One big reason for the divisiveness IMO: If you aren't divisive you are talking to yourself

[Fumesucker]

Let's face it, divisive OPs get replies, often lots and lots of replies, those who post divisive OPs get attention, those who don't remain wallflowers.

You can tell the non-divisive but good OPs, they have more recs than replies, sometimes a lot more.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251669554

Just like out in real life, the glib talker gets the attention while the person who might actually have something to say that's worth listening to sits in the corner ignored.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024353051

How to write an OP in GD that sinks like a stone


1) Avoid snarky and divisive titles

2) Don't broad brush groups

3) Be serious and at least try to see more than one perspective

4) Avoid personal attacks on other DUers

5) Post about something other than the current GD obsession du jour

That's my top five, what are your hints and tips for writing OPs that are guaranteed to drop into total obscurity?

[MuseRider]

1. Very true

and then we respond from all sides and it becomes a fight. Then we post a post to taunt the other side and they respond and the fight becomes a riot and then we go to war and people get banned or silenced and then we complain about that. Now it almost always starts off as at least a riot and all discussion is done.

Controlling my hair trigger temper around here is very hard but I want to stay so I do control it.

[MineralMan]

2. Your guide to threads that sink is pretty much

spot on. You could add:

6) Have less than 1000 posts on DU.

7) Be MineralMan

[Bluenorthwest]

3. And yet the most divisive posters tend to post and run. Ironic.

It strikes me that being divisive and being a coward often go hand in hand.

[PowerToThePeople]

4. Talk about righting the wrongs of our past.