Quote:
Originally Posted by sjastro
As much as it is against my better judgement for posting here since I have gone from being a regular poster to a lurker, I'm compelled to make a few comments.
Cliques are either deliberately formed, or the description is imposed on others as a form of stereotyping.
Since the Science forum has cropped up in this discussion let me use it as an example.
Being once a regular contributor in the forum evidently turned me into an elitist, a wanker, an arrogant snob, an ineffective communicator and a host of other goodies. Strange the criticisms seemed to be directly related to the obscurity the subject matter being discussed.
Evidently you are a far worse human being discussing quantum physics than say astronomy. 
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...t=84318&page=6
We are all familiar with the evils of various "isms" such as racism and sexism, anti intellectualism regretfully is rife and forms the mechanism of accusing others of forming cliques.
Anyway I will go back to lurking.
Regards
Steven |
Hi Steven
As an infrequent and relatively new poster mainly in the Science forum, can I say I am mystified that anyone would react to your posts that way. I've always felt your posts were reasonable and insightful.
Some characters in that forum have occasionally strayed into more confrontational language, or (in my opinion) fringe views and I can understand a level of irritation at this. However, even in those cases, I think the relevant people were posting in good faith and that differences of opinion are part of the internet as they are part of life.
Obviously some level of politeness is necessary, but to me, a forum is most interesting when people are allowed to disagree enthusiastically. I think this site's moderation does a reasonable job of maintaining a balance here.
Personally I consider it my own obligation to not take things too much to heart. (That's not directed at you, by the way.)
Regards