of Greece until Epamonidas found a way to overcome the spartan Scarlet and bronze.

[Realist]

Warcow,

I seem to recall reading about the spartan killing of their children as broader than you state it, however, I'm not one to question Warcow's knowledge of Sparta, at least not yet. :cool:

Also, that really isn't unnatural, it is letting only the strongest survive, and strengthening the gene pool.

That is called "unnatural selection" in biology. Natural selection is when desirable traits are selected through evolution based on one's natural environment; unnatural selection is when these desirable traits are selected by humans. Cows are a product of unnatural selection.

And I'm also not one to make unjustified comparisons to the Nazis, I'm one who's often accused others of doing so wrongly. The Spartans really do remind me of the Nazis in ways that no other culture reminds me of either of them. I was going to call the Spartans the forerunner of every military dictatorship following, but I think the Nazis are a more apt comparison because of the way the cultures of both these nations, and not just their rulers, were so deeply infused with military ideas and values. Life is irrelevent, kill off the weak, strengthen the gene pool, all that matters is the power of the state. They are obviously not the same thing; the comparison is not absolute, but the similarities are still there and are still real.

(Compared to say, weak democracies like Athens and USA, where atrocities are still committed but at least they have to be pretty heavily covered up. Sort of. Or certain people might complain. A bit. Twenty years into the future. Still, I do like Athens better. Would you really argue that Sparta contributed more to the greatness of modern Western civilization than pansy liberal Athens did? And if it weren't for the plague Athens might have taken Sparta out anyways, no?)

So now, back on topic, yes, we can agree that softening people up too much is bad, and that being somewhat abusing can be strengthening in terms of military strength. But in terms of real life? Where, unlike the Nazis or Spartans, we don't have to worry about fighting half the world? Where nonviolent human relations are the important ones? Do you truly think that societies of relatively arbitrary abuse are better than those of mutual respect for individual humanity?

Perhaps thats simply because you happen to be at the top in this specific society?

[Warcow]

Warcow,

I seem to recall reading about the spartan killing of their children as broader than you state it, however, I'm not one to question Warcow's knowledge of Sparta, at least not yet. :cool:



That is called "unnatural selection" in biology. Natural selection is when desirable traits are selected through evolution based on one's natural environment; unnatural selection is when these desirable traits are selected by humans. Cows are a product of unnatural selection.

And I'm also not one to make unjustified comparisons to the Nazis, I'm one who's often accused others of doing so wrongly. The Spartans really do remind me of the Nazis in ways that no other culture reminds me of either of them. I was going to call the Spartans the forerunner of every military dictatorship following, but I think the Nazis are a more apt comparison because of the way the cultures of both these nations, and not just their rulers, were so deeply infused with military ideas and values. Life is irrelevent, kill off the weak, strengthen the gene pool, all that matters is the power of the state. They are obviously not the same thing; the comparison is not absolute, but the similarities are still there and are still real.

You would be partially correct, except Sparta was really no more of a dictatorship then Athens was. One thing that isn't commonly understood about Sparta, is that the King wasn't really a king in the traditional sense, infact, Sparta even had two Kings. They was referred to as only the first among equals, and generally the society was run with the imput of all the Spartan peers, those being all native born Spartan males, or those serfs and squires that had proven themselves enough to be promoted to citizenship. Which is more or less the same as Athens. The only reason Sparta didn't produce more thinkers was because war was all Sparta knew. It adapted to the circumstances into which it was placed, which was a constantly warring Greece.

(Compared to say, weak democracies like Athens and USA, where atrocities are still committed but at least they have to be pretty heavily covered up. Sort of. Or certain people might complain. A bit. Twenty years into the future. Still, I do like Athens better. Would you really argue that Sparta contributed more to the greatness of modern Western civilization than pansy liberal Athens did? And if it weren't for the plague Athens might have taken Sparta out anyways, no?)

Athens never had a military strong enough to defeat the Spartans, and never would unless they had produced someone who altered tactics like Epamonidas. It is impossible to really determine who contribute more. Ponder this if you will. When Xerxes and Darius threatened invasion, it was mostly the Spartans that repulsed them, and allowed Athens to survive, so who really preserved Democracy?

So now, back on topic, yes, we can agree that softening people up too much is bad, and that being somewhat abusing can be strengthening in terms of military strength. But in terms of real life? Where, unlike the Nazis or Spartans, we don't have to worry about fighting half the world? Where nonviolent human relations are the important ones? Do you truly think that societies of relatively arbitrary abuse are better than those of mutual respect for individual humanity?

Perhaps thats simply because you happen to be at the top in this specific society?

You are speaking as if we live in an ideal society. If there was no violence or harship of anykind, of course your method would be better. However, the truth is, there is still a ton of verbal abuse that is being passed around our divided societies, and they wont be leaving anytime soon, so we need to harden up against the attack that comes most frequently. In this case, the backlash takes the forum of flames, and they need to be taken, and learned from.

[Realist]

I understand that Sparta was not really a dictatorship, it even had two kings, which pretty much ensures non-dictatorship. But that only goes to support my point; neither the Nazis nor the Spartans were the traditional military dictatorship where the dictator used his army/police forces to keep in control and enforce his rule. Rather, both the Nazis and the Spartans were truly a military culture; they acted out the very values you are arguing for in this thread, though perhaps to a greater extent than you are suggesting. Even the relatively low members of both these cultures believed in these values. This is why you got things like Hitler Youth groups, massive demonstrations, etc. You didn’t see things like that in, say, Saddam’s Iraq.

. The only reason Sparta didn't produce more thinkers was because war was all Sparta knew. It adapted to the circumstances into which it was placed, which was a constantly warring Greece.
I totally agree with this. Military culture is useful when a strong military is what you need, but it doesn’t produce the thinkers necessary for progression, or, for that matter, just generally nice people.

Athens never had a military strong enough to defeat the Spartans, and never would unless they had produced someone who altered tactics like Epamonidas. It is impossible to really determine who contribute more. Ponder this if you will. When Xerxes and Darius threatened invasion, it was mostly the Spartans that repulsed them, and allowed Athens to survive, so who really preserved Democracy?

This is where I’m weakened due to your vastly superior knowledge of Ancient Greek military history. Nevertheless, I’ll try from memory: If I recall correctly, the Athenians lost out to the Spartans due to a combination of bad overall military strategy, an inability to keep their empire together, and a plague wiping out half of their population. It also seemed that the Athenians had the sea power and the Spartans the land power. So maybe Athens at that point in time could not have defeated Sparta, but they were by no means weak despite the fact that they seem generally much less militarized than their Spartan contemporaries.

I also would say its quite easy to determine that Athens contributed more to Western civilization than Sparta: Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, etc. And if I remember right, Sparta repulsed the Persians with an alliance with Athens. In fact, as a whole, Athens seemed to have been much more active in the defense of Greece against Persia than Sparta was.

You are speaking as if we live in an ideal society. If there was no violence or harship of anykind, of course your method would be better. However, the truth is, there is still a ton of verbal abuse that is being passed around our divided societies, and they wont be leaving anytime soon, so we need to harden up against the attack that comes most frequently. In this case, the backlash takes the forum of flames, and they need to be taken, and learned from.

This seems sort of backward—so flames need to be delivered in order to give people protection against further flames? If people are going to be flamed anyways, it seems to me that a better way to protect them would be to give them a bit of self-confidence by demonstrating that they aren’t universally disliked. After all, people who feel disliked tend to leave rather than face the constant flames, not because they are weak, but simply because it’s a natural human reaction to continued attack.

Its you who is talking about an idealist society—a society in which people take from insults that they need to improve, and then actually act and do improve. That’s simply not what generally happens, either on the internet or in real life. Rather, constant attack merely injures a person emotionally, decreases their general happiness with life, and causes them to want to remove themselves from the sources of attack.

Treat people fairly and they are more likely to learn from your criticism. Treat them arbitrarily badly and they will only gain anger, contempt, unhappiness, and possibly self-dislike. If you don’t see this, then you must be too much in the Spartan world of your imagination to notice the real one.

[wolf rayne {D}]

Look at what I can do...*gets negged 4 times for not realizing Rabi was a vet* :bigsmile:
i think i was negged 6 times..im back to one box :(

[Tag Captain]

Oh here we go! After 10 pages, the 1000-word-essay posts are finally arriving...

You know, people care too much about rep. Even the ones who are supposed to be the most intelligent on the forum.

[Rabi en Rose]

Anything is worth caring about as long as it has a number attached to it.

[Tag Captain]

Seems so. Well, at least attention has been drawn away from post count somewhat... you'll know when rep has taken over when people start posting "Woohoo, 300 rep!" threads instead of "Woohoo, 1000 posts!" threads...

[wolf rayne {D}]

Oh here we go! After 10 pages, the 1000-word-essay posts are finally arriving...

You know, people care too much about rep. Even the ones who are supposed to be the most intelligent on the forum.
well, as i think has been proven in the last few pages, im not that bright.....
ah, and, im sorry rose, about earlier...

[Rabi en Rose]

well, as i think has been proven in the last few pages, im not that bright.....
ah, and, im sorry rose, about earlier...
No, actually you were right. Have a positive rep from me.

I have never been bothered by flames or the people that do it. This is why I post flame-bait to begin with.

[wolf rayne {D}]

ok...now YOU CAN ALL STOP NEGGING ME!!

[Tag Captain]

You know, people care too much about rep.
:rolleyes:

[wolf rayne {D}]

i had just recently gotten that box....

[Tag Captain]

See my post above.

[Warcow]

I understand that Sparta was not really a dictatorship, it even had two kings, which pretty much ensures non-dictatorship. But that only goes to support my point; neither the Nazis nor the Spartans were the traditional military dictatorship where the dictator used his army/police forces to keep in control and enforce his rule. Rather, both the Nazis and the Spartans were truly a military culture; they acted out the very values you are arguing for in this thread, though perhaps to a greater extent than you are suggesting. Even the relatively low members of both these cultures believed in these values. This is why you got things like Hitler Youth groups, massive demonstrations, etc. You didn’t see things like that in, say, Saddam’s Iraq.


I totally agree with this. Military culture is useful when a strong military is what you need, but it doesn’t produce the thinkers necessary for progression, or, for that matter, just generally nice people.


This is where I’m weakened due to your vastly superior knowledge of Ancient Greek military history. Nevertheless, I’ll try from memory: If I recall correctly, the Athenians lost out to the Spartans due to a combination of bad overall military strategy, an inability to keep their empire together, and a plague wiping out half of their population. It also seemed that the Athenians had the sea power and the Spartans the land power. So maybe Athens at that point in time could not have defeated Sparta, but they were by no means weak despite the fact that they seem generally much less militarized than their Spartan contemporaries.

I also would say its quite easy to determine that Athens contributed more to Western civilization than Sparta: Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, etc. And if I remember right, Sparta repulsed the Persians with an alliance with Athens. In fact, as a whole, Athens seemed to have been much more active in the defense of Greece against Persia than Sparta was.



This seems sort of backward—so flames need to be delivered in order to give people protection against further flames? If people are going to be flamed anyways, it seems to me that a better way to protect them would be to give them a bit of self-confidence by demonstrating that they aren’t universally disliked. After all, people who feel disliked tend to leave rather than face the constant flames, not because they are weak, but simply because it’s a natural human reaction to continued attack.

Its you who is talking about an idealist society—a society in which people take from insults that they need to improve, and then actually act and do improve. That’s simply not what generally happens, either on the internet or in real life. Rather, constant attack merely injures a person emotionally, decreases their general happiness with life, and causes them to want to remove themselves from the sources of attack.

Treat people fairly and they are more likely to learn from your criticism. Treat them arbitrarily badly and they will only gain anger, contempt, unhappiness, and possibly self-dislike. If you don’t see this, then you must be too much in the Spartan world of your imagination to notice the real one.


Unfortunately I don't have time to respond to this completely, but I will when I return. The only way the Athenians contributed more to the defense of Hellas was their navy, and you are correct, they were a very powerful presence off the coast. The spartans held the persians off at Thermopylae in order for the Greek states to rally together. Granted they had a handful of allies, but they were the ones that made the suicide stand, holding for all 3 days.

On top of that, when the decisive battle came, the Spartans, held the allied center, 8000 strong, 1000 across and 8 deep, and were the deciding force in the battle, which initially broke Xerxes' lines, and turned the tides of the battle.

[Thargor]

Nope.

I still don't know much about truth.

But people are human, that at least I think I know.

Truth comes in many varieties. So do people. nice to see you have returned xyx ;)

This seems sort of backward—so flames need to be delivered in order to give people protection against further flames? If people are going to be flamed anyways, it seems to me that a better way to protect them would be to give them a bit of self-confidence by demonstrating that they aren’t universally disliked. After all, people who feel disliked tend to leave rather than face the constant flames, not because they are weak, but simply because it’s a natural human reaction to continued attack.

Its you who is talking about an idealist society—a society in which people take from insults that they need to improve, and then actually act and do improve. That’s simply not what generally happens, either on the internet or in real life. Rather, constant attack merely injures a person emotionally, decreases their general happiness with life, and causes them to want to remove themselves from the sources of attack.

Treat people fairly and they are more likely to learn from your criticism. Treat them arbitrarily badly and they will only gain anger, contempt, unhappiness, and possibly self-dislike. If you don’t see this, then you must be too much in the Spartan world of your imagination to notice the real one.

And on topic...I agree with you on this for sure.

At least in our little corner of internet life, I'm farily certain that most people who claim to be showing "tough love" are mainly just rationalizing their desire to be mean. As for "tough love" itself, As a parent, I often say that there is not one right way to do things. Every different way leaves a different mark on the one you wish to mold. I do think its safe to say that one creates a flamer by flaming them though.

When there is a bully in the sandbox (or a group of bullies) it is always easier to leave the sandbox then deal with the bullies. Especially when there are millions of sandboxes to choose from. There are precious few who try to counter the bullies.

[Warcow]

This seems sort of backward—so flames need to be delivered in order to give people protection against further flames? If people are going to be flamed anyways, it seems to me that a better way to protect them would be to give them a bit of self-confidence by demonstrating that they aren’t universally disliked. After all, people who feel disliked tend to leave rather than face the constant flames, not because they are weak, but simply because it’s a natural human reaction to continued attack.

Its you who is talking about an idealist society—a society in which people take from insults that they need to improve, and then actually act and do improve. That’s simply not what generally happens, either on the internet or in real life. Rather, constant attack merely injures a person emotionally, decreases their general happiness with life, and causes them to want to remove themselves from the sources of attack.

Treat people fairly and they are more likely to learn from your criticism. Treat them arbitrarily badly and they will only gain anger, contempt, unhappiness, and possibly self-dislike. If you don’t see this, then you must be too much in the Spartan world of your imagination to notice the real one.

Alright, I believe we are now talking about two different things.

For me, the flames that I am talking about most, are more like discipline then actual abuse. You have to show people that there are going to be consequences for actions, and that if you aren't prepared for things, you may get hurt. If a mother locks her child in the house for 18 years, coddles him, and never lets the world get to him, the moment he steps outside to go to university, he OD's on drugs, because he doesn't know how to deal with anything. That is the same kind of thing I am talking about here. In order for us to be able to deal with the larger emotional attacks, we have to be able to suffer a few lighter ones without them affecting us overmuch.

Yes, we could remove all attacks completely, but that isn't realistic, because there are always going to be assholes dishing it out. Everyone at somepoint in their life is going to take a beating, be it verbal or physical. The thing about it is you can't let it get to you, you have to let it make you stronger. That which does not kill you.

Coddling people through life is no way to prepare them for the harshness of reality, you have to let people walk on their own two feet, and teach them things when they need to be taught.

In wolf Rayne's case, he jumped on Rabi because he didn't know who she was, regardless of the fact that she is a vet, he still didn't need to jump quite so hard. The flames he recieved here will undoubtedly deter him from doing so again, or at least give him serious pause. Did the flames really negatively affect him? I'll bet he felt a little chastised, maybe a touch embarassed, but the lingering effects are more positive than negative.

Either way though, we could argue this for ages, but what it really boils down to is what you believe builds character. It is quite obvious we have different standpoints when it comes to that, so I will tip my hat to you, say well argued, and leave it at that.

PS: Rabi is still awesome. Seriously.

[theburning]

Warcow, may I just say that my lovers name doesn't have a capital in it?
It's xyxaxyz2. You sort of ruin the effect by putting an incorrect capital letter in his name.

[Punishment Co.]

Rabi still hasn't fixer her pic :o

Oh well :wub:

omgbffl<3

[Warcow]

Warcow, may I just say that my lovers name doesn't have a capital in it?
It's xyxaxyz2. You sort of ruin the effect by putting an incorrect capital letter in his name.

I fixed it on my last post, I had forgotten xyx wasn't capitalized. I am too used to this silly Realist fellow, who does infact have his name captialized. :)

[S_K_O_F]

because there are always going to be assholes dishing it out.


*raises hand* :cool:

[Godmic18]

SKOF

Godmic18

[theburning]

I fixed it on my last post, I had forgotten xyx wasn't capitalized. I am too used to this silly Realist fellow, who does infact have his name captialized. :)

Realist looks much better than realist does, right?

However, xyxaxyz2 just wouldn't have the same meaning if it were capitalized.

[Realist]

Thargor,

I agree with you almost entirely.

Warcow,

I don’t think we’re talking about different things, I think we really do have different points of view that we are arguing out. I’m going to respond to your post a bit out of order because you get to your specific examples later in your post.

In wolf Rayne's case, he jumped on Rabi because he didn't know who she was, regardless of the fact that she is a vet, he still didn't need to jump quite so hard.

Why not? Rabi’s thread really would be a bad thread if anyone else posted it, Wolf was punished simply for not having that secret society info that us inner circle “vets” retain. Was this such a crime that it needs punishment or deterrence? No. The only reason Wolf was attacked was because he violated those unspoken rules upheld by the top members of the forum hierarchy to retain their feelings of superiority and exclusivity. Even beyond discussion of the effectiveness of a flame as a means of enforcing discipline, this is illegitimate and unfair reason for attack; therefore, the flames are both excessive and sending of the wrong message.

If a mother locks her child in the house for 18 years, coddles him, and never lets the world get to him, the moment he steps outside to go to university, he OD's on drugs, because he doesn't know how to deal with anything. That is the same kind of thing I am talking about here. In order for us to be able to deal with the larger emotional attacks, we have to be able to suffer a few lighter ones without them affecting us overmuch.

Allowing experience and understanding of the real world is different than attacking people simply because they have traits you dislike! A better example than parent/child would be to look at school hierarchies and how the varying groups contained within fare in the real world. After all, that is essentially the situation we are in here in this forum—we are peers, not in a teacher-student or parent-child power relationship. Like school and unlike real life, on forums power comes not primarily from defined position or ability but from influence and force of personality—those best able to divert the masses in their direction are the ones in control. (Of course there is one major difference between forums and school—here, those who feel abused or discomforted will simply leave.)

Do you truly think the abused, bullied, verbally assaulted school kids fare better than the average?

Yet you object—the intention in this specific situation is not to bully, rather, it is to instruct. But I don’t see any instruction going on, any lessons being taught. All that seems to be said is, ha ha, you’re too noobish to know that when Rabi posts a pointless thread it actually isn’t a pointless thread, you idiot. Do you truly think anyone is going to learn anything from that except not to express their opinions for fear of attack? Whatever the supposed intention, and I have to agree with Thargor on the intention of the posters in this case, in practice all flaming of noobs is is good old fashioned bullying of the weak by the strong for the benefit of the ego of the latter.

Yes, we could remove all attacks completely, but that isn't realistic, because there are always going to be assholes dishing it out. Everyone at somepoint in their life is going to take a beating, be it verbal or physical. The thing about it is you can't let it get to you, you have to let it make you stronger. That which does not kill you.

I agree with some of this, but I simply don’t see how more attacks is better than fewer. Your argument again seems to be, flame people in order to protect them from flaming, which I think you can agree defies simple logic. Emotional assault is designed to hurt people emotionally, and that’s exactly what it does, very rarely leading to actual benefits in the person.

Don’t coddle, but don’t injure either. Treat people reasonably and fairly.

[Warcow]

Warcow,

I don’t think we’re talking about different things, I think we really do have different points of view that we are arguing out. I’m going to respond to your post a bit out of order because you get to your specific examples later in your post.



Why not? Rabi’s thread really would be a bad thread if anyone else posted it, Wolf was punished simply for not having that secret society info that us inner circle “vets” retain. Was this such a crime that it needs punishment or deterrence? No. The only reason Wolf was attacked was because he violated those unspoken rules upheld by the top members of the forum hierarchy to retain their feelings of superiority and exclusivity. Even beyond discussion of the effectiveness of a flame as a means of enforcing discipline, this is illegitimate and unfair reason for attack; therefore, the flames are both excessive and sending of the wrong message.


This is obviously where we are differing, you think Rabi's thread is useless, I see and believe that it has a point, one that I consider very valuable, so I believe that any abuse here towards Rabi was unwarranted. You speak of abuse due to forum hierarchy, but from my standpoint, the abuse came because a comment was made in ignorance. That makes all flames directed at wolf legitimate.

Allowing experience and understanding of the real world is different than attacking people simply because they have traits you dislike! A better example than parent/child would be to look at school hierarchies and how the varying groups contained within fare in the real world. After all, that is essentially the situation we are in here in this forum—we are peers, not in a teacher-student or parent-child power relationship. Like school and unlike real life, on forums power comes not primarily from defined position or ability but from influence and force of personality—those best able to divert the masses in their direction are the ones in control. (Of course there is one major difference between forums and school—here, those who feel abused or discomforted will simply leave.)

Do you truly think the abused, bullied, verbally assaulted school kids fare better than the average?

Once again, this is only a difference of opinion because you believe that wolf was being bullied, as opposed to my belief that the attacks were warranted.

Yet you object—the intention in this specific situation is not to bully, rather, it is to instruct. But I don’t see any instruction going on, any lessons being taught. All that seems to be said is, ha ha, you’re too noobish to know that when Rabi posts a pointless thread it actually isn’t a pointless thread, you idiot. Do you truly think anyone is going to learn anything from that except not to express their opinions for fear of attack? Whatever the supposed intention, and I have to agree with Thargor on the intention of the posters in this case, in practice all flaming of noobs is is good old fashioned bullying of the weak by the strong for the benefit of the ego of the latter.

The instruction here would be not to be so quick to post insults when you don't truely understand the situation. Now, you could argue again that wolf did understand, and that Rabi did need flaming, but that just brings us back to where we started. If however a vet had made a very stupid thread for no reason, and wolf had still been attacked, you would be absolutely correct, there would be no teachings being imparted.

I agree with some of this, but I simply don’t see how more attacks is better than fewer. Your argument again seems to be, flame people in order to protect them from flaming, which I think you can agree defies simple logic. Emotional assault is designed to hurt people emotionally, and that’s exactly what it does, very rarely leading to actual benefits in the person.

Don’t coddle, but don’t injure either. Treat people reasonably and fairly.

I don't see any place where I called for more flames or or excessive flaming, one comment should have imparted the message that was needed. I am not defending the overzealous flaming of every single ill-advised post, merely that when is a blow is deserved, don't soften it, or it loses the affect.

While the flaming here obviously could have been slightly more constructive, it was still more intended to correct a mistake than it was to damage Wolf-Rayne. I would imagine in a few days, no one will even remember this event, and Wolf will be no worse off for it, but perhaps next time he does go to insult someone for a thread they make, he will sit back and think hmmm, let me remember what happened last time. Then he will sit back, observe a little more before forming his opinion, and then offer it up. Again, it all depends on how you look at the comments. If you look at them as being malicious simply for the purpose of insulting Wolf, then obviously they serve no purpose. However, if they are punishment for an act that was in bad taste, they do indeed serve a purpose.

[Serge]

Wow, Rabi, you have reached the top of the plateau. Have you ever thought of posting complete and utter crap just so you can laugh when people like Glam, drako, Cow, Hugh, skof, and all the others back you up?

[Duffman]

What makes you think she already hasn't?

[theburning]

What makes you think she already hasn't?

The fact that he should obviously be added to the list of vets who back her up.

[Warcow]

:dry: Because you know, none of us vets have any brains at all, and there isn't even the slightest possiblity that we actually like the thread. That would simply be impossible.

[dirka dirka]

:dry: Because you know, none of us vets have any brains at all, and there isn't even the slightest possiblity that we actually like the thread. That would simply be impossible.

Yea, wurd, us vets are leet.

[Duffman]

Yes but i think most vets who know Rabi are at the stage that if we don't see any greater meaning to her threads that we just assume there is one and wait till a newb asks for the answer.

[theburning]

Yes but i think most vets who know Rabi are at the stage that if we don't see any greater meaning to her threads that we just assume there is one and wait till a newb asks for the answer.

Exactly.

[dirka dirka]

It has a meaning?

[xerent]

Yes but i think most vets who know Rabi are at the stage that if we don't see any greater meaning to her threads that we just assume there is one and wait till a newb asks for the answer.
And once it's revealed, we all jump in to make ourselves sound smarter than we actually are.

[Rabi en Rose]

To end the guessing game, yes my thread has a reason, but anyone who claims to be able to see the reason right away is lying, because I need certain replies to make anything work.
And once it's revealed, we all jump in to make ourselves sound smarter than we actually are.
I'm just a big dummy who isn't able to express things more clearly.
It has a meaning?
They always do. I recall you falling for one of them last time too.

[TheBlazedAce]

First of all, thank you Warcow for defending my position, I couldn't have said it better myself.

To the burning: XYXAXYZ2!!!!111!!1!one!!!1!!! <- Doesn't look any worse then that now does it? :p

To Realist, Duffman, and Burning: I'm glad you rate the validity of the posts of so-called "vets" lower then those of so-called "noobs". You assumed that everyone defending Rabi did so because she was a "vet" and the "noobs" were innocent if she had not been one. It's funny how many times I see vets "flaming" compared to how many times I see "noobs" flaming. I guess it's easier to assume people just flamed to be "bullies" on a forum where not only do people take every word seriously, but the insults posed and the fallacious reputation lost creates emotional trauma, instead of rightfully giving constructive criticism to someone who jumped at insults because they didn't give this thread the time of day to understanding the meaning behind it.

Thank you ever-so-forgiving, bully preventing, suicide saving, noob defending moderators of our grand forum.

[Serge]

What makes you think she already hasn't?
That's a good point.

[Serge]

The fact that he should obviously be added to the list of vets who back her up.
Not really. I think I've only posted in two or three of her threads, and it was always something inane and completely random.

[dirka dirka]

Not really. I think I've only posted in two or three of her threads, and it was always something inane and completely random.
Only to someone who is not open to the world. There is some completely random topic behind the thread, we just don't know it. They explained this already.

[theburning]

Thank you ever-so-forgiving, bully preventing, suicide saving, noob defending moderators of our grand forum.

You're more than welcome!
I'd do the same thing if it were you too. :)

I didn't even notice that the only ones who were defending those poor kids were moderators!
I guess us moderators are just naturally kind at heart. :cool:

[TheBlazedAce]

You're more than welcome!
I'd do the same thing if it were you too. :)

I would never find myself in the same situation. When was the last time one of the vets were being flamed for not understanding a thread or more precisely acting like a "noob"?

[theburning]

I would never find myself in the same situation. When was the last time one of the vets were being flamed for not understanding a thread or more precisely acting like a "noob"?

I meant if you were one of the 'noobs'.

I'd be just as likely to flame you as I would anyone else.

[Godmic18]

I meant if you were one of the 'noobs'.

I'd be just as likely to flame you as I would anyone else.

hehe. Remember my first few sigs? XD

[Zeratul]

godmic's seen my first banner on HD. XD that was bad

[theburning]

hehe. Remember my first few sigs? XD

Not really?
Were they the ones that I resized for you?

[Godmic18]

Not really?
Were they the ones that I resized for you?
No. They were the ones that almost got me banned. The big ones.

[TheBlazedAce]

I meant if you were one of the 'noobs'.

I'd be just as likely to flame you as I would anyone else.

You're just saying that you treat all noobs equally or treat all posters equally? I treat them all in just the same manner.

[theburning]

You're just saying that you treat all noobs equally or treat all posters equally? I treat them all in just the same manner.

All posters. I mean, at least on the forums?
Obviously outside of them I tend to have closer relationships with certain others.

[Serge]

Only to someone who is not open to the world. There is some completely random topic behind the thread, we just don't know it. They explained this already.
No, I meant my posts in the threads were always inane and random.

[dirka dirka]

No, I meant my posts in the threads were always inane and random.
Ahh, okay then.

[Rabi en Rose]

No, I meant my posts in the threads were always inane and random.I will post a nonsensical reply to this to pretend I understand.You're off my Christmas list buddy.

[Serge]

That's fine, I didn't like what you got me last year anyway. What was that supposed to be anyways: a candle holder?

[Rabi en Rose]

That's fine, I didn't like what you got me last year anyway. What was that supposed to be anyways: a candle holder?
It was a self-castration kit.

[Serge]

It was a self-castration kit.
Oh, so how can I get back on your Christmas list?

[Realist]

This is obviously where we are differing, you think Rabi's thread is useless, I see and believe that it has a point, one that I consider very valuable, so I believe that any abuse here towards Rabi was unwarranted. You speak of abuse due to forum hierarchy, but from my standpoint, the abuse came because a comment was made in ignorance.
Ignorance of a set of arbitrary facts. We don’t have knowledge test requirements for this forum…Not experiencing Rabi’s previous threads is hardly an act deserving punishment.
Once again, this is only a difference of opinion because you believe that wolf was being bullied, as opposed to my belief that the attacks were warranted.
Whether the attacks were warranted or not doesn’t change the fact that he was being bullied…bullied refers to the method, not to the intention. Regardless of the justification behind bullying, I don’t see how it generally helps people…I simply have never seen such occur in my experiences, while I’ve seen it harm a whole bunch.
The instruction here would be not to be so quick to post insults when you don't truely understand the situation.
How was he supposed to know he didn’t truly understand the situation…Rabi left no clues in her posts, you only assumed it was meaningful due to her previous posts.
I don't see any place where I called for more flames or or excessive flaming, one comment should have imparted the message that was needed. I am not defending the overzealous flaming of every single ill-advised post, merely that when is a blow is deserved, don't soften it, or it loses the affect.
My intention is to make it lose its effect.

[Realist]

You assumed that everyone defending Rabi did so because she was a "vet" and the "noobs" were innocent if she had not been one.

Is this assumption incorrect?

[Warcow]

Ignorance of a set of arbitrary facts. We don’t have knowledge test requirements for this forum…Not experiencing Rabi’s previous threads is hardly an act deserving punishment.
What if it had been a completely new poster, and had made the exact same thread with the exact same intent. Then there would be no previous knowledge for anyone. That still doesn't make it right to insult someone, simply because they didn't get the message.

Whether the attacks were warranted or not doesn’t change the fact that he was being bullied…bullied refers to the method, not to the intention. Regardless of the justification behind bullying, I don’t see how it generally helps people…I simply have never seen such occur in my experiences, while I’ve seen it harm a whole bunch.
So instead you would merely allow people to run amok, with no reprocussions for poor actions . . . Why don't we see where that gets us? Like I said, there are undoubtedly better measures that could be taken, but taking this approach is better than non at all.

How was he supposed to know he didn’t truly understand the situation…Rabi left no clues in her posts, you only assumed it was meaningful due to her previous posts. My my, you certainly don't like the vets do you? Has it ever occured to you that we just might have the brains to analyze her posts based on what they are and not experiance? No of course not, we must be absolute simpletons. Despite the fact that Wolf has had no previous experiance with Rabi, he still shouldn't be flaming someone, simply because he percieves something. If someone acts in ignorance, ignorance is no excuse for the action.

My intention is to make it lose its effect.

Awesome, one of our mods wants to take away disciplinary action.

[TheBlazedAce]

Is this assumption incorrect?
I'll say it again, becuase I'm glad:

I'm glad you rate the validity of the posts of so-called "vets" lower then those of so-called "noobs".

[Duffman]

Blazed, I'm not sure where you got all that from but it definitley wasn't from something i said. I made an observation that in Rabi's threads people who know her threads just assume there is a deep meaning. I never said they weren't correct or that newbs are more valid in flaming her. So check yourself Blazed.

[TheBlazedAce]

Blazed, I'm not sure where you got all that from but it definitley wasn't from something i said. I made an observation that in Rabi's threads people who know her threads just assume there is a deep meaning. I never said they weren't correct or that newbs are more valid in flaming her. So check yourself Blazed.

You've done exactly as I said. You claim that the posts of noobs who flamed her were done with legitimate reasons and that the vets "assumed" there was a deeper meaning withour realizing one. Maybe I'm being a little harsh here, but I think you have to be either stupid or impatient not to realize what Rabi is trying to say in just about every one of her "meaningful" threads. I don't care that you think these noobs deserve pity for not understanding simple concepts of humor and instead of waiting patiently to try and understand it just jump and insult at first sight. Your solution is then giving rep to make up for the "undeserved" neg rep given.

Sorry if not everything said wasn't particularly focused on you, but it was focused on the three people mentioned. I don't care so much that you gave rep for whatever reasons you have. I care that the moderators of this forum seem to have this inane conception that the vets are the ones not thinking before taking action and are the ones who indeed don't understand what's going on. Oh ya, I feel respected all right.

[Duffman]

Mate, seriously, you are digging so far into what I said you are putting words in my mouth. My post just said _if_ anyone didn't get the meaning of one of Rabi's threads that they assume there was one. I would and have done so before. I never said anything about it being valid for noobs to flame her, I never even said a single vet didn't understand the thread. It was a hypothetical observation. Sheesh!

[Rabi en Rose]

Oh, so how can I get back on your Christmas list?
I dunno. I just made that up because I needed a fast and easy threat that I don't plan to follow through, something that nobody ever does.

[Glamdring]

Rabi, if you don't quit following the crowd, I'll stop posting in your threads entirely. Especially since everyone now knows that I'm just an ignorant vet who jumps at your threads because they're written by you, and I laugh at everyone who doesn't understand them even though I don't understand them fully myself.

You wouldn't want your most loyal, if a little dimwitted, supporter to desert you, would you?

[Rabi en Rose]

Rabi, if you don't quit following the crowd, I'll stop posting in your threads entirely. Especially since everyone now knows that I'm just an ignorant vet who jumps at your threads because they're written by you, and I laugh at everyone who doesn't understand them even though I don't understand them fully myself.

You wouldn't want your most loyal, if a little dimwitted, supporter to desert you, would you?
Which crowd am I following?

[Glamdring]

Uh... the crowd that... er...

Well it's 420 today, so there's a lot of potheads about. I suppose that would be the crowd following you, since your experimentation there came first...

So... umm... yeah.

*points* What in the world can that be??? *switches glasses*

[Rabi en Rose]

Glamdring is OK.

[Glamdring]

Rabi is decent.

[Tag Captain]

What a surprise. Xyx is standing up for the underdogs, even if he's wrong and they are acting stupidly.

Well, good thing I stopped listening to what he said a long while ago, otherwise I would be in trouble.

Incidentally, who here is actually a qualified veterinarian? There sounds as though there's a lot...

[Rabi en Rose]

Rabi is decent.
Hey hey when did you suddenly get all uppity on me? Don't make me e-threaten you too. You know...over a message board.What a surprise. Xyx is standing up for the underdogs, even if he's wrong and they are acting stupidly.

Well, good thing I stopped listening to what he said a long while ago, otherwise I would be in trouble.

Incidentally, who here is actually a qualified veterinarian? There sounds as though there's a lot...
He's not wrong.

p.s. My friend's uncle's sister's step-dad's cousin's half brother's wife's friend is a vet. He specializes in putting animals to sleep.

[Tag Captain]

You didn't see his neg-rep of me.

[theburning]

Incidentally, who here is actually a qualified veterinarian? There sounds as though there's a lot...

All of my 4 younger sisters claim they want to be veterinarians.
How cheesy is that?

[Glamdring]

None of my 4 sisters claim to want to be veterinarians. That's just silly.

We all want to be engineers instead :rolleyes:

[theburning]

None of my 4 sisters claim to want to be veterinarians. That's just silly.

We all want to be engineers instead :rolleyes:

I have 5 sisters actually!
But the oldest one is a waste of flesh.

[Tag Captain]

And bone, don't forget bone.

[TheBlazedAce]

We all want to be engineers instead :rolleyes:

That reminds me of what I'm going to for college: electrical engineering. YES! I can't wait to go to college, ya! Me so happy. :bigsmile:

[Spit_101]

Repeat after Rabi.

xerent

[Serge]

I dunno. I just made that up because I needed a fast and easy threat that I don't plan to follow through, something that nobody ever does.
:(