NationStates Jolt Archive

I was just thinking how a lot of the threads here sound like a load of people shouting at eachother and not listening. I rarely see "I see your point" and never "I stand corrected".

So, please, tell us what you've learned/ changed your mind about on nationstates general, and bring me some hope.

My anti-gun-nes has hardened after exposure to Syniks and Corneliu (I was actually quite moderate before) and my intention to go to America someday has been crushed by Legs.

Sure.

I have had ideas changed when somebody showed me they were wrong.

Even got nailed on an urban legond. ;)

I like it here because every once in awhile somebody will point out a nice link or book on something......

Ive learned the true meaning of liberalism and it has frightened me

If by changed you mean "turned around", then no. If you mean broadened and enriched, yes.

Oh, and I second that bit a about the guns and visiting the US. I felt a bit uneasy about the idea before, but boy, some of these people describe the place like the last circle of hell itself

I used to think I wasn't an uber spammer...........

If by changed you mean "turned around", then no. If you mean broadened and enriched, yes.

Oh, and I second that bit a about the guns and visiting the US. I felt a bit uneasy about the idea before, but boy, some of these people describe the place like the last circle of hell itself

Please don't come or the tigers will eat you.

Actually, yes...I used to consider myself atheist, if anything. Now I'm much more likely to say I'm agnostic. Though that's not because of any one thing someone's said, it's just because I never used to think about religion before I started on this forum.

I have become infinitely more knowledgeable on a vast array of topics because of NationStates General. I may not have had any of my core beliefs changed, but I am much smarter because of this forum.

Yes. I was rigidly anti-gun beforehand, which I have reversed. I believe it is a matter of choice now. I still don't think it should be easy peasy to get one, however. There should be limitations. I still don't want one though. I don't think anything will change that.

I was just thinking how a lot of the threads here sound like a load of people shouting at eachother and not listening. I rarely see "I see your point" and never "I stand corrected".

So, please, tell us what you've learned/ changed your mind about on nationstates general, and bring me some hope.
No not changed my mind, but taught me alot by exposing me to viewpoints I normally wouldn't have access to.

I realized that while gun control can work in other nations, it probably isn't the best choice for the US. Everybody has fucking guns. And try taking guns from the libertarians with big-ass arms compounds in Montana and Texas. Those nutjobs aren't giving anything up...

I've gotten off the fence when it comes to gun-registration. I'm against it. Not rabidly so, but I was kind of sort of in support of it before.

Pecan pie used to be my favorite, now I am a strong supporter of pear cobbler.

I've learned that though the "Political Compass" quiz calls me Libertarian, I'm absolutely nothing of the sort: I'm pro-banning of ALL weapons, pro-banning of smokin etc.

No, not really, I've enjoyed the opportunity to discuss random things with random people though...there's an advantage to having intense discussions online, if two people disagree strongly at least there won't be any fist fights and table breaking. I also find it easier to speak my mind, and say things I normally wouldn't in a group situation...I don't have to worry about making a fool of myself, because no one here knows me anyway.

"Pecan pie used to be my favorite, now I am a strong supporter of pear cobbler."

Well, it's just strictly superior. I don't see how you could have been a pecan-supporter in the first place...

Took an entire topic a year ago for me to stop being such a big-headed American and to accept other countries and to be more open-minded.

A topic that had about 200 posts of flames and very good reasons why I'm an idiot. A topic that spawned 2 or 3 other topics calling me an idiot.

Topic name: Does America rock or what?
Poll Question: What's the best country in the world?
Poll Answers: America, America, America, America

Took an entire topic a year ago for me to stop being such a big-headed American and to accept other countries and to be more open-minded.

Hmmm...should I comment? I think I'll refrain...

Ezralia']I don't have to worry about making a fool of myself, because no one here knows me anyway.Damn' lucky!!! :)

Hmmm...should I comment? I think I'll refrain...
Well, I'm better than I was before. I just defend America from the international big-heads, and it turns me into a big-head. :)

I don't think it has changed my mind, I haven't been on here very long. But I am very stubborn and I like to argue and this is where that aspect of me can come to play.

Hmmm...should I comment? I think I'll refrain...Yeah, I think commenting at this point would be equivalent to flaming...

Not for me, really. I've had to rethink a couple of little things here and there but I've not yet encountered anything that has sufficiently 'rocked' my philosophy.

I like to think I've made a few people turn some gears in their head though. I don't really try to change people's minds so much as I just want to make them think.

I like to think I've made a few people turn some gears in their head though. I don't really try to change people's minds so much as I just want to make them think.
Oh, you've definitely made me think, Melkor. I think you're a hotty when you're bitchy. Rar! :D

I've only been here a few days, but this is the best forum I've come across in ages... can't wait to get my mind changed.

Oh, you've definitely made me think, Melkor. I think you're a hotty when you're bitchy. Rar! :D
Heh, glad I can be of service. God knows you get to see it happen enough, no?

I've become more left wing in some areas and less left wing in others. I've gained more tolerance and understanding of different ideas and views. I've seen things in different ways. I've pondered on various different ideas and views. That also applies to other forums and offline.

I have learned quite a few things about myself in my time here. I have learned that my views about abortion cannot support either side of the Pro-Choice/Pro-Life debate. I have learned that my views about religion cannot support either side of the Pro-Christianity/Anti-Christianity debate. I have learned that my views about death and killing cannot support either sides in the Guns, Capital Punishment, or Euthanasia topics.

(I know, it sounds like I should have nothing at all to contribute, at all! But I try to participate here and there when I can. :))

As to changing my position, I can honestly say that I have done so in pretty much all the above topics, as I have moved from a define side to straddling fences. The view is better from here.

not changed, but opened some

Pecan pie used to be my favorite, now I am a strong supporter of pear cobbler.
:) My, what a yummy opinion you have.

I also might comment that I used to be really conceited. :D

I also might comment that I used to be really conceited. :D

I'm going to break my sacred and secret oath to talk to you but once in my entire life (I have already done so, you see) by saying that this causes me laughter. Have a banana.

Sacred and secret oath may not exist

I'm going to break my sacred and secret oath to talk to you but once in my entire life (I have already done so, you see) by saying that this causes me laughter. Have a banana.

Sacred and secret oath may not existNo thanks. I don't like bananas.

And don't hide behind white print! That isn't fair. :(

Its developed my ideas and beliefs, I also believe I'm much more open minded and now have the ability to argue both sides of an argument.

Its developed my ideas and beliefs, I also believe I'm much more open minded and now have the ability to argue both sides of an argument. Likewise. Although I still love the phrase (for its stupidity) "an open mind is a fortress with its gates unbarred and unguarded".

Likewise. Although I still love the phrase (for its stupidity) "an open mind is a fortress with its gates unbarred and unguarded".

Dawn of War rocks though.

Dawn of War rocks though.
I love that game. Been playing it since Beta, I have.

Though, I am somewhat pro-choice, I used to think that the federal ruling on abortion was unconstitutional. Cat Tribe convinced me otherwise, though, with undeniable evidence, tact and what I can only imagine was quite a bit of effort (at least more than most people on this forum)

Never had a sudden change of mind, but gradual changes, yes.

Heh, glad I can be of service. God knows you get to see it happen enough, no?
Every time I want to see some hot Melkor action, I start a thread about banning smoking. Guaranteed!

Yes. I was rigidly anti-gun beforehand, which I have reversed. I believe it is a matter of choice now. I still don't think it should be easy peasy to get one, however. There should be limitations. I still don't want one though. I don't think anything will change that.

Same. I think I've become slightly more Libertarian in general.

I realized that while gun control can work in other nations, it probably isn't the best choice for the US. Everybody has fucking guns. And try taking guns from the libertarians with big-ass arms compounds in Montana and Texas. Those nutjobs aren't giving anything up...

nor would the criminals.

i've found that my ideas are more conservative than i thought. I voted for Kerry and i've debated things with some liberals here who makes me think i went for the wrong team. but eh, i still disagree with some of bush's policies.

Some things I didn't know before & have made me think.

One that stands out in my mind is the issue of gun control. I'm in favour of strict gun control because it works here in Aus & in the UK. However, I've come to realise that it's not going to work in the USA, because of the culture & because there are just too many guns already out there.

I rarely see "I see your point" and never "I stand corrected"..
maybe because you are a n00b...with 20 posts

try the search page....you will see that we do say "stand corrected"

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/search.php?searchid=338106

My anti-gun-nes has hardened after exposure to Syniks and Corneliu (I was actually quite moderate before) and my intention to go to America someday has been crushed by Legs.
well my desire to go live in America has faded thanks, in part, to this forum - but other things too. so kinda same here

and this forum has slowly turned me from a moderate socialist into a good ol' communist :cool:

well my desire to go live in America has faded thanks, in part, to this forum - but other things too. so kinda same here

and this forum has slowly turned me from a moderate socialist into a good ol' communist :cool:

Haha, same here!

Yes indeed. I've learned that almost all ideologies aren't worth the paper they were printed on. I've changed my mind about gay marriage. I've become just a tad more liberal in my views on almost all social issues.

Admittedly, there are several things on which my position will never change, most having to do with the postion of the US in the world or with the US military, but I admit to a bit of prejudice there. :)

When I first began posting I was an Anarcho-Capitalist or extreme Libertarian. After posting a thread called "A question for Communists," I have come to change my political belief system to Anarchist. While this may not seem like such a big deal to those unfamiliar with Anarchist political philosophies, Anarcho-Capitalism is almost as different from Anarchism in general as Liberalism is from Conservatism.

I sed to be pro gun registration and willing to consider banning private gun ownership outright. Now I'm undecided on the registration issue, but in favor of letting people own guns. So my opinion hasn't changed drastically, but it has shifted somewhat.

I'm also now inclined to believe that extremist political views (far right or left wing for instance) are more common than I used to think.

I'm also now inclined to believe that extremist political views (far right or left wing for instance) are more common than I used to think.*whispers* They're not. Welcome to NS General, home of a faction. ;)

I was just thinking how a lot of the threads here sound like a load of people shouting at eachother and not listening. I rarely see "I see your point" and never "I stand corrected".

So, please, tell us what you've learned/ changed your mind about on nationstates general, and bring me some hope.
I've said that within the last week or so...somebody pointed out to me that my stance on maternity leave and sick leave was inconsistent, and I admitted my error.

I was just thinking how a lot of the threads here sound like a load of people shouting at eachother and not listening. I rarely see "I see your point" and never "I stand corrected".

So, please, tell us what you've learned/ changed your mind about on nationstates general, and bring me some hope.

If you are looking for a complete reversal, I'm afraid I'd have to dissapoint. I came to this place fairly liberal, and I've grown even more so during my long tenure here. That being said, coming across something I'd never considered or new ideas I hadn't heard before is such a common occurance that novelty is almost not novel anymore. As a result, while I'm not suddenly switching to a rabid anarcho-capitalist anytime soon, I'd like to think I have become a much more rounded and better reasoning liberal than I was before I came here.

Nope, but that's because I'm not new to the concept of general forums (I've spent a good 3-4 years on them). Also, certain challenges to Christianity have led me to read more books dealing with those issues which have reaffirmed my faith exponentially.

This and one other forum have taken me from passively indifferent to virulently pro-gay marriage. It is about equal rights, and nothing could have convinced me better than the quality of the opposition.

Not consciously - but I'm sure my hard attitudes when debating have been mellowed.

This and one other forum have taken me from passively indifferent to virulently pro-gay marriage. It is about equal rights, and nothing could have convinced me better than the quality of the opposition.

Now that's what I'm talking about. *hands you a cookie*

Not consciously - but I'm sure my hard attitudes when debating have been mellowed.

You seem pretty mellow to me.

I'd say that it's hardened my opinions and beliefs, as well as informed me of things I was previously unaware of in politics and philosophy.

maybe because you are a n00b...with 20 posts

try the search page....you will see that we do say "stand corrected"

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/search.php?searchid=338106

You don't have to be so mean. North Chorley was probably just responding to a trend he saw. And while people do say "stand corrected" on the General forum, this occurrence is relatively rare.

I'm also now inclined to believe that extremist political views (far right or left wing for instance) are more common than I used to think.

Extremists are more vocal than moderates.

Extremists are more vocal than moderates.

And also more abundant on NS General, as Czardas said.

You seem pretty mellow to me.


Teeheehee...really? A year ago I used to argue senselessly. I left Nationstates for my studies, and I bet they've both influenced each other subconsciously. Lol.

Ive learned the true meaning of liberalism and it has frightened me

I've learned the American meaning of liberalism and it has surprised me.

Also, yes, I have had my opinion noticeably changed on something: the question of the non-Biblical evidence for Jesus. I intend to research this over the summer when I get back home.

Never really changed my mind, but made me examine why I believed certain things, and helped me understand why other people believe certain things.

It also strengthened my belief in the need for these things:

Mandatory tests for breeding.
A license to talk.

And I now firmly hold the belief that 80% of all people are idiots.

Was anti-gun ownship. Now am pro gun ownership, but still in favour of registration.

And also more abundant on NS General, as Czardas said.
Nah, only seems that way. the ones that aren't so extreme tends to get Drowned out.

Evolution shows that Dinosaurs died out, why would God destroy a whole species like that?
Can you see a thread like that not getting into a Creationist/Evolutionist argument?

and you don't see threads like this.
I support the addition of secular elective courses in public schools
not turn into a Religion/Atheist argument.

threads here wants only two sides. no middle ground allowed, for everyone finds a common point to agree upon and thant's it, thread done.

I was always under the impression that Canada and Canadians were great neighbors and great allies for the US. Wow was I in for a shock to find that is not the case at all. Huge disappointment to say the least.

Nah, only seems that way. the ones that aren't so extreme tends to get Drowned out.

Evolution shows that Dinosaurs died out, why would God destroy a whole species like that?
Can you see a thread like that not getting into a Creationist/Evolutionist argument?

and you don't see threads like this.
I support the addition of secular elective courses in public schools
not turn into a Religion/Atheist argument.

threads here wants only two sides. no middle ground allowed, for everyone finds a common point to agree upon and thant's it, thread done.

True, but then in a way, NS General creates extreamists, as we are so often devided in these two sided debates.

True, but then in a way, NS General creates extreamists, as we are so often devided in these two sided debates.not really, for the replies on this thread, You usually find the change is more Extreme to Less Extreme. and then those that are moderate in their thinking goes off to ponder while the Extremes continue to bash heads.

not really, for the replies on this thread, You usually find the change is more Extreme to Less Extreme. and then those that are moderate in their thinking goes off to ponder while the Extremes continue to bash heads.

But don't you think that these head-bashing extremists are at least slightly more common here, than in the real world?

But don't you think that these head-bashing extremists are at least slightly more common here, than in the real world?
*Looks out the window*
nah, just more obvious here. ;)

and actually...

*thinks*

I can only think of perhaps a dozen or so extreme persons and some might be Puppets of other extreme nations.

*Looks out the window*
nah, just more obvious here. ;)

and actually...

*thinks*

I can only think of perhaps a dozen or so extreme persons and some might be Puppets of other extreme nations.


Yeah, but I can't recall ever meeting an extremist like that in real life.

And for the record I admit I was wrong about the whole "General makes you more extreme" thing; I was kind of reaching there.

Yeah, but I can't recall ever meeting an extremist like that in real life.the fact that your true identity is not known gives people the freedom to speak their mind.

And for the record I admit I was wrong about the whole "General makes you more extreme" thing; I was kind of reaching there.I understand... I do that once or twice myself....

:cool:

ok. more than that....

:)

Not alot really...

:(

no really not as much as most people here. :D

maybe because you are a n00b...with 20 posts

try the search page....you will see that we do say "stand corrected"

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/search.php?searchid=338106

I was expecting someone to go with the newby scum thing sooner or later.
I only post if I think I have something useful to say.

I got "sorry - no matches", anyway.

That said, it does seem that a lot of people have learned stuff from the forum, which is nice.

the fact that your true identity is not known gives people the freedom to speak their mind.

I understand... I do that once or twice myself....

:cool:

ok. more than that....

:)

Not alot really...

:(

no really not as much as most people here. :D

Ok, argument over :D, I'm going to sleep; it's midnight here.

Changed? I dunno. I'm definitely not as athouritarian as I was (technically, not QUITE a libertarian, but if it's a fraction of a point above the axis, I'd say it's okay :)), but if anything, Nationstates has made me MORE capitalist. :)

I was expecting someone to go eith the newby scum thing sooner or later.

I only post if I think I have something useful to say.

I got "sorry - no matches", anyway.

I defended you, see!
You don't have to be so mean. North Chorley was probably just responding to a trend he saw. And while people do say "stand corrected" on the General forum, this occurrence is relatively rare.
*is proud of self* :D
Now I'm really going to bed.

Thanks to reading, and lack of posting on these forums, i'm now an oppressive prick :D

I learned that partial birth abortions aren't for idiots who can't make up their minds until the last minute, but for medical reasons.

I can't think of any specific issues on which I've done a complete about-face. However, my views on many things have been altered, clarified, and changed by discussions here.

My views haven't really changed much, I've just matured from a rambling, flaming idiot, to a mellow, laid back idiot :p

I've become slightly more liberal in most views, most likely due to the abundance of liberal posters here.

I used to believe Saddam gassed the kurds and people. I come to find that it was the Iranians during the war. Yet Saddam still is blamed sadly.

I used to believe when faced with absolute unquestionable proof that Swift Boat Vets were lying people would concede. But apparently proof doesn't matter when your an extremist.

My opinions have changed some.

I've said that within the last week or so...somebody pointed out to me that my stance on maternity leave and sick leave was inconsistent, and I admitted my error. :cool: Sucess at last! :cool:

I used to believe when faced with absolute unquestionable proof that Swift Boat Vets were lying people would concede. But apparently proof doesn't matter when your an extremistI see that as considerable progress. You're beginning to learn very important lessons about human nature. For one, that there is no such thing as unquestionable proof. I would further try to convince you that it's not a matter of being or not being an extremist, but of being closed-minded and dishonest to yourself.

Extremists are more vocal than moderates.
Ohh, I know that. I used to think that extremists were all but non existant, and we just hear so much about them on the news because they're vocal. Given the number of people I've seen with pretty extreme views on NS, I've revised my opinion, and now I think they probably make up a small but significant percent the population. I might guess something like 2-10% if I had to guess (and of course it depends how you define extremist).

Actually, the thing that probably most surprised me on these forums is that there are a good number of people who actually think the theory of evolution is wrong. I'd always thought of creationists as being part of the lunatic fringe, but there actually may be a significant number of people who believe in creationism. I wish I had statistics on that.

EDIT: After posting I decided to see if I could find some statistics. Acording to a 1999 Gallup poll, a full 47% of americans believed in Creationism (the other options were Theistic Evolution which took 40%, Athiestic Evolution which took 9%, and 4% with no opinion). I don't know if these numbers are as big a suprise to anyone else as to me, but i thought I'd post them.

I would further try to convince you that it's not a matter of being or not being an extremist, but of being closed-minded and dishonest to yourself.

Well, being close-mindedness and dishonesty are pretty good indications of extremism, so I don't really think its an either/or thing.

I defended you, see!
North Chorley was probably just responding to a trend he saw. And while people do say "stand corrected" on the General forum, this occurrence is relatively rare.
Yeah, thankyou for that, that's precisely what I meant. :)

Liverbreath']I was always under the impression that Canada and Canadians were great neighbors and great allies for the US. Wow was I in for a shock to find that is not the case at all. Huge disappointment to say the least.
It is usually disappointing when ideals are crushed.