Is someone's profile relevant to a debate?

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

Is someone's profile relevant to a debate?

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> Is someone's profile relevant to a debate?

Page: [1] 2 3 next > >>

Login

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 12:08:48 PM

Gauge

Posts: 5689
Joined: 6/17/2005
Status: offline

In another thread someone posted an interesting perspective saying that a public profile posted on the Internet for all to see is somehow invalid when entering into a debate with someone.

I do agree that dragging personal attacks into a debate is paramount to a magician's sleight-of-hand used to distract the audience, but if something in the person's profile is relevant to the discussion then why is it off limits when it is a public profile?

For instance and this is just a silly example:

-User's Profile: I am a vegetarian and a member of PETA.
-User's Post: There is nothing that I like better than a nice, juicy steak.

One contradicts the other assuming of course that the person writing the post is the same as the one who wrote the profile. I fail to see how using this information cheapens a debate. Would it not be valid to point out the inconsistency?

So, please let me hear your thoughts.

_____________________________

"For there is no folly of the beast of the earth which is not infinitely outdone by the madness of men." Herman Melville - Moby Dick

I'm wearing my chicken suit and humming La Marseillaise.

Post #: 1

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 12:19:27 PM

CallaFirestormBW

Posts: 3651
Joined: 6/29/2008
Status: offline

I don't know that it 'cheapens' the debate -- but I suspect that, sometimes, it dilutes the point that an individual is attempting to make, thereby thwarting the direction the debate was intended to take.

Honestly, my bad, but when I'm over here, I don't usually think to go read the person's profile and compare to what they've asked here unless someone -else- goes and reads first, and finds an inconsistency... and even then, I'm as likely as not to just stick to the original post and respond to the question being -asked- instead of the presumption from the profile. Heck, things may have changed substantively for that person since xhe last updated hir profile, making what is in the profile essentially irrelevant to the question at hand.

In any case, I think that the profile is neither completely irrelevant nor completely germane to any given debate.

Dame Calla

_____________________________

***
Said to me recently: "Look, I know you're the "voice of reason"... but dammit, I LIKE being unreasonable!!!!"

"Your mind is more interested in the challenge of becoming than the challenge of doing." Jon Benson, Bodybuilder/Trainer

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 2

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 12:21:23 PM

Esinn

Posts: 886
Joined: 6/23/2009
Status: offline

I am missing the context.

In a debate research is a necessity. Obtaining available public information is part of that. In professional negotiation/debate it is called, "Business Intelligence".

_____________________________

Let's break the law

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 3

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 12:25:59 PM

Esinn

Posts: 886
Joined: 6/23/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: CallaFirestormBW

I don't know that it 'cheapens' the debate -- but I suspect that, sometimes, it dilutes the point that an individual is attempting to make, thereby thwarting the direction the debate was intended to take.

Honestly, my bad, but when I'm over here, I don't usually think to go read the person's profile and compare to what they've asked here unless someone -else- goes and reads first, and finds an inconsistency... and even then, I'm as likely as not to just stick to the original post and respond to the question being -asked- instead of the presumption from the profile. Heck, things may have changed substantively for that person since xhe last updated hir profile, making what is in the profile essentially irrelevant to the question at hand.

In any case, I think that the profile is neither completely irrelevant nor completely germane to any given debate.

Dame Calla

I do not have desire to compare a profile to the words - in context of this forum I just see no need. I've really do not believe there would be a discussion here that I would be passionate enough to go seek out such information.

That said people I have entered into conversations here.... I have appreciated what people have said. Their words have motivated me to look at their profile. I notice this is true for me as well. When I make a post I frequently get profile hits or messages.

_____________________________

Let's break the law

(in reply to CallaFirestormBW)

Post #: 4

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 1:02:14 PM

LaTigresse

Posts: 26123
Joined: 1/15/2006
Status: offline

If I see a person behaving like a total idiot in the forums I usually go look at their profile to see if it reflects the idiocy I am seeing, or if there is something about that person I am missing.

It can be very helpful to know if you are dealing with a total moron that isn't even worth the bother of debating with.

_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 5

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 1:58:43 PM

Kalista07

Posts: 4240
Joined: 7/1/2007
Status: offline

Gauge,
For the most part i think i agree with LaT... If the post is well written or well thought out..at least coherent thought process..many times it does not even occur to me to check the profile. However, i feel like if someone as oblivious as me is aware to check a person's profile than yes, i think it's fair game.
i think some people (for various reasons) make decisions to put themselves out there is such a way that they completely come off as a complete jack ass that they leave the readers no choice but to read their profile. And when you read a person's profile and find even more off the wall things like not only do they eat steak...But they collect dead pig heads...well... i think it's imperative at times to call them out on that behavior.
Just my thoughts,
Kali

_____________________________

“Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.”
~~Sweedish Proverb

(in reply to LaTigresse)

Post #: 6

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 2:17:55 PM

Vendaval

Posts: 10297
Joined: 1/15/2005
Status: offline

Like La T, I will frequently check profiles to get a sense of the personality of the poster. My first impressions are usually confirmed and some of the profiles provide fodder for a flame fest.

Good to see you posting again, Gauge. Best wishes for your band.

_____________________________

"Beware, the woods at night, beware the lunar light.
So in this gray haze we'll be meating again, and on that
great day, I will tease you all the same."
"WOLF MOON", OCTOBER RUST, TYPE O NEGATIVE

http://KinkMeet.co.uk

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 7

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 2:20:33 PM

kdsub

Posts: 12180
Joined: 8/16/2007
Status: offline

Perhaps they are just playing the devils advocate for the discussion... or fun. It is also a good way to learn something by defending an opposing view…I often do that to spur discussion in a thread when I feel it has potential or areas that are not being brought out.

So the bottom line… are you into the discussion to teach, learn, or win… If you need to win then sure go ahead and search their profiles for an edge otherwise just judge their words and limit your comments to the post.

Butch

_____________________________

Mark Twain:

I don't see any use in having a uniform and arbitrary way of spelling words. We might as well make all clothes alike and cook all dishes alike. Sameness is tiresome; variety is pleasing

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 8

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 2:53:07 PM

DomImus

Posts: 2004
Joined: 3/17/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Gauge
if something in the person's profile is relevant to the discussion then why is it off limits when it is a public profile?

If it's relevant to the discussion at hand then it is not off limits. I've seen threads where an OP will espouse an opinion and ask a question and then someone will check their profile and find that the OP is 21 and immediately dismiss their opinion as that of a youngster. That's unfair but it happens all the time.

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 9

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 3:11:15 PM

slaveboyforyou

Posts: 3607
Joined: 1/6/2005
From: Arkansas, U.S.A.
Status: offline

Sorry, there are those of us that don't give a flying fuck about wrestling. If you want to scare people, well fuck off. It's not scary to intimidate the helpless. Luckily it's state law that the police don't have to participate in this kind of nonsense.

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 10

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 3:34:03 PM

MissDominae

Posts: 94
Joined: 8/9/2008
Status: offline

Like many of the posters here, an interesting, challenging, thought provoking or otherwise motivating post from someone might see me go and visit their profile .... and I know that people have checked mine for the same reasons; I have made a number of new friends that way and welcome it.

Would I challenge someone over an inconsistency between their profile and their post? No, unless the post was directly relevant to or made in reference to their profile.   Even then, I'd think twice about it.   Quite simply, the post may not be about themselves per se, it may be a shared profile, the post may be of the 'devils advocate' type deliberately designed to stimulate thought and comment or there may be a host of other reasons for the variance, none of which may invalidate the original question asked or the matters raised by the poster.

Most often though - as my posting numbers will tell you - I don't bother.   I post rarely and then only on topics which interest me and which I think I may have something cogent to add or to ask; I usually have far better things with which to occupy my time and don't 'live on the computer' so for me to go to so much trouble generally means I have liked what I read and am looking to continue friendly contact.

To scan a profile just to find material with which to flame someone or attack a position taken in a post is, for me, a waste of effort.   To use what I found there to contradict a post or a stated position on a subject would mean that the post was on a topic very dear to me and I felt it necessary to do so for the sake of my own principles as well as worth my investment of time.   This is in no way meant to be rude, but very few posts on here are worth that investment.

Thank you for the original question Gauge.   Reading between the lines, it would appear the question is in some way related to another thread and refers to some specific incident or comment.   I haven't looked into it to find out more and so have answered the OP based only on its question posed.

Blessings ....... Livvi

_____________________________

***~ Success can not be measured in the respect gained from others, only by the respect that, with complete self honesty and freed of ego or delusion, we are able to give ourselves.~***

(in reply to slaveboyforyou)

Post #: 11

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 3:47:57 PM

DemonKia

Posts: 5521
Joined: 10/13/2007
From: Chico, Nor-Cali
Status: offline

FR, after read thru

Excellent. I had a post I'd started to address that issue in that thread that I held back on posting as I felt it was too much of a derailment . .. So, thanks, Gauge, for starting this thread. It's an excellent topic to dissect . . . . .

I'm gonna condense some of that argument against using profiles (& the link takes you to that particular post that started this discussion), cuz it's relevant to the points I wanted to make on the topic: referencing the content of profiles is akin to ad hominem; & that the profile, especially if it's full of honest detail, gives "cheap and easy fodder for this sort of attack. You really don't have to dig hard to find something to discredit a speaker with..."

* The technique of looking to profiles is regularly used here to expose the strongly trollish . . . . . & lots of those specifically do have to do with the poster's profile -- 'why can't I find anybody' threads particularly spring to mind . .. . .

* How it is used can lead to ad hom, but is not in & of itself ad hom, in my opinion.

* I've had the snide-snipers come look at my profile before posting some scathing whatever in response to something I said here, & it didn't work. & I've got a ton of info, very honest (too honest, if that's possible) . . .. My experience is that the intense honesty & full disclosure thing gets in the way of accurate personal attacks, & there's nothing to get in the way of inaccurate personal attacks. Partly that's because, to the degree that I'm a self-aware asshole it's tough to shake me by calling me on it . . .. . . Those who are more covert about their asshole nature would seem to be at more risk for getting called on it in an uncomfortable way . .. . . . & some degree of asshole nature can be discerned from the combination of postings & profile . . . .

* If one wants to post here on CM & not have that profile provide fodder for rebuttal, there's always the option to hide one's profile. There are several regular posters who've done that, &, in part, I get that sense cuz of a few who regularly post fairly inflammatory stuff & have hidden their profiles . . . . .

* Posting strongly worded & rather extreme opinions is likely to be followed by strong rebuttals, & is likely to subject the opinion sharer to scrutiny. It becomes a case of staying out of the kitchen if one cannot take the heat . . .. . .

* There's an issue, for me, of fact versus opinion: someone's profile has nothing to do with a discussion of facts, but when it comes to the sharing of opinions what's in a profile can be very germane to the stated opinions . . . . .

_____________________________

Snarko ergo sum.

The Verbossinator

(in reply to MissDominae)

Post #: 12

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 4:43:19 PM

Level

Posts: 25145
Joined: 3/3/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Gauge

In another thread someone posted an interesting perspective saying that a public profile posted on the Internet for all to see is somehow invalid when entering into a debate with someone.

I do agree that dragging personal attacks into a debate is paramount to a magician's sleight-of-hand used to distract the audience, but if something in the person's profile is relevant to the discussion then why is it off limits when it is a public profile?

For instance and this is just a silly example:

-User's Profile: I am a vegetarian and a member of PETA.
-User's Post: There is nothing that I like better than a nice, juicy steak.

One contradicts the other assuming of course that the person writing the post is the same as the one who wrote the profile. I fail to see how using this information cheapens a debate. Would it not be valid to point out the inconsistency?

So, please let me hear your thoughts.

You pretty much answered it, Gauge. If there is something relevant, then it's fair game. If it isn't, say, the person is gay, and someone takes that and starts launching homophobic comments in order to just be hurtful, then no, that ain't cool.

< Message edited by Level -- 7/15/2009 4:45:54 PM >

_____________________________

Fake the heat and scratch the itch
Skinned up knees and salty lips
Let go it's harder holding on
One more trip and I'll be gone

~~ Stone Temple Pilots

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 13

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 4:45:23 PM

sub4hire

Posts: 6775
Joined: 1/1/2004
Status: offline

I see a profile as someone putting on a show. They are trying to show off for you. Putting on their best face. It doesn't really reflect upon who they actually are in many cases.
So, no I don't think it should start a debate no matter what they say.

On the other hand I have turned people in if they have mentioned children in a not so good way in their profiles in the past.

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 14

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 4:59:35 PM

nephandi

Posts: 4470
Joined: 9/23/2005
From: Cold and magickal Norway in a town near Bergen!
Status: offline

Greetings

I would say that a person's profile can give a hint as to what sort of person you are dealing with, but it do not either validate or invalidate their opinions, how can a few paragraphs of texts on a web page ever hope to tell how a person really are good enough to say if they are fit for a debate or not. Sounds like the one you where talking with was out to make a cheap point in an debate that had already become an argument.

I wish you well

_____________________________

Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it.--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Futon torpedoes, make love not war!--Aswad

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 15

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 5:15:13 PM

JonnieBoy

Posts: 1468
Joined: 4/22/2009
From: Cymru
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Gauge

In another thread someone posted an interesting perspective saying that a public profile posted on the Internet for all to see is somehow invalid when entering into a debate with someone.

I do agree that dragging personal attacks into a debate is paramount to a magician's sleight-of-hand used to distract the audience, but if something in the person's profile is relevant to the discussion then why is it off limits when it is a public profile?

For instance and this is just a silly example:

-User's Profile: I am a vegetarian and a member of PETA.
-User's Post: There is nothing that I like better than a nice, juicy steak.

One contradicts the other assuming of course that the person writing the post is the same as the one who wrote the profile. I fail to see how using this information cheapens a debate. Would it not be valid to point out the inconsistency?

So, please let me hear your thoughts.

Since you're not keen on rap music your opinion is clearly valid

More seriously, it seems to me that the content of ones profile could be a very valid issue in a debate, not only as far as inconsistency, but in terms of validating consistency too.

(And besides which if we vote against any feasible reason for perving each others profiles, the place is gone downhill and no mistake !!!! )

Pirate

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 16

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 5:40:38 PM

Kalista07

Posts: 4240
Joined: 7/1/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: slaveboyforyou

Sorry, there are those of us that don't give a flying fuck about wrestling. If you want to scare people, well fuck off. It's not scary to intimidate the helpless. Luckily it's state law that the police don't have to participate in this kind of nonsense.

i'm not trying to be offensive here...but.... Either share what you are smoking or stop smoking that stuff!!
i'm pretty confused...
Can You explain?
Kali

_____________________________

“Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.”
~~Sweedish Proverb

(in reply to slaveboyforyou)

Post #: 17

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 7:34:23 PM

NuevaVida

Posts: 6707
Joined: 8/5/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Level

You pretty much answered it, Gauge. If there is something relevant, then it's fair game. If it isn't, say, the person is gay, and someone takes that and starts launching homophobic comments in order to just be hurtful, then no, that ain't cool.

What Level said :)

_____________________________

Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly.

(in reply to Level)

Post #: 18

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 8:08:10 PM

SassySarijane

Posts: 1558
Joined: 12/20/2007
From: KC Area Missouri
Status: offline

~Fast Reply~

It can be. As another poster mentioned, it can help identify some of the blatant trolls, it can show inconsistancies as well as consistancies. It can be either a positive or negative to what the poster is saying. I regularly check the profiles of posters to help me better get an idea of who they are and if they might be playing around or trolling or are sincere. Not a foolproof method, but one out of several that can be helpful.

_____________________________

Sarah2
Deviant Mind
Wild Side Readers
LPTnB

(in reply to NuevaVida)

Post #: 19

RE: Is someone's profile relevant to a debate? - 7/15/2009 9:04:04 PM

Gauge

Posts: 5689
Joined: 6/17/2005
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: slaveboyforyou

Sorry, there are those of us that don't give a flying fuck about wrestling. If you want to scare people, well fuck off. It's not scary to intimidate the helpless. Luckily it's state law that the police don't have to participate in this kind of nonsense.

I don't get it.

Maybe that was the point?

_____________________________

"For there is no folly of the beast of the earth which is not infinitely outdone by the madness of men." Herman Melville - Moby Dick

I'm wearing my chicken suit and humming La Marseillaise.

(in reply to slaveboyforyou)

Post #: 20

Page: [1] 2 3 next > >>

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> Is someone's profile relevant to a debate?

Page: [1] 2 3 next > >>

Jump to:

New Messages	No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages	Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages	Locked w/o New Messages

Post New Thread

Reply to Message

Post New Poll

Submit Vote

Delete My Own Post

Delete My Own Thread

Rate Posts

Collarchat.com © 2025

Terms of Service

0.094