Introducing the Current Affairs/IMHO forum

Discodog · 10-01-2021 02:15PM

Invidious wrote: »

Thanks for that info, Beasty. I didn't realise that the number of active users included those viewing the Coronavirus forum.

That said, I think my point stands ... that CA/IMHO has become a large and busy forum, and most people seem relatively happy about it.

For some people, it seems, the world is divided into "people who think exactly like me" and "the far right." Usually, people who see "the far right" exerting some major sway over Boards or Ireland are simply conflating all non-left opinions into "the far right," and thus vastly exaggerating the influence of genuine far-right beliefs.

So the Garda Commissioner is wrong to be concerned ?

end of the road · 10-01-2021 02:25PM

Discodog wrote: »

So the Garda Commissioner is wrong to be concerned ?

no, he's correct to be concerned, the far/alt right are a scurge and they must be challenged and debunked at every possible opportunity.
however, there are way way bigger candidates out there then boards for the far/alt right to get their nonsense read and heard, and those platforms don't necessarily present the same opportunities for people to be able to challenge them given the size of those platforms.

boards does get some alt/far right types, the reality is that they don't go unchallenged and some of them, not liking that, eventually go off on one and storm off or get banned, they are able to be challenged as while boards is a big site, the nonsense is generally concentrated to a small part or parts of the site.

excludedbin · 10-01-2021 06:55PM

Sure but Boards is one of the biggest Irish 'social media' sites. If they're looking to make inroads in this country (and we know they are) then this is one of the main places they'd do it. The issue is that you can only devote so much time and energy to debunking the nonsense they put out - people will and do get fed up having to constantly beat back the tide of disinformation and outright lies and inevitably give up. Far-right agitators don't, especially not when they've been given a forum set up to cater to them and their goals.

You even see it on this forum where there's a bizarre insistence that the far-right doesn't exist or is exaggerated in spite of numerous instances of it being described by authorities as a serious and growing threat. It's a mixture of true believers and useful idiots, eager to back them up out of a misguided adherence to principles that are, quite simply, unworkable on today's internet.

So you wind up with an echo-chamber where, ultimately, largely only their voices persist and they go unchallenged (hence why 'the majority are happy with it' - most of those unhappy have just left since it's clear decent people aren't the audience). Now there's major companies taking measures against them; granted that's mostly because more and more people are getting fed up of dealing with them* and so is more about their bottom line than a principled stand, but it does still increasingly leave Boards' insistence on doing nothing all the more glaring and perplexing.

And you can say it's confined to small parts of the site but time was, it wasn't on the site at all. Any presence is too much because like a cancer, if untreated it'll only grow. Personally, I think the people in charge are far, far behind the times and just don't understand how much the internet has changed in the last, say, twenty years (coupled with Distilled being petrified of losing users). Wide-eyed idealism cannot coexist with extremists who can and do cynically exploit that for their own ends. This isn't 1997 any more and Boards now exists in a world where a resurgent far-right are making more and more inroads in Western nations.

But we're 140 pages into this thread now. It's a nice talking shop to contain any concerns about the forum but one does get the distinct impression it's so that they can be summarily ignored. Oh well. Intelligence agencies and policing authorities will continue to warn of the dangers and Boards leadership will continue to do their best to pretend it doesn't exist. After all, what the hell do the people whose jobs are to keep an eye on these things know?

*As I've said previously, trying to build a platform out of an audience of people like that is unsustainable. Voat, for example, barely manages to cling to life because it's absolute poison not only to advertisers but other users who aren't as extreme and those that persist on it barely donate enough to keep it afloat. Then Parler was recently removed from Apple's app store and Google Play and now Amazon have revoked their use of AWS. Again, because those people are absolute anathema not only to advertisers but anyone who isn't like them. I could go on...

Annasopra · 10-01-2021 07:28PM

excludedbin wrote: »

Sure but Boards is one of the biggest Irish 'social media' sites. If they're looking to make inroads in this country (and we know they are) then this is one of the main places they'd do it. The issue is that you can only devote so much time and energy to debunking the nonsense they put out - people will and do get fed up having to constantly beat back the tide of disinformation and outright lies and inevitably give up. Far-right agitators don't, especially not when they've been given a forum set up to cater to them and their goals.

You even see it on this forum where there's a bizarre insistence that the far-right doesn't exist or is exaggerated in spite of numerous instances of it being described by authorities as a serious and growing threat. It's a mixture of true believers and useful idiots, eager to back them up out of a misguided adherence to principles that are, quite simply, unworkable on today's internet.

So you wind up with an echo-chamber where, ultimately, largely only their voices persist and they go unchallenged (hence why 'the majority are happy with it' - most of those unhappy have just left since it's clear decent people aren't the audience). Now there's major companies taking measures against them; granted that's mostly because more and more people are getting fed up of dealing with them* and so is more about their bottom line than a principled stand, but it does still increasingly leave Boards' insistence on doing nothing all the more glaring and perplexing.

And you can say it's confined to small parts of the site but time was, it wasn't on the site at all. Any presence is too much because like a cancer, if untreated it'll only grow. Personally, I think the people in charge are far, far behind the times and just don't understand how much the internet has changed in the last, say, twenty years (coupled with Distilled being petrified of losing users). Wide-eyed idealism cannot coexist with extremists who can and do cynically exploit that for their own ends. This isn't 1997 any more and Boards now exists in a world where a resurgent far-right are making more and more inroads in Western nations.

But we're 140 pages into this thread now. It's a nice talking shop to contain any concerns about the forum but one does get the distinct impression it's so that they can be summarily ignored. Oh well. Intelligence agencies and policing authorities will continue to warn of the dangers and Boards leadership will continue to do their best to pretend it doesn't exist. After all, what the hell do the people whose jobs are to keep an eye on these things know?

*As I've said previously, trying to build a platform out of an audience of people like that is unsustainable. Voat, for example, barely manages to cling to life because it's absolute poison not only to advertisers but other users who aren't as extreme and those that persist on it barely donate enough to keep it afloat. Then Parler was recently removed from Apple's app store and Google Play and now Amazon have revoked their use of AWS. Again, because those people are absolute anathema not only to advertisers but anyone who isn't like them. I could go on...

Once upon a time voat was a haven for banned users from here. Now that voat is gone its like they have all come back.

10-01-2021 07:34PM

Joeytheparrot wrote: »

Once upon a time voat was a haven for banned users from here. Now that voat is gone its like they have all come back.

Joey why do you insist on hit-and-run posting in CA and then come here to complain about the forum? You've been asked umpteen times to reply to accusations you've made but keep disappearing. How is that ''open, honest and frank discussion'', as you've previously put it?

Kraftwerk · 10-01-2021 07:37PM

The biggest problem in CA is people trolling threads. The usual suspects pop in, pick a random post to start an argument over, make some hypocritical post. Then disappear without engaging or backing up their argument when they get called out on their hypocrisy.

Then they slime on into feedback to piss and whinge about the entire forum being a cesspit and full of the far right.

Why are these resident trolls allowed to do this on a daily basis?

10-01-2021 07:42PM

I don't think they're even trolling, I think they know what they're saying is utter scutter and are afraid to tackle it because it goes against ''their side'' but it's still indefensible.

Donald Trump · 10-01-2021 08:14PM

I think that boards.ie should be a better policy over the dissemination of pseudo-science and "anti-lockdown" gob****es on the Covid forum

It's not discussion. It's people spreading lies and trying to twist stats to try to rise others behind them in order to suit their own particular agenda. It's not a "difference of opinon" it's people talking through their holes. When the scientific community is 99% agreed and has understood a threat and issued advice, boards shouldn't be providing a platform for quacks to push tripe contrary to that advice.

If I started a thread over there seriously suggesting that people drink bleach, I'd expect it to be rightly shut down. Saps looking for validation by posting about how they are going on their holidays regardless and trying to encourage others to do likewise, as they don't even have the courage to stand out and just do it without a crowd, should similarly be shut down

10-01-2021 08:19PM

Omackeral wrote: »

I don't think they're even trolling, I think they know what they're saying is utter scutter and are afraid to tackle it because it goes against ''their side'' but it's still indefensible.

Well a quick glance at the latest posts in the Nkencho thread and they're frankly mental. They're not discussing current affairs, it just seems to be people bitching about the thread being called out on Twitter.

For an idea, here's a quote from one of the latest posts "poor old **** is simply one of those pathetic lefty bitches filled with self loathing and unwarranted white guilt"....

That's not a comment on moderation, it'll a comment on the type of poster that the current affairs threads are attracting. Why the hell would anyone want to join that discussion?

Gatling · 10-01-2021 08:43PM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Well a quick glance at the latest posts in the Nkencho thread and they're frankly mental. They're not discussing current affairs,

Actually it's part and parcel ,

Unsurprising the most vocal boardsies are complaining most ,
If you have no real interacting on a thread why spend so much effort on it in here ?

10-01-2021 08:50PM

Gatling wrote: »

Actually it's part and parcel ,

Unsurprising the most vocal keyboardists are complaining most ,
If you have no real interacting on a thread why spend so much effort on it in here ?

Because if anyone had any urge to participate in that thread, it would become pretty apparent that it's an example of a thread that's become a cesspit. Most people don't want to go anywhere near participating in it for that reason.

Gatling · 10-01-2021 08:53PM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

. Most people don't want to go anywhere near participating in it for that reason.

No you can speak for you only not most as you claim ,it's easier to cry I'm offended close it down rather than engaging in form of discussion ,it's like a child in school constantly running to a teacher to tell tales .

10-01-2021 08:55PM

Gatling wrote: »

No you can speak for you only not most as you claim ,it's easier to cry I'm offended close it down rather than engaging in form of discussion ,it's like a child in school constantly running to a teacher to tell tales .

Sure thing but I'm pretty sure that I'm not alone in that.

Sir Oxman · 10-01-2021 08:59PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Well a quick glance at the latest posts in the Nkencho thread and they're frankly mental. They're not discussing current affairs, it just seems to be people bitching about the thread being called out on Twitter.

For an idea, here's a quote from one of the latest posts "poor old **** is simply one of those pathetic lefty bitches filled with self loathing and unwarranted white guilt"....

That's not a comment on moderation, it'll a comment on the type of poster that the current affairs threads are attracting. Why the hell would anyone want to join that discussion?

Well, posts like that were dealt with pronto by the looks of it, so big up the mods!
The Twitter guy 'called out' the linkage and promotion of the Lord Mayors DCC Awards in regards to the shop worker attacked.
He was worried it might be a 'win' for the 'far right'
However, he appeared to call in a favour to " 'ave a word ".

I posted about Blanch not being in the DCC area so nominating someone outside that wouldn't probably work and a comment about both extreme, mad sides being amongst us and the mindsets of both.
And that was culled too.
I'm not here moaning about it, just pointing out that posts do get dealt with.

10-01-2021 09:04PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Most people don't want to go anywhere near participating in it for that reason.

What's this possibly based on? Thread has 750,000 views and is one of the most active topics in the entire forum.

Gatling · 10-01-2021 09:08PM

Omackeral wrote: »

What's this possibly based on? Thread has 750,000 views and is one of the most active topics in the entire forum.

Guarantee its the same names wanting threads removed on a daily basis ,

10-01-2021 09:22PM

Gatling wrote: »

No you can speak for you only not most as you claim ,it's easier to cry I'm offended close it down rather than engaging in form of discussion ,it's like a child in school constantly running to a teacher to tell tales .

To use your analogy, I'd say it's more like a child in a relatively well behaved classroom wondering why the class next door is full of children shouting and bickering the whole time.

Overheal · 10-01-2021 09:51PM

It's a bit like asking why is there widespread concern about what goes on at parler.com when most of those people don't bother to join parler.com - there is a public interest in doing so.

CtevenSrowder · 10-01-2021 09:53PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Well a quick glance at the latest posts in the Nkencho thread and they're frankly mental. They're not discussing current affairs, it just seems to be people bitching about the thread being called out on Twitter.

For an idea, here's a quote from one of the latest posts "poor old **** is simply one of those pathetic lefty bitches filled with self loathing and unwarranted white guilt"....

That's not a comment on moderation, it'll a comment on the type of poster that the current affairs threads are attracting. Why the hell would anyone want to join that discussion?

Equally there was people revelling in the fact that protestors (terrorists, pick whichever) were shot during that whole capital hill drama. One poster labelling the lady shot as 'human waste', another suggesting they should 'pump' rounds into a few more of the people there. It goes both ways, yet is a minority of posters that dehumanise and say such vile things.

There is decent debate to be had, and as I said, ultimately, it's only those with a certain political slant that seem to think there is a huge far right waiting to emerge in Ireland (there isn't), and now that boards will be the driving force behind it (laughable).

CtevenSrowder · 10-01-2021 09:57PM

Overheal wrote: »

It's a bit like asking why is there widespread concern about what goes on at parler.com when most of those people don't bother to join parler.com - there is a public interest in doing so.

There isn't 'widespread' concern about what goes on on parlour.com. I'd guarantee that the overwhelming majority of people have never even heard of the site (I hadn't till I think 2 days ago).

Gatling · 10-01-2021 10:12PM

CtevenSrowder wrote: »

There isn't 'widespread' concern about what goes on on parlour.com. I'd guarantee that the overwhelming majority of people have never even heard of the site (I hadn't till I think 2 days ago).

Most of it came around from the US 2A influencers who have been ranting and raving about free speech and various platforms demonising pro gun pro hate speech posts

ToddDameron · 10-01-2021 10:32PM

CtevenSrowder wrote: »

Equally there was people revelling in the fact that protestors (terrorists, pick whichever) were shot during that whole capital hill drama. One poster labelling the lady shot as 'human waste', another suggesting they should 'pump' rounds into a few more of the people there. It goes both ways, yet is a minority of posters that dehumanise and say such vile things.

There is decent debate to be had, and as I said, ultimately, it's only those with a certain political slant that seem to think there is a huge far right waiting to emerge in Ireland (there isn't), and now that boards will be the driving force behind it (laughable).

Our very own Overheal commented "chefs kiss" at the news that a woman was trampled to death.

Overheal · 10-01-2021 10:44PM

ToddDameron wrote: »

Our very own Overheal commented "chefs kiss" at the news that a woman was trampled to death.

You sure?

ToddDameron · 10-01-2021 10:48PM

Overheal wrote: »

You sure?

Are you denying you posted it? You're 100 percent sure you didn't post chefs kiss in response to a post about the guy tasing himself and the women being trampled? Because I have a juicy screenshot that says you are a bare faced liar.

Beasty · 10-01-2021 10:52PM

ToddDameron wrote: »

Are you denying you posted it? You're 100 percent sure you didn't post chefs kiss in response to a post about the guy tasing himself and the women being trampled?

As you seem to want to personalise Site Feedback, consider yourself banned from posting in this thread

Overheal · 10-01-2021 10:54PM

CtevenSrowder wrote: »

There isn't 'widespread' concern about what goes on on parlour.com. I'd guarantee that the overwhelming majority of people have never even heard of the site (I hadn't till I think 2 days ago).

In Ireland, no. In international politics however yes. Especially in US politics because it played such a pivotal role in the coup attempt. Anyway it's one example. How about another: caring about what happens with human rights in Saudi Arabia even though we don't live there. People have a right to censure or be critical of speech happening in another thread even if they don't actively get down in the mud there, or otherwise try to start a direct battle with pugilistic posters over virtues.

Beasty · 10-01-2021 11:00PM

CtevenSrowder wrote: »

Well it was you who labeled the woman shot as human waste, so I wouldn't put it past you. I do have some sympathy for you though, being American and living there it is no doubt very easy to be sucked into that kind of politic, considering how things are over there at the moment.

You are also threadbanned

Now can everyone treat this as feedback on the forum, and not an opportunity to get jibes in at others

EDIT
Threadban lifted after poster gave assurances over future posting in this thread

KyussB · 10-01-2021 11:17PM

People need to be extemely careful about calling for increased censorship, like what is happening with Parlour, and basically all major social media sites when it comes to Trump etc. - we're entering one of the most dangerous periods of increased censorship ever seen on the Internet - and the Irish Government has even introduced laws, presently only targetting political ads, which will mandate that social media sites like Boards apply something akin to 'fact checking' type moderating for these ads.

Who fact-checks the fact-checkers etc.. What it is going to become, is mandatory enforcement of the Overton Window, as defined by private tech companies.

People need to keep a close eye on this - there are already fresh examples of this type of 'fact checking' gone wrong, here on Boards (not specific to political ads).

Overheal · 10-01-2021 11:33PM

KyussB wrote: »

People need to be extemely careful about calling for increased censorship, like what is happening with Parlour, and basically all major social media sites when it comes to Trump etc. - we're entering one of the most dangerous periods of increased censorship ever seen on the Internet - and the Irish Government has even introduced laws, presently only targetting political ads, which will mandate that social media sites like Boards apply something akin to 'fact checking' type moderating for these ads.

Who fact-checks the fact-checkers etc.. What it is going to become, is mandatory enforcement of the Overton Window, as defined by private tech companies.

People need to keep a close eye on this - there are already fresh examples of this type of 'fact checking' gone wrong, here on Boards (not specific to political ads).

How long should some of these subjects be entertained, though.

People have been denying the holocaust since it happened, no amount of investigation or additional discovery will convince them otherwise. 80 years on. There's a point where it is simply in nobody's best interest to keep entertaining such drivel, when it becomes dangerous to.

I knew for weeks people were beating their chests about '1776' this and 'retake our country by force' that, and I tried, for weeks, to reason with these people, they were arguing about breaches of law and the law was explained to them in great detail. They didn't ever care, they just wanted the pretext to start a coup.

They gave equal time on the news to climate change scientists and climate deniers, calling it a 'balanced' debate. All it did was give undue amplification to <1% of academia that remains skeptical and has lead to broader science-denialism, and almost certainly only made this current pandemic more lethal as a direct result.

We do not have to give an equal platform to terrible ideas.

Sweetemotion · 10-01-2021 11:51PM

Overheal wrote: »

How long should some of these subjects be entertained, though.

People have been denying the holocaust since it happened, no amount of investigation or additional discovery will convince them otherwise. 80 years on. There's a point where it is simply in nobody's best interest to keep entertaining such drivel, when it becomes dangerous to.

I knew for weeks people were beating their chests about '1776' this and 'retake our country by force' that, and I tried, for weeks, to reason with these people, they were arguing about breaches of law and the law was explained to them in great detail. They didn't ever care, they just wanted the pretext to start a coup.

They gave equal time on the news to climate change scientists and climate deniers, calling it a 'balanced' debate. All it did was give undue amplification to <1% of academia that remains skeptical and has lead to broader science-denialism, and almost certainly only made this current pandemic more lethal as a direct result.

We do not have to give an equal platform to terrible ideas.

Everything should be up for debate and be questioned.

Introducing the Current Affairs/IMHO forum

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