I have interacted with that group off and on for over a month. I do not see the formality that you see, or the stiffness that you perhaps imply.
For example, at a formal country dance, it would be utterly out of place to call people on their stuff. (Well, Jane Austen might, but with impeccably good taste and subtlety). I have seen members there challenge the deepest, most fundamental of other's experiencea there, experiences of which Joe Biden might say, "thats a big f'ing deal" -- from which came only respectful responses -- encouraging the conversation. While I enjoy the rough and tumble atmosphere here, I do note that there are at times a number of conversation stoppers -- insults, not so good-natured mocking, "can't get over it" ad infinitum responses, and all. Kurt Colbain might say it smells like teen egos. As far as the "we are special" or arrogance syndrome, I have not gotten that from my conversations there. If anything, its an open naturalness -- even to the extent of "this is the mundane" type of attitude. People there are friendly and supportive. I can see how that may seem odd and strange to some here -- at times -- though certainly not the group as a whole. As far as politics and social views -- I tend to look at those in that group -- as I would / did political views from M -- a personal view -- nothing necessarily or particularly enlightened or wisdom soaked. If a fault, perhaps a confidence in the validity of their views -- not introspective and questioning so much -- perhaps a bit of group think -- but then there are only 5-6 people actually posting much there and groupthink can easily happen in smaller groups. Overall, I find it an upbeat, generally informed, cordial group. Not as wide ranging in topics as this group -- but that may be due to the small number of folks posting. --- In [email protected], "lurkernomore20002000" <steve.sun...@...> wrote: > > > --- In [email protected], Sal Sunshine <salsunshine@> > wrote: > > > I wonder, if he's being so obvious about it, if maybe > > it's some kind of a set-up. I mean, I could really see > > Shemp trying something like this out, and then saying... > > "See? I was right! All you liberals really are phony hypocrites..." > > Nah, it's more like a rennaisance dance over there. The interactions > are all pretty polite, and follow a somewhat formal structure. First > you nod or curtsey (acknowledge the worth of the person you are > addressing). Then you take their hand, and engage in the first steps of > the dance ( begin the content of your post), take a few twirls (most of > their posts tend to be brief), and pass your partner on the next person, > ( acknowledge that you have enjoyed the chat, and that, more > importantly, some insight has been gained). I think you've been hanging > around here too long. >
