"A Day Without DU"

[Sammy Pepys]

All of the recent infighting and rumor-mongering got me thinking about something.

I think all of us, at one point, have decided a break from DU was needed. Obviously, there are a variety of reasons for this: other things going on in "real life", getting fired up about something beyond the point of productivity, things like that. It seems like a lot of us are at a point now where it would either be a good time to take a break, or maybe feel like we should take a break.

So here's an idea I have: Why not schedule a forum wide "Day Without DU" (which is sort of a misnomer for the idea, but read on)? Why don't we all pick a day, and instead of logging on to DU we do something in the "real world": volunteer at a homeless shelter, pass out leaflets for a campaign, write LTTEs...something along the lines of progressive action...all the while promoting DU with fliers or business cards or stickers or whathaveyou. We all get a breather from the craziness that can go on here some times, and we help make a difference while carrying the DU flag while we do it.

Now, I'm not suggesting this as some sort of method of boycotting/punishing DU...it obviously wouldn't be a permanent absense. In fact, I think it would be a great way to promote the site to folks who may not make it online as frequently as we do.

What does everyone think?

[OldLeftieLawyer]

1. Some of us multitask,

and do things in the real world, both charitable and professional, every day. You present life as an "either/or," and it's hardly like that for many of us.

Why leave DU? What's the point?

If you feel like you need a break, by all means, take one. But, I wouldn't miss my fellow foodies in the Cooking forum for anything.

What craziness, by the way? I've witnessed, and participated in some lively exchanges of opinions and ideas, but none of it was crazy.

Why on earth would you even discuss "boycotting/punishing DU"?

Your post seems to have a point, but I'll be damned if I can figure out what it is.

[Sammy Pepys]

3. OK, so one vote for "No"....n/t

.....

[BR_Parkway]

9. I just love that little X - it takes away all threads I don't want to be

bothered with. It's really a simple thing to do. Someone please take me out back and shoot me if I ever get to the point of agreeing with everyone about everything - my life would be pretty dull at that point.

It's all about what someone chooses to get worked up about. We all have our pet peeves (OMG - do not mention child support or that your grandfather would have been prosecuted for underage sex with a minor if he married your grandmother today but that it was ok back then), our favorites (Fitz - to talk about, ponder over, drool a little) and the things we avoid (all who's gonna be the nominee in '08)

Like everything else - you get out in par with what you put in. Don't want to see who's flaming who in the official Truthout/Rove Indictment thread #254? Don't click the link. Don't give a shit about anything Natalee Holloway? Hit that little X box beside the title.

Spend the time doing something for others instead. It really isn't that difficult. Priorities - everyone's got em.

[MADem]

11. And really, why "punish DU" for the actions of a few people

with whom the OP has a disagreement? It doesn't make sense to me, either. Stepping away from the keyboard is the best way to deal with any stress experienced from this site...!

[TallahasseeGrannie]

2. Nope, don't want to.

I'm addicted. Gotta have it.

[Asgaya Dihi]

4. I understand the point, but it's too individual

It can be a good idea to take a break from places if it starts to have an effect on your attitude, in the past with other boards I've found that a highly combative or partisan atmosphere can get to me after a while. That hasn't been a problem here so far, but if it ever starts to bother me a break would be due. Better to take a day or few off than get into silly and avoidable fights we'll regret later.

Seems too personal to organize, though the thought seems valid enough.

[lyonn]

5. This is a discussion board, that means different views

sometimes. If we all agreed we would be called republicans. Different ideas hopefully make one grow. For instance, some days DLC dems really piss me off as I feel they are trying to run the whole show, then a DLCer will do and say things I totally agree with. Besides, what do I know? Same with Leopold/Truthout, it's an internet site and are there to report what they believe or how they believe, same as the MSM. Looks to me like both have gotten stories wrong. We'd all love to see Rove indicted and our enthusiasm can get the best of us. After all, this is the worst government in history, of course we get angry.

[Rosemary2205]

6. I don't get it.

#1 - DU doing what it was set up to do IS a public service.

#2 - A good many of us spend quite alot of time in the "real world" helping our fellow earthlings in addition to time on DU.

#3 - The BBS, any BBS, is a useful social tool for those who, for whatever reason, have difficulty participating in "the real world".

Yes, there are some who are quite capable of getting off their glutes and doing something physical for someone else and just sit and yap all day instead. I suspect they are fewer than you may think.

This is all, of course, just my humble opinion.

[Catchawave]

7. Nah,

Some of us who live in the real world most of the time with butt-fugly, uniformed repukes, need our DU Fix !

Perhaps another type of challenge ? Like a whole day without criticizing Democrats !!!!1! :patriot:

[rman]

8. interesting suggestion, for each to take as they please

[Catherine Vincent]

10. No.

I come here just to get away from everything else.

[sfdiva]

12. I do enough in the real world ..

I am out almost everything doing politicking or some sort for governor .. So I disagree with your statement