NationStates Jolt Archive

I can't say I have, but I'm curious as to the level of influence the ethical discussions we have here possess. For myself, I cannot say that I have been influenced, and I never will be, for that matter :D .

It was an entire host of discussiongs leading me to realize that there is a world beyond the U.S. and the U.S. isn't always the greatest country, despite personal opinions.

Yes. It's always interesting (and useful) to hear a different point of view from one's own, though I often feel that I'm the only one in any given conversation who's actually listening. Most people seem so deeply entrenched in their own "-isms" that all they're looking for is an excuse to get pissed off at, and/or feel superior to, whomever disagrees.

Not this particular forum, but I've been influenced by people I've gotten to know through discussions on different blogs - so much so that I actually changed political affiliation in the end.

It seems this question comes up quite often, but I'm always ready to answer it. Yes, this forum (and other RL forums:)) has influenced me. I'm no longer pro-gun control, I have a better opinion of USians (sorry, I HAD to!), I've learned a lot, and I've been often inspired. So yay!

No. Sadly, I've run into few arguments here that I haven't heard and answered already some dozens of times. It's refreshing to run into new ones, and I really enjoy it when I can find someone that can actually keep me on my toes. It doesn't happen often, but when it does I love it. It keeps my mind sharp.

I used to be a hardcore nationalistic neo-con bordering on fascism. This forum turned me into a libertarian who is still proud of his country, but would like to work alongside other countries rather than against them. :D

I'm surprised and pleased by the number of people influenced by discussion. Socrates uncovered an invaluable tool to the furthering of mankind's conception of reality.

I used to be a hardcore nationalistic neo-con bordering on fascism. This forum turned me into a libertarian who is still proud of his country, but would like to work alongside other countries rather than against them. :D
Oh yeah? Did I have anything to do with that? :p

Oh yeah? Did I have anything to do with that? :p
Actually, yes. :eek:

I can't say I have, but I'm curious as to the level of influence the ethical discussions we have here possess. For myself, I cannot say that I have been influenced, and I never will be, for that matter :D .
Yup. I've been influenced.

This forum has influenced my thinking a good deal.

this forum has turned my mildly socialistic leanings into a full-on communist ideology... i think my answer has to be 'yes' :P

I have never been influenced but would like to be ;)

Yes, this forum led me from vaguely socialist insular beginnings, to social liberalism, moderate libertarianism, then back to socialism, but in a more coherent and thought out form than before. Arguments on this forum also convinced me to switch from pro-life to pro-choice (on abortion) and from anti-war (in Iraq) to pro-war.

Actually, yes. :eek:
Excellent. I may, in fact, now die a happy man.

Not this particular forum, but I've been influenced by people I've gotten to know through discussions on different blogs - so much so that I actually changed political affiliation in the end.

*Wonders what the hell Fass was like before*

Yes, this forum led me from vaguely socialist insular beginnings, to social liberalism, moderate libertarianism, then back to socialism, but in a more coherent and thought out form than before. Arguments on this forum also convinced me to switch from pro-life to pro-choice (on abortion) and from anti-war (in Iraq) to pro-war.
Must...hold...tounge....

*Wonders what the hell Fass was like before*

*Wonders what the hell Fass is like now*

Yes, it actually has. Half a year ago I've had a pretty bad time and hanging around here has really helped a lot. Especially when I could'nt sleep or was up early. And I really enjoy a good conversation in English.

I can't say greatly influenced with only about 40 some-odd posts, but I can say that I've noticed a change. For example, the news will be on in the other room and I might actually have heard about some event that is on it before the tv was on. I also think that I'm learning to be less trusting of the media in general. So very many debates about the legitimacy of sources and such. Basically, NS has made me a little more informed and I can see it fueling my desire to become even more so.

So far the religious discussions are laughably silly bordering inane. Politics? Well, it's always insane. Nothing new there.

It's nice to talk to other people as always, but I can't work up any concern about the future to care about politics. :)

I can't say I've been greatly influenced by the ducussions I've observed or took part in but there has been gradual shifts in some of my views.

I spend much of my time at this forum:

http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/forums/

which used to be the old official Kerry/Edwards forum. There are liberals, leftists, moderates, loyal Democrats, dis-loyal Democrats, Nader supporters, libertarians, independents and even one loyal Republican Bush supporter.

One has to pay a small fee to be able to post but vieiwing of threads is open to everyone.

I like it becasue it's well moderated and because of the wide range of views being expressed, the debates are interesting and sometimes heated but the moderaters clamp down on personal attacks and flames.

I have never been influenced by a discussion in NS. Or a single argument. Nevertheless, I find my beliefs slowly changing over time, and the influence of pretty much everything I witness, including arguments in NS General debates, is undeniable. Compared to where I first started, my political beliefs have changed in significant ways and in some ways not at all.