I've learnt a valuable lesson over the past few days, and I'd just like to share with you the conclusions I've drawn from that lesson.

I don't quite know where to start, so bear with me. The issues and topics we discuss and deal with at a forum like this are related to some very sensitive issues, issues that many of us feel very passionately about. This forum is special because unlike other forums, it has been created to embrace, respect and nurture every users viewpoints and opinions, without any particular user needing to fear the type of cyber bullying that many have been subjected to and witnessed on other sites and forums.

I feel that over the past few years we've been slowly reaching a point where, people are so used to the bullying and disrespect, they've become desensitized to it, and often expect it. On top of that, people have almost come to expect that to get a point across, in varying degrees they need to be harsh and return the punches so to speak. I am not trying to imply that this is universal, and that is has affected everyone. I just want to point out that I think I've reached a point where I really do appreciate what has been achieved by those that have done the ground work and set this forum up.

Meaningful, sometimes heated debate? Absolutely. Boxing gloves on? No. For me the boxing gloves are gathering dust in the corner of the room. I don't need them. I don't need to cyber punch anyone in the head here just to get my point heard. On other sites I was like a character from Tekken, launching drop kicks and upper cuts like there was no tomorrow. On other sites that course of action was more often than not completely necessary, punch or be punched, kick or watch the thread get hijacked.

Finally I'd just like to thank Frog, Novum, DG, and everyone else that has helped to make this place what it is.

Cheers

Good thread and topic, Wonder.

I've only recently felt the need to get a little rough, though it didn't reach levels like it could have on other forums. For the most part, my experiences here have been very pleasant. I may not agree with everyone's views, nor they with mine. That's also what makes it beautiful. I feel that by being around so many different minds, perceptions, ideals, etc, that it helps to keep my mind in a state of coherent flow. I learn something daily here. I much prefer that over the option of allowing my mind to stagnate and collect scum like a pond.

nice op

I too worried that I was becoming desensitised to a lot of the nasty stuff that was being thrown about elsewhere. It is so easy on a forum to forget that there are people behind the avatars and that it is often people that are being talked about in such a harsh way.

The net allows for anonymity which leads people to not have to face the consequences of their actions or take responsibility for them unless they actively seek to do so - which is why value those who seek to do so here and elsewhere.

Great OP and I share your commendation of the principle of SZ

The task now is to maintain that principle so that many many more can come here and have discussions conducted in a respectful manner. The last week or so has been hard, passions have been raised and debate has got less SZ like at times. It's not really surprising all things considered . Now things are back on track and long may they stay that way.

boywonder wrote:
Yes it's great to be able to be nice and friendly,not defensive and combative good thread topic OP

Proper discussions and debates, not slanging matches and ranted or locked threads. Long may it continue

Thanks wonderboy

It's wonderfully healthy and interesting that we don't all share the same ideas and opinions and sit around nodding at each other like those toy dogs in the back of cars. And yet, we don't feel the need to crush or batter the difference out of anyone else.

Yes, boywonder, good thread. And Well Done indeed to DG, novum, frog and psketti.