Why all the arguments?

[Kinslayer]

Just my view on the bickering currently going on in IW at the moment. I've noticed that in the last few weeks, even before events in America, people around me(myself included) seem to be down. Is this because of the fear of an oncoming recession? Is it just the fact that winter's nearly here? Who knows and what do people think? The phrase "carefree" seems to be disappearing from the human vocabulary. Personally, I'm finding my job a major chore at the moment and all motivation seems to have disappeared from my life, both for no reason I can think of. Is it just me noticing this or do others feel the same? Either way, the internet and IW is meant to be a fun way of escaping the daily gind so why are so many people bringing their problems along with them? The only answer is to leave everything at the door and enjoy IW for what it is, somewhere to have good conversation without being judged, somewhere to ask advice of others, somewhere to voice opinions tactfully, without being criticised, somewhere to joke with people and share common interests. Most importantly, it is somewhere to enjoy yourself!

[Epona]

Good points Kinslayer.
I think most of us are trying to inject a bit of humour and inspirational thinking into the place today, it has been a bit miserable the last few days - but then there is a war going on - it affects everyone.
We need a balance here of both the political/religious debate AND the light-hearted stuff.

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Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.

Epona of The Laughing Hyenas
Proud winner of the 'Most Useless Post 250 Has Ever Seen' Award 2001. "I'd just like to thank my friends and family, without whom none of this would have been possible..."

[skywalker]

Because everybody loves a good argument!

Monty Python's Argument Clinic
From "Monty Python's Previous Record" and "Monty Python's Instant Record Collection"


Originally transcribed by Dan Kay (dan@reed.uucp)


Fixed up and Added "Complaint" and "Being Hit On The Head lessons" Aug/ 87 by Tak Ariga (tak@gpu.utcs.toronto.edu)

The Cast (in order of appearance.)

M= Man looking for an argument
R= Receptionist
Q= Abuser
A= Arguer
C= Complainer
H= Head Hitter


M: Ah. I'd like to have an argument, please.
R: Certainly sir. Have you been here before?
M: No, I haven't, this is my first time.
R: I see. Well, do you want to have just one argument, or were you thinking of taking a course?
M: Well, what is the cost?
R: Well, It's one pound for a five minute argument, but only eight pounds for a course of ten.
M: Well, I think it would be best if I perhaps started off with just the one and then see how it goes.
R: Fine. Well, I'll see who's free at the moment.

Pause

R: Mr. DeBakey's free, but he's a little bit conciliatory.
Ahh yes, Try Mr. Barnard; room 12.
M: Thank you.

(Walks down the hall. Opens door.)

Q: WHAT DO YOU WANT?
M: Well, I was told outside that...
Q: Don't give me that, you snotty-faced heap of parrot droppings!
M: What?
Q: Shut your festering gob, you tit! Your type really makes me puke, you vacuous, coffee-nosed, maloderous, pervert!!!
M: Look, I CAME HERE FOR AN ARGUMENT, I'm not going to just stand...!!
Q: OH, oh I'm sorry, but this is abuse.
M: Oh, I see, well, that explains it.
Q: Ah yes, you want room 12A, Just along the corridor.
M: Oh, Thank you very much. Sorry.
Q: Not at all.
M: Thank You. (Under his breath) Stupid git!!

(Walk down the corridor)

M: (Knock)
A: Come in.
M: Ah, Is this the right room for an argument?
A: I told you once.
M: No you haven't.
A: Yes I have.
M: When?
A: Just now.
M: No you didn't.
A: Yes I did.
M: You didn't
A: I did!
M: You didn't!
A: I'm telling you I did!
M: You did not!!
A: Oh, I'm sorry, just one moment. Is this a five minute argument or the full half hour?
M: Oh, just the five minutes.
A: Ah, thank you. Anyway, I did.
M: You most certainly did not.
A: Look, let's get this thing clear; I quite definitely told you.
M: No you did not.
A: Yes I did.
M: No you didn't.
A: Yes I did.
M: No you didn't.
A: Yes I did.
M: No you didn't.
A: Yes I did.
M: You didn't.
A: Did.
M: Oh look, this isn't an argument.
A: Yes it is.
M: No it isn't. It's just contradiction.
A: No it isn't.
M: It is!
A: It is not.
M: Look, you just contradicted me.
A: I did not.
M: Oh you did!!
A: No, no, no.
M: You did just then.
A: Nonsense!
M: Oh, this is futile!
A: No it isn't.
M: I came here for a good argument.
A: No you didn't; no, you came here for an argument.
M: An argument isn't just contradiction.
A: It can be.
M: No it can't. An argument is a connected series of statements intended to establish a proposition.
A: No it isn't.
M: Yes it is! It's not just contradiction.
A: Look, if I argue with you, I must take up a contrary position.
M: Yes, but that's not just saying 'No it isn't.'
A: Yes it is!
M: No it isn't!
M: Argument is an intellectual process. Contradiction is just the automatic gainsaying of any statement the other person makes.

(short pause)

A: No it isn't.
M: It is.
A: Not at all.
M: Now look.
A: (Rings bell) Good Morning.
M: What?
A: That's it. Good morning.
M: I was just getting interested.
A: Sorry, the five minutes is up.
M: That was never five minutes!
A: I'm afraid it was.
M: It wasn't.

Pause

A: I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to argue anymore.
M: What?!
A: If you want me to go on arguing, you'll have to pay for another five minutes.
M: Yes, but that was never five minutes, just now. Oh come on!
A: (Hums)
M: Look, this is ridiculous.
A: I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to argue unless you've paid!
M: Oh, all right. (pays money)
A: Thank you.

short pause

M: Well?
A: Well what?
M: That wasn't really five minutes, just now.
A: I told you, I'm not allowed to argue unless you've paid.
M: I just paid!
A: No you didn't.
M: I DID!
A: No you didn't.
M: Look, I don't want to argue about that.
A: Well, you didn't pay.
M: Aha. If I didn't pay, why are you arguing? I Got you!
A: No you haven't.
M: Yes I have. If you're arguing, I must have paid.
A: Not necessarily. I could be arguing in my spare time.
M: Oh I've had enough of this.
A: No you haven't.
M: Oh Shut up. (Walks down the stairs. Opens door.)

M: I want to complain.
C: You want to complain! Look at these shoes. I've only had them three weeks and the heels are worn right through.
M: No, I want to complain about...
C: If you complain nothing happens, you might as well not bother.
M: Oh!
C: Oh my back hurts, it's not a very fine day and I'm sick and tired of this office.
M: (Slams door. walks down corridor, opens next door.)
M: Hello, I want to... Ooooh!
H: No, no, no. Hold your head like this, then go Waaah. Try it again.
M: uuuwwhh!!
H: Better, Better, but Waah, Waah! Put your hand there.
M: No.
H: Now..
M: Waaaaah!!!
H: Good, Good! That's it.
M: Stop hitting me!!
H: What?
M: Stop hitting me!!
H: Stop hitting you?
M: Yes!
H: Why did you come in here then?
M: I wanted to complain.
H: Oh no, that's next door. It's being-hit-on-the-head lessons in here.
M: What a stupid concept.


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(If this is too long I'll delete it out, just say the word!)

Mark

as long as they are carefully constructed and worded one can never have enough debates or arguements. Argueing is a base state of being, Every were, every time there will always be arguements.

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In nomine Imperatis, guard our armour and our gaze; lubricate our projectile weapons that they do not jam. Bless and brighten the beams of our lasers; fiat lux in tenebris.

[Silver Cheetah]

Originally posted by skywalker: Because everybody loves a good argument! Monty Python's Argument Clinic From "Monty Python's Previous Record" and "Monty Python's Instant Record Collection" Originally transcribed by Dan Kay (dan@reed.uucp) M: Ah. I'd like to have an argument, please. R: Certainly sir. Have you been here before? M: No, I haven't, this is my first time. R: I see. Well, do you want to have just one argument, or were you thinking of taking a course? M: Well, what is the cost? R: Well, It's one pound for a five minute argument, but only eight pounds for a course of ten. M: Well, I think it would be best if I perhaps started off with just the one and then see how it goes. R: Fine. Well, I'll see who's free at the moment.

Thanks Mark, this is hysterical. But don't you think it warrants a thread on its own? People might miss it in here.... and that would be such a shame!!



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Most Ecstatic and Exotic Mistress of the Illuminati

[skywalker]

Well Silver, how do I justify starting a new thread with this?


Mark

Newest and Humbly Prideful (?) Member of the Illuminati

[DragonMage]

Originally posted by skywalker: Well Silver, how do I justify starting a new thread with this? Mark Newest and Humbly Prideful (?) Member of the Illuminati

You justify it the same way I did when I started one over Crunchy Frog! It's a whopping good time and a great laugh!

P.S. - I've been listening to Instant Record Collection for the last few weeks, so it's nice to get the whole thing! (the tape is just exerpts (sp?)) Thanks!

In my opinion of why all the arguments lately - nerves are on edge and I see it compared to when you have a bad day at work and come home and fuss at your family. You don't really mean it, but your emotions get the better of you and you type and post before you fully realize the impact your post may have. Others may feel that they are under attack or may be responding to real or implied sarcasm. Just my 2c.

Edit: But I do appreciate you stating what should be obvious to us. Maybe this will help some cool down a bit and take a breath. It has upset me quite a bit lately to see so many getting angry with one another that I haven't posted in most of the serious threads. Better to stay out of it than to get dragged in.

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Alureth...Dragon friend of Breanna, Mage and Advisor in the Court of Lady Lioness

Co-Owner/Operator of the Evil Petting Zoo and devout member of the HADB clan.
Commander of the Dragon Fleet, IW Peacekeeping Force
Sublime Sister of the Illuminati - may the Light shine forever!
Second Historian and Scribe of IW. Mother Hen of IW.
Mage extraordinair, Pin-Up Girl for the OLD-COOTS
Magey-Wagey: performer in the Nekked Dancing Trio of the ORT.

Hopeless Romantic *sigh*

[This message has been edited by DragonMage (edited 10-10-2001).]

[skywalker]

If you like Monty Python, I stuck another sketch into the My Theory thread (apologies to Sir Real.)!

Mark

[Moridin]

Just my humble two cents on the matter

As DragonMage said, emotions are running high right now and it is only natural for those to spill over into every aspect of our lives. When your nerves are already at an end, it doesn't take much to turn a lively debate into a heated argument. It is too bad, but most of us are mature enough to recognize when we or others have crossed that line, and we can step back and count to 10 to cool off.

As for the seriousness of the board lately, I don't see anything wrong with it. Personally, I have come here recently for the serious discussions more than the laughter. I have plenty of fun and laughs at work and home, but do not get the mental stimulus that I get here on the board. The insight, analysis, and feeling that some of the members here show is absolutely amazing, and while I might not add anything to a topic, I really enjoy reading everything.

Also, I think we are a bit hasty in our assessment of the 'arguments'. While overall they may detract from the 'feel' of the board, it is still good to see that we have such diversity. If we all thought the same about every issue (even the funny and lighthearted ones) IW would become pretty stale and boring, and I think that is the fate that we are all trying to avoid!

Tata for now

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Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig
I've got to admit it's getting better, it's getting better all the time
Bossman of Better Funny Stuff.....of the Laughing Hyenas!

Originally posted by Kinslayer: somewhere to joke with people and share common interests. Most importantly, it is somewhere to enjoy yourself!

I hear what you are saying Kinslayer. I have felt a little tension here lately. But on the other hand I dont get stressed like a stranded Koala either. I will continue to post and reply in my disfunctional ways
If I write something in question I am probably just having a relapse of a off sense of humor kind of thing. I hope that in the future seperation of church and forum can take place,..heh..see, I didnt mean anything by that, marking each for which. Man, am I bad at this stuff or what
I can be serious,sensible,sensitive,sensational,self-sufficing,senual,sensless,and sellable. But not all at once. I have trouble useing the right words and end up mixing peoples thoughts up about myself. So most of the time I am happy just being my slow self and think that if I get myself into a daily rythym of jovial jollys other people will just laugh and say "whats up with his jestures" I have done my job...
Please dont go away freinds. You will start me (sensitive side ) Just ignore the threads that get you upset and blaze your own trails...but dont spam ok..I would love to visit your threads and I promise to behave as much as possible if I reply in them. There now I feel much better. Taking a deep breath now and I will be back!

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*\Conan/*