Great article except I strongly disagree with your assertion that most of the nasty stuff is coming from the right. Later in the article you say "Yes, some on the hard right go over board." From my point of view as a conservative I see just as much nasty stuff coming from the left. There is no validity as far as I can tell about most of it coming from the right. I have pretty much given up on political discussions on Friendfeed because there is almost always someone who instantly resorts to personal attacks .
Duncan Riley
· 1 year ago
Michael, fair call. It was a combination of gut feeling based on what I've seen, but obviously I don't see all of it. No matter which way its coming from though, the premise still holds.
Robert Seidman
· 1 year ago
This is one of those weird situations where I find myself agreeing with Duncan and Mona (who voice similar views) but also with Cyndy, who has a very different view.
I'm not a particular fan of cliques or of mob mentality, both of which are likely to show up anywhere lots of people aggregate (Internet, FriendFeed). I don't blame FriendFeed for this, I blame people :-) FriendFeed is just particularly good at aggregating discussion. It showcases people both at their best, and their worst, which sometimes includes nasty personal attacks. It is unfortunate, but it also just seems to be the nature of the beast.
But I'm also with Cyndy on at least two points. I share her bias that If you're going to quit, just stop participating. Don't make a big production over it. Just stop. And I also agree that if some of what you like to discuss are heated, polarizing topics, you must prepare for and accept that the consequences won't always be pretty.
Mona N.
· 1 year ago
Duncan, I wrote this on Rizzn's blog too but I've steered clear from political exchanges (as much as possible), since I already felt the tension, judging and negativity during the primaries. Time and time again, it was a no win situation. When I questioned a policy, plan, or quote from O, I was automatically a racist or feminist. If I questioned Hillary, I was an anti-feminist... and here I thought I was just asking questions -- like I would with any candidate.
As for Rizzn's departure, I truly don't blame him. I have seen many many NASTY personal attacks aimed at him. Truly unfortunate and disheartening. Thanks for this post... you basically summed up what I've been wanting to say WAY more eloquently than I could have haha.
"And remember, the truth is sometimes in the middle."
Amen.
I try not to take much notice of anyone who leans too far to the left or the right, because it's an indication that they have stopped listening to any opposing arguments; that they no longer have any doubt about their beliefs -- and that's dangerous territory.
secretsushi
· 1 year ago
Ummm.. isn't this how any discussion on politics plays out? Why would Friendfeed be any different than getting into it on Twitter, a blog, or even Digg/Youtube comments.
I'm not cool with nastiness either way, but this is how it has worked for quite some time now.
TDavid
· 1 year ago
Duncan - bummer that you didn't link to Alex Scoble's "dumb stuff" comments and he didn't link here in his follow-up rant. Weakens both your opinions about what you think the other person said (or meant) when readers aren't provided a source link.
I wish to wish all pregnant women of good mood, easy pregnancy and natural sorts! Good luck also are happy! Give birth easily and independently! Let not doctors give birth for you, and you! Also adjust itself on chest feeding of the kid! Read the necessary information! Be, lovely pregnant mums and expecting posterities of the daddy, are healthy and wise!
Annie Lowe
· 9 months ago
You’re really thankful for this post, I’ve been really enjoying checking up your posts from time to time. Looking forward to see your future posts!!
CyndyA
· 1 year ago
Oh boo fucking hoo Duncan. Mark has been just fine bashing lefties all over the map the past eight years. I'm so tired of the "I've had it with this! I'm QUITTING!" crap. It's all about the dramz and not wanting to hear people disagreeing with you. Everyone is hoping to become the subject of blog posts like this one and get more attention. If you are going to quit, then actually do it without the big finale for the attention and I might take you seriously. Otherwise, I know you'll be back in a few weeks spouting the same old stuff as always. From this point forward, all those quitting for dramz are an instant block. If you don't like conflict, get off the freaking Internet.
All Comments
fair call. It was a combination of gut feeling based on what I've seen, but obviously I don't see all of it. No matter which way its coming from though, the premise still holds.
I'm not a particular fan of cliques or of mob mentality, both of which are likely to show up anywhere lots of people aggregate (Internet, FriendFeed). I don't blame FriendFeed for this, I blame people :-) FriendFeed is just particularly good at aggregating discussion. It showcases people both at their best, and their worst, which sometimes includes nasty personal attacks. It is unfortunate, but it also just seems to be the nature of the beast.
But I'm also with Cyndy on at least two points. I share her bias that If you're going to quit, just stop participating. Don't make a big production over it. Just stop. And I also agree that if some of what you like to discuss are heated, polarizing topics, you must prepare for and accept that the consequences won't always be pretty.
As for Rizzn's departure, I truly don't blame him. I have seen many many NASTY personal attacks aimed at him. Truly unfortunate and disheartening. Thanks for this post... you basically summed up what I've been wanting to say WAY more eloquently than I could have haha.
Amen.
I try not to take much notice of anyone who leans too far to the left or the right, because it's an indication that they have stopped listening to any opposing arguments; that they no longer have any doubt about their beliefs -- and that's dangerous territory.
I'm not cool with nastiness either way, but this is how it has worked for quite some time now.
To help other readers, here is Alex's FriendFeed comment (at least I think it is): http://friendfeed.com/e/748d6d9e-614f-43a4-8578...
Good luck also are happy! Give birth easily and independently! Let not doctors give birth for you, and you! Also adjust itself on chest feeding of the kid! Read the necessary information!
Be, lovely pregnant mums and expecting posterities of the daddy, are healthy and wise!