FG is fun, but...

QUINNSCOMMENTARY · Post by **QUINNSCOMMENTARY** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 5:38 am

In my last several months in the FG it has become clear that most people particiapte for fun, and that's great, likely the main purpose for FG.

On the other hand, there is a lot of serious stuff going on in the world, and I for one, enjoy hearing various points of view from all over the world, even when they are 100% in disagreement with me.

Many people view postings but fail to comment or vote in polls.

I just want to urge everyone to get involved in the hard stuff as well as having fun, well I think the hard stuff is fun, but I am strange that way.

mikeinie · Post by **mikeinie** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:43 am

QUINNSCOMMENTARY;1062826 wrote: In my last several months in the FG it has become clear that most people particiapte for fun, and that's great, likely the main purpose for FG.

On the other hand, there is a lot of serious stuff going on in the world, and I for one, enjoy hearing various points of view from all over the world, even when they are 100% in disagreement with me.

Many people view postings but fail to comment or vote in polls.

I just want to urge everyone to get involved in the hard stuff as well as having fun, well I think the hard stuff is fun, but I am strange that way.

I always reply to the ones I have an interest in, actually in a few of your posts I have responded with (what I think to be ) good points, which in return you have completely by passed in your replies (for example: the top three motor companies thread).

sunny104 · Post by **sunny104** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:45 am

I post everywhere! <----------see!

hoppy · Post by **hoppy** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:47 am

I understand and agree. I'm sure everyone forms opinions about everything. But, speaking for myself, I hate being drawn into debates. I'm no good at them. Anger gets in my way too easily. I'm sure there are others who may have feelings of intimidation, inferiority or insult too readily to engage in the "hard stuff".

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:59 am

I'm involved in the heavy stuff all day at work that's enough for me. I will only respond to threads I want to. I come here to have fun and drop a ton of money in the CASINO.

I do understand your point.

sunny104 · Post by **sunny104** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:05 am

hoppy;1062926 wrote: I understand and agree. I'm sure everyone forms opinions about everything. But, speaking for myself, I hate being drawn into debates. I'm no good at them. Anger gets in my way too easily. I'm sure there are others who may have feelings of intimidation, inferiority or insult too readily to engage in the "hard stuff".

it's okay, we know how to distract you!

hoppy · Post by **hoppy** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:25 am

sunny104;1062943 wrote: it's okay, we know how to distract you!

Yeah, that works.:yh_blush

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:28 am

hoppy;1062926 wrote: I understand and agree. I'm sure everyone forms opinions about everything. But, speaking for myself, I hate being drawn into debates. I'm no good at them. Anger gets in my way too easily. I'm sure there are others who may have feelings of intimidation, inferiority or insult too readily to engage in the "hard stuff".

:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

mikeinie · Post by **mikeinie** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:28 am

hoppy;1062951 wrote: Yeah, that works.:yh_blush

Works for me as well...... well done

OpenMind · Post by **OpenMind** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:49 am

hoppy;1062951 wrote: Yeah, that works.:yh_blush

Works for me too.:yh_whistl

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:54 am

hoppy;1062926 wrote: I understand and agree. I'm sure everyone forms opinions about everything. But, speaking for myself, I hate being drawn into debates. I'm no good at them. Anger gets in my way too easily. I'm sure there are others who may have feelings of intimidation, inferiority or insult too readily to engage in the "hard stuff".

Hoppy, I feel the same way to! debates just get way out of hand, and the insults I have seen, are just uncalled for.

Even threads have insults, those are bad enough and should not be tolerated.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 2:37 pm

I have noticed that a few members, Uncle Quinn, just seem to start their own threads and seldom post in someone elses.

:sneaky:

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 2:40 pm

That is why a forum has diverse threads-for those who want a discussion, and those who want to play games and make moola in the casino.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:20 pm

Hello Quinn,

In all honesty, I find my daily job extremely difficult and time consuming. I'm exhaused by the time my head lands on my pillow at the end of every long day.

The last thing that I want to do when I come onto FG is go on a political or religious thread and discuss world problems, the economy, and children being murdered. Why would I go on those threads anyway since I would only be ignored, or told that I was wrong, or asked for proof and links...or told that no one is interested in my opinion?????

I listen to the radio and tv, and read the newspaper, for my news sources. I talk politics, religion and world news with people that I know will listen to my point of view and treat me with respect...as I do them...

I think that astronomy is fascinating, but hardly anyone posts in my threads...Guess people are not interested in all events, and that's life in the FG...whatever floats your boat;)

I just want to sit and chat with me mates in FG and have a bit of fun:)

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:56 pm

I''m with you, Kathy, here for some well-earned relaxation!!!!! In our jobs and workaday lives, many of us read, study, and interact and strive towards a better understanding of our world and do what we can towards change for the better. Here, I'm off duty.

We don't have debates in FG - I believe Spot introduced a debating area, with rules and moderation. But real debates, in my opinion, seem to involve pointscoring and show bizz more than fact swapping.

Discussions in FG, in my experience, almost inevitably lead to unpleasantness. The online anonymity and relative shielding means that even normal good manners can be avoided in the non face to face confrontations. Nuances are not clearly understood either. Misunderstandings or perfectly good understandings occur. Someone takes something personally. The merde hits the fan. Emotion or loud repetition trumps logic every time. The usual minority with strident, inflexible political/religious etc views hijack the thread to fit their own agendas, so progress is not made. And someone bangs the door and cancels their account.

And absolutely nobody listens to me when I come in with the sweet voice of reason - and try to shed the light of my wisdom and wit on everyone else's darkness.

Quinn, you seem to be here to promulgate your worldview. I have no problem with that - and I'm sure those who wish to explore your ideas have the opportunity to do so. Those who really don't, also are free to join in the less cerebral, less taxing, reprehensibly ephemeral trivia and personal chitchat threads where tea and sympathy (or coffee and Chippendales) can be found, and the day's stresses massaged away... :sneaky:

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:01 pm

Well said, Kathy Ellen and AussiePam. I agree.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:03 pm

AussiePam;1063447 wrote: I''m with you, Kathy, here for some well-earned relaxation!!!!! In our jobs and workaday lives, many of us read, study, and interact and strive towards a better understanding of our world and do what we can towards change for the better. Here, I'm off duty.

We don't have debates in FG - I believe Spot introduced a debating area, with rules and moderation. But real debates, in my opinion, seem to involve pointscoring and show bizz more than fact swapping.

Discussions in FG, in my experience, almost inevitably lead to unpleasantness. The online anonymity and relative shielding means that even normal good manners can be avoided in the non face to face confrontations. Nuances are not clearly understood either. Misunderstandings or perfectly good understandings occur. Someone takes something personally. The merde hits the fan. Emotion or loud repetition trumps logic every time. The usual minority with strident, inflexible political/religious etc views hijack the thread to fit their own agendas, so progress is not made. And someone bangs the door and cancels their account.

And absolutely nobody listens to me when I come in with the sweet voice of reason - and try to shed the light of my wisdom and wit on everyone else's darkness.

Quinn, you seem to be here to promulgate your worldview. I have no problem with that - and I'm sure those who wish to explore your ideas have the opportunity to do so. Those who really don't, also are free to join in the less cerebral, less taxing, reprehensibly ephemeral trivia and personal chitchat threads where tea and sympathy (or coffee and Chippendales) can be found, and the day's stresses massaged away... :sneaky:

What Pam said.....:-6:wah::wah:

Just bought a holiday present for myself Pam....4 hour long massages, but don't think they'll be an Chippendales there:mad: Maybe you could cyber a few Aussie stud muffins over to the beach and join me:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:11 pm

Kathy Ellen;1063453 wrote: What Pam said.....:-6:wah::wah:

Just bought a holiday present for myself Pam....4 hour long massages, but don't think they'll be an Chippendales there:mad: Maybe you could cyber a few Aussie stud muffins over to the beach and join me:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

What a wonderful Chrissie pressie, Kathy!!! A four hour massage. The mind boggles.... I'm usually sound asleep after the first ten minutes. Of course if the Chippendales were involved that might not be the case!!!

BUT ... I'll get onto your request immediately. Would a couple of bronzed Aussie lifeguards from Bondi beach do? I'm repacking my bags as I write....

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:18 pm

AussiePam;1063461 wrote: What a wonderful Chrissie pressie, Kathy!!! A four hour massage. The mind boggles.... I'm usually sound asleep after the first ten minutes. Of course if the Chippendales were involved that might not be the case!!!

BUT ... I'll get onto your request immediately. Would a couple of bronzed Aussie lifeguards from Bondi beach do? I'm repacking my bags as I write....

Oops, sorry Pam...I meant that I booked 4 separate 1 hour long massages:wah: I'm usually asleep or sooooo relaxed by the end of the massage and can't drive home:wah:

Oh, please send over some of the muffins from Bondi Beach. They are such lovely chaps:sneaky:

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:18 pm

jimbo;1063463 wrote: i only come on here foe stern debate and the hostile threads but some moron keeps side tracking me

I just knew it !!! See what I mean. This is about me, isn't it??!!! I've had enough. I'm leaving FG immediately and you'll be sorry.

:sneaky:

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:20 pm

GUFFAW, Kathy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Four massages = bloody brilliant !!!!!!! Ahhhhhhh

:-6

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:20 pm

AussiePam;1063474 wrote: I just knew it !!! See what I mean. This is about me, isn't it??!!! I've had enough. I'm leaving FG immediately and you'll be sorry.

:sneaky:

Don't slam the door when you flounce out Pam:yh_rotfl

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:21 pm

Now see what you've done Jimbo....

You've made Pam flounce out the back door:wah:

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:22 pm

Kathy Ellen;1063416 wrote: Hello Quinn,

In all honesty, I find my daily job extremely difficult and time consuming. I'm exhaused by the time my head lands on my pillow at the end of every long day.

The last thing that I want to do when I come onto FG is go on a political or religious thread and discuss world problems, the economy, and children being murdered. Why would I go on those threads anyway since I would only be ignored, or told that I was wrong, or asked for proof and links...or told that no one is interested in my opinion?????

I listen to the radio and tv, and read the newspaper, for my news sources. I talk politics, religion and world news with people that I know will listen to my point of view and treat me with respect...as I do them...

I think that astronomy is fascinating, but hardly anyone posts in my threads...Guess people are not interested in all events, and that's life in the FG...whatever floats your boat;)

I just want to sit and chat with me mates in FG and have a bit of fun:)

alright, well said!

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:29 pm

QUINNSCOMMENTARY;1062826 wrote: In my last several months in the FG it has become clear that most people particiapte for fun, and that's great, likely the main purpose for FG.

On the other hand, there is a lot of serious stuff going on in the world, and I for one, enjoy hearing various points of view from all over the world, even when they are 100% in disagreement with me.

Many people view postings but fail to comment or vote in polls.

I just want to urge everyone to get involved in the hard stuff as well as having fun, well I think the hard stuff is fun, but I am strange that way.

We have had some threads and posts where some members feel a little intimidated joining in on the political issue's.

I'm sure no memeber wants them to feel that way but in political threads, you do need a certain level of imformation. If your just not the type that reads all the newspapers and googles, they feel that just an opinion is a bit scarey in posting.

It's no secret that some political threads do get a little heated because people's beliefs come into them.

I just wish more members could put their opinions on a political thread instead of the same one's.

If some have done this and they feel they have been shouted down, it's probably not the case. it's just some-one coming up with a fact that disagree's with what they have said.

I couldn't do your poll on make of car.

As a woman i have no idea of what car we have other than it is a white one. :yh_rotfl

Could you do a poll on shopping? I'd do that one easy :yh_rotfl

shelbell · Post by **shelbell** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 1:30 pm

Well Quin, it all depends on the mood I'm in. I've gotten into debates before and if someone steps out of line, then I'll just tell them to not talk to me until they want to have a grown up debate. Another thing I hate about those types of threads, they want links to everything, yet when I ask for links on their position they totally ignore me and keep going in circles. This is why I stay mostly on the fun threads.

QUINNSCOMMENTARY · Post by **QUINNSCOMMENTARY** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:39 am

Oh well, I get the message.

Having fun is good, perhaps the serious stuff that is going on in the world is not all that important after all.

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:45 pm

QUINNSCOMMENTARY;1065180 wrote: Oh well, I get the message.

Having fun is good, perhaps the serious stuff that is going on in the world is not all that important after all.

This is a perfectly good example of familiar misunderstanding, Quinn. This is what you thought. Reading the very same thread comments, I thought people were saying the serious stuff that is going on in the world is mega important - and we're confronting it. But not in what we consider our online de-stressing time (in a context where our experience has shown that real progress in the exploration of ideas etc is unlikely).

A dozen or so people did however read what you said - which was itself a serious question - and take the time to reply.

shelbell · Post by **shelbell** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 3:05 pm

jimbo;1064589 wrote: can you give me a link to that please :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

Ok, but just wait til I find them....just stay where you are....I'll get them soon....just wait....

:sneaky:;);):yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

wildhorses · Post by **wildhorses** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 6:31 pm

QUINNSCOMMENTARY;1065180 wrote: Oh well, I get the message.

Having fun is good, perhaps the serious stuff that is going on in the world is not all that important after all.

The serious stuff is very important Quinn. But having some fun is also important. And different personalities have different needs. Sometimes I dont answer your posts because I just need a break from the serious stuff for a day or two. Its not because I dont find your post interesting, or because it doesnt **** me off just as much as your last post....but I cant just give attention to serious stuff all the time. Furthermore, these are some very very serious times. We are in deep chit...really. So sometimes I just have to let my mind rest.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:21 am

QUINNSCOMMENTARY;1065180 wrote: Oh well, I get the message.

Having fun is good, perhaps the serious stuff that is going on in the world is not all that important after all.

Quinn, Please reread what members have said....I really thing that you're missing the point. I don't think any of us are saying the world affairs are not important. It looks to me that members are saying that "our world problems" are important, and we talk about world affairs elsewhere in RL. But, we need some downtime to destress from RL.

Milly · Post by **Milly** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:30 am

QUINNSCOMMENTARY;1065180 wrote: Oh well, I get the message.

Having fun is good, perhaps the serious stuff that is going on in the world is not all that important after all.

ForumGarden isn't a forum targetting discussion of serious debate though... if I wanted that, I'd join a forum for 'just' that... I don't.... I enjoy forums where I can join in debate if I choose to.... have fun in topics I might find funny if I choose to.... and have a general chat about day to day stuff in threads with like minded people if I choose to....

The reason I registered with ForumGarden was because it offered a variety of conversation.... I'm able to discuss whatever I want, wherever I want.... 'when I choose to'

:)

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:53 am

shelbell;1065467 wrote: Ok, but just wait til I find them....just stay where you are....I'll get them soon....just wait....

:sneaky:;);):yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

just where are these?:yh_rotfl