World, Writing, Wealth discussion
IMPORTANT: Info & Member Intros
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Senators
Nik wrote: "Within groups, GR only offers members and moderators positions, which is kinda dull. If compared to most other groups here, we have a relatively large number of members, participating in the runnin..."Over 1000 posts...😳 Oops?
Leonie wrote: "...Over 1000 posts...😳 Oops?..."Goodread's counter reads 1449 comments for you here. Thanks for your active contribution :)
Good idea, Nik.Thanks to all our Senators for sticking with us and contributing their thoughts to the group's conversations.
My reaction was similar to Leonies'. Indeed Oops :-)
I imagine your Oops would've been way bigger, if you knew by how many times more above the Senator's threshold you stood :)
Nik wrote: "I imagine your Oops would've been way bigger, if you knew by how many times more above the Senator's threshold you stood :)"Oh dear!. Now I am worried :-)
Hmmm. Senator Scout. Can I give myself a pay raise? What's 20% of nothing :-) So happy to have found this group and to have the opportunity to learn from all here.
Scout wrote: "Hmmm. Senator Scout. Can I give myself a pay raise? What's 20% of nothing :-) ...."Granted!
It'll have zero negative impact on taxpayers' disbursements
Scout wrote: "Hmmm. Senator Scout. Can I give myself a pay raise? What's 20% of nothing :-) So happy to have found this group and to have the opportunity to learn from all here."I'd like to sign on as a co-signer to that legislation...
Missed opportunity to post again - good job there is no quality assessment of posts and therefore my trash can continue
Philip wrote: "Missed opportunity to post again - good job there is no quality assessment of posts and therefore my trash can continue"Modesty is a rare gift for a Senator :)
Philip, as a rule something like half the senators are on the opposite side of most debates.
Lizzie and Papaphilly crossed the imaginary line of 1,000 posts and joined the Senators' circle. Congrats!No one else is near enough to join soon, but hopefully in the next coronafree year :)
I am not sure if this is a good thing or not. Only you can decide if my contributions are worthwhile. I will say I do enjoy this group very much. What catches my attention other than trying to see inside the mind of an author and the process (I read many more threads than I contribute too) is the lack of rancor on the politics threads. Believe me when I say it is a rare feat and one to be proud of.
Papaphilly wrote: "... Only you can decide if my contributions are worthwhile. ..."To me and, hopefully to many others, they definitely are, so many thanks for your insightful contribution
Hear hear - let's face it - it's hard to accept other opinions and sometimes even the expression of that opinion but like other beliefs opinion is just that - so roll on polite discourse and disagreement and I value those that disagree - I learn from you - even if I am right:-/
Phillip,You are always right even when you are wrong...8^)
Myk wrote: "I wrote a book that received a 4.7 rating on Goodreads. I have made it free until January 4th if anyone would like to check it out. Here is the synopsis:Fresh out of college with a pile of debt a..."
Hi Myk,
We have an announcement section, where you can open a new thread and reinstate your post. It has nothing to do with this thread, therefore deleted.
Philip wrote: "Hear hear - let's face it - it's hard to accept other opinions and sometimes even the expression of that opinion but like other beliefs opinion is just that - so roll on polite discourse and disagr..."I think it's easy to listen to opposing opinions if you feel your are listened to and considered. ie., it's easy to empathize with people who empathize back.
And the lack of noise and shouting helps. You pay attention more when everyone is rational. It's really a rare environment here in that respect.
Nik wrote: "Lizzie and Papaphilly crossed the imaginary line of 1,000 posts and joined the Senators' circle. Congrats!No one else is near enough to join soon, but hopefully in the next coronafree year :)"
I just looked at this thread for the first time. Didn't know I was up for such an infamous award. Do I get a badge or a bumper sticker? : -)
I think J.J. got it right - we all want to be heard and to know someone listened. Too many of us too often are so busy thinking of what we want to say in response in a coversation that we stop listening to what others are stating.
Lizzie wrote: ".... Do I get a badge or a bumper sticker? : -) ..."I think a drink would be better, but for this one of us needs to cross the ocean :)
Nik wrote: "Lizzie wrote: ".... Do I get a badge or a bumper sticker? : -) ..."I think a drink would be better, but for this one of us needs to cross the ocean :)"
No you can zoom call a drink.
Sounds like a solution of a sort, even time zones can be bridgeable. Can be intriguing, seeing live people behind the icons :)
Nik wrote: "Sounds like a solution of a sort, even time zones can be bridgeable. Can be intriguing, seeing live people behind the icons :)"What icon? I look lust like my picture...8^)
Papaphilly wrote: "... What icon? I look lust like my picture...8^)"Never doubted your monumental look :)
Papaphilly wrote: "the lack of rancor on the politics threads. Believe me when I say it is a rare feat and one to be proud of. ..."Thanks Papaphilly.
We have lost some members over the journey. It seems to me that some people take the muted partisanship as a negative rather than a positive.
For me, I'm a live and let live sort of guy, and I really want to participate in community rooted in our common humanity and common decency. The strident strike me as lacking in humility - something which I greatly value.
Philip wrote: "Hear hear - let's face it - it's hard to accept other opinions and sometimes even the expression of that opinion but like other beliefs opinion is just that - so roll on polite discourse and disagr..."Indeed. :-).
I have learned much from all the people who have generously contributed their thoughts in this place.
Graeme wrote: "Papaphilly wrote: "the lack of rancor on the politics threads. Believe me when I say it is a rare feat and one to be proud of. ..."Thanks Papaphilly.
We have lost some members over the journey. ..."
It is always hard when someone leaves especially when they are convinced they are not being heard. Trying to explain debating is a very high form of compliment because their opinion is worth arguing about is hard to get across. It is always fun for me to know I am debating an entrenched point of view especially if I can score points and knock their argument out from under my partner. it is even more fun when they actually know what they are talking about and I have to be on my toes or I get my argument knocked out from under me. Has not happened yet, but if it does....8^)
Nik - a drink works.Papa - I look like my icon; but my car has changed.
Graeme - I have "talked" with some of the members who have left these threads. I understand how they feel as several have said the same thing. Just got tired of American politics and really can't understand guns, denial of universal health care, attitudes towards minorities, women's rights, the issues around Covid and our argruments over how to deal with it, and similar topics. There have been many times during this past winter where I too felt weary from the same arguments and feeling like people lack what to me is basic human kindness in regards to some issues.
Everyone - I don't expect to change anyone's mind about anything. It is not easy to do so in the best of circumstances. I lend my voice to hopefully provide some balance. When I can help educate - reponding to American history or legal procedures - I have accomplished something of value ot me.
Lizzie wrote: "Nik - a drink works.Papa - I look like my icon; but my car has changed.
Graeme - I have "talked" with some of the members who have left these threads. I understand how they feel as several have ..."
Glad you're hanging in there Lizzie. I miss alternative voices. I like to discuss topics with people to sharpen my own understanding.
And frankly, discussion is an itch I scratch. I like to have people around me who think differently to myself, but are also willing to discuss their ideas in an open and honest way.
I admit I like to put across points of view that do not seem to be generally adopted, a sort of Devil's Advocate, if you like. I most certainly do not expect anyone to agree with me and I would be somewhat disappointed if anyone agreed with me all the time. Usually I try to explain the point of view because on any issue there is invariably an alternative view and in these days news seldom is balanced. And it is fun taking the other side.
Ian wrote: "I admit I like to put across points of view that do not seem to be generally adopted, a sort of Devil's Advocate, if you like. I most certainly do not expect anyone to agree with me and I would be ..."Generally, compared to post comments, I feel like I am the other side.
I tend to see the group as fairly balanced. I do not think anyone is totally on one side or the other and I certainly do not think any of us are ideologues.
I feel that my comments on the political threads are ignored and skipped over, so I'm no longer contributing. I guess my ideas aren't popular or maybe I've repeated them so often that people don't want to hear them, although someone else down the line will bring up a topic I've mentioned, and there's a discussion. That's okay, but I'm no longer going to waste my time responding. I do enjoy the other threads and will continue with them.
Scout, I don't think they are ignored, at least not by me, but quite often I do not respond because I don't see what I can usefully contribute. Further, in this group, we tend not to be "me too" posters, (unless there is something to elaborate) so maybe many are agreeing with you. I see no reason why yous should stop contributing.
I'm also not reading every thread and a lot goes past without me seeing it.Sometimes (often lately), I'm extra busy with work, family, or writing or all of the above.
Especially lately, I haven't had time to get across all the many conversations that are occurring.
I'm thankful to all the senators and members for their thoughtful contribution as well as for their critique. I don't realistically expect feedback on each of my posts or threads, but do enjoy company, different perspectives, which regularly bring new knowledge, and generally polite discourse.
Scout wrote: "I feel that my comments on the political threads are ignored and skipped over, so I'm no longer contributing. I guess my ideas aren't popular or maybe I've repeated them so often that people don't ..."So you prove my point. Both sides of the political line are feeling like they are ignored. that means that no one side is dominating the conversation. None should feel you are ignored because you do not elicit a response or because someone does not agree. Sometimes a little space is better for the conversation if for no other reason because it gives one time to think.
I agree. It was really time for me to take a break anyway. We just go round and round on many topics and already know what others think. I do miss Leonie, who felt ignored when she posted some things about Parler. I messaged her and apologized and hope she'll return at some point. We need different points of view here, I feel.
Scout wrote: "I agree. It was really time for me to take a break anyway. We just go round and round on many topics and already know what others think. I do miss Leonie, who felt ignored when she posted some thin..."Graeme wrote: "I miss Leonie too."
That one does deserve a "me, too".
I reached out to her some time ago and I think she is just done. I did tell her I could not change her mind, but I did not agree with the idea that her views did not matter. I let her know her views were actually very important. Wish she would come back, but I think that ship sailed.
I think people are losing the idea of debate. I am having a hard time understanding when someone cannot debate without losing their minds because someone disagrees. Me personally, I think it is one of the highest forms of compliment that you are worth debating. Most people think they state their idea and someone else has to agree. I also think there is a morally superiority involved. I am right because I am morally superior and I am morally superior because I am right. What I always find fascinating about this group is the total lack of vitriol. I left my last group because it became extremely ugly. I was as moderate their as I am here (except with illegal immigration of course) and they could not handle that I defended Trump for the same reasons here. They could not comprehend the idea of devils advocate or that he was a guy I was not a fan of, but defended the attacks on.
From my perspective, I frequently disagree with people, partly to be Devil's advocate, and partly to get across another point of view that might not be seen otherwise. My opinion is you cannot understand until you consider all points of view, and while I probably frequently put forward unpopular viewpoints, I am hoping that nobody takes them personally and I look forward to people disagreeing with me. If everyone agrees with me (most unlikely) I learn nothing.
I thought everyone agreed with me apart from all the ones that don't. Okay I agree with me most of the time but then again...I'll stop now...
In order to learn, we all have to question our own beliefs and we have to experience life. The person I was in my 20s and early 30s is very different from the person I am know, as our many of my beliefs. I grew; I learned and in the process I discovered I could change my mind abou the things I thought I knew. Age does have the benefit of experience, just not always the benefit of wisdom.
Papaphilly wrote: "I think people are losing the idea of debate. I am having a hard time understanding when someone cannot debate without losing their minds because someone disagrees. Me personally, I think it is one of the highest forms of compliment that you are worth debating. Most people think they state their idea and someone else has to agree. I also think there is a morally superiority involved. I am right because I am morally superior and I am morally superior because I am right...."Precisely. I have witnessed that too.
I've seen people view debate as unacceptable, 'tolerance.'
If you think of other original ways/positions or additional fun proposal, please, go ahead to suggest.
The info is readily available from GR, so it's not like I need to count manually or disclose anything not in public domain.
Apart from the moderators, we currently have 7 Senators:
Ian https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Scout https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
Mehreen https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
J.J. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Philip https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Leonie https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
and Marie Silk https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
while Lizzie and Papaphilly are very close to reaching the same landmark.
Of course, whoever doesn't want this extra attention can tender his/her resignation, or if vice versa - aspire for the same :)
As mentioned, comments and suggestions are welcome