User blog comment:John Breasly/A reply to Jeremiah's Excellent Blog/@comment-3503368-20120820170520

Firstly, so as to respect the origins of this blog (Jerry’s) and not to ignore the opinions of my fellow users regarding this topic, I will state that I am neutral. The new rule was made to benefit users and make it so that the majority of players who may be new here, or don’t particularly wish to see perverted topics come up when they are simply trying to have a good chat, can find solace in the fact that they do not have to. However, as I too have a bit of a Charles-y mind, I can see how this would leech the fun out of the chat for others. I personally am okay with the admins restricting most crude topics, though a “Davythought” or two every once in a while is unlikely to incite more than a laugh.

Now for the more difficult part.

Although I do see most issues from both sides and choose to remain neutral, I have seen that the methodology behind presenting opinions, on both sides of the issue, is often a bit skewed. In other words, I am overjoyed to see that more and more users are refraining from savagely caps-lock ranting their opinions, however I am glimpsing a little faultiness in many of the more “mature debating techniques” (quoted, not mocking). Most of these comments, large or small, from both sides have a sort of hidden jab to them that is targeted at the opposing side rather than at the argument they provide (if there are any that want examples, I will fetch ten so you can see for yourself if you so desire). These jabs, which may or may not be related to the argument at hand, directly criticize the opposing side and, rather than quiet their disagreements, bring emotional bias into the matter. We, as humans, are creatures of prejudice, and I have yet to see a single one take criticism without a negative response, subliminal or otherwise. Whether these criticisms are intentional or not, I will never know for sure, for I do not possess telepathic abilities and it would be ignoramus of me to fall under the influence of such pretenses, However, I ask that, for the sake of mature arguing, everyone (including myself, as I readily admit that I am imperfect) attempt to proofread their rebuttals and ask: Could my opponent find personal criticism in this? Will he/she get defensive in response? If the answer happens to be yes, please try to edit it in such a way that it no longer contains criticism, as the repercussions will help neither parties.

Note: The examples, if anyone asks, will be added later, as I am quite busy at the moment.

Thank you for reading this comment. (: