To read, or not to read

LeslieAGD · #1 07-08-2002, 08:53 PM

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?

KillarneyRose · #2 07-08-2002, 09:08 PM

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

SATX*APhi · #3 07-08-2002, 09:17 PM

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.

greeklawgirl · #4 07-08-2002, 09:18 PM

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!

josh8o · #5 07-08-2002, 11:21 PM

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.

librasoul22 · #6 07-09-2002, 12:13 AM

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.

AXPAlum · #7 07-09-2002, 12:24 AM

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

Thrillhouse · #8 07-09-2002, 08:57 AM

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.

AOX81 · #9 07-09-2002, 09:21 AM

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

Have a nice day

carnation · #10 07-09-2002, 09:26 AM

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.

justamom · #11 07-09-2002, 05:05 PM

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.

h2oot · #12 07-09-2002, 06:10 PM

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.

newbie · #13 07-10-2002, 03:52 AM

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.

Dionysus · #14 07-10-2002, 10:17 AM

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

UDZETA · #15 07-10-2002, 03:05 PM

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!