How into discussions do you get?

[omega 616]

Pretty simple really, are you one of those people who like to win and look for sources and things to back you up, with grit determination to win over the other person.

Or are you the kind of person who likes to put his opinion out there, read a few others, maybe have a back and forth to better express yourself or understand somebody else and leave it at that?

I am in the latter category the vast majority of the time, there is the odd subject I will dip into (but not fully engage in) with keep arguing on a subject.

I think doggedly trying to "convert" people to your way of thinking and opinions is useless on the internet in most cases but I can understand the joy people can get from a good old back and forth.

 

[Eleuthera]

Generally the latter. I will answer the question, state my opinion or possibly comment on someone else, but very little else. I will however only post after having read the entire thread first, without fault.

I generally only come beck to discussions (to post) if I'm quoted.

 

[FalloutJack]

Well, the problem here is that you're asking me to define my habits regarding all of my discussions. Since I can't generate a table or pie-chart off the top of my head with statistics following me everywhere, I cannot tell you to what degree I do anything in terms of discussion. I can only tell you that it varies from point to point. For instance, I'm not too keen on this one. Since there isn't much for me to put into it other than my own answer, it really isn't something I can get into.

 

[JochemHippie]

Depends...

Who am I discussing about and what's it about? As long as we aren't mindset on trying to prove eachother wrong I can discus for hours.

Else I'll probably just say fuck it and move on.

 

[Calibanbutcher]

Well, I used to be someone who would argue on the internet with the wild intent to win citing sources and going on and on and on.
But I realized there was no merit in that.

So I decided to maybe do the latter. But even that has proven itself to be unsatisfactory, especially since even doing only that some would react too aggressively and try to get one in long.winded discussions and call one smartass, dishonest and the likes.

By now I have reached a third level.

I like to frequent threads sure to burst into flames, watching posters trying to rip each other a new one, revelling in the firestorms burning every participant.
But I do not post anymore in such threads.

 

[The Artificially Prolonged]

In the latter category myself, I tend to lose track of my thoughts if I'm in longer discussions across a couple of threads.

 

[RaphaelsRedemption]

I'm a lurker. I do read most threads, and I really do read them, all of the replies. I rarely post however. What use would my opinion be? Most subjects I have no authority whatsoever on. So I tend to reply only to threads that truly absorb me, such as mental illness threads, or personal story threads.

I almost never get into a discussion. Maybe it's because I wait for people to quote me when I should be out there quoting and engaging with others, but there it is. I do have the joy of a perfect record though, so I guess a life of non-engagement keeps me out of trouble.

 

[Mr. Omega]

I watch discussions, but rarely get involved. If I think there is nowhere else to go in the conversation, I stop posting. I discuss until it stops being fun. And for me, it's either fun when I am learning something interesting, am informing someone about something, or on rare occasions when someone is completely losing their shit and is saying something incredibly stupid.

 

[Flames66]

I enjoy a good conversation, especially when my partner(s) has a different opinion to mine. I am not necessarily trying to convince them, just seeing why they think the way they do and explaining my reasoning. If that leads to one or other of us changing our opinion then great, if not also great, we both have a better understanding of each other and ourselves.

I do sometimes get angry or otherwise emotional when talking about issues I have strong feelings on, but I always try to keep it civil and state my reasoning without attacking anyone. That being said, if someone else insults me during conversation I will tell them exactly what I think of them and end the interaction.

 

[Krantos]

Depends, if it's something where people actually seem invested and want to openly discuss things I'm in the former. Of course, that is a very rare thing to see, so most times I'm either in the latter, or simply cannot be arsed.

 

[DaWaffledude]

I tend to just drop my opinion and leave.

Speaking of which, see y'all around *walks out of thread*

 

[CrimsonBlaze]

I also just find a topic that I feel I can jot down my two cents and then never be heard from again. Sometimes, I'll get a reply to my post, and I may or may not reply back. Occasionally, I might get into mini discussions with others if I feel that the subject merits further analysis.

I don't always discuss in order to win or prove that I'm right; I boggles down to, "I believe in this and this is why, and I have this to say about your thought and why I say so."

 

[squidface]

I voice my opinion, try to correct any general ignorance, and then I'm on my merry way. So, I'd say not particularly.

 

[shadyh8er]

I take Doug Walker's approach. If someone comes to me with a different opinion, I'll immediately ask for an explanation. I will only let their opinions alone if their explanation is satisfactory.

Example of a satisfactory answer:

"I like the Last Airbender movie. It's fun to make fun of!"

Unsatisfactory:

"I like the Last Airbender movie. Shayamalan directed it."

 

[DugMachine]

I generally lurk and put my opinion in there. It's usually not unique or controversial enough to get a discussion going and if it does it's almost always some person who will pick apart my posts and try to make me look like an idiot just to stroke their ego.. so lurking it is.

I do get really into discussions though even if I'm not participating. I like to read/listen more than talk.

 

[Wolf In A Bear Suit]

If I'm right you're wrong and I intend to forcefully tell you. I tend not to enter an argument I can't win, it tends to make me look cleverer than I am.

 

[Shaved Apple]

Depends on what the subject is. If I like it then I might not shut up. If I don't care I'll probably just sit there and go, "Mhm, that's interesting." Jk. I just won't say as much.