To read, or not to read
 

I've been on GC for a while now and, after reading threads like Gamma Chi, Greek Nicknames, MTV Sorority Life, and - most recently - the Banishment thread, I have a big question to ask...

So many times, people have said: "if you don't like it, don't look at it." My question to you all is: to read, or not to read? Are you someone that can ignore the controversial threads/posts? Do you always have to throw your $.02 in even if the same thing has been said five kabillion times or do you grit your teeth and deal with it?

I'm usually interested in hearing (reading??) what people have to say about various things so I pretty much read everything.

There are, however, some things that offend me. I know I'll get upset if I read certain things and there's no arguing with people in that mindset so I just avoid them and everyone goes home a winner :)

I read a little of almost every thread. When there is a controversial thread, I'll read it but most likely won't post. I do not want to get mixed up in all the drama when I do not have to. Now, if I really feel like I need to voice my opinion, then I will, but I don't think I've ever done that on GC as of yet.

If you don't like the drama, don't read it if it will upset you. If you can read it w/o getting pissed off, happy reading. :)

I read. For the most part, everyone's posts expand my horizons and makes me think about things from a different perspective.

Pretty much the only topics I avoid are the ones that are overtly sexual in nature. Not because I'm a prude, but because its none of my business what other people do in their bedroom, and I don't feel the need to share what goes on in mine.

But other than that, I will always read, read, read!

i always start out reading the threads. sometimes i skip over them because they don't look interesting to me. other times i get burnt out after reading the first 20 posts and seeing that people are bitching at one person and saying the same thing over and over again. i do like the threads that evolve and can discuss an issue with different twists. one thing i don't like and always choose not to read is the posts where people tend to dictate their views to other people. it's cool to put your 2 cents in, but the posts that bash other peoples views really are more offensive.

If I have time I will read everything...otherwise, I just check the topics that look interesting.

I don't think it is so much an issue of whether or not to read, it is moreso whether or not to IGNORE. You can read a post and not respond, or disagree with it and voice your opinion in a mature manner, OR you can act an a$$...the choice is yours. I enjoy reading everyone's opinions, even if I don't agree. I even enjoy reading posts that some are offended by, because the ensuing posts tell me who can engage in a mature discussion and who cannot.

I mostly read, intrigued by how people think and just hear how debates and opinions go down. There is hardly a post where I need to put my 2 cents in because everyone seems to handle the majority of views every time. I'll jump in to a few once in a blue moon...


AXPAlum

I'll read almost everything unless it is a thread like the uf pike banned thread where it is a bunch of back and forth biatching.

I usually skim through most topics but I don't always feel the need to throw in my .02.

Have a nice day :)

I read most of the threads but if people get grossly sexual or if they just start b*tching, I generally lose interest.

It's not always so easy to ignore, though. Last year, there was an offensive poster whom I put on "ignore". Well, first people started reposting her crap on other threads. Also, as a mod I began to get lots of complaints with her posts quoted.

Therefore, it seems like if a member is such a jerk that there's controversy, you might as well not try to ignore them--the offensive material will somehow end up in your face anyway.

It all depends on the amount of time I have. If it's a thread that began in 1910, I'll go from the most recent to the recent past.
We have new people posting all the time so I like to see what personality is coming aboard.

On interesting topics, I read all of it, but scan the side for the name of the poster. I will skip over a very few who I think are generally offensive posters or usually full of BS. If it's GOOD BS, I'll always read those. Plus, to judge a person by one or two posts doesn't clearly define them.

I like to hear what people think on most issues and I think it helps ME keep an open mind. Sometimes I can be 150% on an opposite point, but a few days later, the debate will pop in my head and I'll think, "Ya know, so-and-so made a pretty good point"

Some theads I just pass.

It depends on the time I have, my mood, and who is posting. I don't mind a heated discussion if the posts are not offensive nor sexist.

Honestly, after the Gamma Chi thing started, I just stopped reading bickering, long threads. For example, I didn't even get to read any part of the UF Pike thread till after it was closed.

Though I have my favorites, the poster doesn't matter much, it's the topics that I decide on. Anything interesting or controversial.

I think this brings up a good point. I like to read posts in which the topic interest me and sometimes I like to read posts by certain people. I like to put my two cents in when needed but if anything really upsets me I will pm that person unstead of posting it all over the thread. I also like to be objective and look at it from both sides. Example would be with UF_Pike, I found a lot of his posts very rude and a lot of them were funny. I wanted to see what this guy was really like. So I pm him and learned more about him in which I found him to be enjoyable and very nice. I don't like to judge people before I actually get to know them. Now I do get up set and I do voice my throughts but I try to be polite. I don't like up setting other people. And that folks is my two cents! :)