Reply #70: It is what many have said here

[Goblinmonger]

Just like you need to be REALLY funny to stay alive in The Lounge. I consider myself pretty funny, but I see many threads of mine die a fast death in The Lounge. They sink faster than Jimmy Two-Times in cement shoes.

In R/T, you need to bring your A game of argument. You can't just spout nonsense without several people calling you on it--fast and hard. I like that. Actually I love that. I was a high school debater. I debated in college, got my masters in communication and coached college debate for 8 years before returning to teach high school. I lived for debate. Coached a team that made it to the national finals in college.

That's why I like it here. I can argue with people and they will argue with me. Most of them are pretty damn good. You can't survive long here if you don't bring it. Now, is this tough on people that aren't solid in their beliefs? Yes. Is it tough on people that don't have thick skins? Yes. But DU has a place for them. I can't (and wouldn't) come into a group and argue the same way. But this is a forum.

And the other good thing in my mind, contrary to what many might say, is that there is no herd mentality. If I started spouting nonsense and hatred toward theists, I GUARANTEE YOU that the people that would come down on me the swiftist and hardest would be my fellow atheists. Trotsky, BMUS, sal, allen, strong atheist and the rest would have my balls so fast, the theists would have nothing left to feed on. And I would do the same to them. And they know it. And I think they like that just as much as I do.

So, hey, if you aren't strong in your beliefs, or you don't like being questioned, or you aren't ready to defend yourself, then don't post in R/T. That may sound harsh, but it is what it is. There are other groups more suited for those that are exploring, or don't like to be confronted. Try those places--I promise you won't be bothered there.

But if you like to mix it up--Bring it on. But be prepared to be served (to quote a shitty movie but a hilarious South Park episode).