Dissent is Healthy

Author: * Seshat Taharqa - 4 Posts on this thread out of 380 Posts sitewide.
Date: Sep 20, 2008 - 15:09

I agree with Luna; this topic has various underlying problems. I was talking with Mr. Marius (Maria Marius’ husband) this morning on the phone and he pointed out that it’s a difficult time right now in the world at large: in the US we have the election coming up, financial problems and energy problems. Outside of the US, there is the worry about terrorism and everyone is keeping a close eye on N. Korea with Kim Jong Il’s sickness as well as what the Russians will do next. It’s a stressful time outside of AncientWorlds and we maybe be bringing that stress here with us.

I have to respectfully disagree with there not being any dissent, even among Scribes. If we do not have dissent, we cannot have fruitful discussions. Goldfest, for example has been a festering wound that would not heal without a good lancing. The image galleries and other site bugs also cause a large amount of site-wide angst. We do have to remember that Scribes are first, and foremost paying members of this site. We should have a say within public as well as behind closed doors, whether it is positive or reflects our growing frustrations within the site. If the demis feel I need to be given a “vacation” for my voicing of my discontentment, then that is their choice. This is the third world I have Scribed in after all and the Good Lord knows I could use a vacation.

Personally, I do miss AncientSites and how we only had festivals which were relevant to the worlds in which they were held. I miss the academic discussions (full of dissent as they were), where people actually dissected ancient cultures, their military genius, their beliefs and their daily lives. We don’t have that here anymore and I think it’s because of all the shiny objects which turn our heads: ‘hood development, articles (who can have a discussion when it’s not posted on an open board?), and the hard-nosed political correctness that seems to define every aspect of our lives here. Back when we didn’t have to be so PC, we had fun and we had wonderful discussions. There were fights, yes, but what better way to get the blood flowing as well as ideas?

As for people being “immature” in their posts, some people like to make light of topics when they become too heavy and still voice their opinions. It’s a defense mechanism of sorts and something I learned to do while reprimanding my children. I can be quite serious when I choose to do so, as you can see from this very post. There are no smiley faces or light comments. I cannot promise, however to continue to do so from this point onward. If someone is lacking a sense of humour, then that is not my problem.

I have also kept the discussion where it began. I do not wish to confuse those who are following along. I believe in some cases that it is best to leave well enough alone.