Hello, another newbie

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by undertheradar, May 13, 2019.

  1. undertheradar

    undertheradar Newly Registered

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    Hello, I'm not big on introductions but here goes anyway.

    Is it just me or is the forum debate scene not as lively as it used to be back in the '90s and early '00s before the rise of social media?
     
  2. Well Bonded

    Well Bonded Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    Your screen name is my nickname.
     
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  3. perdidochas

    perdidochas Well-Known Member

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    It's not. Facebook and other social media took some of that away. Just a different way to argue.

    Welcome to the board. This is a fairly active board, and you can still get into some lively debates here. Make sure you read the rules that can be found on the lower right of every page.
     
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  4. tecoyah

    tecoyah Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    It does seem that social media has replaced certain aspects of the internet forum, but I see that as a good thing for places like this. Those who actually wish to debate and discuss complex issues will still need communities like this and those interested in posting cat pictures or complaining about their friends fingernail clippings will go to facebook. It's a win- win because we get less of them and the get less of us.

    By the way...Welcome and have fun.
     
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  5. Moriah

    Moriah Well-Known Member

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    I didn't have internet access in the 90's and early 00s, so I wouldn't know. Welcome to PoliticalForum. This is an active board with lots of interesting debates on just about any issue you can think of. I'm looking forward to your posts.:)
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2019
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  6. Gorgeous George

    Gorgeous George Well-Known Member

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    I think there's a lot more freedom of speech today.

    The early MS chat forums were heavily monitored, for example.

    I believe the days of moderator demi-gods are gone.

    Welcome.
     
  7. Ddyad

    Ddyad Well-Known Member

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    You are no longer under our radar.

    Post away.
    Ddyad
     
  8. Sallyally

    Sallyally Well-Known Member Donor

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    Welcome.
    There is still hissing and spitting to be found if you lean that way.
    Many thoughtful and informed debaters on this forum so you’re bound to find something of interest.
     
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  9. JakeStarkey

    JakeStarkey Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to one of the best and most informed politics board around.
     
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  10. Gorgeous George

    Gorgeous George Well-Known Member

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    A great example of that is that you and I are here.:cheerleader:
     
  11. Gorgeous George

    Gorgeous George Well-Known Member

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    True, even squares love it.
     
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  12. undertheradar

    undertheradar Newly Registered

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    Thanks for the warm welcome. I shall certainly acquaint myself with the rules. In the meantime, your sig is notable. For the record, I happen to agree with benevolent dictators. The fact they are few and far between is, to me, a sign of how much the robber barons will fight to keep their wealth and power.
     
  13. undertheradar

    undertheradar Newly Registered

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    Thanks, looking forward to it.

    Correct me if I'm wrong (I avoid Facebook et al like the plague) but it seems that it's more difficult if not impossible to remain anonymous on social media (unless you create a fake profile) whereas on forums such as this that's not the case and that in itself creates an atmosphere for more lively debate. Which is why I hope they don't die out..
     
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  14. undertheradar

    undertheradar Newly Registered

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    Thanks, looking forward to it.
     
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  15. undertheradar

    undertheradar Newly Registered

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    Thanks, looking forward to yours too. I first started using the internet not long after it became accessible to the masses and back in those days political forums were a rarity. Most discussions, not only political but almost every conceivable topic, were to be found on what was called the Usenet. Web access to that was through the portal known as Dejanews, anyone remember that?
     
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  16. undertheradar

    undertheradar Newly Registered

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    Thanks.

    I won't mention any names but there's one seemingly popular forum where the over-moderation has become ridiculous, with moderation tactics that more often than not come across as hostile. Many members have left as a result.
     
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  17. undertheradar

    undertheradar Newly Registered

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    Thanks.

    Yes I'm bound to. I've spent quite a while lurking here.
     
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  18. Sallyally

    Sallyally Well-Known Member Donor

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    Lurking is a good way to test the water.
     
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  19. tecoyah

    tecoyah Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    I used facebook until it became clear they were selling me and everyone I knew there as a commodity thus compromising my security as well as that of my "Friends", in that time I agree with your assessment and in fact the very concept of facebook requires you give up personal details and lose anonymity. Here and in a forum context we still make friends but, do so based on personality and intellect rather than cute memes and kitty pictures.
     
  20. Collateral Damage

    Collateral Damage Well-Known Member

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    Wow, with statements like that, you've just announced you take geritol…. :D
     
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  21. perdidochas

    perdidochas Well-Known Member

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    Well, benevolent dictators aren't sustainable. Yes, you can get one or two of them, but without a constitution to limit them, eventually they will become real dictators. It's the nature of power. The real point is that people who think they are doing things for your own good never give up their use of power against you.
     
    Last edited: May 15, 2019
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  22. perdidochas

    perdidochas Well-Known Member

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    Please don't mention names. We don't criticize other forums here. Just praise this one :)
     
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  23. perdidochas

    perdidochas Well-Known Member

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    I remember usenet when you could only get access to it from college campuses.
     
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  24. Moriah

    Moriah Well-Known Member

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    When I first got on the internet in 2004, I spent a lot of time in the AOL political chat rooms. They had rooms for Democrats and rooms for Republicans. I used to enjoy aggravating the Republicans. I miss those days. :)
     
    Last edited: May 16, 2019
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  25. Ddyad

    Ddyad Well-Known Member

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    Then you really have found a new home. :)
     
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