Mark has long made fun of me for arguing on the net. I moved on from some boards. Most of them are parenting and child related. I used to spend time on a board that debated circumcision. For the record I am AGAINST infant circumcision and it was a lot like banging your head into a brick wall arguing there. I quit going to that board.
I also spent a lot of time at another debate board. I have since not spent as much time there. First, it was because it was no longer really relevant to my life anymore. My kids are getting older. Then, it was that it was taking too much of my time. Time that could be spent elsewhere. But lately something new has occurred to me.
I do not spend much time there because everyone seems to be set in their ways. They are too busy listening to themselves to hear what other people are saying. If you do not go along with or agree with the overall tone and beliefs of the board, then they do not hear a word you say. I am one of the people who does not fit into that. I am more conservative and religious and apparently that is not okay at this particular board.
This became clear to me over the last few days. I sat back and "lurked". I read and watched the debates go on, only jumping in at one point. I watched as a certain group all ganged up against one person. And no, the person was not me. I actually saw them do it to two people in the last week. And I thought, "This was once a board where I thought there were intelligent, thoughtful, open minded, non-judgemental, NICE women hanging out." Not so much anymore.
Maybe it is women by nature. At the ready to tear into one another and see who is left standing. Maybe it is a way for one to feel more superior than another. Whatever the reason, why would I continue to be involved in any manner with a group of people who do not respect and support other people who are of differing opinions and beliefs?
I did meet a couple of people from said board and I am glad that I did. Neither of these people are around much more either. I will keep in contact with those people on my own, away from this board.
I see Mark's point now. I see what he has been saying all along. I wondered what it would take to break the bond. I wondered how I could get away, in a sense, to what seemed like an addiction to this one board. Now I have my answer.
Arguing on the Internet is like wiping your butt before you poop.
I also spent a lot of time at another debate board. I have since not spent as much time there. First, it was because it was no longer really relevant to my life anymore. My kids are getting older. Then, it was that it was taking too much of my time. Time that could be spent elsewhere. But lately something new has occurred to me.
I do not spend much time there because everyone seems to be set in their ways. They are too busy listening to themselves to hear what other people are saying. If you do not go along with or agree with the overall tone and beliefs of the board, then they do not hear a word you say. I am one of the people who does not fit into that. I am more conservative and religious and apparently that is not okay at this particular board.
This became clear to me over the last few days. I sat back and "lurked". I read and watched the debates go on, only jumping in at one point. I watched as a certain group all ganged up against one person. And no, the person was not me. I actually saw them do it to two people in the last week. And I thought, "This was once a board where I thought there were intelligent, thoughtful, open minded, non-judgemental, NICE women hanging out." Not so much anymore.
Maybe it is women by nature. At the ready to tear into one another and see who is left standing. Maybe it is a way for one to feel more superior than another. Whatever the reason, why would I continue to be involved in any manner with a group of people who do not respect and support other people who are of differing opinions and beliefs?
I did meet a couple of people from said board and I am glad that I did. Neither of these people are around much more either. I will keep in contact with those people on my own, away from this board.
I see Mark's point now. I see what he has been saying all along. I wondered what it would take to break the bond. I wondered how I could get away, in a sense, to what seemed like an addiction to this one board. Now I have my answer.
Arguing on the Internet is like wiping your butt before you poop.
Comments
Speaking of good outweighing bad, if you don't mind helping me out, BBC won't let me post but I really want Rachel to get a response since she seems kind of freaked.
On this thread:
http://boards.babycenter.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&tsn=1&tid=2497&webtag=bcus1194
Suggest on my behalf that she has the weight and height rechecked (errors are common). Her dd's current BMI is 10-25th percentile which is within normal limits and also, it is not uncommon for there to be a drop in BMI percentiles before the age of six. At age 6 through adolescence is when the BMI's usually increase or maintain.
TIA if you are so inclined!
My issue is that acertain grouping of people seem to run the show so to speak. And what is the point in debating if they do not hear you anyway?
LTR
Don't take anything personally, either, Abby. Tone can be really hard to read online. And the reason I love FC is because some of the people I violently disagree with on certain things, but on others agree 100%, and we can still be "imaginary friends" online.
I know what you are saying. But the other part is I no longer have a nursling and have not for some time. I do not know if I will have anymore kids either. So, I think it may be time to move on anyway.
I will likely still lurk because so many have had new babies or are pregnant and I like to hear about them. Plus, I am eagerly awaiting CES's announcement that she is pregnant.
I try to remember to stay away. Maybe say hi or congratulate someone. As for the debating part....I think it is time to close the book on that chapter.