NationStates

I participate in the discussion on NSG every now and then. For me, it (edit: often becomes, not inevitably becomes) frustrating as people’s beliefs are dismissed or someone launches into a political talk show-esque spiel that- in my opinion- only invites others to rebut them with the same ferocity (which I would consider a chore to do).

So, what do you all get out of discussing things in the sometimes cold, sometimes infuriating atmosphere that is NSG? Personally, I see the responses of many people as food for thought, even if I am not always a fan of the delivery. But for those who are actively involved in arguing and rebutting, I wonder: what do you get out of doing that? Do you hope to reach an agreement/establish common ground? Change someone’s view? That brings me to another question: How often does that happen, and how can it happen more?

Absolutely nothing.

Are you talking about National Socialist General on 4chan's /pol/?

absolutely, positively, nothing. I don't convince other people, they don't convince me. Its pointless arguing at this point.

Muralos wrote:I participate in the discussion on NSG every now and then. For me, it becomes inevitably frustrating as people’s beliefs are dismissed or someone launches into a political talk show-esque spiel that- in my opinion- only invites others to rebut them with the same ferocity (which I would consider a chore to do).

So, what do you all get out of discussing things in the sometimes cold, sometimes infuriating atmosphere that is NSG? Personally, I see the responses of many people as food for thought, even if I am not always a fan of the delivery. But for those who are actively involved in arguing and rebutting, I wonder: what do you get out of doing that? Do you hope to reach an agreement/establish common ground? Change someone’s view? That brings me to another question: How often does that happen, and how can it happen more?

I usually block the bad faith posters, it’s best to ignore them. I’m open to engaging with people from a wide variety of political ideologies and perspectives otherwise, and have respectful debate

Eco-Nazbolistan wrote:Are you talking about National Socialist General on 4chan's /pol/?

NationStates, General. lol

I remember before I joined actively here I often would lurk the forums as it had interesting discussions. But the quality greatly declined in the past years tbh.

Muralos wrote:

Eco-Nazbolistan wrote:Are you talking about National Socialist General on 4chan's /pol/?

NationStates, General. lol

Have you ever been on 4chan's /pol/?

By expecting absolutely nothing, I am pleasantly surprised when I get something.

Arisyan wrote:absolutely, positively, nothing. I don't convince other people, they don't convince me. Its pointless arguing at this point.

Valid; this is me most of the time unless I really, really find the subject arguable (as in the recent “should there be police?” thread)

Nakena wrote:I remember before I joined actively here I often would lurk the forums as it had interesting discussions. But the quality greatly declined in the past years tbh.

Ah, I have heard... wonder why. More kids on the site? (no offense to them) More polarization in the US?

Eco-Nazbolistan wrote:

Muralos wrote:NationStates, General. lol

Have you ever been on 4chan's /pol/?

Nope and not interested... I am sure NationStates beats /pol/ by a mile!

Oh youngling. If you apply logic here, you will not last long. Embrace your crazy.

Really, more posts to the post counts. A lot people aren't aruging to actually hear the other side and change their beliefs, but to present their own opinions to try and convince others.

Muralos wrote:Ah, I have heard... wonder why. More kids on the site? (no offense to them) More polarization in the US?

Better content. Better and longer posts and more interesting discussion. Now most good users have left or are gone since a while, so its just always the same few regulars left those days. Shrinking userbase, insufficient fresh blood.

Muralos wrote:

Eco-Nazbolistan wrote:

Have you ever been on 4chan's /pol/?

Nope and not interested... I am sure NationStates beats /pol/ by a mile!

People outside NSG on NS consider NSG to be a containment board. lol

It's an outlet where I can vent some of my political anger, indulge my social needs, and make a few internet friends along the way. Wasting time here kinda helps me be a productive member of society IRL.

Visionary Union wrote:Really, more posts to the post counts. A lot people aren't aruging to actually hear the other side and change their beliefs, but to present their own opinions to try and convince others.

Post count is an expected result. Even when I was a mod back at 3DO, people went bonkers over post counts. Thought it was some kind of badge of honor and expected better treatment I guess.

Here at least we have the foundation dates to signify longevity.

Visionary Union wrote:Really, more posts to the post counts. A lot people aren't aruging to actually hear the other side and change their beliefs, but to present their own opinions to try and convince others.

I feel that way too, though I don’t mind reading some of those posts as I find them informative; it is just that, in my opinion, that they might not be helpful for discussion as much as long-winded argument.

Nakena wrote:

Muralos wrote:Ah, I have heard... wonder why. More kids on the site? (no offense to them) More polarization in the US?

Better content. Better and longer posts and more interesting discussion. Now most good users have left or are gone since a while, so its just always the same few regulars left those days. Shrinking userbase, insufficient fresh blood.

Muralos wrote:Nope and not interested... I am sure NationStates beats /pol/ by a mile!

People outside NSG on NS consider NSG to be a containment board. lol

Me too, most of the time! I still think that IC stuff is more rewarding than OOC discussions as they appear on NS, though I stop by now and then. Otherwise, why play this game?! To each their own, though.

And yes, agreed that there are just a handful of regulars who post rather predictable and expected things. I think it would be interesting, if not a really good thing, if some of them addressed other nations’ arguments in their posts... (granted, this desire of mine stems from my own biases)

Muralos wrote:

Nakena wrote:
Better content. Better and longer posts and more interesting discussion. Now most good users have left or are gone since a while, so its just always the same few regulars left those days. Shrinking userbase, insufficient fresh blood.



People outside NSG on NS consider NSG to be a containment board. lol

Me too, most of the time! I still think that IC stuff is more rewarding than OOC discussions as they appear on NS, though I stop by now and then.

Its more rewarding because people put more effort in reading + responding.

You can write some effort or content post on NSG, short or long and it get wasted. No responses or just slided down by next page, as a dozen people make some oneliners.

Then you make one controversial trash take, ideally containing some buzzword regarding trigger issues like "guns" "gender" "race" or anything similar and you'd get a lot responses. Because people feel like inclined to make a moral or political stance against or for something. Virtue signalling. So it's a symphony (or more a cacophonia) of signalling really most of the time. And if your post doesnt contains any of that, it will likely be ignored, because lack of signal in such an environment equals invalid content that merits no response.

The occasional information and funny stuff.

Used to be very frequent on here - now I prefer to lurk.

Nakena wrote:

Muralos wrote:Me too, most of the time! I still think that IC stuff is more rewarding than OOC discussions as they appear on NS, though I stop by now and then.

Its more rewarding because people put more effort in reading + responding.

You can write some effort or content post on NSG, short or long and it get wasted. No responses or just slided down by next page, as a dozen people make some oneliners.

Then you make one controversial trash take, ideally containing some buzzword regarding trigger issues like "guns" "gender" "race" or anything similar and you'd get a lot responses. Because people feel like inclined to make a moral or political stance against or for something. Virtue signalling. So it's a symphony (or more a cacophonia) of signalling really most of the time. And if your post doesnt contains any of that, it will likely be ignored, because lack of signal in such an environment equals invalid content that merits no response.

Wow, I think I’m getting that impression on NSG. A lot of replies I’ve made are glossed over, perhaps because they’re very short or very milquetoast when it comes to tone. That’s fine by me, but if NSG rewards polemical and fiery responses more than anything else, I’d rather not give into that, lol.

NSG is valuable only if you have poster's brain. If you don't then there's nothing to 'get' out of it.

Nilokeras wrote:NSG is valuable only if you have poster's brain. If you don't then there's nothing to 'get' out of it.

As in... the brain(s) to come up with ideas for posts?!

Muralos wrote:

Nilokeras wrote:NSG is valuable only if you have poster's brain. If you don't then there's nothing to 'get' out of it.

As in... the brain(s) to come up with ideas for posts?!

As in when you fly too close to the blazing sun of Being Online on your waxen wings and plummet, screaming all the way, into the ocean.

Nilokeras wrote:

Muralos wrote:As in... the brain(s) to come up with ideas for posts?!

As in when you fly too close to the blazing sun of Being Online on your waxen wings and plummet, screaming all the way, into the ocean.

Can confirm, have done this thrice.