General Discussion

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)

179. Excellent observation, TG...

Sun Aug 18, 2013, 05:50 AM

Aug 2013

"Now the front page is mostly static, with a handful of good articles that remain up there for a week at a time, while the high rotation "Greatest Threads" section is almost singularly dedicated to passive aggressive clique call-outs."

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A thank you to Democratic Underground, and a plea. [View all] TekGryphon Aug 2013 OP

"but I want to leave you with a thought that deeply disturbs me" zappaman Aug 2013 #1

Thanks for the example. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #4

My apologies for that dickish response from a fellow DU'er Pretzel_Warrior Aug 2013 #95

I wish I could say it surprises me davidpdx Aug 2013 #201

That one just cannot help itself, can it not? Link Speed Aug 2013 #253

Speaking of "dickish posts"... zappaman Aug 2013 #256

Mine too BobbyBoring Aug 2013 #274

One of my favorite songs zappaman Aug 2013 #283

You're right. There's way too much of that on DU these days. n/t pnwmom Aug 2013 #141

And the first response proves your point... malthaussen Aug 2013 #197

... Rex Aug 2013 #96

Totally uncalled for. 1monster Aug 2013 #250

Ask the OP why he was banned before. zappaman Aug 2013 #251

I don't care if or why the OP was banned before. You are the one who behaved badly in 1monster Aug 2013 #252

ahhhh zappaman Aug 2013 #255

If the poster you are referring to was previously banned (and how the heck would you know 1monster Aug 2013 #260

"unpardonably rude" zappaman Aug 2013 #263

Sigh. I've seen several really good message boards ruined by those who use bad manners, 1monster Aug 2013 #264

" The character and flavor of this board has changed, and not for the better. " Puglover Aug 2013 #267

Or in 2004 when Kerry got roasted. Rex Aug 2013 #268

No, I've been reading since March, 2001 and have been a member since 2002. 1monster Aug 2013 #271

One doesn't need to take note. Puglover Aug 2013 #276

Agreed. Its always an easier sell to point out the disagreement(s) we may have with others, Volaris Aug 2013 #280

DU has become chock full of people who seem hell bent on destroying kestrel91316 Aug 2013 #275

This message was self-deleted by its author TekGryphon Aug 2013 #2

Allow me to be the first rec Fumesucker Aug 2013 #3

The community has changed nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #5

I'm considering using ignore to knock out the passive aggressivism on both sides... TekGryphon Aug 2013 #14

And you will have even less of those nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #17

It's always been like this, that's why we have dungeons. bemildred Aug 2013 #6

It has not always been like this, not even close. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #9

Yeah, I mean fuck, how would I know? nt bemildred Aug 2013 #16

Selective memory, I suppose. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #26

I come here to argue. Arguing is not bad. This is not some echo chamber. bemildred Aug 2013 #36

"I come here to argue" TekGryphon Aug 2013 #46

Arguing IS debate. nt bemildred Aug 2013 #47

And debate is arguing. What you want is civil discourse. bemildred Aug 2013 #49

Thank you for sharing that. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #50

Amen! Just Saying Aug 2013 #60

Yes ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2013 #75

+1,000! Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #295

And the really sad part of the matter is ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2013 #299

It's true jzola Aug 2013 #129

The dictionary definition of "argue" is this.. Fumesucker Aug 2013 #135

You've said it all right there, TG--civil debate has degenerated into agressive argument... Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #180

i disagree too. iamthebandfanman Aug 2013 #249

Oh no it isn't. BlueStreak Aug 2013 #215

+1000 !!!! orpupilofnature57 Aug 2013 #54

Excellent observation, TG... Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #179

I've noticed the lack of new material also. CANDO Aug 2013 #228

The signal to noise ratio here in GD is pathetic these days Fumesucker Aug 2013 #12

That's because we are important now. bemildred Aug 2013 #19

Disagree about what? Fumesucker Aug 2013 #34

I never did either. If fact I would question the idea. bemildred Aug 2013 #37

Post removed Post removed Aug 2013 #7

That post was, imo, a good example of the problem. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #10

I will not go quietly into the night. PowerToThePeople Aug 2013 #13

"There is no discussing with them." TekGryphon Aug 2013 #18

No. PowerToThePeople Aug 2013 #23

Not much of a homework assignment. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #24

He could provide plenty of such posts, what he said was he didn't want to bother. sabrina 1 Aug 2013 #109

NOPE fascisthunter Aug 2013 #281

I agree with him...there is no room anymore nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #31

Trust me, paulbots is mild from what they really think nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #21

Visit the Gungeon, an OPEN group BTW, and Paulbots is mild stuff. Eleanors38 Aug 2013 #244

I've been here since '05. cherokeeprogressive Aug 2013 #8

Why do you think I would enjoy the BOG? TekGryphon Aug 2013 #11

What's the BOG? redwitch Aug 2013 #15

It's the Barack Obama Group. A "safe haven" where nary a bad word is tolerated. n/t cherokeeprogressive Aug 2013 #20

Barack Obama Group, I think. War of the Insults goes on, this thread apparently not helping. nt bemildred Aug 2013 #22

BOG is Barack Obama group darkangel218 Aug 2013 #51

I enjoy the BOG mimi85 Aug 2013 #64

Lol. Im banned from there. Myself along with 91 other people darkangel218 Aug 2013 #68

Lol. I can't imagine why. Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #99

Lol!! so enjoy it! we wont bother you :) darkangel218 Aug 2013 #131

"We?" Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #134

In my previous post i mentioned 91 other people are banned as well. darkangel218 Aug 2013 #140

? Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #149

The very first post you replied to! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #156

And what do my hidden posts have anything to do with BOG? darkangel218 Aug 2013 #133

Probably more to do with the underlying attitude Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #137

Lmao!! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #138

No, I seriously doubt that Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #148

" A good portion of that number reflects banned trolls" darkangel218 Aug 2013 #163

Whooosh Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #219

No, let me be blunt. All you do is flame bait and throw personal attacks. darkangel218 Aug 2013 #221

"harmless conversation" Bobbie Jo Aug 2013 #229

And i wasnt lecturing anyone about anything. You started this. Did you not? darkangel218 Aug 2013 #224

it's a subgroup where the truest devotees of the President meet to speak of his goodness, share Douglas Carpenter Aug 2013 #139

Dammit! now i regret ever disagreeing with thwm! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #142

I don't see too many of the bickering nitwits Warpy Aug 2013 #25

Recovering republicans... I say Conservatives, period nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #27

Interesting Andy823 Aug 2013 #45

Thank you. kentuck Aug 2013 #28

Yes, our haven was "discovered" elfin Aug 2013 #29

Even local news that should be national nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #30

The trouble with not replying to inflammatory posts is then they get accepted as true Fumesucker Aug 2013 #32

The DU was "discovered" over a decade ago TekGryphon Aug 2013 #39

Cancer outside infantile passive-aggressive clique wars bemildred Aug 2013 #40

I hope I'm not the only one who can appreciate this irony. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #41

I was once attacked for only having 1300 or so posts... CANDO Aug 2013 #231

Nah, there are perhaps 10 posters here that dominate and disrupt discussion. Mojorabbit Aug 2013 #59

Well I have to say defacto7 Aug 2013 #91

Care to link to something that illustrates what you are saying? That would be helpful. sabrina 1 Aug 2013 #115

Keep an eye on the Greatest section of the Home Page TekGryphon Aug 2013 #123

I've been here for nearly nine years, so I'm familiar with the way the Greatest page works. sabrina 1 Aug 2013 #136

Read the 3rd post of that "substantive" thread TekGryphon Aug 2013 #172

If so, then they were posting here when you thought this was a great board. merrily Aug 2013 #196

This sums up what I'm thinking theaocp Aug 2013 #207

Posting is not holding his feet to the fire, though. merrily Aug 2013 #300

P.S. I think it's easier and vastly more preferable to control one's own reading behavior merrily Aug 2013 #301

I don't see it as one issue posters hootinholler Aug 2013 #217

This needed to be said Marrah_G Aug 2013 #33

I would argue that this site has been largely the same since you arrived burnodo Aug 2013 #35

No, I completely reject that. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #38

In 2002 the entirety of the site was aligned against George W. Bush burnodo Aug 2013 #42

There's a lot of truth to your post, but I still remember the debates TekGryphon Aug 2013 #43

Those debates are still happening burnodo Aug 2013 #44

No, they really are not nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #61

Didn't you just sign up in April? You seem like such an expert for so short a time sabrina 1 Aug 2013 #158

Bazinga! HangOnKids Aug 2013 #165

. darkangel218 Aug 2013 #167

I have answered numerous attempts to peg me to "a side" of the NSA issue TekGryphon Aug 2013 #171

I appreciate your posts on this thread. nt msanthrope Aug 2013 #199

Ask him why he got banned the first time from DU. Rex Aug 2013 #242

Something smells rotten. zappaman Aug 2013 #247

Yes I believe so. Rex Aug 2013 #257

Apparently not zappaman Aug 2013 #258

Yes you should learn the rules of debate per the OP! Rex Aug 2013 #262

I signed on to DU about March or April of 2001... kentuck Aug 2013 #48

Add to that the small group of people nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #53

... my take on it too. n/t RKP5637 Aug 2013 #57

You are a writer! Rebellious Republican Aug 2013 #83

Thank you RR! kentuck Aug 2013 #110

Thanks kentuk! Rebellious Republican Aug 2013 #130

RR where the heck have you been? I've been watching for your posts. madfloridian Aug 2013 #190

I have to take breaks on occasion, to keep my perspective fresh. Rebellious Republican Aug 2013 #254

That's a great synopsis of DU history. defacto7 Aug 2013 #125

Yep. Right on the money. Rex Aug 2013 #126

I love how half the posts in this thread prove your OP to a T. Number23 Aug 2013 #52

It is a shell, but as you said, it is by design nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #58

I'm curious what you mean in saying, defacto7 Aug 2013 #151

It's the moderation nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #218

... Kali Aug 2013 #279

!!! zappaman Aug 2013 #284

Thanks for filling me in Nadin. defacto7 Aug 2013 #289

I honestly don't know any more nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #291

This message was self-deleted by its author nadinbrzezinski Aug 2013 #292

DU is a business and has been one for a while Fumesucker Aug 2013 #157

Pretty much. joshcryer Aug 2013 #173

Exactly right LondonReign2 Aug 2013 #225

You said it, N°23! Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #193

And protestations that "DU is a business" don't mean squat. The dwindling page views Number23 Aug 2013 #288

There are things that could be done to improve the quality of discourse Fumesucker Aug 2013 #290

Word! Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #296

Well said, I think there are a lot of schoolyard fights on DU anymore. n/t RKP5637 Aug 2013 #55

I guess you've forgotten the 2004 primary season. Warren DeMontague Aug 2013 #56

LOL laundry_queen Aug 2013 #74

hear, hear! defacto7 Aug 2013 #127

+1,000! Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #186

There are some very serious and troubling issues impacting our party and nation... Demo_Chris Aug 2013 #62

+1million!!! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #63

'How Other People Dissapoint Me'-Variation Number Who's Counting? Bluenorthwest Aug 2013 #65

Your sentiments are felt here Sedona Aug 2013 #66

90% of everything on DU has always been crud... hunter Aug 2013 #67

Nope. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #70

An example of what? That 90% hasn't always been crud? hunter Aug 2013 #106

Allow me to clarify: TekGryphon Aug 2013 #183

Du has changed in some ways. mstinamotorcity2 Aug 2013 #69

+1 well stated. n/t jaysunb Aug 2013 #84

Thank mstinamotorcity2 Aug 2013 #92

+1. Right on the money. nt bemildred Aug 2013 #122

Thanks Tek 90-percent Aug 2013 #71

People are not universally progressive or conservative and particularly they are not interested in Mass Aug 2013 #72

Good post! By 'n' large, I'm still pretty content with DU. calimary Aug 2013 #90

I'm actually quite happy to see so many liberals willing to stand up to the DLC. liberal_at_heart Aug 2013 #73

Thank you. 840high Aug 2013 #78

You are getting there RobertEarl Aug 2013 #76

The majority of comments to this OP ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2013 #77

Right on cue. Rex Aug 2013 #79

With the cliques meme too! HangOnKids Aug 2013 #86

It is like watching a bad television program. Rex Aug 2013 #87

You seem to have a soft spot for that one Egnever Aug 2013 #88

No. Thanks for asking though. n/t HangOnKids Aug 2013 #132

In 2002 I was busy realizing that Ronald Reagan wasn't the worst the GOP could throw at the world. delrem Aug 2013 #80

One hundred and fifty-eight posts since 2002? Hmmmm? another_liberal Aug 2013 #81

I will not pardon you, because you're a perfect example of the problem. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #102

Need I tell you what you are a "perfect example" of? another_liberal Aug 2013 #144

Then feel free to prove you're not an irrational, phantom-chasing, loon... TekGryphon Aug 2013 #145

The top post of this string. another_liberal Aug 2013 #152

That is not apologizing for the NSA muriel_volestrangler Aug 2013 #188

I happen to disagree . . . another_liberal Aug 2013 #192

There is no hint of a 'hidden message' whatsoever muriel_volestrangler Aug 2013 #194

That is your opinion, sir. another_liberal Aug 2013 #195

I was the first rec on the OP Fumesucker Aug 2013 #226

Meh. I think the earlier thread shows they are consistent about one thing muriel_volestrangler Aug 2013 #243

You can stop calling me "paranoid" . . . another_liberal Aug 2013 #248

They know everything about everything! Rex Aug 2013 #259

Yeah . . . another_liberal Aug 2013 #266

For no reason, you think government agents are trying to oppose your point of view muriel_volestrangler Aug 2013 #261

Like I said . . . another_liberal Aug 2013 #265

And there you have it... Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #297

Oh be careful he might call you names while moaning about name calling HangOnKids Aug 2013 #147

Just a dupe . . . another_liberal Aug 2013 #150

They are all 29 on the internet! n/t HangOnKids Aug 2013 #166

lmao!!! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #169

Sometimes, you can not only see through their "cover" NorthCarolina Aug 2013 #230

Very good point. another_liberal Aug 2013 #246

Well young buck, I have been around here for a few days, and a former republican.... Rebellious Republican Aug 2013 #82

Been a member since 2009 tiredtoo Aug 2013 #85

What the hell. It is a discussion board. People disagree. People feel strongly about issues. n-t Logical Aug 2013 #89

Thank you for the heart felt post. I hope this thread Pretzel_Warrior Aug 2013 #93

I too mostly read the information here before beginning to post. SleeplessinSoCal Aug 2013 #94

DU goes through phases. Blue_In_AK Aug 2013 #97

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but MannyGoldstein Aug 2013 #98

The party is divided. Notafraidtoo Aug 2013 #100

Thank you for the dinner, I had a wonderful time, well exceptthe fish was overcooked... Safetykitten Aug 2013 #101

11 years later and from 18 to 29. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #103

Far from perfect. Ask anyone here, they will tell you. Safetykitten Aug 2013 #104

No one needs to tell me. I can see ugliness just fine. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #107

Well you did say you were a conservative. I don't make up the facts, just report 'em. Safetykitten Aug 2013 #111

And now I'm a progressive, and I see that as a progressive... TekGryphon Aug 2013 #113

Oooohhhh, your a progressive now. I see, you said you came from an economically conservative family. Safetykitten Aug 2013 #116

I was an economic conservative when I was 18, 11 years ago. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #118

this is the right place questionseverything Aug 2013 #153

Also, pray tell, what is "my party"? TekGryphon Aug 2013 #105

I don't know, you tell me. Safetykitten Aug 2013 #108

No. You tell me. Among the rest of your disgusting and offensive accusations... TekGryphon Aug 2013 #112

Well, my mistake, "The Beverly Pauls." By the way, is Rand really Jethro? Safetykitten Aug 2013 #114

Ahh, I see. You're suffering from the fantasy that my opinion on the NSA... TekGryphon Aug 2013 #117

Good for you, your first decision on a Democratic board..."lalalalalalalala" *fingers in ear* Safetykitten Aug 2013 #120

It does scare the shit out of me. Because where else is there to go? nt kelliekat44 Aug 2013 #119

Others are suggesting that the debates are still occuring on DU, but are buried in the sub-forums.. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #121

There is some stuff in the main forums - you could use the 'keyword trash' feature to clear the view muriel_volestrangler Aug 2013 #189

This is an awesome thread for anyone who wants to update their "ignore" list. hunter Aug 2013 #124

exellent olddots Aug 2013 #174

DU is still a place I get a lot of my news A Little Weird Aug 2013 #128

Maybe you started watching during an election season? pnwmom Aug 2013 #143

Your post must have *something* going for it. Systematic Chaos Aug 2013 #146

This is a hell of a strange OP. defacto7 Aug 2013 #154

Yeah, I'm starting to get a slightly hinky feeling about this too Fumesucker Aug 2013 #159

I'm with you man! DonRedwood Aug 2013 #155

I kind of think of DU as an atoll of rationality nowadays Fumesucker Aug 2013 #160

Why on earth would anyone on DU want to make this site more palatable octoberlib Aug 2013 #161

Agreed ! King_Klonopin Aug 2013 #162

Well said, KK...I identify entirely with your experience of DU. n/t Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #182

There is only one guarantee about our world. mick063 Aug 2013 #164

put the Bots on Ignore and it's more like the old DU Skittles Aug 2013 #168

You cannot help being the age you are. SheilaT Aug 2013 #170

I do think there used to be a greater number of substantive discussions on GD theHandpuppet Aug 2013 #175

K&R B Calm Aug 2013 #176

Thanks, TG, for daring to raise your voice above the general din Surya Gayatri Aug 2013 #177

K&R But fear is never the answer. Fear is for those without conscience or conviction. Egalitarian Thug Aug 2013 #178

Cliques and purity tests and in-group/out-group thinking are destructive. nt Bernardo de La Paz Aug 2013 #181

Well said, friend. JNelson6563 Aug 2013 #184

Thank you, TekGryphon, and welcome... OneGrassRoot Aug 2013 #185

. blkmusclmachine Aug 2013 #187

Are your exchanges with Safety Kitten, beginning at Reply 101, merrily Aug 2013 #191

you said it! Chiquitita Aug 2013 #198

Your membership shows a start date of April. TBF Aug 2013 #200

+1 million! darkangel218 Aug 2013 #202

This message was self-deleted by its author seaglass Aug 2013 #204

Dear tek... annabanana Aug 2013 #203

Umm, OP. You just called a DUer a troll only days after you joined. darkangel218 Aug 2013 #205

I called him a troll in a direct reply to his trolling. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #235

IKR!? Rex Aug 2013 #238

There is a fundamental disagreement between factions of the party Doctor_J Aug 2013 #206

You are to be commended for your diligence randr Aug 2013 #208

Are the encroachers taking both sides of the issues? TekGryphon Aug 2013 #210

Perfect example randr Aug 2013 #214

My reply was just that. A reply. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #237

I think DU functions best when members and hosts follow the admin's SOP which for GD says Bluenorthwest Aug 2013 #209

Yes, I invite others to do the same. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #211

Except this is a post by you the very day you joined, attacking a good DUer with great venom. Bluenorthwest Aug 2013 #212

I think my posts in that thread speak for themselves. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #233

Oh thanks but I am not that great. Rex Aug 2013 #241

I thought you might at least address the contradictory nature of your own manners and the Bluenorthwest Aug 2013 #223

.... darkangel218 Aug 2013 #227

The silence is deafening. Agschmid Aug 2013 #232

You seem to be suffering from a bad case of false equivalency. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #234

Something to remember. There is no correlation between post count and contribution/insight BlueStreak Aug 2013 #213

I think what you're seeing is CrispyQ Aug 2013 #216

This message was self-deleted by its author School Teacher Aug 2013 #220

I have to say it is amusing to watch folks who have posted since April TBF Aug 2013 #222

No no no...he is an old member that got banned. Rex Aug 2013 #239

This message was self-deleted by its author seaglass Aug 2013 #272

Goodbye DU and Thanks for Showing It's True Colors School Teacher Aug 2013 #278

See post #1 zappaman Aug 2013 #285

There is a lot of BULLYING going on here at DU. It's smug and insidious LaydeeBug Aug 2013 #236

This is my favorite post ever. mahina Aug 2013 #240

With all due respect. Puglover Aug 2013 #245

Good for you, Puglover! another_liberal Aug 2013 #269

Sadly I didn't have that opportunity. TekGryphon Aug 2013 #282

I grew up without a Dad Puglover Aug 2013 #286

scared the shit out of me, too... once. stlsaxman Aug 2013 #270

I doubt you'd still be a conservative. caseymoz Aug 2013 #273

To me, it looks like it is not nearly as active as it used to be. Jamastiene Aug 2013 #277

people- it's the loss of the mods you are seeing. mopinko Aug 2013 #287

Hilarious thread. I give it 4.5 nachos out of 5. Dash87 Aug 2013 #293

This is without a doubt, one of the most hilarious threads on DU in ages. Safetykitten Aug 2013 #294

Directed by Steven Spielberg. Narrated by Morgan Freeman. Dash87 Aug 2013 #298