For everyone that didn't give up!

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

I'll agree there's legit discussion now, so thanks to the Warpath community, we turned this thread into something not retarded at all. There's definitely good discussion now, it's just nice to see it acknowledged that the thread did not start out so well. I'm just interested in seeing the divisive stuff come to an end, to the extent possible.

Posters need to remember one of the forum guidelines is to agree to disagree. If someone has a negative viewpoint, don't let it bring you down to the point where you bicker with them, just say well I think you're wrong, explain why you think so, and move on. And if someone is going on blind faith and being a total homer, don't let their beliefs annoy you to the point where you start calling them Kool Aid drinkers and bickering. Just say well I think you're wrong, explain why you think so, and move on. We can debate thoughtfully without bickering.

But isn't it, well, difficult to debate thoughtfully around such a passionate thing like football? Particularly when both people are equally as passionate about the same team?

Let's say one person is more skilled at actually debating than someone else, does that somehow make their viewpoint less of an argument or thought worthy? Perhaps they aren't as good at articulating thoughts, facts, and arguments. And to some extent, I think that's where a huge part of the divide, so to speak, exists. To your point though, I think we should be able to debate without bickering, but I doubt it's possible when emotions run high as they often do around Redskins football.

[mheisig]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

But isn't it, well, difficult to debate thoughtfully around such a passionate thing like football? Particularly when both people are equally as passionate about the same team?

Let's say one person is more skilled at actually debating than someone else, does that somehow make their viewpoint less of an argument or thought worthy? Perhaps they aren't as good at articulating thoughts, facts, and arguments. And to some extent, I think that's where a huge part of the divide, so to speak, exists. To your point though, I think we should be able to debate without bickering, but I doubt it's possible when emotions run high as they often do around Redskins football.

I see your point, but I'm not sure what to conclude from it.

Someone's argument may be really insightful and spot on, but if it's encased in nonsense and fallacy, I'm going to assume that it's nonsensical and fallacious until they can articulate it better.

If someone can't debate well, exhibits poor thinking ability, reasoning ability, or logical thought process and is unable to articulate their point, what should I conclude?

All we have to go on here is how someone articulates their point. If someone rambles on incoherently with poor grammar, poor spelling, fills their "argument" with fallacies and nonsense, what should I conclude?

If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by mheisig

I see your point, but I'm not sure what to conclude from it.

The point may very well be perfectly valid and spot on, but if it's encased in nonsense and fallacy, I'm going to assume that it's nonsensical and fallacious until they can articulate it better.

If someone can't debate well, exhibits poor thinking ability, reasoning ability, or logical thought process and is unable to articulate their point, what should I conclude?

All we have to go on here is how someone articulates their point. If someone rambles on incoherently with poor grammar, poor spelling, fills their "argument" with fallacies and nonsense, what should I conclude?

If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...

Exactly.

If you post nonsense, your opinion gets dismissed. Doesn't matter whether you're capable of posting well-articulated points or not. But to me, the issue comes down to how we treat each other. The issue to me is that one side questions the other's fan hood for thinking anything negative, and the other side questions the other's intelligence for having blind faith. On both sides, that has to stop.

The high road here is to post rational justification behind everything you post. Then you're not open to that ridiculous criticism from the "other side". And on the flipside, we as members, and the mods as mods, can take steps to come down on people who start up a bickering match.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

To your point though, I think we should be able to debate without bickering, but I doubt it's possible when emotions run high as they often do around Redskins football.

Per the forum guidelines, it's the responsibility of the poster to calm their emotions before posting. The "think before you post" rule. And another one of the guidelines, to treat each other with the utmost respect. The bickering has got to go, no matter how hard it may be.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Per the forum guidelines, it's the responsibility of the poster to calm their emotions before posting. The "think before you post" rule. And another one of the guidelines, to treat each other with the utmost respect. The bickering has got to go, no matter how hard it may be.

Truthfully, how many people actually read or have read the forum guidelines? I haven't. And that's not out of disrespect to the site or the Mods. I love this place. I just try to keep myself in check, be nice for the most part, and I think I'll stay out of trouble. Yes, respect should be a written forum guideline that should be followed, but isn't that one of life's basic tenets? If someone needs to read the forum guidelines to exercise their better judgement in terms of respect for their fellow man and fellow fan, for that matter, then woe unto them.

I don't want to send the wrong message here. I do think the rules are very neccassary. I also think they are primarily for those who are either intent on breaking them to begin with or those who are well intentioned but perhaps a little ignorant about how forums are actually run.

[#56fanatic]

I will call myself out here. I definately was one of the doubters. I didn't think in anyway possible we would be able to win those games down the stretch to give us a shot. Along with some help from other teams losing and we taking care of our business, we are actually playing a meaningful game this weekend against Dallas. I love it. I love the fact that it basically comes down to beating the cowboys for us to be in the playoffs. (unless Minn and NO lose)

Good job Joe and da Skins to prove me wrong.

[MTK]

I have no problem with doubters. Doubt is a perfectly rational point of view to have especially with the way things went this season.

[MTK]

People are making some good points here.

I just wanted to reiterate that it's usually those that are on the extreme ends of the fan spectrum that keep shit like this going. And some of those people we have gotten rid of lately if you haven't noticed.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

People are making some good points here.

I just wanted to reiterate that it's usually those that are on the extreme ends of the fan spectrum that keep shit like this going. And some of those people we have gotten rid of lately if you haven't noticed.

Yes, I did notice, and LOVED that move. I'm probably not giving you guys your due for taking action. You're the best forum staff I've come across. Just wanted to say that amidst my calling for improvement on the bickering.

[Hog1]

If I am forced to read the "forum rules",................I'll cry
Sorry, I was just getting in touch with my sensitive side. Like 12th already iterated, if you need to be told, your.......lost.
I get out of hand occasionally (but I have not seen Offiss post lately), otherwise, I'm ok, like most on this site.

[skinsguy]

I think all you guys have made some good points. I think my neighbor from the north, 724skinsfan said it best.

[jsarno]

Thank you Skins for rewarding my faith!!!!!!

[BleedBurgundy]

Let's put this Kool Aid / Haterade bullshit to rest already. Fuckin' A. We're in the playoffs, that's all that matters. I'm tired of this shit.

[SmootSmack]

Tabula rasa my friends. Tabula rasa

Should we lock this now?

[EternalEnigma21]

please...