Give them nothing. No response. Nothing! Remember that some very fragile-minded people will take any, and all attention that is given to them. That means if you respond at all to their antics, they feel like you are affected by them. I know it sounds silly, but you are dealing with a different type of people.
I want to commend those who are not taking the bait, and learning that it works. Many of you are doing a great job, then all of a sudden, someone throws them a bone, and responds to their posts. They will leave, if you all learn to ignore it. It's difficult I know, but fight the urge please!
So who are the people to not respond to? Just look at the posts on some of these threads,... it's pretty easy to tell.
Usually it is the ones that after seeing what they post, you realize their post says more about them than their intended target.
Internet forums like this are an interesting place where you can paint a picture of yourself that is nowhere close to reality. You can also hide behind your computer, without a name, and pick fights. So I am with Pete. Don't feed them in anyway. And then if they go away don't become just like them.
So avoid being "that guy", and avoid "that guy". You'll find by not taking the bait, they will have to come up with new material.
This is not just about the instigators. It's also about the whiners. We are not preprogrammed the same. We wouldn't want that. Trust me! By avoiding the fights, and keeping discussions civilized (which 95% of the time it is that way), we can and will learn from one another.
We know there are hot topics here. It is what it is. If we look at the law FIRST, and put personal morals aside, we could avoid these heated conversations right quick. Many things in life have changed, and will continue to change, and there's not a damn thing you can do about. I assure you, pissing and moaning is only intensifying the angst. You want to do something real, get involved. Sitting here whining, taking the "bait" does nothing.
So who do I avoid? The whiners and the instigators. I'm only suggesting you avoid being one, and avoid those who are one. This place is full of great people. I believe some we might not agree with still have something to share. Perhaps if we learned to develop a middle ground of people, it would attract more people, and this place could be the most popular forum based on merit versus drama?
Have a great day! It's gorgeous outside. I'm going fishing!
I just posted, over on the wall, on one of the cat fight threads running for some time now. It reads like a combo of old ladles and 1st graders...the horse has been beaten beyond recognition.
I also agree on the hunting threads...some good stuff over here, experienced, knowledgeable guys. I'm too damn old for the bs...and just pass it by.
Carry on.
