Originally Posted by
Roody
That's interesting. I see you the same way you see me: Arrogant, forceful, rude, off-putting. That's normal, because we disagree on an issue that we both feel passionate about. (Also, the Internet seems to exaggerate negative perceptions.)
You say it shouldn't even be an argument. Why is that? We disagree, so why would we not argue? I'm sure you would love for me to always agree with you, or at least pretend to agree. But that isn't going to happen, either here or in real life. If you say something I think is wrong, I'm not going to agree with you.
However, I will ignore you if I think you're an azzhat (like I'm ignoring two other people on this thread). But if I do argue with you, it means that I think you are interesting and challenging.
I'm sure that in real life you're a lovely person, and so am I.
The internet does exaggerate negative perceptions. I'm sure we could share a beer and get along just fine in person.
I say it shouldn't be an argument because when it comes to advocacy (which is the topic at hand) you can't allow it to become an argument or you will never sway the other person. People don't respond to that. They won't change their minds when pressed in that manner. You have to bring things to their attention in a way that they come to the same conclusions as you. That is advocacy done right.