Why all the fighting?

:argue::boink::yousuck::bootyshake::vfrshorty::gun3::argue2::chairshot::kaboom::vader::target:

I rest my case.

:flip:

:rapture:

 

Yes, Stuka, there is much to be learned through observation.
And that old adage is true, we see in others what is in ourselves. When I find myself being annoyed at the behavior of another person I often find that on further examination I find that very same behavior or tendencies within myself.
And your other point is true, we Americans so often see things as me versus everyone else. In reality, none of us are separate from the rest of society (and its problems). We always used to say in the car business: "We don't exist until you drive around the corner." We are an individualistic and selfish society and that has some very good results but, if you don't continually remind yourself that you are part of society you risk being part of the problem.

 

Nothing like a chick fight !!!

 

Dang im in trouble

 

I gotta go for a ride

 

All that I can add is that if one keeps an open mind and pays attention to the message rather than the attitude or the presentation, it is easier to let it go. Waiting overnight and reading it the next day can also be helpful.

There have been replies that I have thought were completely out of line. When I go back to them later, 50% of the problem was me.

However, if you open your mind too far, it goes flat...

Sometimes humans are just jackasses. :biggrin:

 

Because they usually are. Sad thing is, a lot of people don't ever speak up or post because they don't want to incur such wrathful speak. :frown: I'm in the middle of a complete rebuild and updating (style wise) on my 87 but have yet to post my project due these same folks.

 

Im going to tell you guys Ive been apart of ALOT of forums, and I am still apart of ALOT of forums. Even though the "fighting" happens here at VFRW I will say that the BEST FORUMS I have ever been apart of are..VFRW..VFRD...Theres another forum I like but I wont mention the name because I'm going say it has ALOT of poser squids, that are dangerous and make a bad name for sportriders, and I dont wont to be flamed for it....But for the bad at this three forums..there is so much good, that i have to say I am VERY PRoud to be here..even though Ive never rode with any of you, I havent been here for a real long time..I am a proud member.......

 

Yes, I hope I made that clear: this Forum is in general a delight and almost always there is a real sense of fair-play and community. Some of the other sportbike forums are like war zones! What is nice about here is that this atmosphere seems to come naturally from the members; it is not overly enforced like at VFRD. There is plenty of great advice and some great people there but it seems like it is such a strict place...kinda like the nuns of my youth have returned to start a Forum!

 

As is frequently the case with aggressiveness and mean-spiritedness, particularly among males, alcohol is often a contributing factor, and that certainly includes the Internet.

One thing I've noticed is that once someone injects the first caustic, derisive, ridiculing, and mean-spirited comments into a thread, and once the smell of fresh blood is in the water, others then quickly begin piling on in a shark-like feeding frenzy. Such threads will then quickly degenerate into a blistering string of humiliating and mocking jokes at another's expense. (The infamous "Slick 50" thread is a case in point.) At some point, being the class clown gets old for a captive audience, and it's time to grow up.

Most of us are guilty of this sort of behavior at one time or another (myself included), and a good many of us (myself included) have also been the butt of these mean-spirited mock-fests, and when the shoe is suddenly on the other foot, it doesn't seem so funny, and it hurts.

IMO, Internet discussion forums have long become a socially acceptable, relatively anonymous meeting place for some unhappy people to act out their pent-up hostility onto others. I wholeheartedly agree with Nung that we would all do well to check our psychological baggage and our own shit at the door, and to think twice and again before we click "send". Arguing one's opinions with vigor and passion is good so long as we don't include any personal attacks. :thumbsup:

 

Yes, I agree with the shark-feeding analogy and that Slick 50 thread was something!

So many good points here today, lads...thanks for all the contributions.
Now as Queen sings: "Get on your bike and ride!"

 

PUI=posting under the influence
ITGS=internet tough guy syndrome
AADA=always a dumb ass

Three of the top reasons people argue on the webz.
I usually just post stupid things, seriousness breeds contempt.

 

Two things that lead to disagreements

What gets my dander up and makes me want to say something I shouldn't is when "adults" use the terms: "Always" and "Never"
The things you can "never" do, and the things that are "always" true you can count on one hand. And have little to do with cycles.
My brother also has a short list of human problems:
Fear, pride, and stubbornness.
All in great supply on the internet and in our daily lives.
The RedMenace is always right, though!
(Never make it Heaven with that attitude!)

 

I find a lot of people have already decided where they stand on a topic before the discussion begins. They spend their entire time digging in and advocating their position. Once folks dig their feet in the sand, sides are created. And where you have at least two sides, you're going to have a battle.

A lot of people have already decided what they think and set out right from the beginning to get you to let go of your perspective and agree with them. They're the type that get really irritated when people disagree with them and you also find them hanging around people who think exactly as they do and not expose themselves to diverse experiences/perspectives. I frequently wonder why those types join any online forum.

If find it's most productive to seek first to understand, then be understood. If you have an opinion on something, it was formed through some experience (I hope!) Help me understand how you arrived at that conclusion. That'll usually be a good start for further discussion.

 

Don't post a comment to another member that you would not say to their face.
It's a lofty goal, one that many of us struggle with from time to time, but I try to always keep it in mind.

Also, sometimes what seems funny, silly, or harmless, in ones noggin ..somehow after it's been posted, it just doesn't seem as witty...good intentioned sarcasm can leave you coming off as a prick.

And I'm not a prick....no, really I'm not.......honest!

 

I vote you president....that would be cool if I only had to visit one internet site during my day.motorcyles & boobs.........:tongue:

 

I've been a teacher in a public school system for over twenty years. Schools are a microcosm of our society. I have had many wonderfully thoughtful, kind and intelligent students. I have also had many students that are down right mean! The one thing they all have in common is that they all have an opinion! Some of them are able to discuss issues with careful thought and reason, while others argue with raw emotion and little care about who they might be offending. I also have an opinion...the more intelligence one possesses, the more he/she is able to participate in healthy discussion without needless rudeness. Thoughts?

 

IF I Disagree With You, It Is Because You Are Wrong.