This will be my final post for this blog. As the blog has progressed, it has become abundantly clear to me that the forum has been one of expressing ideas, but not a place to hear or to attempt to understand ideas (this is not intended to be a criticism, as I have admitted that I fall into this category as well); accordingly, I think it has become little more than a perceived obligation and source of frustration for me and likely for many of you. There are two key points that I was unfortunately ignorant to as I began this venture:
1. Only my own household would respond to the arguments.
2. A blog is simply no place for a discussion.
I’m not greatly bothered by the obligation to respond to arguments myself, except that I know I haven’t the time to do so given the nature of the blog. The second point, however, cannot be ignored. Regardless of which side of the coin you find yourself on, it’s clear that the vast majority of discussions have been little more than one monologue followed by another. I had thought that the discussions would be more succinct and less combative. What I found, though, is that the Comments section morphed into a debate-style back-and-forth, where the goal was not to listen, but to win. If you’ve attended a debate before, you know that virtually no one leaves the debate feeling differently than when he/she entered. As with a debate, rhetoric has seemed to be of paramount importance; as such, week after week has proven to be fruitless for all parties involved. The only reason I can think of to continue the blog is pride (really, that’s why it has gone this far); instead, I think I’ll simply concede to the fact that it has been a failure.
I’m always open to discussing different points of view and I appreciate all of the thoughts and ideas that were brought to the table. I relish the opportunity to explore some of the many topics this blog has brought to light. It is clear, though, that such discussions should take place in person (or perhaps in a less structured environment). I hope you’ll accept my apologies for cutting off at the midway point. I really think, though, that it’s best for all parties involved.
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2 comments:
Hey Randy,
I have enjoyed the debate quite a bit. It has led me to explore my thinking more deeply in many areas. I am sorry that you feel the endeavor was a failure!
I understand the time/energy factor. If you don't feel you have enough time/energy to respond to each argument, it can be difficult.
Yeah, at times a blog takes multiple posts back and forth to accomplish what a conversation in person can accomplish in a few minutes!
I still enjoy the blog format though. However, I think that two individuals writing letters back and forth can be a cool way to go. For instance I am enjoying the back and forth between "Common Sense Atheist" and "Thinking Christian" at www.discussiongrounds.org
They have been back and forth 7 or 8 times just establishing common ground. Interesting stuff.
Hopefully we can get together in person soon and enjoy some discussion!
Randy,
It is really too bad this did not work out the way you wanted it to. If it is any consolation, I had fun participating and I even made a new friend. So at the very least, I would consider this little adventure worthwhile. I took this as an opportunity to read several books and articles that I probably would not have read otherwise and I found myself approaching things from a variety of perspectives. I have especially enjoyed the conversations that have spun off of these 26 blogs.
If you change your mind and wish to continue discussing what you find to be most reasonable, I know that any of the participants of this blog would gladly join you in person or on an internet discussion board. Clearly we are all the type of people who enjoy discussing the intricacies of that which is.
I have to say that I am a bit surprised by the fact that you perceived these exchanges as ‘not to listen, but to win’. Have you another situation where 2-3 (4-5?) people read every word you write and then, as encouraged, offer explanations for why they do not see your point of view as the most reasonable? I guess I am not sure what you expected, but from the years I have spent on the internet, you will have a hard time find readers/commenters who are willing to ‘listen’ (at this length, some 200,000+ words of blog/comments!) better than what we have here. I submit that you found us ‘not to be listening’ because we were not persuaded by your arguments.
I wish you the best in the pursuit of what is most reasonable to believe. I also hope that one day we will be able to pick back up and cover many of the topics left in the air.
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