(07-21-2024, 09:55 AM)Lucky2Last Wrote:

(07-21-2024, 06:39 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: Aren't we here to do exactly that?  Or would it be better if we all agree on everything?

If I'm being frank, I feel MOST obliged to post if I think other people are getting something wrong or don't understand a concept, so I attempt to explain it. I also come here to see what other people think about a topic. This board, for me, represents an honest view of moderates that I need to adjust my world view. I also get a good range of conservative opinions on a topic, which I also find useful. Lastly (and I only put this last because I try my best to be accurate), I want my ideas to be challenged when they are wrong. There are occasions when people point out a flaw in my thinking or my rationale that forces me to change my position. FSG has done it a couple times. Mikey has done it a few times. NYC has done it a few times, too. We need others to correct our blind spots. 

Mikey is here for his amusement first and foremost. It's why he makes the occasional alt account. It's why he moves the goal posts. It's why he expects you to do the heavy lifting in a debate. At best, it's a game... an intellectual exercise. At worst, he's a troll. If he wants to troll, good for him. You gotta do what you gotta do to get through the day. I just don't think well intentioned posters should be engaging with him. It's a waste of their time unless they are also in the troll game. 

As a person, I like Mikey. He's naive. He's a dreamer. That's good. As a poster, he's here for his amusement. Truth is secondary. He's a true sophist in the worst sense of the word. Long story short, we don't visit this forum for the same reason.

I appreciate you writing this, and I appreciate you as a poster, but I have never made an alt account.

I do find most of this amusing.  Sometimes it's frustrating too though.  Because I am sincere here.  More sincere than you think.  It wouldn't be frustrating if I was just here to goof off.

And what you call moving the goal posts, is usually not intended as such.  It's a newer technique for me.  Instead of laying out my entire argument at once, I try to be more engaging and get some of your points and facts into the mix along the way, but in my mind the goal never changed.

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