NationStates Jolt Archive

After almost 2 years on the forum, I've been thinking about how reading it regularly and getting into various discussions here had changed my views, and what it has taught me. And I have to say I'm quite surprised how much it did teach me :

1) It taught me that there are in fact many USAmericans who are clever, educated and fun to talk to. Growing up in a small Southern German town that had a rather largish US Army base, my personal experience so far had led me to believe otherwise.

2) It taught me that culture has a massive impact on the person's views.

3) It taught me that there are Christian nutcases out there who easily surpass anything I had previously experienced as extreme, conservative or even deluded in the Catholic church (creationism, sex before marriage, homosexuality, perception of the role of women come to mind)

4) It taught me that I'm not Catholic. It actually taught me that I'm not even Christian. In fact, it taught me that I'm not a theist at all.

5) It taught me just how pervasive patriarchal structures are even in the modern enlightened Western civilisation

6) It taught me that there will always be people believing stupid things, no matter how stupid.

7) It taught me that I can really hate some people's guts for what they believe and say. I never thought that would be possible before.

8) It taught me how to form an opinion about a new issue and how to defend it.

9) It taught me when not to post a reply.

10) It taught me an awful lot of tolerance.

Has it taught you anything?

It taught me how to postwhore :p

It has kept my active English, which I otherwise rarely have use for, afloat. That isn't teaching me anything, that's more helping me not forget what I learnt once upon a boring primary school English class.

2) It taught me that culture has a massive impact on the person's views.


4) It taught me that I'm not Catholic. It actually taught me that I'm not even Christian. In fact, it taught me that I'm not a theist at all.

5) It taught me just how pervasive patriarchal structures are even in the modern enlightened Western civilisation


8) It taught me how to form an opinion about a new issue and how to defend it.

:D

And people say we never accomplish anything!

:D

And people say we never accomplish anything!

Oh, I wouldn't say that. It just takes a while to sink in, usually. :D

After almost 2 years on the forum, I've been thinking about how reading it regularly and getting into various discussions here had changed my views, and what it has taught me. And I have to say I'm quite surprised how much it did teach me :

1) It taught me that there are in fact many USAmericans who are clever, educated and fun to talk to. Growing up in a small Southern German town that had a rather largish US Army base, my personal experience so far had led me to believe otherwise.

2) It taught me that culture has a massive impact on the person's views.

3) It taught me that there are Christian nutcases out there who easily surpass anything I had previously experienced as extreme, conservative or even deluded in the Catholic church (creationism, sex before marriage, homosexuality, perception of the role of women come to mind)

4) It taught me that I'm not Catholic. It actually taught me that I'm not even Christian. In fact, it taught me that I'm not a theist at all.

5) It taught me just how pervasive patriarchal structures are even in the modern enlightened Western civilisation

6) It taught me that there will always be people believing stupid things, no matter how stupid.

7) It taught me that I can really hate some people's guts for what they believe and say. I never thought that would be possible before.

8) It taught me how to form an opinion about a new issue and how to defend it.

9) It taught me when not to post a reply.

10) It taught me an awful lot of tolerance.

Has it taught you anything?
hmmm

nicely done.

It has taught me that we all think we are right.
It has taught me that I am too lazy to use a spell checker.
It has taught me that I am no longer remotley intersted in roleplaying.
It has taught me that I have no idea what is meant by the word liberterian.

It's taught me more about the American Social and Political life which helped me loads through my A2 American Politics class. NSG also helped me discover what I really cared for and its also taugh me to just have a laugh and not take evrything to seriously.

NSG I thank you.

It taught me how to postwhore :p

It has taught me that people have different ideas of what it means to be a postwhore. :)

It has taught me that no matter how stupid my posts are, there will always be ones stupider than mine.

It has taught me that debating online is like nailing jello to a tree but I forgot to do my homework for that lesson...

It has taught me that people have different ideas of what it means to be a postwhore. :)

Umm as opposed to a prewhore?

It has taught me that no matter how warped my view of places outside the US, others will have a similar warped view about the US. (which has in turn taught me to research before I assume so I don't look like an idiot)

It has taught me that no matter how logical my opinion is (or how logical I think it is) someone will have the exact opposite opinion and think mine is stupid.

It has taught me that there are actually a few idiots who believe that they are capable of just standing there and letting someone kill them, and at the same time, argue with the most virulent language possible that no matter what, that they will be non-violent in such a situation. This assertion is frequently accompanied by threats of violence.

Maybe "teaching" isn't always the right word, but NSG has done quite some for me, most prominent among those things:


It's keeping me on my toes as far as my English goes, and I have to differ from Fassigen insofar as that I know it actually does add to my English nearly every day.


It's making me hear about things I'd never have heard about otherwise because of the - watch it, a new word I learnt on here from the reverend Fass - insularity of it all, and I find it often rather amuses me.


It's turned me from an online poster horribly unconcerned about such trivialities as grammar or orthography into a poster whose posts most people with a reasonable knowledge of written English can decipher with relative ease.


It reminds me every day never to let down my guard against the sheer massiveness of the human potential for stupidity - who knows what disappointments I'd have run into many days, online as well as IRL, had I not been suchly warned.


It's providing me with a handy list of "words I never thought one could spell wrong, but apparently even native speakers botch on a regular basis" that I can use in my function as EFL teacher in spe.


It's given me practice to exercise my stalking skills and prevent them from getting all too rusty.


It keeps me off the streets.

It has taught me that people have different ideas of what it means to be a postwhore. :)

I'm not a postwhore, however I know how to do it, if needed :) I can spam, a lot, but most of the time I choose not to :p

Umm as opposed to a prewhore?

LOL!

NSG has taught me to read my Principia Discordia whenever I start taking myself too seriously. It may also have contributed to the recent increase in my pot intake.

It has taught me to stay away from the troll-baiting, misandrists of the world.

It has taught me to stay away from the troll-baiting, misandryists of the world.
And now NSG can teach you that the word is spelled "Misandrists."

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

After almost 2 years on the forum, I've been thinking about how reading it regularly and getting into various discussions here had changed my views, and what it has taught me. And I have to say I'm quite surprised how much it did teach me :

1) It taught me that there are in fact many USAmericans who are clever, educated and fun to talk to. Growing up in a small Southern German town that had a rather largish US Army base, my personal experience so far had led me to believe otherwise.

2) It taught me that culture has a massive impact on the person's views.

3) It taught me that there are Christian nutcases out there who easily surpass anything I had previously experienced as extreme, conservative or even deluded in the Catholic church (creationism, sex before marriage, homosexuality, perception of the role of women come to mind)

4) It taught me that I'm not Catholic. It actually taught me that I'm not even Christian. In fact, it taught me that I'm not a theist at all.

5) It taught me just how pervasive patriarchal structures are even in the modern enlightened Western civilisation

6) It taught me that there will always be people believing stupid things, no matter how stupid.

7) It taught me that I can really hate some people's guts for what they believe and say. I never thought that would be possible before.

8) It taught me how to form an opinion about a new issue and how to defend it.

9) It taught me when not to post a reply.

10) It taught me an awful lot of tolerance.

Has it taught you anything?

It taught me how to deal with people, and develop a personality. It also keeps me informed occasionally. It also taught me about extremism, and the different varieties of people out there, because I'm interacting with them. And it taught me about my views, by seeing other people's views and agreeing/disagreeing with them. Sort of who I am.

It taught me how to deal with people, and develop a personality. It also keeps me informed occasionally. It also taught me about extremism, and the different varieties of people out there, because I'm interacting with them.

You didn't have a personality before NSG? :eek:

You didn't have a personality before NSG? :eek:

He barely has one now. joking

You didn't have a personality before NSG? :eek:

Not much of one, anyway. I only interacted with a few people, and I wasn't really that good at it anyway.

Absolutely nothing.....other than perhaps the fact that the average amount of time it takes a thread to degrade into a massive religious/political war is about a day and a half...depending on how busy NSG is....

Taught me tht no one respects other people's opinion on politics, religion, etc.

NSG has taught me:

1. That anything can, and will, be misinterpreted.

2. That there are many people out there who are not susceptible to rationality and who refuse to listen to facts and that, sometimes, I'm one of them.

3. That people hate people for poor reasons - i.e. because they're Americans, because they're not Americans, because they're gay, because they're not gay.

4. That, if you want a thread to last forever, make it about food.

And now NSG can teach you that the word is spelled "Misandrists."

Because it has also taught me that speel checkers should be incorporated into the message box.

Because it has also taught me that speel checkers should be incorporated into the message box.

That is why Firefox is your friend. :) I have a spellchecker builtin.

NSG has taught me that no one will ever change their opinion on any subject through debate and hence all debate is rendered useless.

NSG has taught me that no one will ever change their opinion on any subject through debate and hence all debate is rendered useless.

I've had my opinions changed through debate here

Wow, what a great thread. NSG has really affected my life, I must say! There's a few of yours I agree with, Cabra:

3) It taught me that there are Christian nutcases out there who easily surpass anything I had previously experienced as extreme, conservative or even deluded in the Catholic church (creationism, sex before marriage, homosexuality, perception of the role of women come to mind)

5) It taught me just how pervasive patriarchal structures are even in the modern enlightened Western civilisation

Unfortunately, due to my line of work, I come across a LOT of people who believe and do stupid things, partly due to their own cultural beliefs, etc. so I already knew that part.

I learned a lot about how other countries work, politically, economically, and culturally. When you live in one country for most of your life, it gets easy to say "this country does it best" or "this country is stupid and needs to get its act together" (and I don't mean that I thought my country was best, btw).

I know I've learned more about the fact that there are always many sides to political, economic, and social issues. Some things seem pretty cut-and-dry to me, but it's partly from a lack of information on many issues and partly because I think a certain way about things. I have been pwned a million times as a result, so I tend to just sit back and listen now.

But more than anything I've learned here, I've gained a real sense of global community. I love that many of us have gotten to know each other, and our meetups are so amazing and fun and enlightening, it's just really...neat. (My vocabulary is narrowing as a direct result of the strength of my feelings about this.) As a result of being here on NSG, I plan to do a lot more travelling than I ever thought I would, and I am going to meet more of you! So watch out. :D

That is why Firefox is your friend. :) I have a spellchecker builtin.

I two use firefox and the spiel chicker dose me now goold!

That two posters on this forum live for the moment I post, so they can claim it's Muslim Bashing (see my sig).

That two posters on this forum live for the moment I post, so they can claim it's Muslim Bashing (see my sig).

Quit Muslim bashing, you hater! Sounds like you've been drinking some Hateorade(TM)!

Many of the same points I concur with, Cabra. I've learned quite a bit more of political and economic issues, history of certain periods, and a whole host of random crap I will never have use for again :)

Hmm...well, it hasn't really taught me this, but made me remember and understand why I learned this so long ago:

Don't talk to strangers.

That two posters on this forum live for the moment I post, so they can claim it's Muslim Bashing (see my sig).

That RO has an overinflated sense of his own importance...

That two posters on this forum live for the moment I post, so they can claim it's Muslim Bashing (see my sig).

As Nadkor said, you need to realize that things happen in the world without you being a part of them.

As for things I've learned: Nothing.

I learned how to divide by zero without restarting the universe.

I learned how to divide by zero without restarting the universe.

Oh? That's funny. I learned how to restart the universe without dividing by zero.

1) Everybody hates the United States.
2) Everybody hates Christians.
3) No matter what the topic is about, it will eventually degrade into a religious argument.

Not trying to troll, but after four years of posting here these are the three things that have made the biggest impression on me.

1) Everybody hates the United States.
2) Everybody hates Christians.
3) No matter what the topic is about, it will eventually degrade into a religious argument.

Not trying to troll, but after four years of posting here these are the three things that have made the biggest impression on me.

Actually....everyone that posts is a troll :D



2) To surf the Internet

Taught me tht no one respects other people's opinion on politics, religion, etc.
Did you never pay attention to the news before you joined NS? ;)

Did you never pay attention to the news before you joined NS? ;)

Yep. Being a son of a military officer, I had no choice but to see what was going on in the world because of my father's job.

Did you never pay attention to the news before you joined NS? ;)

Only after he flitered it through the Stars and Stripes...

Only after he flitered it through the Stars and Stripes...

Sorry but I do not read the stars and stripes. I read the Post, the NY Times, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune Review, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. I also glance through the BBC website and read some of the foreign press.

www.kidon.com is full of media sites to read.

Sorry but I do not read the stars and stripes. I read the Post, the NY Times, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune Review, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. I also glance through the BBC website and read some of the foreign press.

www.kidon.com is full of media sites to read.


I was speaking metaphorically,and was referring to the flag rather than the publication.....

It has taught me way more about American politics than I would ever care to know otherwise.

I was speaking metaphorically,and was referring to the flag rather than the publication.....

My point does stand that I read more than just american publications.

1) There are actual hot, smart women on the intrawebs, which I previously thought was just a myth horny teenage nerds made up.
2) Politics suck, and religion sucks even more.
3) Not all of my fellow Americans are mentally incapable of doing anything correctly.
4) I have learned that I prefer to up all hours of the night on the forum, thus causing me to miss class in the morning!
5) Most of all, I have learned that Swedish people are more than likely mean, while on the other hand Norwegians are very nice (think Fass Vs Gravlen).

Good job NSG, keep on teaching us things, cuz I r lernin stuffz.

A lot. NSG can open your mind to tons and tons of complex,scientific ideas. Yet it won't teach you what the G in NSG stands for. I assume NS is nationstates. Yes,I know the joke about assuming.It taught me not just Trekies are out here in forums but many smart people. Including teachers,doctors,and scientists.QFT is quoted for truth or quoted for tacos.You can find the best possible compromise or idea ever and many people won't like it. The world is definatly not black and white.people will fight over the principles of gravity! Stupidity works as good humor but you must have perfect timing.** can be used to show action. Smileys aren't in use as much as i thought. I joined back in February. Recently there was a bit about and NSG A-Team.I wasn't in it, but one day I hope I can be a prominent member. Theres a lot of news you can find on the internet. Plus I've learned about real topics like science. Stuff I didn't know about before.

Oh and sweet Jesus has my typing improved.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune Review,

www.kidon.com is full of media sites to read.


Are you from around Pittsburgh?

Are you from around Pittsburgh?

Twenty minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.

Fass isn't mean.

Just like Bears don't shit in the woods?

1) There are actual hot, smart women on the intrawebs, which I previously thought was just a myth horny teenage nerds made up.
2) Politics suck, and religion sucks even more.
3) Not all of my fellow Americans are mentally incapable of doing anything correctly.
4) I have learned that I prefer to up all hours of the night on the forum, thus causing me to miss class in the morning!
5) Most of all, I have learned that Swedish people are more than likely mean, while on the other hand Norwegians are very nice (think Fass Vs Gravlen).

Good job NSG, keep on teaching us things, cuz I r lernin stuffz.

Fass isn't mean.

Hmm... NSG taught me about politics, which I was previously very ignorant of. And it taught me that I should be an atheist (well, the Christian posters taught me that).

Fass isn't mean.

lol

Twenty minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.

Oh snap. I love Pittsburgh :D If it wasn't for me leaving the country soon, I'd move to Pittsburgh.

Fass isn't mean.

What have you been smoking? Can I have two doses?

I haven't been smoking anything, Fass isn't mean, he hasn't ever been mean to me. I don't know why anyone would think he is mean. Blunt? yes. Mean? no.

No, he is definitely mean.

Hmm... NSG taught me about politics, which I was previously very ignorant of. And it taught me that I should be an atheist (well, the Christian posters taught me that).
:(

lol
what? ;)

What have you been smoking? Can I have two doses?
I haven't been smoking anything, Fass isn't mean, he hasn't ever been mean to me. I don't know why anyone would think he is mean. Blunt? yes. Mean? no.

:(
Don't be sad. It's a good thing.

No, he is definitely mean.

hmm.....maybe I try to see the best in people? I only know of two really mean people around here.....Fass isn't one of them. He doesn't even eat animals, he is so nice he doesn't want to hurt the furry smelly things of the world. :eek:

Don't be sad. It's a good thing.

not if I am the Christian that pushed you over the edge :( I try not to push people into belief or non-belief.

What if I am just a really bad example? What if I am a piss poor reflection on all of Christianity? :(

I have learned a lot about American culture.

I have learned that there are many people in this world with opposing views to me.

I've learned that people are capable of great intelligence and great stupidity. Often in the same thread.

Hmm... NSG taught me about politics, which I was previously very ignorant of. And it taught me that I should be an atheist (well, the Christian posters taught me that).

There are no Christians here*. The ones that pretend to be are trolls trying to get a rise out of the extreme majority of atheist/leftist posters. I also find it surprising you would make such a big decision after spending some time on an internet forum...

*disclaimer: there are some genuine Christians here but they are an extreme minority, and not likely to prostelitize in general.

not if I am the Christian that pushed you over the edge :( I try not to push people into belief or non-belief.

What if I am just a really bad example? What if I am a piss poor reflection on all of Christianity? :(

Get this through your head; All christians are piss poor reflections on what Christianity should be. We can never be the perfect example that Christ was. Which is why we have mercy and forgiveness. :)

I have learned a lot about American culture.

I have learned that there are many people in this world with opposing views to me.

I've learned that people are capable of great intelligence and great stupidity. Often in the same thread.


Or in the same post.

Oh snap. I love Pittsburgh :D If it wasn't for me leaving the country soon, I'd move to Pittsburgh.

Aww why are you leaving the country for? :(

not if I am the Christian that pushed you over the edge :( I try not to push people into belief or non-belief.

What if I am just a really bad example? What if I am a piss poor reflection on all of Christianity? :(

It happened ages before you joined.

I also find it surprising you would make such a big decision after spending some time on an internet forum...

It wasn't the only factor in my decision. It was a gradual process, but NSG did help me think about the issue in new ways, so it was beneficial.

Aww why are you leaving the country for? :(

To go live in my new home: The middle East. :D

I learned that Canadians, Germans, and UKEBIians are cooler than any USians.

I learned that Canadians, Germans, and UKEBIians are cooler than any USians.


SCORE! :D

I learned that Canadians, Germans, and UKEBIians are cooler than any USians.
"OGADI EDOBI and UCHE UKEBI were arrested by policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja after a report was made to the police."
:confused:

I learned that Canadians, Germans, and UKEBIians are cooler than any USians.

I have learned that Ruffy is the sexiest thing to grace this planet. EVER.

1) you can have polite conversations with people with totally opposite viewpoints.

2) you can have friends with the same situation as #1.

3) I <3 alot of people here.

4) I was right in thinking that personality baised friendships are better than one baised on looks.

5) Toll bashing unites people of opposing viewpoints.

6) I found proof that you can discuss religion without 'shoving it down other's throat.'

Or in the same post.

Indeed.

NSG has taught me how to hold my tongu---ughhmmph.

Liberals can in fact, be very annoying.

Liberals can in fact, be very annoying.

Oh, yeah, I also learnt that Americans like to refer to each other as "liberal" or "conservative" (particularly the former), rather than trying to separate individual political beliefs.

Oh, yeah, I also learnt that Americans like to refer to each other as "liberal" or "conservative" (particularly the former), rather than trying to separate individual political beliefs.

That the term neo-con is widely applied to people who disagree with liberal viewpoints.

That the term neo-con is widely applied to people who disagree with liberal viewpoints.

See, the word "liberal" appearing again already!

See, the word "liberal" appearing again already!

Shh you're upsetting the American political line! Damn Commie....;)

See, the word "liberal" appearing again already!

Umm....yea ok. I see you were teasing because of my post.

Umm....yea ok. I see you were teasing because of my post.

I'm not trying to tease anyone, just surprised that another example was given so soon. It seems odd to me when people write things like that, as I usually try to be very specific in my use of language and not make unnecessary extrapolations, etc.

It also taught me that no one wants to ask, "Why?"

They obviously know all they need to know. :D

I learned that Canadians, Germans, and UKEBIians are cooler than any USians.

Where is this USian that you speak of?

Where is this USian that you speak of?

He's refering to those of us from the United States.

He's referring to those of us from the United States.

Really? LOl, was trying to be a little humorous.

After almost 2 years on the forum, I've been thinking about how reading it regularly and getting into various discussions here had changed my views, and what it has taught me. And I have to say I'm quite surprised how much it did teach me :

1) It taught me that there are in fact many USAmericans who are clever, educated and fun to talk to. Growing up in a small Southern German town that had a rather largish US Army base, my personal experience so far had led me to believe otherwise.

2) It taught me that culture has a massive impact on the person's views.

3) It taught me that there are Christian nutcases out there who easily surpass anything I had previously experienced as extreme, conservative or even deluded in the Catholic church (creationism, sex before marriage, homosexuality, perception of the role of women come to mind)

4) It taught me that I'm not Catholic. It actually taught me that I'm not even Christian. In fact, it taught me that I'm not a theist at all.

5) It taught me just how pervasive patriarchal structures are even in the modern enlightened Western civilisation

6) It taught me that there will always be people believing stupid things, no matter how stupid.

7) It taught me that I can really hate some people's guts for what they believe and say. I never thought that would be possible before.

8) It taught me how to form an opinion about a new issue and how to defend it.

9) It taught me when not to post a reply.

10) It taught me an awful lot of tolerance.

Has it taught you anything?

In other words, you hate people who are Bible-believing Christians, or even if they merely acknowledge the existence of ANY kind of higher power of an intelligence superior to humankind, whether they call Him God or something else?

I hope I've misunderstood your position because I don't want a thing like that to be true.

It's wrong and bigoted to hate people just because they don't believe like you do. For ACTING on it in such a way as to cause the loss of innocent lives(here I am thinking primarily of the September 11 terrorist attacks), yes, hating them is understandable, but just because they BELIEVE different from you? If you hate them for THAT alone, then YOU are the one with the problem.

I have learned that I can make anybody laugh, but I can rarely make everybody laugh.

1) It taught me that there are in fact many USAmericans who are clever, educated and fun to talk to. Growing up in a small Southern German town that had a rather largish US Army base, my personal experience so far had led me to believe otherwise.


Anywhere near a town called "Bad Aibling"?


Anyway, NSG has confirmed in my mind the fact that people are ridiculous creatures, much of the time.

Oh, yeah, I also learnt that Americans like to refer to each other as "liberal" or "conservative" (particularly the former), rather than trying to separate individual political beliefs.

Yup.

It's pretty stupid.

After almost 2 years on the forum, I've been thinking about how reading it regularly and getting into various discussions here had changed my views, and what it has taught me. And I have to say I'm quite surprised how much it did teach me :

1) It taught me that there are in fact many USAmericans who are clever, educated and fun to talk to. Growing up in a small Southern German town that had a rather largish US Army base, my personal experience so far had led me to believe otherwise.

2) It taught me that culture has a massive impact on the person's views.

3) It taught me that there are Christian nutcases out there who easily surpass anything I had previously experienced as extreme, conservative or even deluded in the Catholic church (creationism, sex before marriage, homosexuality, perception of the role of women come to mind)

4) It taught me that I'm not Catholic. It actually taught me that I'm not even Christian. In fact, it taught me that I'm not a theist at all.

5) It taught me just how pervasive patriarchal structures are even in the modern enlightened Western civilisation

6) It taught me that there will always be people believing stupid things, no matter how stupid.

7) It taught me that I can really hate some people's guts for what they believe and say. I never thought that would be possible before.

8) It taught me how to form an opinion about a new issue and how to defend it.

9) It taught me when not to post a reply.

10) It taught me an awful lot of tolerance.

Has it taught you anything?

That all hope is not lost, paradoxically. :confused:

That, and how to be more proficient at certain texting techniques.

Let me see:

That I can spend one thread going hammer and tongs against someone, and in the very next joke with them, and join with them in a third against someone else.

It's possible to never agree with someone (I had always thought you could find SOME common ground).

Some issues cause knee jerk reactions so fast I'm surprised we don't sprain something. ;)

That there are some very cool people out there whom I will probably never meet in real life, but if I ever did I'd gladly buy them a drink.

That saying "I'm just going to quickly check a thread" means that I will spend the next two hours ignoring everything I'm supposed to be doing while arguing about pizza toppings.

Mods are seriously under-appreciated.

(Having looked at some forums closer to home) NSG is also under-appreciated.

Tacos solve everything. ;)

That saying "I'm just going to quickly check a thread" means that I will spend the next two hours ignoring everything I'm supposed to be doing while arguing about pizza toppings.

Mods are seriously under-appreciated.

(Having looked at some forums closer to home) NSG is also under-appreciated.

Tacos solve everything. ;)

I couldn't agree more. To all four points. :)

And it taught me that I should be an atheist (well, the Christian posters taught me that).

Same here. I wasn't much of a Christian before, but some of the posters here made me an atheist faster than I would have thought possible.

Same here. I wasn't much of a Christian before, but some of the posters here made me an atheist faster than I would have thought possible.

w00t!

w00t!

*lol I'm not the only one, either. I've seen a good few people here who came on sort of believing, and, when presented with the details of what Christianity actually IS by some of the helpful posters, reconsidered pretty quickly.

*lol I'm not the only one, either. I've seen a good few people here who came on sort of believing, and, when presented with the details of what Christianity actually IS by some of the helpful posters, reconsidered pretty quickly.

I think i agree with you on that. I was just thinking of two other posters that may be of the persuasion you're talking about.

NSG taught me that some people are more tolerant than me. And that some are :eek: even more intolerant than me. This relieved my self-esteem a bit.

Also, NSG taught me that there is a whole world full of politically-minded nerds out there. Thanks, fellows!

And... LOLCATS!

BTW, nice to see you again, CW!

NSG taught me that some people are more tolerant than me. And that some are :eek: even more intolerant than me. This relieved my self-esteem a bit.

Also, NSG taught me that there is a whole world full of politically-minded nerds out there. Thanks, fellows!

And... LOLCATS!

BTW, nice to see you again, CW!

LOLCATS FTW!!!

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/128297828691720000issaifnow.jpg

Has it taught you anything?

Futility.

Nothing that real life hasn't already taught me yet.

That my political opinions are farther to the left than I believed.
That there are more good bands out there than I knew about.

I'm sure there's more, but that's what I can think of for now.

*disclaimer: there are some genuine Christians here but they are an extreme minority, and not likely to prostelitize in general.Yeah, they proselytize in II.

Tacos solve everything. ;)

You have learned much, young Grasshopper. :)

You have learned much, young Grasshopper. :)
*bows* Thank you, Master. ;)

Futility.

Yay! :D

Has it taught you anything?
No. I haven't been on here as long, though, but I'm a little surprised it's influenced you as much as it has. Considering you have seen none of us, and don't even know if we are multiple people, I would think one would be more skeptical of what you see here.
That's not to say I am somehow not infallible, but other people are.

Nothing that real life hasn't already taught me yet.
I agree. I mean none of you disrespect, but I think everyone here is just as unqualified to tell me how to think as I am to tell them.
1)
3) Not all of my fellow Americans are mentally incapable of doing anything correctly.

This is a common belief among American intellectuals. "Americans are so stupid! Except for me, of course...and my friends...and family...and poor people."

In my time here on NSG, I've learned that there are a frighteningly large amount of educated, seemingly sane individuals in the world who are, ideologically and politically speaking at least, batshit insane! On both sides.

Unfortunately I've also learned that there are a frighteningly large amount of people in the world, who make you question just how they're even able to use a computer.


I agree. I mean none of you disrespect, but I think everyone here is just as unqualified to tell me how to think as I am to tell them.

This is a common belief among American intellectuals. "Americans are so stupid! Except for me, of course...and my friends...and family...and poor people."
"....and blacks...and latinos...NOT asians though, homosexuals, non-conservative or religious women and atheists. As well as any other vaguely-perceivable oppressed minority or likeminded leftwardly thinking group that could be drummed up.

1) Sources are important.

2) Intelligent design has yet to provide an explanation for male nipples.

3) No one changes their minds.

4) Ever.

:D

Nothing that real life hasn't already taught me yet.

RL taught you TubGirl? :confused:

2) Intelligent design has yet to provide an explanation for male nipples.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q100/TheSteveslols/Thread.jpg

3) No one changes their minds.

4) Ever.

:D
Holy smegma!
You're right!

...what was i thinking? :(

RL taught you TubGirl? :confused:

Something even more horrible than that.

Never underestimate the power of real life depravity.

Never underestimate the power of real life depravity.

I'm interested in hearing/seeing more. Do you have, perhaps, a newsletter of sorts?
And please don't just forward me to Corny, Ruffy or Lunatic Golfballs' pages! Been there, done them.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q100/TheSteveslols/Thread.jpg

Admittedly, neither has Evolution, as far as I'm aware.

Holy smegma!
You're right!

...what was i thinking? :(

... ... DAMN YOU!!!

I'm interested in hearing/seeing more. Do you have, perhaps, a newsletter of sorts?
And please don't just forward me to Corny, Ruffy or Lunatic Golfballs' pages! Been there, done them.

Oh God no,... I'm still trying to forget about wading through half digested stuff for 3 hours looking for serial plug.

I just hope nobody documented that for posterity.

Admittedly, neither has Evolution, as far as I'm aware.

Actually, it's not hard to figure out & all. Evolution doesn't really *need* to enter into it.

... ... DAMN YOU!!!

http://www.websmileys.com/sm/violent/sterb233.gif
Just no pleasin' some people, eh?
http://www.websmileys.com/sm/fingers/fing14.gif

Oh God no,... I'm still trying to forget about wading through half digested stuff for 3 hours looking for serial plug. Reminds me of the good ol' StileProject days. :D

I just hope nobody documented that for posterity.
That reminds me ... yesterday i was trying to get a link to a vid of weasels bouncing around, and this idiotic warning popped up about how all the porn on my computer had been traced and documented or something, and they tried to put on a registry cleaner or something.
Silly fuckers. All the "porn" i have on here i put on myself.

Actually, it's not hard to figure out & all. Evolution doesn't really *need* to enter into it.


Hrmmm... Sex?

PS: I need a chin-scratching emoticon.

PPS: Not when you go and change your mind, this refuting fully half of the lessons I've ever learned around here! ;)

Hrmmm... Sex?Offer, or query? I never know how to handle this topic. I get all flustered and such ... oh, wait.

http://amos.indiana.edu/library/scripts/nipples.html


PS: I need a chin-scratching emoticon.That makes two of us! :D

PPS: Not when you go and change your mind, this refuting fully half of the lessons I've ever learned around here! ;)
It's all good. I've been working on statistical relevance for a while now, so i'm just doing my part. Sorta.
:)

Offer, or query? I never know how to handle this topic. I get all flustered and such ... oh, wait.

Flirt. ;)


That makes two of us! :D


See, we need some sort of fundraiser, in support of the poor, underrepresented emoticons everywhere!


It's all good. I've been working on statistical relevance for a while now, so i'm just doing my part. Sorta.
:)

Meanwhile, I'm down to points 1 and 2,

Hrmmm... Perhaps my new no. 3 can be 'no one ever shares'...

Well, maybe it needs work. :D

Flirt. ;)

http://www.websmileys.com/sm/love/1468.gif

See, we need some sort of fundraiser, in support of the poor, underrepresented emoticons everywhere!My nomination is for German Nightmare. So far, only one emoticon need unfulfilled - teaching pigs to sing. :(
Otherwise, top-notch!

Meanwhile, I'm down to points 1 and 2,

Hrmmm... Perhaps my new no. 3 can be 'no one ever shares'...They might share, but it's really in a twisted and convoluted proportion to the whole "TMI" concept. :eek:

Well, maybe it needs work. :D*starts humming Meat Loaf tune*

I just learned that you can have an entire debate using nothing but Simpson's clips. :)

I just learned that you can have an entire debate using nothing but Simpson's clips. :)

Hey!
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13027477&postcount=64
:p

No. I haven't been on here as long, though, but I'm a little surprised it's influenced you as much as it has. Considering you have seen none of us, and don't even know if we are multiple people, I would think one would be more skeptical of what you see here.
That's not to say I am somehow not infallible, but other people are.

And that makes a difference how?
I never claimed I changed my opinion cause I found Fass so absolutely, terribly convincing that I now believe everything he says, or because Remote Observer opened my eyes to the truth. That's not how NSG works, see? ;)
But being exposed to so many different perspectives of the world, getting so much information and facts and consequently reading up on topics you wouldn't even have thought of before until someone made a thread about them is bound to change your view of the world. Unless you're a completely closed fanatic, of course.

I never claimed I changed my opinion cause I found Fass so absolutely, terribly convincing that I now believe everything he says, or because Remote Observer opened my eyes to the truth.

Uhm, yikes? :eek:

Uhm, yikes? :eek:

http://www.reloaded.org/forum/style_emoticons/default/hysterical.gif

That's why I used these two as examples. If I wrote the same sentence replacing the names with NERVUN and Smunkee, it makes far too much sense. People might miss the joke.

http://www.reloaded.org/forum/style_emoticons/default/hysterical.gif

That's why I used these two as examples. If I wrote the same sentence replacing the names with NERVUN and Smunkee, it makes far too much sense. People might miss the joke.

Too true.
It could be said that RO and Fass are part of more than one "special" clique.

http://www.reloaded.org/forum/style_emoticons/default/hysterical.gif

That's why I used these two as examples. If I wrote the same sentence replacing the names with NERVUN and Smunkee, it makes far too much sense. People might miss the joke.
You mean people would believe that other people actually listen to me? :eek:





;)

that humans are extremely gullable and require a great deal of patience.

=^^=
.../\...

Anywhere near a town called "Bad Aibling"?


Anyway, NSG has confirmed in my mind the fact that people are ridiculous creatures, much of the time.

No, further North than that.

In other words, you hate people who are Bible-believing Christians, or even if they merely acknowledge the existence of ANY kind of higher power of an intelligence superior to humankind, whether they call Him God or something else?

I hope I've misunderstood your position because I don't want a thing like that to be true.

It's wrong and bigoted to hate people just because they don't believe like you do. For ACTING on it in such a way as to cause the loss of innocent lives(here I am thinking primarily of the September 11 terrorist attacks), yes, hating them is understandable, but just because they BELIEVE different from you? If you hate them for THAT alone, then YOU are the one with the problem.

Because all kinds of beliefs have to be necessarily religious, right? :rolleyes:
Don't be so arrogant, I'm not limiting this to religious beliefs.

1) There are actual hot, smart women on the intrawebs, which I previously thought was just a myth horny teenage nerds made up.
2) Politics suck, and religion sucks even more.
3) Not all of my fellow Americans are mentally incapable of doing anything correctly.
4) I have learned that I prefer to up all hours of the night on the forum, thus causing me to miss class in the morning!
5) Most of all, I have learned that Swedish people are more than likely mean, while on the other hand Norwegians are very nice (think Fass Vs Gravlen).

Good job NSG, keep on teaching us things, cuz I r lernin stuffz.

Hey, I agree with all of that! And good job on the first one... :D

I haven't been smoking anything, Fass isn't mean, he hasn't ever been mean to me. I don't know why anyone would think he is mean. Blunt? yes. Mean? no.

Well, Fass has been mean to me, but I don't think he's a mean person. He just doesn't suffer fools gladly.

To go live in my new home: The middle East. :D

Oh...geez. :eek:

LOLCATS FTW!!!

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/128297828691720000issaifnow.jpg

TEEHEE!!!11

No. I haven't been on here as long, though, but I'm a little surprised it's influenced you as much as it has. Considering you have seen none of us, and don't even know if we are multiple people, I would think one would be more skeptical of what you see here.
That's not to say I am somehow not infallible, but other people are.

I've seen a handful of you people in RL and it is never anything but TOTALLY AWESOME! We really do have fun here if you get to know us. <3

It taught me that the ability to use a computer, log onto the Internet, establish an account, and post in a forum is no indication of someone's intelligence. (Exhibit: the creationist nutcases).

It taught me that holding evil beliefs is not incompatible with skill at debating, or guts. (Exhibit: The Fourth Holy Reich, and my debate with him, and his willingness to actually say that I deserved to die because I am Jewish).

It taught me that there are indeed very nice and respectful people on the Internet.

It taught me that there are also hateful and psychotic people on the Internet.

It confirmed my previous belief that insanity is the norm for human beings. (Exhibit: all of us).

And that makes a difference how?
I never claimed I changed my opinion cause I found Fass so absolutely, terribly convincing that I now believe everything he says, or because Remote Observer opened my eyes to the truth. That's not how NSG works, see? ;)
But being exposed to so many different perspectives of the world, getting so much information and facts and consequently reading up on topics you wouldn't even have thought of before until someone made a thread about them is bound to change your view of the world. Unless you're a completely closed fanatic, of course.
Well, there's your problem.
But I understand now, I think: it's not so much the discussions themselves that has influenced you, but the knowledge that real people think and believe what is here. That makes more sense to me.

Well, Fass has been mean to me, but I don't think he's a mean person. He just doesn't suffer fools gladly.
That's true; he doesn't suffer fools gladly...or wise men...or women...or children...or anthropomorphic dogs...

1. It has taught me better grammer
2. It has taught me that there are some really stupid people out there.
3. It's taught me that there are some pretty nasty people out there.
4. It taught me that there are some cool people out there.
5. It gave me something to do with all my free time! (Joke) :D

The most shocking discovery I've made is that there are really people who think that "liberal" means "communist".

That's true; he doesn't suffer fools gladly...or wise men...or women...or children...or anthropomorphic dogs...

:p

1) It has taught me that its always a good idea to jump in and post with no explanation at all of where you have been or what you are doing back

2) nobody escapes NS

3) all of your commitments can be put aside and that girl you stood up because you found a new band will still call

4) it is pointless to escape such a site even for sleep (you will only dream NSG)