How seriously do you take Eons? Do you research a post or reply? Do you have a need to prove something or always be right? Or are you the type who sees Eons as a conversation and make replies when the subject matter happens to be something you know about or have an opinion?
I reply when I find something interesting. I speak for my beliefs and research things pretty thoroughly. A lot of stuff I don't take seriously at all. I am amazed how poorly informed people are and how little reading of a serious nature is done. I am not interested in mysticism and such and pretty much ignore it.
It is not a contest with me I tend to walk away from some of the stuff that goes on.
That's a fair question, Mobaker. I'd say that for me it's all of those things and more. I take EONS with a grain of salt, while at the same time considering some posts very seriously. Sometimes I reply to posts that I already know something about and have strong opinions one way or the other. Sometimes I have to research the subject, then post my thoughts. An example of the latter would be a recent post about Billy Ray Cyrus' daughter ... and the fact that she's writing her memoirs at the age of 15. I didn't know who she was until the post; I did some online research, and concluded that she is a very talented young lady. The younger generation apparently know her, and if she can propagate motivational / inspirational messages to them I think it's great. EONS is good for conversation - and what I prefer to think of as "relationship building". Bear in mind the possibility that the person I'm corresponding with might be totally different from their profile - and they (like anyone anywhere) might be less than truthful. An aquaintence once asked me if I always think about every word I say as if I were going to be held accountable for having said it. I guess I do - and especially when it is posted on the World Wide Web where it might endure for ... wlll - dare I say it? --- for EONS! hahahaha Having said that, I think that some of the relationships I've formed here could be the seeds of some lasting and valuable friendships. To me, that's what it's all about.
I joined EONS on New Year's Day of this year because I liked the concept of a community for 50+ people and I have found it to be much more. I have "meet" some very interesting people here and enjoy the interaction.
I usually respond to a post that hits me just right, or just wrong! LOL But usually I already have an interest in the subject so it does appeal to me in one aspect or another. I do research sometimes to make sure that the thoughts and ideas I do have are supported by the research, although even research needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Issues can and will be slanted both ways.
I find EONS a wonderful place to share thoughts and ideas and feelings, though sometimes I do get a bit riled at ignorance (no one person in particular). But opinions are a dime a dozen and everyone has one. Some people it seems have nothing to back them up but are dead-set on their being right. Just cross one of them and you'll find that out. LOL
Expressing my opinions causes me to search more into the "whys" of what I believe and that's healthy. (If I don't I can be sure every word I write is being scrutinized so it makes me feel accountable.)
But overall. I enjoy EONS and have to watch myself because a lot of time can be spent here. There is so much being offered here. If for no other reason, I am glad I have made the friends here that I have - and you know who you are! LOL
I think it is both. It is the nature of all living things to compete for survival at any level. Here we compete for attention and for the survival of our point of view. Sharing knowledge both pragmatic and dogmatic has always been a point of contention. I try to express my views based on knowledge of the subject. I research everything I'm not sure of before I post my opinion. As for having to prove something or wanting to be always right I leave for critics to determine. But I do feel that giving an opinion based on mysticism and innuendo goes against my nature.
I must admit that I do use spell check allot because I hate misspelling a word.:>)
I read extensively on many subjects. I love to read other people's ideas an opinions and thoughts. Sometimes they trigger something for me, give me something else to consider. Sometimes they send me off on a side road of inquiry. Sometimes they just make me go 'hmmmmmm?'
For me, Eons is a conversation, and a meeting ground. As I said in another post, I take everything and everyone at face value, and accept whatever it is they can offer. Who knows who needs what at any given time in their day....or life?
This is a social networking site. That means connections. If you are not connecting with anyone here on any level, then why be here?
Having only been involved with EONS for a week now, I would have to say I have only joined in when I think I have something to add to the dialogue or I can relate to something someone posts. Looking forward to some interesting conversations, definitely not a contest.
Well I like Rickys reply and that is closest to what I think. Sometimes I will answer "Tongue in cheek" sometimes I like to play "devils advocate".....sometimes I will research when I have forgotten something that I want to say, to be sure I got it right but generally I have preformed opinions and sometimes need to go back and rethink. The only thing I would never change my mind on is the existance of God and Christ, but doctrines are flexible sometimes........I have my own beliefs in some of those. I enjoy conversation but would rather be friends than make enemies just to be right, its not that important to me. I enjoy Eons as a place to hear others opinions and to express my own ideas sometimes. I do like fantasy and the lighter side of things thats what makes life fun and amusing to think about what might be, what could be....to speculate and discover. Imagination is a wonderful thing it opens up whole new worlds.
I think this is the first time I've posted anything on this group, but I make replies from time to time. This is a comfortable group. However, as I go from one group to another I find I'm often more interested in the psychology of a post or reply, rather than content. It is a strange dynamic because we have people from all over, different backgrounds and experiences. In the real world my friends were co-workers for the most part, so we would often talk shop. I don't research anything and I suppose it shows. But I read most everything in my 8 groups and learn a lot. I still cannot help but wonder about the different personalities behind the comments. We all become friends with certain individuals and notice different patterns or traits about others. I would think this post and reply might make some members wonder about me. I don't think this is a bad thing. I just wanted to share my thoughts with other thinkers.
Rickydale DID write a good post and I'll ditto most of it.
Forums are useful on a number of levels. When I write to promote my ideas, I write for the lurker. If someone truely opposes your thought you will never change their mind. But they provide counterpoint to my assertions (objections the lurker may harbor). When I address those counterpoints, I press my case in the lurkers mind. In this way, we can all change (perhaps) the world.
Another thing about forums is that they give me an opportunity to gauge the Zeitgeist - the Spirit of the Times. The smallness of my own experiance makes it difficult to genuinely understand the currents of the mass mind. Stuck here in this place, in my world, I can be easily mislead on this subject. Forums get input from truely diverse sources. Yes - there are the things unspoken, but it gives me insights into the popular direction of thought, I could not really get any other way.
