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How to know if you have won an argument on the internet

We've all been there, having a heated discussion with someone online, you promote your viewpoint, they promote theirs.

But how do you know if you have won the argument?

We aren't in High School anymore, there isn't a group of teachers and administrators to offer their judgement on who actually won the argument.

How would you know? Let the Munster clue you in....

First way: Person stops responding. This is the most obvious one. If they stop responding, that means they have nothing further to say on the matter, and you win by default.

Second way: Person blocks you. Similar to the first way, if the person is so overwhelmed by your responses that they block you, it means they can't handle the argument anymore. You win again.

Third way: Ad hominem or straw man responses. Person responds beside the point, or engages in personal attacks instead of attacks on your argument. You've upset them emotionally and this is the only way they can respond. You win again.

Fourth way: Person reports you to the administrators. A true coward move, unless you have gone way over the line and are threatening the person, this should never happen. When it does, it's an admittance that the person is overwhelmed by the argument and is desperately looking for a savior. You win again.

Fifth way: Person and his/her like minded pals "brigade" you, as in, they all attack you at once and try to trip you up or they all try to report you to the admins if you happened to say something that could get you sanctioned. This is a tough one to go through, and ultimately, you may not win. You may find the admins have no choice but to sanction you. However, console yourself with the knowledge that it took a whole group of assholes coming after you to trip you up. There is no shame in this one, if anything the shame should be directed at the brigaders and their ringleader for their shitty and cowardly response.

Have I missed any?
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rottenrobi · 56-60, F
Many times, the other person says something asinine, or so completely off topic, that I don't care to respond. People are so quick to call each other names, making me lose interest too. I've responded out of anger before, and always felt foolish in the end.
If the argument remains an argument, no response could be a win by default.
But if the argument deteriorates into a personal attack, is winning by default really winning?
I think I'm the victor, leaving a squabble, with my dignity still in tact.
SumKindaMunster · 56-60, M
@rottenrobi I've heard a lot of comments like this, usually from women. I just think there is a disconnect there. Men are competitive, I like to win, I like to feel victory, I like to feel I defeated my opponent.

Women don't care so much about stuff like that. They want consensus, not conflict.

Not saying one way is better than the other, just noting the distinction in the sexes.

Thanks for your comment!
rottenrobi · 56-60, F
@SumKindaMunster I agree with you. I have to be passionate about the topic to keep me in the fight.
Any argument of merit I've had here, was with a man. It's always clear how deep his need to win is.
Thank you for your comment.
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