Another day, another load of garbage in GD-P

[yardwork]

I believe that the majority of DUers want to discuss issues and candidates in a civil, reasonable manner. But every day we are overwhelmed with the usual barrage of absurd, over the top threads containing undocumented slurs and attacks on one or the other of OUR Democratic candidates.

Some of these threads are so ridiculous they reach the level of performance art. Unfortunately, it's an unpleasant art experience.

The mods and admins can only do so much. It's time for us - the thousands who post on DU - to take back this board. I have some humble suggestions. Please comment.

1. Let's not post in threads with OPs containing ridiculous or absurd assertions against either candidate. Let them drop to the bottom, ignored. Every time we post in one of these threads, it kicks them back up to the top. Instead, let's not post in them and let them wallow in deserved ignominy on page three.

2. Let's not get into flamish tit-for-tat arguments with one another. If someone disagrees with you, leave it at that. It's not necessary to have the last post in an exchange.

This is for starters. Suggestions? Feedback?

(This thread will probably sink like a stone, as I haven't said anything outrageous about either Obama or Hillary in it.)

[NightWatcher]

1. I like the "do not post and let it drop" suggestion

I love how people will ressurect a dying post on page 2 or 3 so that they can just yell "BS" and have it brought back to life.

[yardwork]

5. I've done that myself - by accident.

When I check "my DU" and see responses to my earlier posts, I tend to click on the link and respond to the response. Sometimes this resurrects a thread that was, as you say, on page three.

I should add a third suggestion -

3. Let's not respond to old responses to our posts if the thread is pointless anyway.

[Kittycat]

18. I have as well

In addition to getting caught up in the vile hatred and lies being spewn in the threads. I just had to put one such poster on Ignore. Despite her misleading and inaccurate threads - I was letting the argument get the best of me.

[Mabus]

23. LOL

I can't tell you how many threads have caught my eye because someone keeps it alive by telling the OP to drop the subject. It can be comical. Heck, it has happened to me more than once and I've posted to thank the person for continually kicking the thread and keeping it alive.

I love contrarians.

[flvegan]

2. Happy to be the first to Rec this thread.

:thumbsup:

[yardwork]

4. Thank you!

[underpants]

3. "Electoral math" is the new "cult"

Enjoy

[yardwork]

7. I don't have the vaguest idea what you're talking about.

Care to illuminate?

[underpants]

15. .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4550701

[yardwork]

25. Your point is that we have a big battle to win the general election?

I agree. That's why we need to pull together and stop tearing up Democrats.

[sam sarrha]

6. how do you turn it off..??

[yardwork]

26. If you mean, how do you turn off the garbage - I don't know.

Some people thrive on negative attention. If we stop giving them so much attention, maybe they'll go bother another message board.

[yardwork]

8. Yep, it's sinking like a stone.

[Bluerthanblue]

9. this is good advice, it requires

maturity and self-control ( both of which I often lack)

But it is very good advice, and I will try to use it myself.


thanks-

peace~

[yardwork]

12. Me too - I lack those things often as well!

But extreme times call for extreme responses. I will try to exercise - extreme self-control!

[beezlebum]

10. yes

it could work. i dunno, just a hunch, but it could werk! why didn't we think of this before???!?!?!?!? it's ingenius. ;)

seriously, it seems that would be common sense. but i say that and even i sometimes can't resist. but from here on out, i promise...to...try not to.

[JeffR]

11. Only thing I'd add other than giving this post a rec

would be to advise keeping "ignore" & "hide thread" in your quiver at all times. I resisted using both for years, but finally just got too ticked off by a lot of worthless crap. I've found they really do help to make DU the enjoyable, informative & entertaining hangout it used to be.

This particular forum reminds me of the old saying, "The only difference between a babbling brook and a babbling idiot is you can walk away from the brook." "Ignore" and "hide thread" allow one to walk away from the idiot.

Your suggestions are excellent.

[yardwork]

13. Thanks. I'm using "ignore" now - very lightly - but it's a relief.

[paranoid floyd]

14. I agree

Playing into each other's games is so counterproductive. Let the haters hate in silence. Huge kick and rec.

PS, l like your work Yardwork.I always thought that would be a great name for a band.

[yardwork]

27. Thanks! I'm a gardener, and I think "yardwork" as a reference to grass roots political action.

"Yardwork" as a band would have that reference to "The Yardbirds." It would be a good name for a band! You can use it - I don't mind. :-) If you are famous one day I'll say....

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

16. Actually, I've been doing that. I'd add

another positive thing you can do is to kick and recommend all THOUGHTFUL posts at GD: P, especially those focusing on issues and tactics for winning the GE.

[yardwork]

28. Good point - Let's kick and recommend all thoughtful posts and threads.

We CAN take control of this message board if we work together and agree on an overriding goal. If the majority of us value thoughtful discussion and civil arguments (as I think we do) we can push the troublemakers to the bottom of the board.

I'm not talking about censorship. I'm talking about rewarding thoughtful posts and threads and ignoring the ones that are pointless flamebait.

[Flabbergasted]

32. Good one. I 'm already doing the above as well.

[rodeodance]

17. Of course I agree. So many are flamebaits. It just goes on and on.

[Arkansas Granny]

19. I have been reading more and posting less and staying out of

the flame-bait threads. I have also started complaining to the name callers on their juvenile behavior.

[Scriptor Ignotus]

20. here here - eom

[IDemo]

21. I'm for kicking worthwhile posts, even from page 2 or 3, just to flush the garbage

Just a "." will do it. :)

[yardwork]

24. Another excellent suggestion! If we kick worthwhile threads, they push down the garbage.

[stevietheman]

22. Let's call it the "Protect Hillary" rule. :) n/t

n/t

[Jane Austin]

29. Super post.

Thanks for making it.

[yardwork]

30. Thank you, anonymous admirers, for my hearts!

I am very grateful to the three DUers who gave me hearts, including the one this morning! You guys are the best!

:pals:

[yardwork]

31. self-aggrandizing kick