Thoughts about debates, blocks, and downvotes People block others. People post about blocking....

Piper · 61-69, F

I think you've expressed your thoughts on these subjects very well indeed, and would even if I didn't agree with everything you've written.

Blocking has always been a popular subject, in this and the few other similar sites I've participated on. Although I have an aversion to using that option myself, I have for a long time seen that "I was blocked because people can't stand hearing the'truth'" claim as extremely arrogant and superior sounding. Those who say that, most always choose "Version 2" in what they post.

As far as this new anonymous downvoting feature, I can't see anything remotely positive about it.

Mamapolo2016 · F

I agree thoroughly with your opinion. Well-written, you.

You rock, Doc.

SW-User

I prefer to tell someone outright if I think his/her post is not decent or acceptable. Down voting anonymously doesn't say much at all...maybe even because the person doesn't like someone.
I find it funny how we are reassured penalties are mild ones for down voting. Says those who sit back and enjoy the show. Seriously... after being here a while, I see changes brought on that use to be on other sites and they failed. It caused a lot of resentment and the penalties were not good for those being down voted...
I've been seeing that down vote feature at work and I don't feel like playing the game.

bowman81 · M

In the past we could flag and report someone who was abusive...and I have made formal complaints to the management here who investigate and issue warning/bans etc. as they see fit. I have not done it often. Usually when someone was personally attacking another verbally or advocating criminal acts.

I am not sure what they hope to accomplish with the thumbs downvoting, especially since it is to be accompanied by vague "penalties", mild or otherwise. This whole "anonymous/penalty" thing seems pointless.

onrealityofdreams · M

Your Version 1 is a far more civil stating of an opinion and invites a discussion. Version 2 demands the disagreeing side to step on your toes as they have felt you have stepped on theirs.

DeluxedEdition · 26-30, F

I don’t owe anyone an explanation for the way I operate my page. That’s how I feel about it if I want to block someone I will block them. If I decide to keep someone I will keep them

I do what I want this is my page. and I don’t care how anyone feels about downvoting or blocking

They’re entitled to their opinion but they are not entitled to tell me what to do or pressure me into doing something I don’t want to

Peapod · 61-69, F

Very interesting post. I cannot believe how many posts I have come across in my time here that was all about those that either blocked them or even dare argued with them. It's really childish imho.

I block fetish type people right off the bat so I do not have to see them on my feed. It just isn't my thing.

I rarely if ever block for any other reason.

One guy I did finally block was one that kept blocking and unblocking me because of his ego in my assessment of him. He's quite the narcissist and often would make follow up posts about those that would dare argue with him. He's convinced people ban together against him if there is more than one with a similar opposing opinion. He was also notorious for removing their opinions, even those that were not a vile attack. I don't miss being a player in his mind.

As for the new anonymous downvoting, I was not aware of it. I haven't been on much in the last few weeks. I have no idea how that will enhance the site.

hartfire · 61-69

How refreshing to see someone supporting
the right to voice an opinion without being offensive about it,
and the right to receiving polite and reasonable responses and debate
("reason" meaning not using unsound logic).

Personally, I prefer it when some provides the reasons for their view.
For instance, I think President X was better than President Y because of ....
(name the legislation passed by X and it's subsequent results and provide the references for the proof ...
and perhaps also name the problems resulting from Y's legislation.
Or perhaps discuss their respective successes in negotiation, or managing staff, or international negotiations and relationships.
At the very least, understanding why we hold specific views is helpful for understanding one another.

sarabee1995 · 26-30, F

So when an opinion is expressed in a manner similar to your example #1, do you then embrace a respectful discussion with those who disagree with your position? Or do you avoid discussions altogether on political / religious topics?

4meAndyou · F

As the resident Queen of Blocking, I advocate for it wholeheartedly. Blocking those whom I find annoying or objectionable makes my SW world lighter and brighter! I've noticed that some folks, who refuse to block, will sometimes post that THEY have been blocked by someone or other, and then proceed to whine about it. (I sometimes block THOSE people). 🤣🤣🤣

As for downvoting, it DOES serve a useful function. When you downvote a user's comments frequently, the algorithm here gradually pushes their comments and posts out of your feed.

Disney

Peaches · F

😐You mean people are penalized for using the down vote? I've not been here for a while so it's all new to me. I usually keep going when I see a post I don't like or disagree with. Be Like TIM....

2cool4school · 46-50, F

@onrealityofdreams

Tell the admins!! I’ll gladly sign a petition for this 👆. Let’s get it in the system as an option for us to denote fitting comments.

HoeBag · 46-50, F

Best not to get too hung up on who is who.
Some regulars have certain people they interact with regularly but usually it is better to focus on the conversations at hand.

With being blocked though, you know how sometimes you run into those threads where half the responses are deleted? I usually just get out of those threads and not even bother. Same reason it is pointless to bother trying to read a book that has half the pages missing.

2cool4school · 46-50, F

I may mute some people but I don’t usually use the block. Of course some exceptions exist.
And I definitely don’t flag 🚩.
(I just don’t believe in tattling in an adult setting no matter how childish people try to become.)

2cool4school · 46-50, F

I can’t take credit for its creation but I’m glad that it exists because sometimes it’s the only proper response…

Alison · 22-25, F

Soon as u talk politics u looking a mute on my end.

bookerdana · M

How did I get to the August posts??/

All good points though

SW-User

You have a good way with words and indeed bullying should never be tolerated.

hartfire · 61-69

I agree with all of the above.
I'd add only one thing: version 1 is more interesting if it includes the achievements of Presidents X & Y and provides evidence of the effects.
By introducing reasoning, it opens the opinion up to the possibilities of deeper exploration and conversation.

Nelladell · 90-99, F

Thanks for this.

SW-User

That's a lot of words expressed that could be used for other purposes?

bijouxbroussard · F

One thing I’m glad they changed about the downvote is that the voter’s identity appears to the member being downvoted (if they have VIP).

So there’s always a chance that the person downvoting may be asked to explain their reason. I noticed that fewer downvotes have appeared since that change took place.

I occasionally downvote and am perfectly willing to explain to the person my reasons, if they ask me.

DonaldTrumpet · 70-79, M

BlueVeins · 22-25

i would reserve downvoting for literally like pro-pedophile shit. i mean if someone wants to vent about those filthy demonrats or those filthy republicunts, more power to 'em. honestly i think downvoting is just a dumb feature because it encourages the user to cater to other people & go out of their way to avoid offending others.

This message was deleted by its author.

SW-User

You make some good points. I agree entirely about what you said regarding to tone or wording of posts. I might agree with someone but that doesn't mean I will condone them insulting or bullying other people.

Blocking, if nothing else, is a way to customize your feed so that you don't see things that detract from your experience here

I couldn't agree with that more either. I've seen some very silly takes on blocking including claims that it is an attack on freedom of speech, and that it's bad because it "limits your feed to things that you like".

With regards to that first claim; freedom of speech guarantees the ability to express yourself without fear of persecution. It doesn't guarantee having you or me as an audience.

As for the other; this is similar worlds, not the senate. No one here is obligated to view or interact with profiles or content that bothers, annoys, or upsets them.

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