Favourite Posters?

Michael Hardner · September 15, 2006

He can hope, but I have my doubts. Sadly, dollars speak louder than public opinion. The web forum, or log, will still forever be 'passive' in trying to foment political change.

Money buys TV time, ie. time on a crusty old medium whose influence decreases every year.

We're coming.

Michael Hardner · September 15, 2006

It’s hard to find a medium which represents both sides of the issue in a comprehensive and fair way…that’s why forums like this are important. Even the uninformed bring something to the table (I find it enjoyable to see some wild eyed duffer come at Blackdog or Argus like a pig and leave as sausage, is that bad?).
Bias in our news has turned it into nothing more than political brain candy for the masses. Choose which side you’re on, plug in your 50 cents and get your fix.

MLW does offer the viewer a more complete picture of current issues than the alternatives so it has value beyond what posters engaged in a heated debate may think. It’s kinda like coles notes for the issues of the day.

I have been posting for over six years (3 years here, I think) and have seen some remarkable changes in people. The medium can't be ignored - it will eventually find its place.

Argus · September 16, 2006

Hmmm... a popularity contest...
I could of sworn that I started this thread to try and get some sense of what constitutes a good poster, and to see what others think constitutes one.

I don't think you really find that out on a thread which, yes, is a popularity contest, especially as those who post with less frequency tend to be forgotten.

A good poster is what? One you read a lot? But I have noticed that I tend to skim over the posts of people who are like-minded. Why? Well, because I'm looking for someone to fight with. So am I a great judge of them?

I don't select threads based on who is in them, or respond to posts based on who wrote them. I enter threads because something interests me and I have something I want to say.

I respect posters who state their opinion with a degree of articulation and where that opinion is well-thought-out and not based on emotion.

The only poster I will always read, regardless of topic, is Kimmy. She is articulate, has a terrific dry wit, is mature (much more than I), in dealing with idiots, uses impeccable logic, and always seems to know enough not to argue unless she has a solid foundation of knowledge.

We had a thread like this a year or so ago, didn't we? And I think everyone pretty much agreed Kimmy was the best poster here.

geoffrey · September 16, 2006

Hmm, my list would be...

August (clearly the most insightful, and most days most knowledgable)

Riverwind (very balanced, very pragmatic)

Kimmy (redneck Albertans.....)

Black Dog (definitely my favourite poster to debate, though we tend to agree on more lately too)

thelonius (insightful)

FTA Lawyer (my legal guidebook)

Cybercoma (interesting... though possibly extreme)

Argus (takes any idea I would have and says it without political correctness considerations... )

Hicksey (real world input)

jdobbin (We do need Liberals)

scriblett (always a great read)

Charles Anthony (would be the first to join me in a tax revolt)

I enjoy most posters here, there are few I don't read. The list above is just the first that come to mind, likely because they post more commonly.

If I was Gregg I would shut down this thread as it promotes discrimination which is violation of Charter rights something that so many members on this site are so squeamish about.

Charter doesn't apply to individuals...

BubberMiley · September 16, 2006

The Farrah Fawcett-Majors poster I had on my wall as a kid is still my favourite.

sharkman · September 17, 2006

The Farrah Fawcett-Majors poster I had on my wall as a kid is still my favourite.

Good call, but now you're dating yourself!

cybercoma · September 18, 2006

I never would've thought I'd be labelled "extreme". *shrugs*

There are tons of people I dig on this forum, regardless of what sides they choose. If I had to pick one person though, it would be kimmy for consistently bringing new angles into conversations and 9 times out of 10 putting me in stitches.

kimmy · September 18, 2006

I don't wish to contribute to this becoming a "popularity contest" (although I am very flattered to have been mentioned ) so I will try not to mention any particular names in explaining what I think contributes to this forum. There are many people who I enjoy reading and singling out just a few would be unfair to the rest.

This is the only politics forum that I read. I have tried others, and generally found them disappointing in comparison to this one. Led Boots mentioned a "me too" mentality at some boards, which I think is a good description of the shortcoming of many boards. Many boards seem to have a defined outlook which attracts members who share the same mindset. Original thought doesn't happen very often on these boards, and while I often peek in at certain places to see how certain segments are reacting to current events.

Remiel asked what makes a good poster. Here are my views:

-I like to read a posts from viewpoints across the political spectrum, and I like that Mapleleafweb has posters who have a variety of views. I most respect posters who can express opposing viewpoints with maturity and without things turning into pointless bickering.

-I like posters who support their ideas with information, whether current events, historical facts, scientific data, whatever.

-I like posters who argue their views logically, reasonably, and articulately.

-I really appreciate posters who contribute special knowledge. I will break my rule by mentioning two here: g_bambino and FTA Lawyer, who although they don't post very frequently, add a lot to the board with their knowledge of our system of government and the law (respectively).

-I like posters who have a sense of humor. I like posters who don't take things so seriously that they can't take a step back and have a laugh about things.

Conversely, some things that make me dislike posters, skip threads, or not bother to read some members' posts.

-fanatics. Whether it's some political party, some religion, some cause or outlook, whatever... if someone's support for their position is based on fanaticism rather than reason and logic, then there's not really much point talking to them, in my view.

-one-note posters. Along the same line as fanatics, there are some people who I know only write about one subject, and once I've read what they have to say, I kind of tune out after a while.

-people who turn a discussion into a pissing match. People who insult the poster rather than the ideas.

-people whose world views seem to be built on shady information from disreputable sources.

I think that more or less covers the basics.

-k

crazymf · September 18, 2006

Hey,

I'm back. They tried to kill me at the Red Deer hospital but I fooled them and lived. Went for a fairly straight forward abdominal procedure on June 14th and supposed to be out in 5 days. Well..... intestine leaked and I went septic and they had to do emergency surgery 5 days later and I spent the next 6 weeks recovering from that. I've been out 6 or so weeks but haven't been able to sit at my desk much.

It's good to see many of the same posters around here.

I also read pretty much everybodies posts but mostly only on topics that tweak my interest. I find myself agreeing with many semi right leaning people and have gotten into many corners with lefties. BD and Miss Trudeau come to mind. I love a great debate but also try not to take things too seriously, for which I am guilty a time or two.

You all are my favorites and this is the political site of choice for me.

stu

Black Dog · September 19, 2006

Kimmy. August 1991. And I miss Hugo.

theloniusfleabag · September 19, 2006

Dear crazymf,

I'm back. They tried to kill me at the Red Deer hospital but I fooled them and lived.

Glad to see you back. While we often disagreed, I consider you one of the 'real' posters here.

August1991 · September 19, 2006

Hey,
I'm back.

Good to see you back, you crazymf...

kimmy · September 20, 2006

Hey,
I'm back. They tried to kill me at the Red Deer hospital but I fooled them and lived. Went for a fairly straight forward abdominal procedure on June 14th and supposed to be out in 5 days. Well..... intestine leaked and I went septic and they had to do emergency surgery 5 days later and I spent the next 6 weeks recovering from that. I've been out 6 or so weeks but haven't been able to sit at my desk much.

Congratulations on surviving, and welcome back!

-k

crazymf · September 20, 2006

Thanks everybody.

Can't say as I'm any smarter but maybe I am because I didn't drink for 2 months..... :lol:

geoffrey · September 21, 2006

Hey,
I'm back. They tried to kill me at the Red Deer hospital but I fooled them and lived. Went for a fairly straight forward abdominal procedure on June 14th and supposed to be out in 5 days. Well..... intestine leaked and I went septic and they had to do emergency surgery 5 days later and I spent the next 6 weeks recovering from that. I've been out 6 or so weeks but haven't been able to sit at my desk much.

Good to see you back and recovering. Those Alberta hospitals....

Biblio Bibuli · September 29, 2006

I shall mention only a few of my favourites.
KrustyKidd

I got much praise from KrustyKidd to my posts. Like for instance:

"Great rant!"

"Always a pleasure to read a good one that has some justification in it."

How many did YOU get?

Biblio Bibuli · September 30, 2006

Teddy Ballgame was a light that burned too bright.

Much brighter than the rest of we dimwits at MLW, that's for sure!

Remiel · October 2, 2006

Hmmm... without starting another thread, would it really be the height of tastelessness to post a poll asking age? The age question does seem to come up at almost every election, so I thought there would be some basis for it... As for all that crap about them giving the vote to sixteen year olds... well, screw that! I was probably more informed than many who actually voted when I was sixteen, but that doesn't mean I should of gotten the vote. It will always be an issue of full citizenship to me.

Biblio Bibuli · October 5, 2006

"To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war" - Winston Churchill

I must admit, you're just about the best jaw-jawer here. If not the best.

geoffrey · October 5, 2006

"To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war" - Winston Churchill

I must admit, you're just about the best jaw-jawer here. If not the best.

I'm a big Black Dog fan, both the song and the poster, even though we rarely agree on anything.

Higgly · October 5, 2006

Hmmm... without starting another thread, would it really be the height of tastelessness to post a poll asking age? The age question does seem to come up at almost every election, so I thought there would be some basis for it... As for all that crap about them giving the vote to sixteen year olds... well, screw that! I was probably more informed than many who actually voted when I was sixteen, but that doesn't mean I should of gotten the vote. It will always be an issue of full citizenship to me.

That's a good idea. Have members divulge their age. Then you could have another one letting people comment on how old they act.

M.Dancer · October 5, 2006

Hmmm... without starting another thread, would it really be the height of tastelessness to post a poll asking age? The age question does seem to come up at almost every election, so I thought there would be some basis for it... As for all that crap about them giving the vote to sixteen year olds... well, screw that! I was probably more informed than many who actually voted when I was sixteen, but that doesn't mean I should of gotten the vote. It will always be an issue of full citizenship to me.

48 on sunday....

......in my country they have a national long weekend of thanks for my birth.......

Biblio Bibuli · October 5, 2006

I'm a big Black Dog fan, both the song and the poster, even though we rarely agree on anything.

Here in Vancouver someone drives a car with the personalized licence plate 'BLACK DOG'.

I always wondered if it's BD.

Higgly · October 5, 2006

Black Dog is also a euphemism for depression.

sharkman · October 5, 2006

I'm a big Black Dog fan, both the song and the poster, even though we rarely agree on anything.

Here in Vancouver someone drives a car with the personalized licence plate 'BLACK DOG'.

I always wondered if it's BD.

Huh, what does he drive?