As is well known to anyone who has hung around Flopping Aces for a while, the typical thread starts with a short article of some sort. This leads in turn to a sequence of comments by various folks, sometimes dozens, sometimes going to a few hundred. In the course of the comments, the topic of discussion often various somewhat from that initially introduced in the opening article.
In a discussion environment such as this, three major types of responses can be identified:
1. The quick come back, gotcha, sort of response, whose purpose is primarily one-ups-manship.
2. The considered response that reacts with thought to what has been previously said, offers new significant ideas or information to the discussion, and generally strives to move the discussion in the direction of discovering the truth.
3. The angry response, with name calling, with references to knee-jerk reactions, personal ignorance, “you’re a dumbass,” and worse.
Of the first two, both of these types are frequently seen at FA, and I think most of us would agree that there is room for both. There is a degree of entertainment value in the first type of response, while the second response type is the only one of value for a serious minded person. Each of us may react differently to the third category, but I doubt that there are any who are actually pleased by it.
It is for this reason then that I put the question before you: What kind of a discussion do you want to have at Flopping Aces? What sort of responses do you want to read?
I have followed — and abandoned — a number of conservative blogs which feature quality content. I’ve stuck around at FA because of the generally respectful attitude of the blog writers and commentators. As an analytical introvert (INTJ), I appreciate the thoughtful comments more than the clever comebacks. But either one is OK as long as the discussion focuses on ideas, not insulting people.
Dr. D,
You missed response type number four which is, of course, my favorite.
Type Four responses consist of baiting or web-weaving by which the person making the comment, or series of comments, lays out bait or weaves a complex web for the purpose of luring in and hopelessly trapping an intellectually dull leftist (sorry for being repetitive).
Hilarity, and hasty exits, usually ensue.
Now, I have to disagree with you just a bit regarding Type Three comments.
Just as there are times where those who are laugh worthy need to be pointed and laughed at there are times that dumb asses are just desperately crying out to be called, well…dumb asses.
I’m new to this sight but found the conversations very thought provoking. Whether we are left, right, center, white, black or purple with green polka dots. Ours voices must be heard. It’s hard to find the answers when we ourselves are at odds. We must be able to voice our opinions & allow others to do the same. We may not agree but this is what Flopping Aces is all about!!!!!! Sometimes we just need to listen. Then very intelligently take back our great nation!!!!
@Aye Chihuahua:
😀
And what a web my favorite “master” spider weaves! 😉
I prefer thought provoking comments like, Oh Yea!
I have two more to add to the list – thankfully infrequent in my time spent tin this neck of the woods:
#5 The Poacher – drops a quick link to their own blog, no matter how irrelevant or inane the posting may be
#6 The filibuster – Copies and pastes a long winded article that usually only has passing relevance to the topic at hand
But I do have to agree with Aye – #4 is the coolest!
#7 The lying lefties who make sensational charges against conservatives without a shred of evidence and simply repeat them over and over and over despite frequent calls to put up or shut up. The unrepentant, lying racebaiter who accused F.A. readers of being hate filled racists would be a good example.
#8 A special category for John Ryan, the drive by commenter, who drops in whatever cut and past talking point is handed to him by Media Matters or some other George Soros site and never bothers to back it up or even defend it.
All I really want is comments from people who think seriously about the subject and try to make serious comments. It doesn’t matter if they agree with me or not.
Mike’s America, you beat me to it on ‘lil LIAR johnnie ryan, with his ‘Petraeus sez the JOOOOOOOZ!’ meme, cherry-picked AGW lies and inane non-sequiturs.
I enjoy reading a variety of responses, civil discord included. Desperate liberals who post their talking points always give me a good laugh as they are very transparent in their thought process. Thanks for the great job you do here at Flopping Aces!!
Like I’ve told my children and grandchildren, you not only can, but will learn something from everyone you meet. Likewise with the type of posts, to my mind the type three poster shows that he/she simply has no argument. Which is why those responses overwhelmingly come from the left.
If I don’t like what someone says I have two options, produce a retort to type one, an counter argument to type two. . and ignore type three.
Just don’t do like Big Sis and start censoring the comments. Except for #7 and #8, then it’s okay. 😳
Always wear shoes while navigating Flopping Aces, and watch your step… if you don’t you’ll end up with jackass produced road apples squishing up from between our toes.
Eh, I’ve stepped in worse.
I would like to see a discussion of the history of Communism and how it relates to the present age. If you read books like “The Black Book of Comunism” or the “Harvest of Sorrow” it is stunning to read about massive genecide and oppression that occured during the 20th century. And along with that the enabling and support by western leftists and silence by the media. Even today, the “History Channel” will not do a single story on Communism.
I like the categories of one and two. I think the third category is a waste of time and I always skip over those posts as they are usually not relevant. The other categories where they are trying to change the topic,– well I ignore those too.
I like lefties that carry on intelligent discussion. Even if in my opinion they are wrong, the discussion can be intelligent. I miss Dr. Larry W. We lost him when the global warming theory was blown up; haven’t seen him since then.
I give Greg credit for trying, he makes good comments without being a jack-ass. At least I’ve never seen him be disrespectful. He hasn’t won an argument yet, ’cause it’s tough to argue when the facts aren’t on your side. But I give him credit for trying.
I just like the fact that you can come here and disagree…respectfully…without getting Zotted or some such thing.