Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 40 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
Why Do You Come to Ricochet?
Over the years I’ve gotten to know a number of our members fairly well. Although I don’t know them intimately, I have a sense of their personalities, their character, their positions, and I can honestly say I like and appreciate them, too. But the question came up for me about the reasons people come to this site. People periodically ask that question, but I think in these stressful times, it’s worth asking again.
Why are you here? Let me tell you, first, why I am here. I love to write. I love to get people’s input on my posts, even though a post may not obviously seem to solicit input. I love even more to have an occasional dialogue exchange, not only with people who agree with me, but also with people who don’t agree with me. I’m rewarded by those who can disagree and still maintain a sense of friendliness and rapport (@she and @henryracette, I’m looking at you), and there are many, many more of you. I also appreciate when people ask me to clarify or elaborate on an idea. I occasionally decide that my view is incorrect or incomplete, and I let people know that I’ve changed my mind and often explain why. I can think of no other place I can go to have my ideas challenged by intelligent, thoughtful and (mostly) well-meaning people. We have formed a community.
I love to read posts, too. I’m fascinated by the insightful essays and may not have much to add, so I just “like” them. There are certain people I’m fond of and seek out their work; when I respond to their posts, it’s usually to offer a “pat on the back”; many people don’t like to write and I want to encourage those who do.
I’ve also assumed those are the same reasons that others come here.
But lately I’ve begun to question motivations by some people. There are those who infer that my motives are cruel or misinformed. Others are so offended by what I say that they feel compelled to put me in my place. These people, by the way, are very few, but they pack a punch.
Some people have questioned why one person in particular who, on cue, attacks Israel, Jews and Americans and they’ve tried to find out why. I gave that effort up long ago, because quite frankly, I don’t care what he thinks. He’s proven himself to be ignorant and harsh, and I have little interest in engaging with people like that. If he follows the rules, however, he’s allowed to stay.
So for those of you who come regularly, including those who read my posts, why do you visit? Do you come for the information in the posts? Do you seek lively and thoughtful conversation? Do you want to engage in verbal battles and demonstrate your acumen? Do you enjoy commenting and exchanging ideas? When are you motivated to “like” a post? Or do you have a practice of not “liking” any posts and what are your reasons? Do you “like” posts that you disagree with, but appreciate the expression of their ideas?
I think that now and then, where time is so precious, it’s worthwhile to think about why we are here, to think about why we visit, what we hope to learn (if anything), what you want to share, and what brings you back, time after time.
Why are you here?
Published in General
Other social media sites are cesspools. This one is safe. I enjoy conversing with people here. I always find things that make me laugh. Love the podcasts and meeting people face to face. It is an amazing, homogeneous group despite the differences.
Thanks so much, RH. So much great feedback. I, too, enjoy some of the podcasts–I’m loving David Harsanyi and Mollie Hemingway on “You’re Wrong.”
Susan,
I originally came to Ricochet because I wanted a platform, essentially a blog managed and promoted by someone else, on which I could write and share my opinions about culture and politics. Shortly after joining I explained my reason here, in a post that probably reveals more about the paucity of my social life than prudence would recommend.
A few months later I offered a more serious reason here, one I was thrilled to hear Peter Robinson read on the flagship podcast in a moment that was, at the time, the high point of my online life. (I’m a sap for that guy.)
The reason I mentioned still holds: Conservatives need a platform that can reach people. We need every platform we can get.
It doesn’t hurt that this is a smart, good-hearted community, and a necessary palate cleanser for those of us who spend any time at all on Twitter or other social media.
We are lucky to have you. I, in particular, am often grateful for your sharing your thoughts.
I’ve been involved in the blog world for a long time: I’m a regular writer at Chicago Boyz and have been a Ricochet member since 2011. I’ve also become somewhat active at X since the Musk takeover.
Ricochet has a good community, with ad hominem attacks and outright craziness being pretty rare.
I do not think it is possible to gain a good idea of what’s going on in the world based solely on legacy-media sources. And, in addition to the serious stuff, there are many posts at Ricochet that are just plain fun, also some that let me learn about things I otherwise wouldn’t have known.
I came here initially for the podcasts. In fact, it was the GLoP podcast On the Shores of Lake Naboo that sold me. I lurked in the posts for a awhile, then started commenting, and finally posting. I don’t even have to mention the Meetups . . .
However, if I had to pick a reason for staying, it’s because we are moderated. Even good people can lose it and post something offensive, and said posts & comments are either redacted or deleted. Habitual violators are given the boot. I’m not sure what other web sites do this . . .
You offered twelve reasons why you are here. You laid them out logically and thoroughly, and expressed them clearly. I have the same reasons.
You then raised the question of what motivates other people. Like you, I suspect that some people, sometimes may have what I would judge to be bad motives. But I make it my firm policy NEVER to call into question the motives of anyone when I engage with him or her, for these reasons:
First, the only evidence I have about what a person thinks is what he writes. I cannot reliably say WHAT his motives are. I learned long ago that we never understand how another human being came to be the way he is, nor what is in his heart of hearts. Only my Lord knows these things.
Second, it is a clear violation of the rules of civilized conversation to publicly question the motives of the other guy or gal in a Ricochet debate. It is a major sub-category of personal attack, and we are taught, “Attack the argument, never the person who is making it.”
Third, I have learned that it is folly and vanity to think that anything good will come of me attacking my opponent’s motives in a Ricochet debate, or that I have proper authority or responsibility to do so. That is why we have our beloved Moderators. It will always have only unintended bad consequences when we violate the principle.
Fourth, each God-fearing person has a responsibility to set a good example for others. And peer pressure is a powerful force.
Came for the Podcasts and hosts.
Stayed for the members.
Great reasons, Mark. I admire how you work to set a good example yourself.
Why Do You Come to Ricochet?
For the same reason Rick came to Casablanca.
I like the company and I love the intelligence and knowledge shown in the posts and responses.
My “journey” (to adopt a current use of this word) tracks that of Stad. I started listening to podcasts and was guilted into becoming a paying member and stayed based on the interesting posts by the members. I truly appreciate how the members talk far beyond politics in meaningful ways. Calling “balls and strikes” on political campaigns and legislative measures is the lease satisfying and most neurotic activity on Ricochet. Philosophical, spiritual, and broader cultural and personal posts are far more satisfying.
I came because I was fanboying Claire Berlinski, and I wanted to understand you guys (conservatives), and because I got a trial month free.
I came to have a place to talk and argue about politics with some guardrails.
I like the variety of topics covered, and the meetups are fabulous! I have made good friends on Ricochet, and meeting them in person has been a great blessing for me. I like a good argument, too…..
Memes.
Especially in the @markalexander days.
I’m loving your responses! I so appreciate that you are not just liking the post but adding your own thoughts. And the attractions to Ricochet are so rich and diverse!
Yes, ke, Mark was special, but I think those who have taken over his work have done an excellent job, and @seawriter has done a great job of managing the process! They sure can add a smile to our days, right? @ekentgolding?
I originally came for the podcasts. Started reading the posts. Decided to join to check out the member feed, and haven’t regretted it one bit. Ricochet is entertaining, fun,and informative. I have learned as much from the comments as from the posts.
Last but not least, relative to the outside world, I enjoy the sanity of the PIT😛😛😛😛😛
(P.S. Who knows? I may actually make it to a meetup at some point 🤷🏼)
I started my subscription because the podcast was going to be going behind the paywall and that would mean no more Mark Steyn.
I guess that amounts to a double bait-and-switch, doesn’t it?
I came for the wine and beer!
Wait, what?
I joined at Janet’s urging when Rob Long made his appeal for membership or the site would close down. Basically we both liked the podcast and were willing to put some cash on the table to keep it going. I did not intend to post.
Somewhere between the three- and six-month mark here I finally made a comment. (It’s gone.) I think it was over a year before I did my first post. It was something about job-hunting if you had been out of work a long time. I started reposting my Galveston County Daily News book reviews nearly two years after I first joined.
I started posting largely due to 10Cent’s group projects – Group Writing was the first. He would put up a theme for the month and challenge folks to pick a day to write something about it.
Here is the thing. I write professionally. Except for the book reviews (which were part of my marketing mix (and besides I got lots of interesting books *free* by writing reviews) I had no intention of writing anything on Ricochet. It took time away from paying work. But the community sucked me in, the various group projects especially. (Anyone remember the Ninety Day Challenge, where you were supposed to take on and complete a project in ninety days? I documented the 90-day process of writing my book Nashville 1864.)
So here I am.
(I was right about the book reviews as useful marketing of my writing. That was part of what led to Epoch Times hiring me to write reviews. What I been paid by them this year alone far exceeds everything I paid to Ricochet in membership fees – including throwing in gift subscriptions.)
Odd. It was Claire’s posts that initially drew me here, as well. She was a brilliant writer.
After all these years, it would be nice to meet you. I think one time I was discussing Shabbat, and you said how nice it was to sneak in a little nap!
And we’re so glad you stayed!
Ha ha, me too!
This is interesting.
I know I’m not alone in this, because others have mentioned it in the past: Lileks.
I could write a few paragraphs giving reasons for being here, but I’m pressed for time right now, so I’ll give just one compelling reason. Ricochet is where I have made most of my best friends.