Is Internet debate ridiculous and irrelevant?

**scumdog** · 27th October 2007, 15:21

Internet debate?? - It's a frikk'n toy, as much real use as one of those table-tennis bats with a ball attached on a length of elastic hanging of it.

Entertainment - as I've said before, - on the level of stirring up a puddle to see which tadpole moves the most....

**Skyryder** · 27th October 2007, 16:49

For those that think internet debate is serious just try and remember what you read two posts back. As SD has said it's entertainment. Hell I only came on 'cause the daughter HOGS

the telly.

Skyryder

**Manxman** · 27th October 2007, 19:27

Originally Posted by idleidolidyll

Is internet debate ridiculous and irrelevant

...that's the most preposterous and extraneous statement I've heard for a long time...

**peasea** · 27th October 2007, 19:40

Any debate is valuable, unless you're a cop, in which case you'll get nothing but lies.

(Wait for it.....)

**Usarka** · 27th October 2007, 20:19

People on both sides of a internerd debate are much more likely to put forward and stick to an extreme view. In real life there would be more give and take, or people would walk away. Or do a trevor mallard.

**peasea** · 27th October 2007, 20:24

Originally Posted by Usarka

People on both sides of a internerd debate are much more likely to put forward and stick to an extreme view. In real life there would be more give and take, or people would walk away. Or do a trevor mallard.

....and go out for a duck?

**scumdog** · 28th October 2007, 03:52

Originally Posted by peasea

Any debate is valuable, unless you're a cop, in which case you'll get nothing but lies.

(Wait for it.....)

peasea is really nice.

**slowpoke** · 28th October 2007, 05:10

For those that think it is pointless and irrelevant I wonder if any debate would be worthwhile. Why is this form of discussion any different to discussing something on the phone, or in the pub or in a meeting? What makes the internet an inapproriate place to learn and interact?
How is a web forum different to going along to say a council meeting or school parents meeting and discussing scenarios with a varied bunch of people you don't know? Sure there's lots of stupid stuff but it's the same crap that gets whispered behind a cupped hand in every meeting or during the coffee break.
That people are infettered by social conventions and can say what they like on the 'net with out fear of reprisal makes it quite a helpful medium. They are also more likely to actually express themselves without the fear of speaking in front of a crowd.
I'm not big on judging people but I've found a reasonably accurate assessment of people can be made when they are drunk because they lose many of their inhibitions and often you'll get a peek at their core personality. Much the same goes for the 'net I reckon, as people act and speak out with virtual impunity. That old line about so and so being "quite different in real life" when you actually meet them? It's a crock, they are thinking exactly the same as they did when they were on here, they just hide it better.
Like all things you get out what you put in. If you are respectful and prepared to read as much as you write then chances are you'll get some benefit from it.

**pritch** · 28th October 2007, 09:36

Originally Posted by slowpoke

That old line about so and so being "quite different in real life" when you actually meet them? It's a crock, they are thinking exactly the same as they did when they were on here, they just hide it better.

Perspicacious, bling sent