Forums work better when those topics are in their own forum and hence, avoidable. If it didn't exist it would be all mixed in and it would be ugly. It shouldn't go away because at least this way you can see it on your own terms.

Exactly. Parf is mostly a place for people to call each other names. Just like in grade school. On occasion I venture in over there to see what the argument of the day is. It is pretty much the same every time.

PARF....yawn. Its the same people arguing about the same thing over and over and over. Pointless....

I don't think anyone said parf should be banned.

I still check it out sometimes (although must admit less and less) and post sometimes (ditto). Its biggest problem is its become boring.

The most interesting part is the psychological part. How having the ability to post (semi) anonymously brings out so many latent issues in people. Including people who claim to be highly educated, work at good jobs, own businesses, etc. There are a lot of angry, unhappy, socially inept people out there. Watching them get wound up and melt down was funny, but that gets boring too.

I was against the ot/parf split for a long time. But it was smart. Its not just a matter of ignoring threads or posts. Because those 5-10 compulsive and incessant posters end up infected all the threads. Parf helps keep them preoccupied, to the benefit of ot.

There are a bunch of people with opposing opinions that I like and respect.

Maybe it all has to do with the way your "differing opinion" is presented.

When you present it in an intelligent, mature respectful way, I'll glad sit and debate with you over a few beers or what ever and we can be friends.

But when you present it in a immature, condescending or arrogant way, then all bets are off. Especially if you present it by reveling, and gloating over the murder of one of our service members, then yeah, you're a scumbag and I'll piss in your beer.

I respond to give my heartfelt thanks.

Thank You.

This. I have friends with beliefs that run the gamut, and we frequently debate our beliefs over a few beers. But it is polite and intelligent conversation, and in the end we respect each others beliefs. Pelican is cool because generally you can have similar conversations here, unlike many forums. That is often not the case in PARF.

You can have these conversations in PARF, Matt. I do all the time. But it takes work. The temptation to jump into PARF and 'loose your bowels' on somebody so to speak is high. Plus the chaff is assumed to be greater here because we all know we have been warned not to enter.

I strongly encourage lurking in PARF as long as possible prior to posting to get a feel for the place. That way you don't start a fight. It can be devastating to say something really dumb in PARF.

Ask me how I know.

so, by definition PARF IS full of scumbags?
"intelligent, mature, respectful." certainly not PARF.

The probelm is simply that people don't respect other people's right to their own opinion. If no one is open to the fact they are wrong or that there is no right/wrong just, different perspectives..than it's not a discussion, it's a pissing contest.

I don't think too many here think that way. But there are a lot of folks who feel entitled to their own facts and then get really butthurt when someone calls them on it.

or put another way, it's dueling monologues of spoonfed narratives.

Maybe. My experience is limited. The few threads I've gotten in on were very one sided on matters that were completely subjective or there were more people catering to the bs than there were doing the calling out...majority wins.

Not at all. Didn't you read my first sentence ??:confused:

Sometime back in PARF, it was asked as to who owned a Porsche.
I think only two responses. So yes.... it has nothing to do with this sport car passion and all to do with "wards of the state" justifying their lives and decisions.

I can't discuss that stuff. Off Topic is pretty interesting. I check it daily but really wish that the contributors in PARF stay there and don't bring that crap to the Off Topic forum. Thank you.

PARF is just like any sport. You walk up, size up the competitors; make the decision whether or not you are in the right league and are willing to take your lumps. The jump in and test yourself. Most overestimate their abilities and are humbled. There are folks there that have debated essentially the same issues for ten years and know almost everything about some of the topics. It is like some if the tech help I used to post on the tech page. Ten tears later, the guys I taught have taught other guys who are now answering questions. I don't even bother unless no one else steps up.

Just jumping in, stating something as a fact that may or may not be true, and then being shocked that everyone doesn't just stand back in awe and worship your brilliance just shows that maybe you were not quite as well informed as you thought...or the entire country may not agree with you on a social issue...even if everyone in your hometown does.

Over the years I have seen a lot here that we're happy to wade in and throw a punch or two...then ended up here whining when the recipient of their argument didn't just lay down and admit defeat.

I agree the name calling gets old quick...but that usually indicates the person has no real argument/facts to share.

I liked it better before OT was split because people are quicker to resort to bad behavior...because it is PARF...and "people that have stopped posting there will welcome you to PP and insult the others posting there almost immediately here in OT. So many are predisposed to bad behavior.

The strangest thing I see here in OT is that some of the posters with the absolute worst behavior in PARF flock to any thread in OT to denigrate PARF posters as if to distance themselves. "Hey guys...me tooo!!! It is everyone but me!"

The only thing I care to argue is sports, those folks are far too witty for me. I enjoy some of the reading, especially the God debate. I share my opinion when asked & don't suffer personal attacks well. I type out big responses sometimes, but it's for my own good & I don't submit reply. yet

What forum does this belong in? :D


1. Teaching Math In 1950s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?


2. Teaching Math In 1960s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?


3. Teaching Math In1970s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?


4. Teaching Math In 1980s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20.


Your assignment: Underline the number 20.


5. Teaching Math In 1990s
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20.. What do you think of this way of making a living?


Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )


6. Teaching Math In 2009
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?


7. Teaching Math In 2013
Who cares, just steal the lumber from your rich neighbor's property. He won't have a gun to stop you, and the President says it's OK anyway cuz it's redistributing the wealth.

Sure didn't take long for some of the idiot "Locals" to jump on your posts with the innane comments!

I read more than I ever post and am always looking for that new someone with a fresh outlook. That's how I grow.

I find it's easier to address the rediculous with humor. There is nothing they know about me that I'm not already aware of, failures included.

Really, it's a perfect example of tribalism over there yet the "High Fivers" are really uncomfortable with that thought.

Re;Flintsone
I don't think that's always the case. Personally, I realized it wasn't worth my time or effort to argue with people that are set in their way have no intentions of ever changing their mind so what's the point. I guess it just boils down to, I just don't care enough. The people that do and like bickering all day can have at it, I just don't have the energy to sustain that.