What makes Gaia so attractive to me, I believe, is such freedom in forums to post opinions. For a site that accepts 'children' and teenagers, I was amazed as the wide variety of topics to choose from. A site like Neopets or some other mainstream (not that Gaia isn't popular, my God!) site would *never* allow such broadness on its own forums. Topics concerning masturbation, orientation, abortion, the controversial topics that create debate are strictly taboo.
And yet I have still noticed such misuse of a wonderful forum. This is not directed at those who mindlessly create irrevelant threads (though there is credit due to that variety of idiot.) but more to those who spam debate boards with such blatant closed mindedness and downright immaturity.
Example - I created a topic to debate Labels and Stereotypes. It was actually fairly successful. (I would like to add in that thus far the poll has concluded that most people vote that Labels are NOT important for society)
I was told by a very proud member that I was a poser, acting as if I was more intelligent than everyone else... ah, let me quote a few of the posts.
He says:
Quote:
If I told you you were a poser, would that be relevant?
I say:
Quote:
Depends.
Do you know me?
I think not.
If I told you you were trying and failing to act cool, would that be revelant?
He says:
Quote:
Impossible.
Fruntsecks is always cool.
icon_cool.gif
Fruntsecks is always cool.
icon_cool.gif
People like this, I believe, have no place in debate forums. stare If you are unable to formulate a remotely intelligent or worth-while opinion, please stay out and just watch. Perhaps you could educate yourself on the proper response and ettiquite of mature conversations, which is clearly what debate stands for.
--Toxicity
