Happy Atheist Forum

One thing I come across every so often from a few atheists is the "I wish faith worked for me" attitude. It's true that this more often expressed by fictional characters, such as Jack Nicholson from The Bucket List, but other well known religion bashers such as Trent Reznor even say things like,

Quote from: "Trent Reznor"I just don't understand how people can blindly believe a bunch of the shit they're fed, to believe it so that they don't think too hard about other issues. 'Be a good boy and you'll go to heaven.' If it works for you, fine, but it doesn't work for me and that pisses me off because I kind of wish it did.

Has anyone else felt this attraction to blind faith? Because honestly I don't understand it. Having experienced it myself I find the secular view much more fulfilling.

Quote from: "Sophus"Has anyone else felt this attraction to blind faith?

Good question, thanks.

Hmm...  I can't say I have an attraction to blind faith, but if it happens sometimes, and it feels good, I don't argue with it too much.

I often have this sense that dead relatives are looking over my shoulder, giving me a helpful nudge now and again.   It's based on no evidence whatsoever.   I'm completely clear about that.   I'm not interested in convincing anybody else, even myself, that it is factually true.   But it feels good, and hurts no one, so when it happens, I let it happen.

What I have an attraction to is connecting with the real world which, for me, involves a setting aside of the world of abstractions in my mind, including theories about theism and atheism etc.  

And I'm sorry to report, you guys are not helping at all in this regard.    

I am pretty sure I would be happier if I thought that when I died I would go to a massive theme park made out of clouds, I would be able to see my family, all my friends again and have a gay old time for the rest of eternity, who would not love that? That kind of self assured, self comforting world view must be great for those of us who are willing to believe it. It brings loads of other benefits, the ultimate father figure, the ultimate shifting of responsibility, a community of peers to re-enforce your view of the world. If, for some reason, it all turned out to be true, god stepped down from the heavens and told us all that he was real, and that everything was going to be OK, who wouldn't like that? That world view is so attractive, it has a childish attraction to it, this warm sense of someone else making everything better for you, it is understandable that people make themselves fall into the most outlandish thought processes to sustain their happy clappy delusion. They don't see their obvious logical failings as a problem, they have their eyes on the prize.

I would be willing to bet that if you told most fundies, that one day, they would be atheist, they would be horrified at losing all the perks being religious brings, they would not be cognisant of the downsides, as they must be ignored in order to keep their proffered view of the world plausible.

As for whether I would choose a life like that, that is an entirely different matter. If your wife was having an affair, you would be much happier if you never found out, but even in  your state of ignorance, you would want to know.

I will admit the only thing I envy of religion is an afterlife. Sometime I wish I was able to have the ignorant bliss of beliving I'll live forever after I die. Honestly though I would think eternity would get old. Forever is LOOOOONNNG time eventualy you would do everything, know evrything, see everything. Then you would be stuck with an eternity of extreme bordom and no way to end it.

Quote from: "Tanker"I will admit the only thing I envy of religion is an afterlife. Sometime I wish I was able to have the ignorant bliss of beliving I'll live forever after I die. Honestly though I would think eternity would get old. Forever is LOOOOONNNG time eventualy you would do everything, know evrything, see everything. Then you would be stuck with an eternity of extreme bordom and no way to end it.

I think the thing you have to remember about pretending about anything is that once you start pretending, any restrictions you place are also just you pretending.  So a lot of people wouldn't think of boredom as a possibility, because in their fictitious afterlife, you would simply never get bored.

The pretending is the act of stating we have even the slightest clue whether there is an afterlife or not.

How, exactly, does faith "work?" To me, saying "I wish it worked for me" is the same as saying "I wish I could be stupid enough to keep playing three-card monte."

Quote from: "i_am_i"How, exactly, does faith "work?"

I can provide proof that faith and prayer works, should anyone be interested.  

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "i_am_i"How, exactly, does faith "work?"

I can provide proof that faith and prayer works, should anyone be interested.  

Please proceed.

Quote from: "SSY"I am pretty sure I would be happier if I thought that when I died I would go to a massive theme park made out of clouds, I would be able to see my family, all my friends again and have a gay old time for the rest of eternity, who would not love that? That kind of self assured, self comforting world view must be great for those of us who are willing to believe it.

Lo, there do I see my father
Lo, there do I see my mother and my sisters and my brothers
Lo, there do I see the line of my people back to the beginning
Lo, they do call to me
They bid me take my place among them in the Halls of Valhalla
Where the brave may live.
Forever.

it does sound nice.

party with loved ones for eternity > rot in the ground

after saying all that i dont wish faith worked for me. just because it sounds nice doesnt mean i believe it.

Quote from: "Typist"The pretending is the act of stating we have even the slightest clue whether there is an afterlife or not.

No, pretending is the act of stating we have an afterlife without the slightest evidence of an afterlife.

Quote from: "Tanker"

Quote from: "Typist"The pretending is the act of stating we have even the slightest clue whether there is an afterlife or not.

No, pretending is the act of stating we have an afterlife without the slightest evidence of an afterlife.

Exactly. The lack of any evidence is a clue in itself.

Quote from: "Tanker"No, pretending is the act of stating we have an afterlife without the slightest evidence of an afterlife.

Yes, I think you've done a good job of bringing us to the heart of all these discussions.

It seems that many theists and atheists believe that a lack of evidence somehow proves their preferred position.

By this logic, our lack of evidence of 99% of the universe before Edwin Hubble's discoveries, only 100 years ago, would have been proof that billions of galaxies beyond our own didn't exist.  Except that, um, they do, as we now know.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Hubble (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Hubble)

This passion for claiming a lack of evidence as proof of one's position shows that many of us, theists and atheists, really aren't that interested in understanding the reality, but instead are focused on social positioning agendas.

Lack of evidence is proof of something though, our ignorance.

99% of the universe.  

We had no evidence of it.  

And yet, it is there.

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "Tanker"No, pretending is the act of stating we have an afterlife without the slightest evidence of an afterlife.

Yes, I think you've done a good job of bringing us to the heart of all these discussions.

It seems that many theists and atheists believe that a lack of evidence somehow proves their preferred position.

By this logic, our lack of evidence of 99% of the universe before Edwin Hubble's discoveries, only 100 years ago, would have been proof that billions of galaxies beyond our own didn't exist.  Except that, um, they do, as we now know.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Hubble (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Hubble)

This passion for claiming a lack of evidence as proof of one's position shows that many of us, theists and atheists, really aren't that interested in understanding the reality, but instead are focused on social positioning agendas.

Lack of evidence is proof of something though, our ignorance.

99% of the universe.  

We had no evidence of it.  

And yet, it is there.

I never said it proved anything. I think it's beyond ignorant to claim a lack of evidence against something, is positive evidence for something. The fact of the matter is if you make a claim then it's up to YOU to prove it not the decenter to disprove it.

I hearby state I can flap my arms and fly like a bird. Since you have no proof to the contrary it's possibly true, at least with your argument. I don't even have to prove it, you have to disprove it. (hint pushing me off a cliff, ect would be ME proving it)

Or how about since there is no proof a teapot does not revolve around the sun in an eliptical orbit one really could be.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell's_teapot

Quote from: "Tanker"I never said it proved anything.

And nobody said you did.

Quote from: "Typist"It seems that many theists and atheists believe that a lack of evidence somehow proves their preferred position.

Quote

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "Tanker"I never said it proved anything.

And nobody said you did.

I'm afraid you did actually.

Please adress my other points since they were the most pertinant.

Quote from: "Tanker"I'm afraid you did actually.

Perhaps you're right.  Let's find out.

Please quote the exact text where I did this.

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "Tanker"I'm afraid you did actually.

Perhaps you're right.  Let's find out.

Please quote the exact text where I did this.

Seriously...um look at the top quote box I already had it up there.

About my other points though, how about responding.

Quote from: "Tanker"Seriously...um look at the top quote box I already had it up there.

Sorry, I don't know what you mean.  Please quote the words of mine you are referring to.

Ok, here again is your words I'll further emphasis it.

QuoteIt seems that many theists and atheists believe that a lack of evidence somehow PROVES their preferred position.

I'm unsure if you are being delibratly obtuse or not. Regardless it seems as though you are however dilibratly not adressing my earlier points and are focusing on this miner part to not do so. Really this is far and away the least important part of my earlier post. If it will get you to actully engage the meat of my comment I'll agree your right. Hell I'll erase all previous treads on the vein of "proof" if it will get you to respond to the rest. Take issue with this if you want but reply to ALL my points if you would.

Quote from: "Tanker"I never said it proved anything.

Quote from: "Typist"And nobody said you did.

Quote from: "Tanker"I'm afraid you did actually.

Quote from: "Typist"It seems that many theists and atheists believe that a lack of evidence somehow PROVES their preferred position.

Please note the complete absence of any mention of you in this statement.

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "Tanker"No, pretending is the act of stating we have an afterlife without the slightest evidence of an afterlife.

Yes, I think you've done a good job of bringing us to the heart of all these discussions.

It seems that many theists and atheists believe that a lack of evidence somehow proves their preferred position.

By this logic, our lack of evidence of 99% of the universe before Edwin Hubble's discoveries, only 100 years ago, would have been proof that billions of galaxies beyond our own didn't exist.  Except that, um, they do, as we now know.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Hubble (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Hubble)

This passion for claiming a lack of evidence as proof of one's position shows that many of us, theists and atheists, really aren't that interested in understanding the reality, but instead are focused on social positioning agendas.

Lack of evidence is proof of something though, our ignorance.

99% of the universe.  

We had no evidence of it.  

And yet, it is there.

You were replying to me. Your comment was directed at me. You did infact inply this of me.

Again you focus on the mudane and do not reply to actual crux of my post. Forget this or at least reply to my other points as well as this.

Yes, let's forget it, good plan.

Quote from: "i_am_i"How, exactly, does faith "work?" To me, saying "I wish it worked for me" is the same as saying "I wish I could be stupid enough to keep playing three-card monte."

Sounds about right to me.  

To be honest I feel the opposite. Sometimes I'm afraid of becoming religious, getting brainwashed. I'm okay with dying someday. Heck, when I die, I won't even know that I'm dead.

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "i_am_i"How, exactly, does faith "work?"

I can provide proof that faith and prayer works, should anyone be interested.  

Still waiting for your proof.

Quote from: "i_am_i"Still waiting for your proof.

Whoops, sorry J, missed your earlier request.   I see it now.

Ok, here we go.  Are you ready to accept the Pink Unicorn as your personal savior?  

Sorry, seriously....

Here's the proof that faith and prayer work.

People keep doing it.

It's that's simple, once we look at it objectively, to see the facts, instead of to prove some agenda we've brought to the inquiry.

Does prayer change the weather, make us rich, heal cancer and the other publicly stated goals?   Not to my knowledge.  I can't really say.  I have no evidence of it.

Do faith and prayer meet the real goals, the unstated goals, of some people?  Does this process make them feel better, give them comfort, help them get through life etc.

For some, no.   And so they stop praying.

For others, yes.  And so they keep praying.   Billions of people, for thousands of years.

The fact that some people keep praying, shows that it is working for them, or they would stop doing it.

Quote from: "Typist"Here's the proof that faith and prayer work.

People keep doing it.

It's that's simple, once we look at it objectively, to see the facts, instead of to prove some agenda we've brought to the inquiry.

Does prayer change the weather, make us rich, heal cancer and the other publicly stated goals?   Not to my knowledge.  I can't really say.  I have no evidence of it.

Do faith and prayer meet the real goals, the unstated goals, of some people?  Does this process make them feel better, give them comfort, help them get through life etc.

For some, no.   And so they stop praying.

For others, yes.  And so they keep praying.   Billions of people, for thousands of years.

The fact that some people keep praying, shows that it is working for them, or they would stop doing it.

So faith works because people have faith. It's sobering to think of where science would be today if everyone shared your probing sense of logic.

Quote from: "i_am_i"So faith works because people have faith.

Not what I said J.    

I defined "works" in a simple practical real world way as, "achieving the real goals of the user".  

QuoteIt's sobering to think of where science would be today if everyone shared your probing sense of logic.

J, how about showing your own probing sense of logic, by going easy on the vague and lazy generalized emotion driven statements, and analyzing my logic with your logic, like you know, in real science.

You said:

Quote from: "Typist"The fact that some people keep praying, shows that it is working for them, or they would stop doing it.

All that the fact that some people keep praying illustrates is that some people keep praying. It's illogical to then try to infer that this is any kind of proof that praying actually works for them.

Quote from: "Typist"The fact that some people keep praying, shows that it is working for them, or they would stop doing it.

Quote from: "Jay"All that the fact that some people keep praying illustrates is that some people keep praying. It's illogical to then try to infer that this is any kind of proof that praying actually works for them.

Ok J, you have made an assertion.  A first step.  Now please explain WHY your assertion is correct, instead of simply stating it is correct.

As example, please explain why billions of people in every culture keep praying for thousands of years, if it doesn't work for them?

Quote from: "Typist"The fact that some people keep praying, shows that it is working for them, or they would stop doing it.

Quote from: "Jay"All that the fact that some people keep praying illustrates is that some people keep praying. It's illogical to then try to infer that this is any kind of proof that praying actually works for them.

Quote from: "Typist"Ok J, you have made an assertion.  A first step.  Now please explain WHY your assertion is correct, instead of simply stating it is correct.

As example, please explain why billions of people in every culture keep praying for thousands of years, if it doesn't work for them?

I haven't made an assertion, I just dismantled your assertion, such as it is.

Here's what you're saying:

1. Billions of people in every culture keep praying.
2. Therefore praying works for them.

There's absolutely nothing logical about that, it doesn't work, the center doesn't hold, and so on.

Quote from: "i_am_i"Here's what you're saying:

1. Billions of people in every culture keep praying.
2. Therefore praying works for them.

Yes, agreed.   That's what I'm saying

Eating works for them, that's why they keep doing it.

Sleeping works for them, that's why they keep doing it.

Sex works for them, that's why they keep doing it.

Praying works for them, that's why they keep doing it.

QuoteThere's absolutely nothing logical about that, it doesn't work, the center doesn't hold, and so on.

More lazy assertions J.  

Please provide your explanation of why all these people keep praying if it doesn't work for them.

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "i_am_i"Here's what you're saying:

1. Billions of people in every culture keep praying.
2. Therefore praying works for them.

Yes, agreed.   That's what I'm saying

Eating works for them, that's why they keep doing it.

Sleeping works for them, that's why they keep doing it.

Sex works for them, that's why they keep doing it.

Praying works for them, that's why they keep doing it.

Epic logical fail, equating survival needs to praying. This is called an invalid argument, a false value. Even an amatuer logistitian could see that.

Plain and simple, you're wrong.

Let me give you an example of good logic based on verifiable arguments:

1. Books are written by human beings.
2. The Bible is a collection of books.
3. The books contained in the Bible were written by human beings.

See how it works now?

Quote from: "i_am_i"Plain and simple, you're wrong.

Sorry J, apologies, but you seem to be too lazy at the moment to merit my time.

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "i_am_i"Plain and simple, you're wrong.

Sorry J, apologies, but you seem to be too lazy at the moment to merit my time.

Now with the ad hominem argument, I see. And I'm the one who's lazy?

Your valuable time might be better spent in boning up on the basics of constructing a logical argument.

J, my contributions to our exchange have been logic based.

It is also simply a fact, a logical analysis, that your reaction to this exchange has been lazy assertions, and nothing much more.

I addressed this at your request.  You have your reply.

Quote from: "Typist"J, my contributions to our exchange have been logic based.

Typist's proof that praying works:

1. Billions of people in every culture keep praying.
2. Therefore praying works for them.

That's what you call logic?

I'm walking away from this complete waste of time.

Jesus! Are you two married? That was epic! I enjoyed every second of that.

Hismikeness

Ha, ha, good one Mikeness.  

Yes, J's just mad that I won't have his baby.  

But did somebody say something about Jesus?   I might have his baby I suppose.  

Nah, on second thought, I'm sticking with the Pink Unicorn, which I can prove exists.   Yea, that's it.

Not to defend typist, as he is being a rather bothersome cun... wait... swearing is bad here... oops, but in a way he is correct (just extremely misleading in his original statement.)

If, for the sake of argument, we define "working" as "causing some sort of benefit to the pray-ee" then yes prayer works, just as meditation, therapy, placebos, and any other sort of such thing "work" for the patient.  Heck a positive mental attitude "works" too. However, to say "prayer works" without being explicit in your attempted definition in the attempt to garner shock value is just rather pathetic.

Typist, you might think you are being clever by your "technically that's not exactly what i said, teehee!" type attempt at legal-worded-loop-hole-'gotcha' posts, but honestly, it really just lets your less than stellar intellect shine brightly through.

Just sayin...

-Ihateusernames

PS: I do want to congratulate you once again on fulfilling your worldview tag perfectly though.  Good work ignorant person!

People have but grease or butter on burns for thousands of years.  They keep doing it.  That doesn't mean it works (it doesn't, it makes things worse), it just means that people believe it works.

Quote from: "Ihateusernames"If, for the sake of argument, we define "working" as "causing some sort of benefit to the pray-ee" then yes prayer works, just as meditation, therapy, placebos, and any other sort of such thing "work" for the patient.  Heck a positive mental attitude "works" too.

Yes, it does.  And guess what?     Working is what the "patient" cares about, not the theist vs. atheist holy war and the tap dancing fancy talk we philosophy nerds find so fun.  

Religion has invented prayer and faith, something that billions of people have voluntarily taken in to their lives for a couple thousand years now.  

Billions of people.  Thousands of years.  

So I ask you my new friends, can you, or your science, put anything on the table with that documented record of popularity?   Can you?   Got anything in your high tech tool box that people like this much?    Let's see your evidence, eh?

You know, if I was a bothersome cunt, I might say, "Put up, or shut up" here.  But because I'm not a bothersome cunt, I won't say that.  Nope, just not gonna go there.  :-)   I prefer the title Professor Blowhard though.  

QuoteTypist, you might think you are being clever by your "technically that's not exactly what i said, teehee!" type attempt at legal-worded-loop-hole-'gotcha' posts, but honestly, it really just lets your less than stellar intellect shine brightly through.

When we run out of logic to use to address the post, why not change the topic to the poster, and see if that works???

Here's the real deal guys.  You are passionately attached to your definition of works, because it's the one you need to play the superior to theists game.  Let's tango!

Don't feed the troll guys, that's all I'm saying.  If someone proves themselves disingenuous, conversation with that person will often become an exercise in futility.  At some point it's our fault for still reacting to what he says as if it's worth paying attention to.  Typist isn't looking for conversation, he's looking for a soapbox.

A guide to reading Typist.
read:

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "Ihateusernames"If, for the sake of argument, we define "working" as "causing some sort of benefit to the pray-ee" then yes prayer works, just as meditation, therapy, placebos, and any other sort of such thing "work" for the patient.  Heck a positive mental attitude "works" too.

Yes, it d...(now skip over to the next paragraph or two, as the words really arn't well put together or worth reading)

So I ask you my new friends, can you, or your science, put anything on the table with that documented record of popularity?  (Now answer one of his questions so he thinks you care)
  Umm... Eating? Breathing? Blinking? Heart beating? Nerve impulse firing? talking? sex? any biologic function? and oh so many more
You kno...(now skip again.. lalala...)

QuoteHowever, to say "prayer works" without being explicit in your attempted definition in the attempt to garner shock value is just rather pathetic.

(read the quoted portion of your own post, cus... well... you made it so... its gotta be good right?)

I'm a...(now skip again.. lalala...)

Ok, ok, so I AM a bothersome cunt, I admit it.  (notice Typist agreeing to a negitive statement about himself... annnd start skipping again) ...

QuoteTypist, you might think you are being clever by your "technically that's not exactly what i said, teehee!" type attempt at legal-worded-loop-hole-'gotcha' posts, but honestly, it really just lets your less than stellar intellect shine brightly through.

(read the quoted portion of your own post again, cus... well...  yet again you made it so... its gotta be good right?)


(and skip the rest, resting assure you have weeded out all the important portions of Typists posts, meaning: He admits he is a cunt, you answered one question so he thinks you care (and caring, even if it is pretend, is nice, afterall isn't it?), and you got yourself a post!)

-Ihateusernames

PS: Hope this helps everyone : )

PSS: I agree, dont feed the fire... however throwing a few tomatoes at it is always good fun!

Quote from: "pinkocommie"At some point it's our fault for still reacting to what he says as if it's worth paying attention to.

She said, while still reacting to what he says....

Quote from: "Typist"When we run out of logic to use to address the post, why not change the topic to the poster, and see if that works???

But it does work; I can prove it!

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "pinkocommie"At some point it's our fault for still reacting to what he says as if it's worth paying attention to.

She said, while still reacting to what he says....

This is not reacting to anything you've said. Rather, it's admonishing us to pay you no furthur attention, which I intend to start doing RIGHT...NOW.

Quote from: "elliebean"But it does work; I can prove it!

Yes, you can, because you're right, it does work.    

At least it works when the original poster is an ego soaked sucker like me.   I keep letting them get away with changing the subject from the post to the poster, to the hide the fact they can't keep up within the actual discussion.  My bad, nobody else to blame.

Quote from: "i_am_i"This is not reacting to anything you've said. Rather, it's admonishing us to pay you no furthur attention, which I intend to start doing RIGHT...NOW.

Ok J, fair enough.   Now let's see if you are actually loyal to your own declarations.

A little game...

The next time you reply to one of my posts....

You lose.

Ready, set, go!

See Ellie, I did it again, immediately.  There's no hope for me...  

Lets play a game... Guess who this is!----->(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-fc%2Ftomato.gif&hash=d882d07365499ab08d978d5d5e848329edd029c9)

Actually this is all quite fascinating, in a perverse sort of way.

Quote from: "pinkocommie"Don't feed the troll guys, that's all I'm saying.  If someone proves themselves disingenuous, conversation with that person will often become an exercise in futility.  At some point it's our fault for still reacting to what he says as if it's worth paying attention to.  Typist isn't looking for conversation, he's looking for a soapbox.

Seconded

There is super simple solution to this, which we can all agree on.   If we don't wish to read and reply to somebody's posts, we don't read and reply to somebody's posts.  Free scroll bars with every order!

Nobody is forcing us to read any post.  There is no obligation to do so.  Each of us is fully in control of, and thus responsible for, our own experience on any internet forum.

There is no problem.   Unless we wish to create one.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-fc%2Ftomato.gif&hash=d882d07365499ab08d978d5d5e848329edd029c9)

No I don't really wish it worked for me. But then again I don't wish to be brain damaged either. Might change my mind on both accounts if I ever decide to run for office, though...

Quote from: "Typist"There is super simple solution to this, which we can all agree on.   If we don't wish to read and reply to somebody's posts, we don't read and reply to somebody's posts.  Free scroll bars with every order!

Nobody is forcing us to read any post.  There is no obligation to do so.  Each of us is fully in control of, and thus responsible for, our own experience on any internet forum.

There is no problem.   Unless we wish to create one.

Typist, there is a problem, and as I judge it, you have created it and are continuing to foster it. This post is an informal request by me to you to knock off the baiting that you've been engaging in, read this forum's rules, and play nice.

As for other who are rising to take the bait, please don't. Keep this forum free from childish name calling. Thanks.

Quote from: "McQ"Typist, there is a problem, and as I judge it, you have created it and are continuing to foster it. This post is an informal request by me to you to knock off the baiting that you've been engaging in, read this forum's rules, and play nice.

As for other who are rising to take the bait, please don't. Keep this forum free from childish name calling. Thanks.

McQ, can you see that your post here actually contains nothing more than just an assertion?   You haven't defined what the problem is, or defended your definition.  You haven't explained how I alone created this problem.  You haven't explained why my post continues to foster whatever the problem is, but yours doesn't.   You're asking us to play nice, and not to bait, but you've just baited me, and accused me of things you decline to define.

I don't mind.  I'm not a victim.  

You have every right to say whatever you want.

And that's all I'm doing too.

Again, nobody is obligated to read any post on this forum.  What is so complicated about that?

Quote from: "Typist"

Quote from: "McQ"Typist, there is a problem, and as I judge it, you have created it and are continuing to foster it. This post is an informal request by me to you to knock off the baiting that you've been engaging in, read this forum's rules, and play nice.

As for other who are rising to take the bait, please don't. Keep this forum free from childish name calling. Thanks.

McQ, can you see that your post here actually contains nothing more than just an assertion?   You haven't defined what the problem is, or defended your definition.  You haven't explained how I alone created this problem.  You haven't explained why my post continues to foster whatever the problem is, but yours doesn't.   You're asking us to play nice, and not to bait, but you've just baited me, and accused me of things you decline to define.

I don't mind.  I'm not a victim.  

You have every right to say whatever you want.

And that's all I'm doing too.

Again, nobody is obligated to read any post on this forum.  What is so complicated about that?

This is not up for discussion or debate. Do you understand that, Typist? Yes or no.

You are completely free to not discuss it or debate it.

I wouldn't be discussing it or debating it either, if you hadn't brought it up.

Happy to drop it if you are.

Quote from: "Typist"You are completely free to not discuss it or debate it.

I wouldn't be discussing it or debating it either, if you hadn't brought it up.

Happy to drop it if you are.

Typist, this is your first official warning then, since you could not leave well enough alone and answer yes or no. Strike one.

Read the forum rules and decide whether you will comply with them or not. You have made some excellent contributions in a short time here, but have also decided to cause trouble by baiting people over several threads and creating trouble for no particular reason than what appears to be your own personal enjoyment. If you do not feel compelled to follow the forum rules, then you will eventually be banned for a week, then possibly permanently if you continue to disregard these rules.

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Hi McQ,

Quote from: "McQ"Read the forum rules and decide whether you will comply with them or not.

We share the same goal.  

Drop the "All About Typist" topic, and get back to being Happy Atheists (which I am _NOT_ preventing any member from doing).

How about this?  

What you see is what you get.   You now have a sample of what I have to contribute.  You like it or you don't.  

I'm sorry, but I'm not going to write to order anywhere on the Net unless there is a paycheck involved, including here.   Not arguing, really, just being clear minded and honest with you, so you can make your own decisions based upon the facts.   I'm not going to change anything about how I write.  

So, I have a concrete suggestion which can resolve this matter promptly.

Make a decision.  

 If you want more of what I do, drop the "All About Typist" stuff, and get back to the topic.  Allow your members to grow up, and take responsibility for their own reading and writing choices, and their own internal emotional situation.

If you don't want more of what I do, thats ok too.   In that case,  pull the plug on my account, ban me now, and we can both get back to the topic, you here, me elsewhere.

There are literally a million forums on the Net, so it would be silly of me to do the melodrama dance if you ban me. There will be no hard feelings, and all of that.  It's your forum, and your right to ban whomever you wish, and I agree with that completely.  

QuoteYou have made some excellent contributions in a short time here,

This is debatable, but thank you.

Quotebut have also decided to cause trouble by baiting people over several threads and creating trouble for no particular reason than what appears to be your own personal enjoyment.

Apologies, but this is just simply factually wrong.  Again, the facts are, some members have decided to read my posts, some have decided to reply, and some have decided to get upset.   They have every right to do this.  I have no complaints.  But I do agree the "All About Typist" topic is a boring one, and we'd be best to get back to bigger issues.

Do that with me, or without me.  Again, it is your choice, your decision, your responsibility to manage your own experience.

I'm agreeable to either course, and if I don't get a chance to say this later, thanks to everybody for the party.

see you in a week...be sure to read the rules before posting again and remember that this is a privately owned forum.