How to deal with a tool?

Forums › Off topic › How to deal with a tool?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

jonathan18

7415 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2850

ID Verified

Trusted

#1068806 18-Jun-2014 19:33

Bobdn: Everything at is a "first world problem" and that's fine by me. If I want to talk about dysentery, low life expectancy, endemic corruption and no, or extremely poor, internet, I'll look elsewhere.

This isn't quite how I'd put it, but I'm certainly over the recent craze on GZ to label other posters' apparent complaints or criticisms 'first world problems'!

On related but wider matters, is it just me that's thinking there has been a real increase in snarkyness on GZ recently? I enjoy a debate as much as the next guy (possibly more than), but I sense a tonal shift that's not always been pleasant (note, I'm not suggesting the first-world problems comment is an exemplar of this, but more a sign off an apparent need to shut down debate or undermine the value of someone else's position, even if this is not done consciously).

Dynamic

4016 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1852

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1068840 18-Jun-2014 20:17

jonathan18:
Bobdn: Everything at is a "first world problem" and that's fine by me. If I want to talk about dysentery, low life expectancy, endemic corruption and no, or extremely poor, internet, I'll look elsewhere.

This isn't quite how I'd put it, but I'm certainly over the recent craze on GZ to label other posters' apparent complaints or criticisms 'first world problems'!

On related but wider matters, is it just me that's thinking there has been a real increase in snarkyness on GZ recently? I enjoy a debate as much as the next guy (possibly more than), but I sense a tonal shift that's not always been pleasant (note, I'm not suggesting the first-world problems comment is an exemplar of this, but more a sign off an apparent need to shut down debate or undermine the value of someone else's position, even if this is not done consciously).

I don't want to hijack the OP's thread, but definitely want to voice an opinion on jonathan18's comments. Hopefully I'll get away with it because we're in the Off Topic forum already!

Firstly, the 'first world problem' comments are typically tongue in cheek (as best I have seen). I've not noticed them being used to try and shut down a discussion.

Secondly, whether it is just because I'm starting to get old and crusty, or whether it is a real societal change I don't know. Something I have noticed in the last 10 years that significantly concerns me is the shutting down of legitimate debate with personal attacks on contributors by those with opposing points of view. One example is a personal one - I expressed what I thought was a polite and considered opinion opposing the gay marriage bill in a Facebook forum, and the responding comments were of such an appalling nature that I decided at the time to remove the post. In hindsight I wish I had held my ground.

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

hairy1

3352 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 644

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1068844 18-Jun-2014 20:26

jonathan18:
Bobdn: Everything at is a "first world problem" and that's fine by me. If I want to talk about dysentery, low life expectancy, endemic corruption and no, or extremely poor, internet, I'll look elsewhere.

This isn't quite how I'd put it, but I'm certainly over the recent craze on GZ to label other posters' apparent complaints or criticisms 'first world problems'!

On related but wider matters, is it just me that's thinking there has been a real increase in snarkyness on GZ recently? I enjoy a debate as much as the next guy (possibly more than), but I sense a tonal shift that's not always been pleasant (note, I'm not suggesting the first-world problems comment is an exemplar of this, but more a sign off an apparent need to shut down debate or undermine the value of someone else's position, even if this is not done consciously).

Perhaps this reflects the more general nature of issues that are now being presented on GZ these days. When GZ was smaller it was mostly tech but as the site has grown the overall audience has grown and topics have become a lot more varied.

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80657 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41065

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#1069036 19-Jun-2014 09:24

We are still essentially tech but in the Off Topic forum anything goes (or almost). As for the comments above I think it reflects the poor social skills/levels society is showing today. Its almost like extremism is taking over - "if you are not with me you are against me" and the extreme prejudice we see in every day relationships.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4