Hi, So, it's been a long journey through 15,000 posts, and I think I owe some of you an explanation rather than just dropping out suddenly. I feel the internet forum format is not a good way to advance my knowledge. I have decided that instead of reading 30,000 words a day on here I'm going to read 100 pages of non-fiction and try to advance my knowledge the good old fashioned way. Political forums are too much a place to throw around arguments without a reputational threat if you say something stupid. I have used it to this end. Not everything I say is 100% above board, some of the time I just want to see how people respond so I can improve my position. Plenty of good members on here, I wish you luck. I hope you can find a happy medium between advancing your knowledge and advancing your rhetoric, but it's just not working for me. Thanks. I will ask the administration to delete my account and its posts shortly. I will of course wait a few days first so I can keep this thread open. Enjoy.
This is a pity but understandable. I wish you good fortune and luck but would point out the balance is achievable between education, entertainment and debate with practice and attention.
I think there's more to be gained (and learnt?) by reading multiple opinions rather than just the opinions of one writer - who may or may not be very knowledgeable? There are a few PF members I can think of who have much more insight on various world topics than plenty of published pundits I can think of.
Sorry to hear you are leaving are you sure a couple of weeks away won't solve your problem. I recently took a break and it does help a lot. My reasons were different though, I was feeling rather burnt out from work and some posters managed to get into my head lol. A little distance might solve your problem
I completely understand your position, and wish you good luck. I have enjoyed your contributions here, and will miss your input. Though, I'd be surprised if they will agree to delete your account, or your posts. Like a wise old song said: "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave." Fair winds, and following seas, brother.
However what happens when you reach enlightenment and have vacated yer membership at said forum. It could be considered All for Nought. Knowledge is only as important as it helps oneself and by extension others. Imagine an Aristotle or Saint Thomas Aquinas feeling the need to withdraw and keep to themselves.Because the outside world isn't ready,willing and able to be understood,let alone understandable. De Anima " To perceive is to suffer " -- Aristotle
Why nuke your posts? I appreciate your posts as being fairly well written and common sense. Also, I would advise keeping your account. Just don't access here for a while--a year or two. I occasionally go on hiatus from here. Sometimes for a month or two, once for over a year.
Thanks. Im going to take a month break starting Monday and see how I go. Might come back and start a PF book club, who knows.
Granny says if ya wanna advance yer kn owledge... ... go to the library an' look sumpin' up... ... whoever told ya an internet forum was the way to do it?
Everything in moderation. Too much internet, too much PF can leave you unsatisfied. Find your balance and if you decide not to return, I don’t blame you. Been considering it myself. My issue is the moderator personnel and how they control the direction of discussion.
Your posts belong not to you, but us. You don't get to nuke em, which is why they will say no. Thank goodness, because you are a smart and well reasoned poster, and I might wanna repost in an age old argument. You need a break, take it. God knows I have. But your activity is not the source of your woes, and your actions should never be scrubbed. Good or bad we learn from eachother.
I'm here to wonder about all the crazy. Sure, PF members are a different kind of weird from say, alien conspiracy theorists. But one must explore the many facets of the "WTF?" in order to appreciate WTF actually "WTF?" means.
I don't remember replying to any one of this O/P's posts ever. Don't remember the avatar or the moniker. Did not iggy him/her so that was not an issue.
Taking some off and leaving an option to return is my recommendation. I cannot say that I recall interacting with you but I am sure others did. I do not even recall if you profess to be conservative or liberal but it does not matter. Do reconsider a return after some time off.
Update: I'm back, and I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. Staying out of the mud, reaching across the aisle, I'd like to have reasoned discussions with all. Ronstar has been influential in this attitude. Cheerio.