Dear SDMB Participants,
I propose that we completely ignore posts and posters who show themselves to be insane.
This is not a new idea. In fact, I am reminded of Gaudere’s timeless classic, “For some reason, I cannot join in the praise of the insane trolls.” There have also been references to Coventry in the past. So I’m no innovative genius, no forward-thinking visionary.
I am simply sick of it.
Why do we do it? I can tell you why I leapt on the Mikey thread. I saw logical inconsistencies, and wanted to resolve them. I suppose in the back of my mind, I assumed that he would either admit his deception or vanish.
Neither has occurred.
Those that revel in this board’s purpose, in its strengths, hold reason and logic in high regard. Although at times fiercely partisan, we generally can acknowledge a contrary proof, a well-scored point, a valid alternative view. So when someone comes along who values none of these things, we (or I, anyway) find it difficult to abandon the tools of logic, debate, and reasoning. But these weapons are unavailing against someone who is willing to spin new identities, fantastic fables, and vituperative insults. We can’t win. He’s like the Hydra; cut off one identity (a daunting task in itself) and another one, or two, grow in its place. Yet we continue to post disproving facts, debunk claims, as though it will have some effect.
It won’t.
So I am suggesting – nay, pleading – with the rational folk that make up the vast majority here.
Stop feeding the conflict. Stop contributing to a thread when it becomes overwhelmingly clear that there is no good-faith effort on the part of the opposition to learn, debate, or exchange ideas.
Stop.
That’s all.
I don’t know if he/they will go away. I don’t much care. It will cease to be my concern. I’m working on my beatific Zen-like smile right now, in fact. It has a ways to go, I admit. But this is the right answer. Just stop.
That’s all.
Cheers,
Rick
