General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThough I have been a frequent poster here, I have only posted once in the past week and a half
and that was a bit of humor that I posted hesitantly. This post is offered, not as a justification, but just as an explanation.
I find it increasingly difficult to post anything acceptable. Most of the OPs I have tapped out lately that really said what I thought needed saying have been scrapped by me---erased before posted.
I was not concerned that the post would violate the TOS. Been there/done that and I have survived.
I was not concerned that some would disagree. That's to be expected on any discussion board worth the name.
I am just tired---in general, to be sure--- but also tired of the nasty "edge" that seems to have grown more acceptable. This trend is by no means limited to DU, but this has been my home for a couple decades and here is where 98% of my political discussion occurs. Thus, to have my integrity or good faith questioned by those with whom I HOPE I agree about most issues has sort of "bled" me these past several months.
Before some begin typing "Don't let the door hit you in the ass!", I am not leaving. I am simply---for a while---stepping back; reducing my participation. I'm sure some will applaud that and some will say "Who cares?", but this explanation is offered to those who will do neither.
Stay safe. GOTV. "Do good work."
ananda
(28,837 posts)I like your rants.
AZ8theist
(5,418 posts)Response to Atticus (Original post)
Post removed
DemocraticPatriot
(4,313 posts)redstatebluegirl
(12,265 posts)niyad
(113,093 posts)question everything
(47,444 posts)Glad that other jurors thought the same.
redstatebluegirl
(12,265 posts)I do understand walking away for a while. I have done so myself for my mental health. Have a good break.
The Unmitigated Gall
(3,786 posts)Traildogbob
(8,684 posts)Differing opinions are expected. But there has been some vial assery of late. GQP I am right and fuck your opinion is spreading like Covid. Differences of opinion can be voiced in respectful manner. Or at least used to be. Just my opinion. No need for death threats.
Joinfortmill
(14,397 posts)Response to Post removed (Reply #2)
toasty This message was self-deleted by its author.
Xoan
(25,311 posts)Scrivener7
(50,922 posts)Arkansas Granny
(31,507 posts)Bettie
(16,078 posts)come back when you feel ready. I'll miss your posts.
ProfessorGAC
(64,877 posts)...i'll welcome it.
hibbing
(10,095 posts)MineralMan
(146,262 posts)One thing about being a frequent DU poster and becoming recognized, though, is that a lot of other DUers recognize your screen name. That's a good thing, but it can also be a bad thing.
DU, like every other discussion forum on the Internet has multiple factions of posters and readers. The more you post, the more you are remembered for your posts and the more you either entertain or antagonize various of those factions.
If, like many frequent posters, you sometimes post controversial things, you will be remembered even more. Again, that's good and bad at the same time. The more you are remembered, the more often some will remember you for some post(s) you made years ago that infuriated them. In fact, some will remember you only for a few old posts and will call those up in their minds and will respond as though the same old discussion is still current.
It's not just DU. It's every discussion forum ever that has participants who have been active for years as frequent posters. In some cases, a disgruntled poster will even maintain lists of links to those old posts that pissed them off, for quick reference.
It's an odd thing, really. But, if you're going to be a frequent poster who sometimes posts controversially, it's going to happen. It's best just to ignore those disgruntled members who only pop into your threads to make some arcane reference to a post you made years ago. It's inevitable, and will happen to anyone who posts frequently about hot-button issues.
You just have to roll with it. Most others in such threads don't even recognize the sly references. You just have to ignore them.
Stuart G
(38,414 posts)XanaDUer2
(10,557 posts)Maeve
(42,271 posts)Especially this past 18 months or so...
Recharge and return. You are missed when you are not posting.
LittleGirl
(8,280 posts)Im going offline while I stare at the ocean. Be safe all.
Joinfortmill
(14,397 posts)Dem_in_Nebr.
(299 posts)I, for one, will welcome you back!
Mr.Bill
(24,253 posts)which I hope will be soon.
BoomaofBandM
(1,769 posts)I even disagree with myself. I have trashed posts. I have put many on ignore, more now than in the past almost 3 years. I know, I am still an infant in DU land. I have never trashed one of your threads, I have never put you on ignore. I have enjoyed your rants. I wish you well and look forward to your return.
mopinko
(70,023 posts)my list is pretty long. just because trolls post here doesnt mean i have to like it.
life's too short for useless arguments.
redstatebluegirl
(12,265 posts)SWBTATTReg
(22,077 posts)and conversation once again. I, for one, have always enjoyed your thoughtful analysis on a wide range of topics, a major resource in my life and I'm sure that it is a major resource in others' lives too.
hlthe2b
(102,141 posts)Not only because ...well, life...
but DU is cyclical and some are more conducive to cordial discussion and "news-gathering" than others.
And...we all get cranky. I know I do.
Enjoy some time to regroup and do what you need to do.
gab13by13
(21,264 posts)we Democrats do not want to be like the GQPers who belong to a cult and parrot talking points. What makes the Democratic party great is about allowing rigorous debate on topics. Come back soon.
Tree Lady
(11,432 posts)Or I would have a high count being here since 2004.
I know we all have different opinions and I enjoy reading what people are thinking.
underpants
(182,632 posts)Come on. You know I just had to.
Come back when your done saving all those peoples lives. ❤️
bluesbassman
(19,361 posts)A couple years back I backed off from posting for similar reasons, and have just recently begun to post a little. I hope your downtime is brief, but I for one certainly understand and support your decision.
GusBob
(7,286 posts)DU has seemed to have become, in my opinion, "curmudgeonville" : humorless, overly sensitive, as well as less informative discussion-wise. reading comprehension has always been a problem and I have hides from attempts at humor as well.
As far as being a frequent poster, yes it could be reckoned that familiarity breeds contempt
I read your posts all the time
SleeplessinSoCal
(9,088 posts)The chaotic Kabul withdrawal, which of course caused us to go through a tr-ilevel hell - 1) observations on the ground 2) effort to tune out the politics 3) frustration that we went in at all.
Remember the expressions "Politics stops at the water's edge" and "Cheaters never prosper"? I call Not Any Nore. And it's driving us all nuts.
chillfactor
(7,573 posts)I don't post very often but I do enjoy reading yours. I know you have a tough, disheartening job so please rest up and come back when you are refreshed.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)And then again when I return. In my case, the place is so busy that one notices except a few friends, and knowing that is also beneficial and grounding in its way. DU and DUers will always be here doing their thing when you want them again.
See you later, Atticus.
NBachers
(17,083 posts)and Ill Be glad to see youre back when you return.
rurallib
(62,387 posts)do what you need to do Atticus. We only get one life.
FoxNewsSucks
(10,427 posts)usually thinking the same thing. Don't let the haters get to you.
Pissing off republicons, tRumphumpers, Dems who act like republicons or posters who defend Dems who act like republicons should be considered a badge of honor.
FakeNoose
(32,599 posts)For myself I've taken a 9-month break from Facebook, and I'm not sure if I'll ever go back.
People do argue and disagree here on DU, but the politeness and manners are evident also. I've have people apologize because they disagreed with me. The level of conversation is so much higher on DU compared to other boards, that's why I stay here.
But I do sometimes take a break for a week or two. I think we all do.
Just lurk for a while to keep your synapses firing, nobody will know.
Grasswire2
(13,565 posts)It's clear that some people come here just to fight or stir us up.
And some gang up on others for any of a variety of reasons.
Cliques even gang alert at times.
But there is a core group, and I consider you part of that group.
It is uncomfortable to think, when feeling an urge to write a comment, that someone is immediately going to jump on you for it. I don't like it, either. It feels like the way I used to feel when living with a critical, sour narcissist.
But the more the solid people leave, the more the mean people are emboldened. We never know what their true motive is. Many are agitators, clearly.
Crunchy Frog
(26,578 posts)that being very liberal with the ignore button has made being on DU a far more tolerable experience, at a time when I'm already stressed out to the max.
Paladin
(28,243 posts)left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)I agree.
I've thought of posting a similar thread, but shied away as I felt I'd just be attacked.
There seems to have been a decline in civility here the past few months.
Some comments to threads I have posted seem to want to bait me into an argument.
My 'ignore' list grows.
live love laugh
(13,081 posts)DemocraticPatriot
(4,313 posts)and that's whom I visualize when reading your posts. lol
Come back soon!
Cozmo
(1,402 posts)The Unmitigated Gall
(3,786 posts)The suit, the glasses, hair a little out of place.
Snackshack
(2,541 posts)Do what you gotta do for you. I have been posting on and off here since 06. DU goes thru its phases. Sometime the general disposition is good and other times it not.
At the end of the day DU is just another site on the internet. Dont let it get you down.
LudwigPastorius
(9,111 posts)Surely, that would help stem them.
malaise
(268,724 posts)Last edited Tue Sep 21, 2021, 09:56 AM - Edit history (1)
I love your posts
Pepsidog
(6,254 posts)malaise
(268,724 posts)Response to Pepsidog (Reply #97)
malaise This message was self-deleted by its author.
marble falls
(57,014 posts)... but stepping back once in a while is good, too.
What always occurs to me is that when I come back is I am ALWAYS pleased with how civil this place almost always is.
We're all always trying to find our way here, and I've always felt you were part of it
AllaN01Bear
(18,016 posts)i come here to stay insane. if i go sane ,who knows what might happen. camr after the gore v bush debachle and been here ever since . take care of yourself.
CaptainTruth
(6,576 posts)In this OP you said "I find it increasingly difficult to post anything acceptable."
IMHO one of the purposes of this forum is for us to post our thoughts, opinions, frustrations, joys, etc, & I would say that your thoughts & opinions are always acceptable. I would encourage you to not hold back on expressing yourself out of concern that some might find your comments unacceptable.
That being said, do what you need to do for your own mental health. A break can be a good thing. I also have been feeling tired lately & have had a bit of that "edge" in my attitude. In my case I think it's mainly because I've lost patience with anti-vaxxers & what they're doing to our country & that has caused me, to some extent, to lose patience with everything & everyone in general. I apologize to you & everyone else on DU if I said anything that offended you.
I look forward to more of your posts in the future.
Ilsa
(61,690 posts)NewHendoLib
(60,009 posts)captain queeg
(10,104 posts)Also once I discovered the ignore button that helps, but Ive only used it couple times. Nowadays I do t usually formally ignore but certainly do ignore some posts.
Karadeniz
(22,475 posts)can disagree without being snide.
Hekate
(90,565 posts)Its
disturbing. Times are hard: weve got Joe, but Trumpism remains. But my point about the ugliness of some of these very long threads is this: at what point do we become them?
Ive been trashing threads steadily. In the past couple of years Ive been alerting MIRT as never before.
Take a break. Do something good for yourself. The real world needs you whole and healthy, and so do we. Take as long as you need, Atticus. Well still be here.
There is a core group of contributors here who not only share information and valuable perspectives, but will also stand up against bullying. You're one of the best, Hekate.
3catwoman3
(23,952 posts)and may we be welcoming you back sooner rather than later.
Woodwizard
(837 posts)There are some on that just post a nasty reply or troll, a few of them have high post counts but never start a post of their own. I come here mainly to see the latest news, have visited the site since the shrub got elected.
It is not just here just about every forum I belong to over time has the same going on.
ancianita
(35,950 posts)Ohiya
(2,224 posts)I definitely understand not wanting to post. I rarely post.
cate94
(2,810 posts)I always appreciate your perspective and you frequently say what I am thinking. As you might have noticed, I am not much of a writer as evidenced by my post count, but I am an avid reader of DU. Ill miss your writing.
mountain grammy
(26,600 posts)and will be looking forward to you coming back full time.
NQAS
(10,749 posts)But I'm a fan. You are one of a handful of posters to whom my instantaneous response is, yeah, that's exactly what I should have written.
For all of its benefits - and I have also been here for a couple of decades - it can be stressful. Sometimes you just need a break. The space time continuum will not shred. My comments and posts have not changed a damn thing. Nor have the other 60 million or so posts. But it's good to know that there are others out there who share my world view. But that echo chamber thing also has a price. It reinforces anxiety and stress, and increases fear that things are not really going to get that much better. So, maybe it's not a bad thing to step back, focus on the good things in our lives - family, hobbies, pets, doing good work.
hunter
(38,304 posts)If I haven't responded to them it's not because I'm finding it difficult to post anything acceptable, it's simply that my politics are practical even as my own political ideologies are radical.
Thanks for everything you've brought to the table here, and hopefully everything you will bring.
MiHale
(9,664 posts)I enjoy reading your posts. People seem to be on a hair trigger lately. Answered many posts then just moved on without posting.
Enjoy your break.
godsentme
(69 posts)SallyHemmings
(1,819 posts)Breaks are underrated.
TFG, the pandemic, the MSM, and life can be exhausting.
Get some rest.
ffr
(22,665 posts)Because you say it way better than most of us can.
Take a breather. Reflect. Come back. You'll be doing us a huge favor.
packman
(16,296 posts)Seems like every other post gets an alert abuse claim.. Frankly, it seems as if their is a group targeting certain posters. While I enjoy reading and posting, like the above, it seems like my integrity and good faith in the aims and goals of DU is being questioned.
RainCaster
(10,842 posts)There have been a number of genuine a-holes responding here recently. My serenity has been far better off just watching Rachel and ignoring what DU has become. Take your time, and return when ready.
emmaverybo
(8,144 posts)pwb
(11,252 posts)wrong thing. Our progressive wing sometimes jumps to remedies without deep thought. IMO. I have ignored my share for many reasons. Some are recent joiners, some dumb asses, some that post often clog things up and run down some good post that people take lots of time writing. Update your jury list with people like the ones you write of.
We are a tough party made up of strong Union hard working people. We are not afraid. President Biden could call on the Unions to squash these tiny revolutions. Pukes are the weak not us. Hey Atticus, it don't mean nothin. You are welcome now or then. Peace, pwb
plimsoll
(1,668 posts)or "f*ck off" a lot of the time.
I also don't like what happens when I respond in kind. Someone commented earlier that the GOP has been coarsening the discussion. It's true, when you feel that the only response left is to be rude back it's time to leave.
I start to write plenty of the time, I post about 1% of what I write. The right can be solid because they will demand conformity. That's harder or impossible to achieve on left, and ideological purity should scare the hell out of all of us. We have a coalition, but some of us seem to have forgotten that.
Harker
(13,988 posts)Hope you'll heal up and come back as outspoken as ever.
DFW
(54,302 posts)There IS plenty of nasty stuff. People piling on you for some perceived slight, or due to your responding to some post that was meant as bait to make you vulnerable to getting pounced upon. There are plenty of posts I just don't respond to for that very reason. There are a LOT of good people on here, but there are the inevitable lonely souls who need to take out their grievances with the world on posters they find on an internet board because there are no repercussions, or, if there are, they can just click them away. It is a fact that "Get a Life" is not enforceable in a court of law. If you know any German, or have a German-English dictionary, look up the word "streitsüchtig." Some people are literally that. I guess "chip on their shoulder" comes closest to a translation.
But don't think that's only here. I have met members of Congress that I was all ready to hate and they, much to my frustration, turned out to be nice people. Worse yet, I have met ones that I totally agreed with and admired, was all ready to have a great kumbayah session with, and they turned out to be assholes or phonies. You can't imagine how frustrating THAT is!! Luckily, that hasn't happened in quite a few years.
If it any consolation, figure the people who are systematically being mean to you--or anyone else, for that matter--are probably lonely, unhappy, and wish they could have a tenth of the emotional stability you have. When I run into that, I try to let it slide, or pull off a Jen Psaki move (she is the master, I am the lowly peon by comparison). Count me as one of those who will neither applaud nor say, "who cares?" I'm not here constantly, but I care. But I know, too: that and fifty cents............
hamsterjill
(15,220 posts)Its gotten worse than Ive ever seen it. Same people most of the time, many acting in concert it feels like. Maybe Im imagining it
I find I post less and pick and choose what I read. There are definitely some agendas being forced of late. Pity, too, because that does very little for unity.
proud patriot
(100,704 posts)been a long long time for me ..
all my best Atticus
Piasladic
(1,160 posts)fifty bucks says you post before midnight tomorrow.
BTW, I thoroughly like your Covid wine tasting test- I too am nervous.
Wicked Blue
(5,821 posts)Come back soon!
BigmanPigman
(51,570 posts)and have noticed exactly what you have mentioned.
MissMillie
(38,533 posts)I enjoy your posts.
Demsrule86
(68,504 posts)your posts and I like arguing...we can discuss (argue) without being uncivil right? Any way you add much to this board and I am relieved you are staying...post an OP...let's roll!
drmeow
(5,013 posts)why my post count is so low despite being here for 14 years
MustLoveBeagles
(11,583 posts)When I see this I rarely step in as I don't like confrontations. Most of the time I end up ignoring or trashing those threads. I still find it amazing that I even post at all. I lurked for years to afraid to speak up.
I can't say I've agreed with every post you've made, but it's clear you've always put a lot thought into them. I respect that and you. I'm truly sorry you've been feeling beaten down lately. Take all the time you need to recharge your batteries. Everyone needs a break once and awhile. I look forward to your return.
Evolve Dammit
(16,702 posts)Joinfortmill
(14,397 posts)niyad
(113,093 posts)just have to take a break, for our physical and emotional well-being. That being sai, I hope it is a short one. You are valued, and needed.
intheflow
(28,443 posts)I stepped waaaaay back during the run up to the 2016 election. Between the infighting over Bernie and Hillary, and the folks who made fun of Trump, dismissing out of hand the possibility he might win... man, I really stepped back, for 2-3 years. I've never been able to find another place like DU, though, for thoughtful discussion amidst the detritus, and so -- here I am again.
Wishing you a health-full break. See ya 'round the funny pages at times.
Until then, stay safe. GOTV. "Make good trouble."
hlthe2b
(102,141 posts)decades now, have taken time off to rejuvenate or to shrug off the not infrequent cycles of... I'll just say "craziness."
Enjoy some time to refocus on some other things and then head on back. We'll be here (eventually, at least... )
DownriverDem
(6,226 posts)I agree about the tone out there. I find it depressing. My rant of being tired is related to our lack of votes. Without the votes the Dems can't get their agenda passed. When the votes are close, the games begin more than ever. Sadly, too many folks give up then just when we need them to step up. Hang in there.
cilla4progress
(24,718 posts)unfortunate!
PatrickforB
(14,561 posts)generally. Oh, you are angry about so many things, and so am I. So are many of us here.
You've had some righteous rants - I haven't always agreed with your assertions, but most times I do.
So don't be leaving just yet...
One last thought: There are a whole bunch of people on DU. Most don't really post much, but they all read posts here from time to time. Who know, Atticus, but what something you have said on here has made a substantial difference in someone's life? To my mind, that is the only really worthy goal in life - to live in such a way that your little corner of the universe is a better place because you have lived. I'm better because of some of the people on here, who have taught me a great deal. You are one of those people.
gldstwmn
(4,575 posts)There were days when I wondered who is actually posting here these days. I recognize so few posters from when I originally joined under my old screen name in 2003. There was a very clear objective back then. Things seem a bit more scattered these days. But I stepped back and came back and it's okay. I hope it's gets better for you too.
live love laugh
(13,081 posts)Bluesaph
(703 posts)Ive been here for about 18 years and some people are easily agitated and quick to report nonsense. Its getting worse.
Raine
(30,540 posts)I post less myself because of it. Even reading posts here is difficult anymore because of the meaness and lack of empathy showing.
applegrove
(118,502 posts)alwaysinasnit
(5,062 posts)your thoughts, and even more, your sense of humor. Recharge your batteries and come back when you're ready.
femmedem
(8,197 posts)The person reached out to talk about a mental health issue, and instead of being supportive or empathetic, the first person who responded replied in a cutting, holier-than-thou manner. I knew at the time that it would hurt a vulnerable member of this community, and sure enough, that person has nearly stopped posting, and the few posts they made have not been self-revealing.
We're all human beings living through a stressful, anxiety-provoking time. None of us want to come here to participate in discussion only to be attacked, shamed or vilified.
I'll miss your posts, Atticus. I often don't read through all the responses so I didn't know it has been happening to you too. You absolutely don't deserve it.
Fortinbras Armstrong
(4,473 posts)I told a puerile arsehole that he was a puerile arsehole. This was deemed "bullying". This is my second such suspension. The first was because I took exception to another bully for her lying. I had told her that she regularly called people names, and her response was, "You are the liar. I never call people nasty names." I replied, "You just called me a liar, so your statement that you don't call people names is itself a lie." This was also deemed "bullying".
BornADemocrat
(8,166 posts)Nobody will recognize me, and that's just fine. It's just not been worth it to post much this past year or two.
BornADemocrat
(8,166 posts)Nobody will recognize me, and that's just fine. It's just not been worth it to post much this past year or two.
Roisin Ni Fiachra
(2,574 posts)You stay safe and do good work as well, Atticus.
ShazamIam
(2,564 posts)relentless in not allowing discussions outside of a narrow political boundary. Most of all I was surprised that some pretty nasty comments directed one user to another are allowed to stand while others are removed?
malthaussen
(17,175 posts)Alas, the trolls and bots are relentless.
-- Mal
MLAA
(17,254 posts)H2O Man
(73,513 posts)I always enjoy and respect your contributions here. I also post less frequently, in part because of the very reasons you note, and partly because there are other options for more meaningful conversations than those found on tweets or bumper stickers.