Poll: Should Stem stay or go?

[_cafe crema]

anyway... I must hand over my LOTR nerd crown to Consiglieri. I'm not really up on the movies and he knew the meaning of the name shadowfax from the movie, in my opinion kicking me off my self appointed LOTR nerd throne. All hail king consiglieri!

Movies???!!?? I don't think true LOTR nerds rely on movies, those who rely on the movies would be equivalent to the "lukewarm".

[_honorentheos]

anyway... I must hand over my LOTR nerd crown to Consiglieri. I'm not really up on the movies and he knew the meaning of the name shadowfax from the movie, in my opinion kicking me off my self appointed LOTR nerd throne. All hail king consiglieri!

Movies???!!?? I don't think true LOTR nerds rely on movies, those who rely on the movies would be equivalent to the "lukewarm".

Exactly. As much as I like Consig, I wouldn't offer up your seat just because he pulled a movie quote out on you. Instead, give him a dose of something like this -

"Get out, you old wight! Vanish in the sunlight!
Shrivel like the cold mist, like the winds go wailing,
Out into the barren lands far beyond the mountains!
Come never here again! Leave your barrow empty!
Lost and forgotten be, darker than the darkness,
Where gates stand for ever shut, till the world is mended. "

[_honorentheos]

hahaha, so that's my excuse!!
I'm not familiar with Atlas Shrugged, but upon reading a little summary just now it doesn't seem like something I would have been drawn to as a teen; which likely explains my emotionally stunted adulthood.
haha

I'm also not extremely up on Ayn Rand, except that she's noted for developing a philosophical system she called Objectivism. (wiki)
I imagine when people pre-Rand were objective they had absolutely no term for it. Either that or they weren't being properly objective until Ayn Rand came along and described how to go about it.
How does one living in the early-mid 1930's develop the philosophy of objectivism? I didn't realize the art of being objective was that nascent. just kidding, playing with the phrase "she developed the philosophy system of objectivism" sourced from wiki.

It's better that you have no Rand encounters from your youth. The scars they leave, my friend. The scars they leave...

[_Ceeboo]

Good morning stem,

For several reasons, I believe you should stay.

A little advice, if I may.
This board offers a unique mix of posters (Many who are x-Mormon, never-Mormon, atheist, agnostic, UFO fans, and even a few pophets).

Clearly, MDB is not the best place if one is looking to share amongst people who believe/think exactly as they do (If one is seeking a board that offers a "safe zone" for a certain belief set, they do indeed exist)

for what it's worth, it is possible to gain perspective, knowledge, compassion, and understanding with people that you agree to disagree with. Respect and the extension of a friendly hand are the key ingredients that must be present for a rewarding exchange that can benefit all parties. (IMHO)

Lastly, I realize that you have not had the most pleasant experience here thus far (Perhaps part of the struggles we all face while communicating via typing on the internet), but I believe if you would consider pausing, reflecting, measuring, and considering what others post before you respond, your time spent here would become much more valuable to you as well as those who spend their time reading your contrbuitions.

I hope that came across as I intended it to.

Peace stem,
Ceeboo

[_honorentheos]

Hi Ceeboo,

I was curious if you viewed the following as being stem's issue?

Clearly, MDB is not the best place if one is looking to share amongst people who believe/think exactly as they do (If one is seeking a board that offers a "safe zone" for a certain belief set, they do indeed exist)

I didn't get that impression. Whatever I may think of stem's argumentation, I have never thought he was seeking a safe zone here on MDB.

In fact, I think it's the opposite. Stem seems to see exactly the attitude you are describing above taking place among the board-established. And I wouldn't disagree.

Where I think stem's real problem lies is in taking people like Stak seriously and giving a flying “F” if they don't want to talk to you. This board is highly democratic, as you point out, and if some people want to ignore everyone that doesn't meet some secondary standard that they have established that's their right as well. But it's not required that the board simply follow suit.

I've had a few questions pointed at me regarding why I still talk to stem. I blow that crap off. Who the “F” do people think they are to tell me who I can talk to or not? Good hell. If someone is my friend, they wouldn't do that crap. If they aren't, it doesn't matter anyway and I'm not standing in line to be their Huckleberry.

Anyway.

I thought your next paragraph did a great job of highlighting why I find this board valuable -

for what it's worth, it is possible to gain perspective, knowledge, compassion, and understanding with people that you agree to disagree with. Respect and the extension of a friendly hand are the key ingredients that must be present for a rewarding exchange that can benefit all parties. (IMHO)

It's worth consideration.

If stem needs to do anything, it's toughen up a bit and not let people get to him so easily. He's the minority here, (which is sad when you consider the board's intent is to discuss Mormonism while having so very few Mormon's with whom to engage). It's not an easy position to be in. As you know, my friend. We've been on that side of the exchange on MADB.

[_Ceeboo]

Hi Ceeboo,

Hey honor (Hope all is well in honor-land)

I was curious if you viewed the following as being stem's issue?

No, I don't think that it is stem's issue (I have my guess as to what his "issues" are but I am certainly not comfy posting those opinions, sorry.)

Whatever I may think of stem's argumentation, I have never thought he was seeking a safe zone here on MDB.

I agree :)

Where I think stem's real problem lies is in taking people like Stak seriously and giving a flying f*** if they don't want to talk to you.

Again, I agree and would add that taking things personal (all of us) is not only a common mistake on these boards, but it clearly places enormous mountains in the path of mutual discussion/benefit.

I thought your next paragraph did a great job of highlighting why I find this board valuable -

Indeed, I wrote it! (Jenn Kamp)

He's the minority here, (which is sad when you consider the board's intent is to discuss Mormonism while having so very few Mormon's with whom to engage).

I am not sure why that is the case (I have my guesses) but I also think it is sad that there are so few Mormons that frequent this place.

It's not an easy position to be in. As you know, my friend. We've been on that side of the exchange on MADB.

KIckin it with the atheists. LOL
On a more serious note, I have enjoyed my time here a lot.
IMHO, no matter what you happen to believe, there is a wealth of perspective/experience to gain from a huge variety of posters here (if only we could take a moment to get out of our own way every now and then).

Anyhooo, thanks for sharing your thoughts with me, friend.

Peace,
Ceeboo

[_Fence Sitter]

Yes

[_bluedream]

"Should Stem stay or go?"

I think Stem should do what's best for Stem.

My own impression is that you are often in this unnecessary "fight or flight" mode while participating here. Why do you feel so personally responsible for absorbing every criticism of the church? The church shouldn't reflect on you, nor you on it. Lighten up :)

[_Jersey Girl]

You know what, stem, either stand and deliver or go. But whatever you do, please avoid creating inane polls like this one.

[_Kishkumen]

I voted for "stay." I like stem well enough.