Well, I'm happy to announce that Sarge and Varsaigen walked into a well laid trap by me, and for that I'm sorry.
You see, I have been debating with myself for some time now on whether or not separate "groups", such as Midivh's tower, that only allow certain people in, are a good thing.
Why? Well because dividing people like this is initially, I thought, against everything that I have ever believed, and as such, I was completely against them, but after participating in more than a couple threads about politics (and other things) where random people (with good intentions, no doubt) just came in, flamed practically everyone, contributed nothing to the conversation, and then left.
Obviously that's not good, for the forum or for the thread. So then I started to think what would happen if someone started to regulate who got to post in a certain forum? The obvious answer was Midivh's tower here at Hive. And looking at it, and though I see some random flaming, it's significantly less than in general user groups, such as this group (Which was made with good intentions by Masiah.. I should remember.. I was the 2nd member after him).
So in order to decide for myself I took this group. The topic was certainly valid and I wanted to see if two normal users, Sarge (newcomer) and varsaigen (not-so-newcomer, who I actually kinda like) would act appropriately.
Unfortunately my worst fears were solidified because, not only did I get flamed for daring to disagree with them, but they insulted me personally. Both of which are against the rules, by the way
So thanks to this little "social experiment" I found out my answer. It wasn't the answer I was hoping for, but it was the answer I expected.
I'm not saying that I'm going to apply for Midivh's Tower (because I still feel a little like it's a separate society), or that you still shouldn't debate politics. To be honest, I'm writing this just to let you know, how badly you all failed at debating.
You see, when someone who has an opposing view as you posts, or says something (whatever the case may be) you shouldn't automatically jump to name-calling and insulting the person's intelligence. That's for two year olds. You should ask "Why don't you agree with me?" or "Why do you see it that way?"
not "gtfo 0ut n00b, I is 1337 and u sux." Which is essentially what I see.
So please, for the sake of the art of debate: Learn to do it.
EDIT: And Ephy... <3. 'Nuff said.
EDIT2: I'm not going to report anyone for the flaming, as I practically brought it on myself, but any message after this one, I will report. Good day
