J
Jeff Starr
Guest
I've decided to limit my Newsgroup time to rec.bicycle.tech in the
coming year. Over the last few months, I have seen rec.bicycles.misc
go from a mostly on topic, reasonably friendly place, to something I
no longer enjoy.
Way too often topics are getting hijacked with political debate. There
also seems to be a streak of meanness and a lack of tolerance for
opposing views. These debates often include name twisting insults and
personal attacks. I've seen a regular who used to demonstrate a
playful sense of humor, become bitter,and meanspirited, while
relentlessly posting, whether it adds anything of value, or not. A
place where the word "liberal" is used as an insult, is nowhere that
I belong. if I wanted to discuss politics, that is the type of
newsgroup that I would have joined. There are good reasons why they
recommend not discussing politics and religion at social gatherings.
People have very strong opinions on both and discussion in those
settings [and here], accomplish little and often alienate many.
I will miss many of the good hearted regulars, that I have grown to
appreciate, fortunately most of them also are regulars over at tech.
To all of you, and I do mean all, I wish you Happy Holidays and an
excellent New Year! Let's hope it includes lots of riding, sunny days,
and gentle winds.
After I post this, I will remove rec.bicycle.misc from my subscribed
newsgroups. I will look in on this thread via Google Groups. I may
return in the spring, if I hear that all the anger and bitterness has
subsided.
Remember, overall -
Life is Good!
Jeff
coming year. Over the last few months, I have seen rec.bicycles.misc
go from a mostly on topic, reasonably friendly place, to something I
no longer enjoy.
Way too often topics are getting hijacked with political debate. There
also seems to be a streak of meanness and a lack of tolerance for
opposing views. These debates often include name twisting insults and
personal attacks. I've seen a regular who used to demonstrate a
playful sense of humor, become bitter,and meanspirited, while
relentlessly posting, whether it adds anything of value, or not. A
place where the word "liberal" is used as an insult, is nowhere that
I belong. if I wanted to discuss politics, that is the type of
newsgroup that I would have joined. There are good reasons why they
recommend not discussing politics and religion at social gatherings.
People have very strong opinions on both and discussion in those
settings [and here], accomplish little and often alienate many.
I will miss many of the good hearted regulars, that I have grown to
appreciate, fortunately most of them also are regulars over at tech.
To all of you, and I do mean all, I wish you Happy Holidays and an
excellent New Year! Let's hope it includes lots of riding, sunny days,
and gentle winds.
After I post this, I will remove rec.bicycle.misc from my subscribed
newsgroups. I will look in on this thread via Google Groups. I may
return in the spring, if I hear that all the anger and bitterness has
subsided.
Remember, overall -
Life is Good!
Jeff
