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 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
The Best Part of Ricochet
I’m blown away — as well as humbled, delighted and honored. I put up a post this past weekend that had the potential for being controversial. But I decided to risk it, because I felt the subject was important to discuss.
The word “controversial,” as it turns out, was an understatement. The comments came pouring in, the passion was high, and the disagreement with me, in particular, was profound.
Yet the input was the best I’ve ever had on a Ricochet post. We are approaching 300 comments, and have elevated the art of discussion and debate to a new level. People from opposite sides, at this moment, are actually ribbing each other. Why did this post not degrade into a hateful, nasty outing?
Because at some level, maybe even deeply unconscious, everyone decided to honor what Ricochet is all about: civil conversation.
Don’t misunderstand: we had our moments. Sarcasm, painful gibes, doubting a person’s sanity (well, not exactly, but I was called naïve and ignorant). We even had a moderator step in a few times (hat tip to @jdsnapp), but the redactions, when questioned, were graciously explained, and the commenter acknowledged her reasoning with humor. Then everyone continued the conversation.
I stepped in a few times myself, cautioning people about their words. One time I told a person I resented his criticism of me; he graciously explained that he was not talking about me (he was using the generic “you,” not me specifically) but he was very kind in stating that I didn’t understand how serious the situation was. When things did get a little dicey, people pulled back, rarely took the bait, and the conversation continued.
The discussion was truly a thing of beauty.
Not only were people impassioned, they were thoughtful. Not only were they angry, but they voiced their deep concern with politics in Washington. Links were provided for relevant information and people were thanked for them. The comments greatly broadened my understanding around the controversy of the Mueller investigation.
I want to thank every single person who commented, who stayed engaged (a very large percentage continued to “follow” the post, although I don’t know how closely), and who simply followed the conversation.
It was obvious that even the most cynical people were deeply invested in helping the US move into the future. The love of country, desire to preserve its values and restore its integrity was manifest.
It has been one of my most humbling and gratifying experiences on Ricochet.
Thank you.
Published in General
The very definition of a great post. Good job!
I must have stepped out too soon. I couldn’t even make it through the first page of comments.
Huzzah!
Good. It IS working. My hopes for Ricochet are based on my years of running Forums on CompuServe, where I think the civility was due to two things: 1: someone owned it, and 2: you paid to use it. Ricochet seems to be doing a good job of attracting that kind of people.
My only complaint about the post is that it has consumed too darn much of my on-line time the last few days!
But I’m so very glad you did, @oldphil! ;-)
@thekingprawn I think we all have to bow out when we need to. It was my OP, so I had a responsibility to hang in there. Plus I was very interested in learning what people thought. People were upset, partly at my ignorance, but partly because of how things were being handled. I think, at least to a degree, their upset was understandable.
BTW, anyone who doesn’t agree with my assessment is welcome to speak up. After all, bouncing around in that kind of environment is not pleasant all the time.
You are a very gracious woman, Susan. We definitely have different modes of thinking. But I appreciate you graciousness – and your Posts!
I don’t agree with your assessment (of the follow-up), @susanquinn. I didn’t get around to it, but I was going to respond on the original thread with something like “You see, Susan; it’s just hopeless to try to say anything that doesn’t end with ‘but of course Hillary and Comey must actually be in prison before [anything].'”
I am going to take you up on this, Susan, by embroidering my comment on your graciousness: I believe you try to look for the best in everyone. While that is an admirable quality (my Mom had it), people don’t always follow through with your expectations of them. I agree more with the following….
You and I disagree on the President’s fitness for office. We disagree because we have different definitions for that term. However, your original Post showed to me that you are trying to be as fair as is possible. I admire that, and always try to say it when I write about something you wrote. However, to be candid, I don’t share those same thoughts when it comes to some of my fellow Ricochetti. And the foregoing pretty much sums up my thoughts. I am sorry to come to that conclusion, but I have.
Not actually what was said, but I get your drift. When you get past the angst, there was a lot of meaty content.
Something very close to that passes through my head anytime Ole Summers “likes” something I submit onto Ricochet.