Have you ever backed down from an internet argument?

7 7 12

Or better still, have you ever changed your opinion on a particular matter as a result of arguing on an internet forum? After hours seems to be full of threads where people put crazy amounts of effort into their posts in order to try and "win" the argument. 99.99% of them just descend into "you have your opinion I have mine".

But realistically are you going to change the other side of the arguments opinion? I really really doubt it, people in general are incredibly stubborn even more so hiding behind the anonymity of the internet. So why waste all the time arguing? I just don't get it.

Chuck Stone

7 7 12 wrote: »

people in general are incredibly stubborn

No they're not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnTmBjk-M0c

4zn76tysfajdxp

7 7 12 wrote: »

Or better still, have you ever changed your opinion on a particular matter as a result of arguing on an internet forum?

Yep, I have. It stings when I realise I'm wrong though. Stupid ego.

Tom_Cruise

I always do,but I try to find out who they are and deal with them that way

Some people will never back down!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8SWMAQYQf0

Iwannahurl

Boards is a hopeless place for a good proper argument.

A lot worse than the MP Argument Clinic, IMO.

The average punter resorts to name calling and prevarication when things are not going their way, while Mods can just close threads or wield the banhammer when they get fed up.

Either way it's rarely what I would call proper debate or even discussion.

Yamanoto

7 7 12 wrote: »

So why waste all the time arguing? I just don't get it.

How else am I to demonstrate my freakish knowledge of even the most minute changes to Israel's land borders in the 20th Century?

Kxiii

Never back down. NOT WHEN ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TURN CAPS LOCK ON TO WIN.

Tasden

Went from being pretty religious to atheist after an online debate about the existence of God on a different forum.
Did a bit of reading etc. on the subject as well obviously but I was swayed to do so by the argument.
But looking back I was just plain stupid to try argue the existence of something that doesn't exist! Years of indoctrination!

How Soon Is Now

Ive found myself in a situation on here many many times where its impossible to argue with someone mainly because it gets to one sided. I dunno how many times online it has ended up me versus a good few people!!

It dont help the fact that every online community has there little ''Kliqs'' who even if they aint involved in the argument will always team up to fight the greater good :pac:.

I find most of the time your gonna have to back down if u wanna be able to continue posting. Not that it changes my views though there still in my head ha.

RidleyRider

Anyone who says they haven't lost a single argument is a lying tool.

Hootanany

RidleyRider wrote: »

Anyone who says they haven't lost a single argument is a lying tool.

I haven't

ArtyM

Deleted User wrote: »

Some people will never back down!

Wow!.....that guy doesn't have access to weapons, right?

Kxiii

Kxiii wrote: »

Never back down. NOT WHEN ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TURN CAPS LOCK ON TO WIN.

THEN YOU INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE TEXT AND PUT IT IN BOLD TO GET YOUR POINT ACROSS!!!!

dj jarvis

7 7 12 wrote: »

Or better still, have you ever changed your opinion on a particular matter as a result of arguing on an internet forum? After hours seems to be full of threads where people put crazy amounts of effort into their posts in order to try and "win" the argument. 99.99% of them just descend into "you have your opinion I have mine".

But realistically are you going to change the other side of the arguments opinion? I really really doubt it, people in general are incredibly stubborn even more so hiding behind the anonymity of the internet. So why waste all the time arguing? I just don't get it.

in Ah you could be right , AH is the internet version of care in the community
its akin to the guy who shouts at traffic on the street corner.
but in other threads true debate and fact can be found

MadsL

Typical PC Brigade and their backing down nonsense.

catallus

I've never been wrong about anything in my life; if the people in my computer don't want to be as erudite and educated and well-informed as I am then that's their problem!

Reati

Back down? BACK DOWN!?

WHEN SOMEONE IS WRONG AT THE INTERNETS?

Aint Eazy Being Cheezy

Tasden wrote: »

Went from being pretty religious to atheist after an online debate about the existence of God on a different forum.
Did a bit of reading etc. on the subject as well obviously but I was swayed to do so by the argument.
But looking back I was just plain stupid to try argue the existence of something that doesn't exist! Years of indoctrination!

Pope Benny?

sink

I have changed my mind on only a handful of occasions when I'm deep in the argument. It doesn't happen very often because I tend not to voice an opinion unless I have a firm standing. I have read many discussions where I had little or no opinion and after consideration come down on one side.

castletownman

I have won so many phone-in debates because I refuse to hang up the line

crockholm

How can you lose??? It's AH ffs.

when you start to lose the advantage,pick up on some pointless obscure point and get really offended by it,tell them they have no experience,don't live in the real world etc etc.

Finally,question their sexuality, and when you come back from your ban,tell everyone that the other dude reported you coz they couldnt handle the truth/knows the mod/conspiracy.

Hey presto.........Back in the game

Chucken

Isn't there a difference between backing down and loosing?

The Clown Man

It's not about winning the argument. It's about arguing your point in as clear a way as possible so that the person who doesn't yet have an opinion sees your logic and agrees.

That's what boards is - we read new stuff and form our own new opinions.

Where To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvlTJrNJ5lA

7 7 12

MadsL wrote: »

Typical PC Brigade and their backing down nonsense.

I disagree with you!! Take that!!!

Czarcasm

I never felt the need to wave my e-penis around online so I don't entertain arguments. I have had some interesting discussions though that have given me plenty of thought to take away from the discussion.

Where To

Czarcasm wrote: »

I never felt the need to wave my e-penis around online so I don't entertain arguments. I have had some interesting discussions though that have given me plenty of thought to take away from the discussion.

No you haven't.

Kxiii

Can't back down from a drive by argument

cartell_best

When some people state what their own opinion is, somewhat that differs from others, is regarded as either contradictory or borderline "contempt". It is at that point where I, regard as a point of conversation in a thread, that I need to cease to comment. It is at that stage where I (me personally) feel that freedom of comment or action is restricted. We never really do say what is truly on our mind, for fear of repercussion.

Gael23

Once I tried to end a disagreement by posting something on Facebook and it made the situation a hell of a lot worse. Not the intended outcome!

Time to go mobile

7 7 12 wrote: »

Or better still, have you ever changed your opinion on a particular matter as a result of arguing on an internet forum? After hours seems to be full of threads where people put crazy amounts of effort into their posts in order to try and "win" the argument. 99.99% of them just descend into "you have your opinion I have mine".

But realistically are you going to change the other side of the arguments opinion? I really really doubt it, people in general are incredibly stubborn even more so hiding behind the anonymity of the internet. So why waste all the time arguing? I just don't get it.

Yea I have on a few occasions.

feargale

For the most part, people's opinions are changed, not by an argument, but by an experience. Too many people treat discourse, not as an exercise in seeking the truth, but as a point scoring exercise.

steddyeddy

7 7 12 wrote: »

Or better still, have you ever changed your opinion on a particular matter as a result of arguing on an internet forum? After hours seems to be full of threads where people put crazy amounts of effort into their posts in order to try and "win" the argument. 99.99% of them just descend into "you have your opinion I have mine".

But realistically are you going to change the other side of the arguments opinion? I really really doubt it, people in general are incredibly stubborn even more so hiding behind the anonymity of the internet. So why waste all the time arguing? I just don't get it.

Yes I certainly have.

c_man

Iwannahurl wrote: »

Either way it's rarely what I would call proper debate or even discussion.

Yeah, on sale. They were a steal. Thanks for asking.

fatknacker

Chucken wrote: »

Isn't there a difference between backing down and loosing?

Yes, a huge difference. In fact, loosing isn't even related to backing down at all. Unless you mean loosening your stance?

catallus

feargale wrote: »

For the most part, people's opinions are changed, not by an argument, but by an experience. Too many people treat discourse, not as an exercise in seeking the truth, but as a point scoring exercise.

That's a good point. These places are echo-chambers, the same stuff going around and around; empty entertainment.

I can't honestly believe in good conscience that many persons would be swayed one way or the other by an online forum.

DonkeyStyle \o/

No.
I intentionally set up weak posts for people to prove wrong, so they feel better about themselves while at the same time crystallising their own knowledge of the topic.
It's my homework for project mayhem.

catallus

Can I join ?

poeticseraphim

7 7 12 wrote: »

Or better still, have you ever changed your opinion on a particular matter as a result of arguing on an internet forum? After hours seems to be full of threads where people put crazy amounts of effort into their posts in order to try and "win" the argument. 99.99% of them just descend into "you have your opinion I have mine".

But realistically are you going to change the other side of the arguments opinion? I really really doubt it, people in general are incredibly stubborn even more so hiding behind the anonymity of the internet. So why waste all the time arguing? I just don't get it.

Yep usually when I am genuinely in the wrong.
Or sometimes my opinion might not do a 180 but my perspective has been broadened and so i feel i understand the other side and can see how tey could come to that point but it is more genuine than ....'I respect your opinion bleh bleh...'


And there are so many issues/subjects that are beyond my expertise or experience and I like to learn new things.


But I get passionate about some things that might affect e and go of on one. And in person my body language and tone of voice is friendly but online you don't get those signals...so the context is lost and I appear more adversarial.

FYI sometimes backing down is the best way to win;)

Senna

Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience

Czarcasm

Where To wrote: »

No you haven't.

I'm getting you a wooden spoon (and a fresh stack of LP's for that jukebox of yours!) for Christmas!

Ruudi_Mentari

Not lost, not backed down either tbh but slipped out the back

The futility of thinking it's a real argument derived from a random gag is lost on me, I happen to know real **** and all to close to home so cannot sate those looking for it elsewhere's appetite. Strangers are family where family are strangers and I cannot vouch for the mollycoddled.

GoldenLight

7 7 12 wrote: »

Or better still, have you ever changed your opinion on a particular matter as a result of arguing on an internet forum? After hours seems to be full of threads where people put crazy amounts of effort into their posts in order to try and "win" the argument. 99.99% of them just descend into "you have your opinion I have mine".

But realistically are you going to change the other side of the arguments opinion? I really really doubt it, people in general are incredibly stubborn even more so hiding behind the anonymity of the internet. So why waste all the time arguing? I just don't get it.

I will always back down when I'm wrong (9/10) (I generally read the thread first though so I mightn't post in it, but yep it's changed my view point by just lurking.

If I believe someone is truly wrong, I will question their view point, if they still persist with that view point (I will try to explain why I think its' wrong) if they still persist with the same view point the can keep it and generally I will walk away.

That gives me, I might argue my case on line 1:1000 threads, which is actually quite big, it means I will end up in an agrument about once every 2 months (really just about a view point or prespective) (very seriously that is just not healthy)

That doesn't include the stress of everyday life comfirmations

No wonder people get head aches

Scruffles

angerfist2009 wrote: »

Ive found myself in a situation on here many many times where its impossible to argue with someone mainly because it gets to one sided. I dunno how many times online it has ended up me versus a good few people!!

It dont help the fact that every online community has there little ''Kliqs'' who even if they aint involved in the argument will always team up to fight the greater good :pac:.

I find most of the time your gonna have to back down if u wanna be able to continue posting. Not that it changes my views though there still in my head ha.

boards is to big to have those elitist ego stroking groups [aka klick/click/quick/kik? pffft] ,white knights arent as common here either,deviantart is a pretty bad site for for both pr/ck clicks and and white knighting.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Usually next day, when I'm sober

But realistically I'm not a totally stubborn person and whilst I'd rarely back down on my opinions (my opinions usually relate directly to my personal experieces) I do try understand where the other people are coming from.

If I get the feeling someone is arguing with me just for argument sake I'm good at ignoring them or even leaving a whole thread/discussion.

Daroxtar

There's me, who is right and there's the fúcking idiots who are wrong who disagree with me. That's it really

catallus

no it's not!

GoldenLight

Daroxtar wrote: »

There's me, who is right and there's the fúcking idiots who are wrong who disagree with me. That's it really

Sorry have to disagree with you on that one;)

Ruudi_Mentari

If I ever post anything serious I might have to back it up... a daunting prospect as am more of a maybe/I guess, kinda guy

The King of Moo

I don't think I've ever really changed my mind, as I'm usually pretty sure of what I'm talking about in the first place.

Or "right," if you prefer.







:pac:

But I have sometimes modified my opinions, such as realising that people who don't read fiction aren't all unimaginative.

I've also realised that sometimes it's best just to ignore people who willfully misrepresent what you say and refuse to respond to questions you ask.

I still, however, wait to be convinced that: sure it's alright for the blacks to be racist but not white people, they're all coming here taking our jobs, it's the gays who rub it in your face that I don't like, and something vague about modern women.