Why do we do it?

G

gedenke

New member
Hi fellow firing liners. I pretty sure that's a word...I think.

Now, before I begin, let me say, this site has been an invaluable learning tool for me, and the knowledge and helpfulness of most of the members here is absolutely amazing. However...

While I don't like to admit it, I occasionally catch myself engaging in pointless debates and utterly useless back and forth banter on this forum. Then, usually a little too late, I realize I'm wasting my time, maybe getting suckered in. Some call them trolls, or mall ninjas, or whatever. Oh, the beauty of online forums, anyone with an interweb connection and an expert opinion is free to join.

But once in a while, I find myself posting comments in response to someone who clearly is a fool and merely blabbering on about something they have zero experience or knowledge of. Why do we do this? Are we trying to fix them? Posting just to post? Are we trying to show them the error of their ways, or prove that we're smarter? I don't know. Heck, I've probably been the fool in someone's eyes more than once! (I hope not!) Anyway, I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else has been in my shoes? Feeling a little silly for taking the bait, I guess.

I think I should step off the soap box and just go shooting. Practice what I've learned, and work on making whatever gun I choose to take that day an extension of my body. Happy shooting friends!
 
gedenke said:
...I find myself posting comments in response to someone who clearly is a fool and merely blabbering on about something they have zero experience or knowledge of. Why do we do this? Are we trying to fix them?...
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Speaking for myself, I'm not trying to fix them. But in general I'd rather not leave bad information out there unchallenged. Often it's the type of bad information that could get someone into a lot of trouble or at least put someone onto a nonproductive path.

By responding and offering a counterpoint, I can at least, sometimes, plant the seeds of skepticism or doubt in those whose positions aren't yet irremediably set.
 
I quit posting on sites a couple of years ago. I asked about living with a antigun family member. Long story short the responses I received made me mad. That is not what I expected from my so called pro gun peers. This is a really great site I learned all of my reloading from here. Thanks guys.
 
gedenke,
I feel your pain, I too found myself debating a point that I really didn't even care about. After reading my own post I realized I was being foolish, now all was not lost because I did learn not to debate with anyone via text. I will offer my opinion and/or experiences and let everyone make up their minds as to the value of that which was offered.
I still make mistakes but thats part of the education process.
Ignorance can be cured but stupidity is terminal!
 
As I age I have less and less tolerance for getting into discussions that are counterproductive. A little over a year ago I routinely visited (a few times a day) 4 forums. 2 of them I just decided it was of no use to me to keep visiting, so I just quit going to those sites.

One thing I like about this forum is that it is monitored, and really stupid stuff is deleted or closed. I have had posts deleted, but it is all just fine. To me it seems more really stupid stuff gets canned here quicker than most forums.

The forums that I just cannot go to anymore are the ones who proudly say they are uncensored.

David
 
Sometimes I actually know what I'm talking about. Other times I post because of ego and/or just wanting to hear myself talk. Over the years I have learned to not stick my foot in my mouth so far that I can't pull it out. (This post is mostly to hear myself).
 
I will offer my opinion and/or experiences and let everyone make up their minds as to the value of that which was offered.
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Excellent statement. All we can do is try to help. If someone chooses not to listen that is their choice. I've learned a lot on this forum, and almost without exception the people helping are willing to go the extra mile to do so.
 
+1 to what olddav & DavidAGO said. And it was well said.

This is in fact one of the better forums out there. On another unnamed site, which has much to do with evil black rifles, I have learned a ton about building and upgrading my ARs. However, that site is overflowing with the above mentioned idiots! And they're free to spout off at will it seems. A lot of them are like unsupervised children.

Another thing that's a little frustrating, is when I or someone else post an honest question, and it is either soon forgotten or not answered, or both. The thread quickly turns into a multi page, off topic p***ing match with self-proclaimed "experts". Of course, as mentioned above, I'm guilty of joining in, though I'm FAR from an expert on anything!

I think olddav pretty much nailed it, and that's what we (I) need to stick to.
I will offer my opinion and/or experiences and let everyone make up their minds as to the value of that which was offered.
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I know I've probably offended a lot of people on here, made them mad, and there's probably a thread on how stupid I am floating around. Every now and then I do find myself wanting to argue. Sometimes I feel like I have an amazing answer to someone's problem but a few people try to make me look like an idiot. Which, I'll admit, is easy to do at times. I do feel like I'm a part of the average gun owners though, a groyp most of the "experts" and beginners overlook, so I feel the need to express my opinion and hope someone takes notice. I used to frequent a truck forum, it was very popular, but it was mostly idiots trolling. The experts of the forum have long left and I rarely even visit. I just go to help steer new people clear of stupid ideas.
 
I have been following this tread and have really enjoyed reading the posts so I guess it is time to add my two cents.

It does not matter which site or what kind of site you are on there are the “so called experts and the “real” experts. Often it can be hard to determine which is which.

The one thing I always try and keep in mind is each one of us has had different experiences and done and tried different things. This means we are all experts in an area where we have hands on experience.

I have done things and posted those experiences and had folks call BS but I know it is true and factual – I was there – LOL!!!

I try and keep an open mind and in most cases a closed mouth.
I try and avoid getting caught up in a spitting match because as I stated we all have different experiences and knowledge of a subject.

I have learned much from this site and others and one thing is you need a thick skin and don’t get caught in the troll net.
There are some folks out there that are just trolls; they are looking for an opportunity to make someone look foolish and many are very good at it.

This comment here pretty well sums it up for me “I will offer my opinion and/or experiences and let everyone make up their minds as to the value of that which was offered.”
 
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The staff members of the Firing Line are experts on multiple firearms related subjects. Some members are also experts; Bart B may be the best example of a true expert. The rest of us rely on our training, if any, and our experience, which ranges from a few weeks to 60 or 70 years. This is a superb forum for learning. :)
 
As Frank pointed out, to keep bad information from being spread unchallenged.

Bad firearms information can get someone injured, killed, or a felony charge pretty quick.
 
I've learned numerous valuable things from threads here on TFL.

I've also learned the value of discretion. As in

"I could get worked up about this post; but it won't change anything, so I'll just go play with my handloads."

TFL is certainly one of the best firearms resources on the internet.
 
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