I'm very excited about
this. The rest of xanga should be as well.
Part of the problem with discussions on xanga is that there is a long list of bloggers utterly convinced their opinion, for which they have not put in any time or research, is worthy of respect. They don't know the rules of engagement, they don't really have a fondness for coherence, but they are raring to go at it with anybody who disagrees. This creates a scenario for the more academic bloggers in which they can either waste their time beating down a lousy argument with somebody who won't play fair and will claim victory even as you have them by the metaphorical balls, or we can ignore them and listen to chants of "You're too scared to face me! Mwahahahaha! The universe really is ten thousand years old! Jesus r00lz!!!ONE!1!"
It's really annoying as piss. I've tried to rectify this by being choosy about responses based on a list of criteria that attempts to make sure I get the most bang for my buck. I also insist on blogalogs, because even if the bloody mess lying on the floor of the debate ring won't admit defeat, the on-lookers can still see that their argument got bludgeoned into oblivion and there can be some resolution. Still, it's not a perfect system, even though it's the best one I've devised.
However, this upcoming site is run by two very pleasant bloggers, Bakersdozen2 and Da__Vinci. Both are pretty sharp and both are very capable diplomats. I suspect that this project will fix a majority of the problems I see, providing solid, amicable discussions that are very readable from some of the more perspicacious bloggers on xanga. They have invited me to be a moderator and I hope to do some debates over there as well. If so, I will probably make that site the focus of my attention as far as discussions go, since I think I will get the greatest return on my time, and leave this site just for my daily musings. If you share my enthusiasm for this venture, I urge you to head over to
the Church of the Ivory Tower and subscribe/friend them. I'd like to see this project get as much support as possible.
Comments (5)
I'm so excited about it!
That's a great idea!
Also, "Ivory Tower" reminds me of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYrkyz3WpsM&feature=related
(heh)
I like the idea of it. =)
I hear you. good idea.
I figure, really, it's not my place to try to convince anyone of anything. if they are open to learning, or truth, then we can have a discussion and both of us may learn. otherwise, though, it's usually a waste of time. people will believe what they want to believe, or what they have always believed, no matter how coherent or convincing the argument - until something happens to them, personally, to wake them up.
?
j.
I'm interested in seeing what comes up over there.