Wandering Off Topic

[Eleanor]

What exactly is the purpose of a chat forum like this if not to challenge each others' opinions on all manner of topics?

Only if you stick with the programme, apparently.

Meanwhile, Gunit remains remarkably ignorant.

[G-Unit]

I will justify my own conclusions if I feel so inclined.  Otherwise, what is the point in commenting at all?

Meanwhile, why don't you have another laugh at Sadie?  Is she not entitled to her opinions?

Sadie is entitled to her opinions and others are entitled to question them too.

[G-Unit]

What exactly is the purpose of a chat forum like this if not to challenge each others' opinions on all manner of topics?

The purpose is to exchange, discuss and question each other's opinions more than to challenge them imo. Challenging suggests combating, I think, and it can get personal.

[Eleanor]

Sadie is entitled to her opinions and others are entitled to question them too.

Are they entitled to repeatedly mock Sadie, as you have done?

[jassi]

I will justify my own conclusions if I feel so inclined.  Otherwise, what is the point in commenting at all?

Meanwhile, why don't you have another laugh at Sadie? Is she not entitled to her opinions?

Indeed, but no one needs to take it seriously.

If you can't take a joke, you shouldn't have joined.

[Vertigo Swirl]

The purpose is to exchange, discuss and question each other's opinions more than to challenge them imo. Challenging suggests combating, I think, and it can get personal.

semantic quibble.  If you don't think questioning each other's opinions can get just as personal as challenging them then I think you're being a little naive. 

[Vertigo Swirl]

Indeed, but no one needs to take it seriously.

If you can't take a joke, you shouldn't have joined.

Having a sense of humour is essential on this forum, but like most things humour is subjective. 

[Eleanor]

Indeed, but no one needs to take it seriously.

If you can't take a joke, you shouldn't have joined.

Oh Yes, very funny.   

I wouldn't be so unkind to you.

[Eleanor]

Having a sense of humour is essential on this forum, but like most things humour is subjective.

Mocking isn't humour.  It is downright unkind.   

[Vertigo Swirl]

Mocking isn't humour.  It is downright unkind.   

I only got involved in this nonsense in the first place because of the avalanche of unkindness.  I think some of it may have rubbed off on me by now but I do find it hard to be kind towards unkind people... 

[Eleanor]

I only got involved in this nonsense in the first place because of the avalanche of unkindness.  I think some of it may have rubbed off on me by now but I do find it hard to be kind towards unkind people... 

You don't have to do anything at all.  It is possible to ignore it.  What you don't have to do is to state that someone has lost their marbles and then laugh about it.

[sadie]

I only got involved in this nonsense in the first place because of the avalanche of unkindness.  I think some of it may have rubbed off on me by now but I do find it hard to be kind towards unkind people... 

Me too, VS.

I come from a very positive family and it hurts me that sometimes I cannot contain myself from making a tart response.

But the hatred or lies / disinformation must be there before I respond in that way

[Vertigo Swirl]

I expect in some quarters kindness (like hope and empathy) is not considered a virtue.

[G-Unit]

I expect in some quarters kindness (like hope and empathy) is not considered a virtue.

Some people are so busy pointing out the qualities that they think others lack that it never occurs to them how patronising and unkind that is.

[jassi]

Mocking isn't humour.  It is downright unkind.   

I've always been told that one shouldn't mock the afflicted