An observation about controversial threads:

[Marionnette]

I didn’t realize that we could block certain posters, good to know. When we post a question can we block certain people from responding as well?

I try to keep an open mind about all opinions because I realize that we need different views in this world else the world would be pretty boring. However, I also think people on the board go a bit overboard with criticism of others. Several posters constantly get ugly at anyone whose opinion differs from their own. I can recall posting something to the regards of “we are all just parents trying to do the best for our kids, no reason to be so critical” and having another poster comment “not everyone here is a good parent trying to do their best.” I also agree that some people look for something to jump on and start controversy with. I stopped reading most of these threads for a while but have gradually started reading again with more of a let it roll of my back mentality when it comes to those "angry" posters.

When you block someone, you will not see anything that they post. You will see that they responded on a thread but it will say something like "you have blocked this poster". If someone quotes that person, you will see what they wrote anyway so putting them on ignore doesn't help that much.

You can't stop anyone for posting on a thread that you started. If they are a member on the board, then they can participate in any thread they want to. If their post is really offensive then you can click on the little triangle in the lower left corner of their post to report it to the moderators. But it should only be used if the poster is being abusive or rude. Not because they don't share your opinions.

Ignoring another poster will prevent them from being able to send you a private message. You won't be able to send them one either. If there is someone who is annoying you that way, then using the ignore function is a very good idea.

 

[crisi]

I have found that though there are a few posters I usually don't agree with, and some that I don't like their tone, they do still offer advice that can be useful. And I have even ended up agreeing with some of their points of view.

I just want to say, don't be too hasty in blocking someone. They may actually end up being helpful.You never know!

There is a poster here that I started out hating. Seriously - annoying, put people down, and WRONG....and now....I find myself agreeing more often than not, don't find the tone annoying, find any set downs she hands out well deserved (and rare) and find good information coming from her. Don't know if she has changed or I have - or if the first few times I associated name with person it was a hot button topic for me and her on which we'd never get consensus, but whatever it was - I'm glad my reaction wasn't blocking her.

 

[EKW]

I personally would never block anyone because I really like to read others opinions and comments (I know this will sound snarky but it’s the whole reason I visit the DIS message boards).

Did you mean to say that you enjoy reading posts by bullies who stoop to name calling while enjoying the protection of annonymity? I was talking about personal attacks, not discussion. It sounds to me as if you're talking about differences of opinions. That's not what I was talking about. I was talking about personal attacks.

The people I have "ignored" are members who repeatedly add personal attacks...comments about the poster being stupid or lazy, etc. Opinions are great...bullying isn't.

If you did mean that you enjoy personal attacks, I don't understand that. In the past I chose to confront bullies. However, I've found that, like most bullies you meet in life, the ones here, when confronted, suddenly cry fowl and run to the mod's claiming they've been attacked. Somehow they are allowed to say anything they want however they wish to say it, but when someone stands up for their targets, they get their feelings bruised.

Maybe you haven't been around to see what I'm talking about. There are groups of people here who are generally contentious...not about issues, but about personalities, and they will call friends in to attack posters who disagree with them.

That's not why I come here. I would go search for a Jerry Springer board if I wanted to rub shoulders with those sorts of folks. As I said, I haven't "ignored" many, but ignoring just a few people has made my visits here much more enjoyable.

 

[Barnhill9586]

Did you mean to say that you enjoy reading posts by bullies who stoop to name calling while enjoying the protection of annonymity? I was talking about personal attacks, not discussion. It sounds to me as if you're talking about differences of opinions. That's not what I was talking about. I was talking about personal attacks.

The people I have "ignored" are members who repeatedly add personal attacks...comments about the poster being stupid or lazy, etc. Opinions are great...bullying isn't.

If you did mean that you enjoy personal attacks, I don't understand that. In the past I chose to confront bullies. However, I've found that, like most bullies you meet in life, the ones here, when confronted, suddenly cry fowl and run to the mod's claiming they've been attacked. Somehow they are allowed to say anything they want however they wish to say it, but when someone stands up for their targets, they get their feelings bruised.

Maybe you haven't been around to see what I'm talking about. There are groups of people here who are generally contentious...not about issues, but about personalities, and they will call friends in to attack posters who disagree with them.

That's not why I come here. I would go search for a Jerry Springer board if I wanted to rub shoulders with those sorts of folks. As I said, I haven't "ignored" many, but ignoring just a few people has made my visits here much more enjoyable.

I don't condone bullying and you are correct I haven't been on enough threads to see that. I still would never block anyone. That's just me...I guess I'm a big First Amendment guy I don't know. Maybe, when I experience what you're referring to I will change my mind. Whatever the case I wasn't attacking those who choose to make use of the ignore feature so my apologies if that is how you took it.

 

[brymolmom]

I don't condone bullying and you are correct I haven't been on enough threads to see that. I still would never block anyone. That's just me...I guess I'm a big First Amendment guy I don't know. Maybe, when I experience what you're referring to I will change my mind. Whatever the case I wasn't attacking those who choose to make use of the ignore feature so my apologies if that is how you took it.

I'm with you Barnhill...and another great example of how things are taken differently - one person's personal attack is another person's difference of opinion.

I read all of the controversial posts and like I mentioned have only a few times in years and years seen what is in my own opinion truly bullying. I have witnessed many very passionate beliefs and when they differ from my own they do make my blood boil - but they have not been personal.

I guess a good tool would be to figure out if the ones you want (or have) chosen to ignore disagree with your own personal views...then take a look at those who are also involved in that type of debate who you have not ignored. I wonder if it is 50/50 on those you agree with vs. those you don't who gets ignored. My guess is that those with opposing views to your own would be percepted more as 'bullying' and be ignored more. But truly, in terms of aggressiveness in beliefs and any potential personal attacks, it is likely a 50/50 split on the different sides so should be even if one is truly just looking at potentially attacking statements and ignoring the actual content.