NationStates Jolt Archive

I know that these forums exist for them but what really is the point?

poll shortly.

Timewasting.

obviously don't the first reason. I still failed to see online debate that actually lead some way, or convince someone. mostly it come fast to the stage of: "god exist", "no he isn't", "yes he does" (just example).

The point is it's a diversion from work.

It's to have fun arguing and to express your own ideas. Also to raise your post count ;) (Post count +1!:p)

All of the above, especially Myrth.

It is a self-esteem raiser when you think you win one... it doesn't change anyone's opinion's, but you can go brag how you won later... :p

Passing time because the wife and kids won't let me watch what I want on TV, so I come to the computer...

That and for spreading the good news of salvation, so that on judgement day, you'all can't say, "WE were supposed to be doing WHAT? Nobody told us that!" And God will be able to say, "Yes you were told, Ph33rdom told you."



:p

Getting over a depression

All of the above, especially Myrth.Are you kidding?! Myrth is the point of all our debates!! Our world revolves around him!!!! :rolleyes: [/sarcasm]

(Yeah I did pick the Myrth option...but that's different!!)

The point is it's a diversion from work.

yep, that and gettign it off my chest. I also like to play devils advocate so that I can see new points of view.

It's fun. Until it turns into a flame fest. Then it's stupid.

I think its just people honing there skills at debating. I would bet that NS has helped many people learn to select there arguements carefully. Think through what they say and how they present it. Flaming, the idiotic responses and such do help one to better there skills at debating.

Egowanking.

to see other peoples views. i had no idea people actually thought as they do, i'm broadening my knowledge of cultural views.

man did that sound pompous. its timewasting, obviously.

just in case someone who doesn't have an opinion on the issue reads through the thread

I know that these forums exist for them but what really is the point?
I reckon they help me streamline and improve my point of view on many issues.
Just asking questions, debating issues and having to repel criticism of your own long-established self-evident truths really helps getting more mature and better thought-out opinions.

That and it gives one the opportunity to piss people off that you would never meet in real life.... :D

to see other peoples views. i had no idea people actually thought as they do, i'm broadening my knowledge of cultural views.

man did that sound pompous. its timewasting, obviously.
I'll join you in your pompasity, even make up a word.

I live in a hippie paradise. There are a few rich conservatives milling about trying to ruin everything (you have most of the rest of the land mass, for crying out loud, this one stretch of beach that you wheren't interested in before-let us have it. Sheesh), but for the most part it's hippie and EXTREME hippie. Great to have a lot of people who agree with you and a few that think you should be agreeing a lot more, but it doesn't paint an accurate portrait of what the other side really thinks.

For me it's the Skeletor theory. There might be a handful out there that remember (actually, I doubt anyone remembers, but let me live the fantasy) my casual campaign for Skeletor. (Brought to you by the Friends of Skeletor for a Better Eternia; Build Bridges, not Dragonwalkers) The argument is that no one (well, maybe the heads of Enron, but thats a different issue) is rubbing their hands together kackling "Yes, yes-now they will cower before me, the Uber LORD!!!!! MU HA HA HA!!!!" They really just think that they have a better plan for America.

So I come here to hear them out. But I'm not going to just 'take it.' I want to press them on the issue as I expect them to press me. I want to learn why they think that is a better plan. They might be right, or at the very least partially right. But I have to know the reason, the one they give for doing what they are doing, supporting what they are supporting.

Do I change my mind? Look, I didn't pick my opinions at random and I didn't grow up in this little hippie paradise. I have a long history that started with a friend who would argue you into a corner if he felt for a second you where just 'saying something.' Believe it or don't say it. So no, it'd take a lot.

But I can't pretend to hold my opinions if I don't understand the argument against. So that's what I come here for.

On the bonus end, all the people from all over the world who otherwise I only get to meet by telling them how to get to tourist attractions. Thats worth the price of admission.

I am using it to perfect my debating skills.

Debating helps you strengthen your own views or open you up to new ideas. If you are forced to defend your opinion then you are forced to look at it from other perspectives and to back up your beliefs with facts. This is helpful in strengthening your views. If you debate the opposite of what you truly believe, that can help even more. By attacking your own views and defending the opposite of what you truly believe, you force yourself to see the weaknesses in your point of view and the strengths of the opposite point of view. This again, helps to strengthen your own views. Also, there is the possibility that you find yourself unable to defend your position and are forced to either adopt a different point of view or accept that your point of view is based less on logic and more on emotion.

Eh, when I start working in the U.S. government, I want to be able to fully understand the ideas behind my opponents as much as possible. And hey, this is the most intelligent place I've been in since...ever.

Getting over a depression
Interesting one. I have a friend who suffers from a related illness and has mood swings. She uses Internet discussions as a way to test her ability to keep control of herself. Says it's very tempting to get angry with some of the people on there but considers it an achievement to post calmly even so.

Personally I'm here because I work shifts and have no other social life. Sad, innit? :p

Personally I'm here because I work shifts and have no other social life. Sad, innit? :p
awareness is the first step to the cure.

Interesting one. I have a friend who suffers from a related illness and has mood swings. She uses Internet discussions as a way to test her ability to keep control of herself. Says it's very tempting to get angry with some of the people on there but considers it an achievement to post calmly even so.

Personally I'm here because I work shifts and have no other social life. Sad, innit? :p
Bah, I take anti-depressants and therapy to deal with the mood swings. NationStates is just one of the only things I feel capable of doing without getting bored (and it distracts me from the source of my woes).

To share my views and take in others, and laugh at some of things people actually think in this world *sniggers*

Like OMG here we go again ..

Telling kids the devil exists LOL - make them come into this life scared and running on fantasy.

LOL

I have to agree with Fernyland's sig.

It does actually serve a purpose for me though. It helps me practice my kegger party debating skills.

Most of my friends are commie hippies and after a few beers they all gang up on me. I'm practically Bush's Austin press secretary. If I can make them all shut up or look stupid, I get a hippie chick for the night.

Not sure why, just works out that way.