I joined under a different screen name back in 1999 and was a daily multiple poster. As time went on (and kids came and life challenges increased), my screen time reduced. Over the past 5 years I have been taking care of an aging parent (who since has passed) and, so, my participation has been way, way down (non-existent for stretches at a time).
After the Trump debate, I posted a few thoughts I had about my frustrations with Trump’s rhetorical abilities. I was met with opposition (mostly infantile in nature) by a few Freepers who looked up my posting history and immediately filed me under the name of “troll”. I was struck by the willingness of some to quickly shut down a “seasoned” Freeper and the unwillingness (inability?) to engage in reasonable discussion.
It could well be that this attitude has always been present and, being a daily contributor, I just never noticed it before. That said, it did come across to me in a decline in civility and an inability to engage in reasoned discussion.
I see this problem on other websites too. People are so intent on labeling someone "enemy" just for disagreeing with them about something, that they actually create enemies.
I know a bunch of people on here who I wonder whether or not they are Trolls, but I don't normally accuse them of being Trolls.
It could well be that this attitude has always been present and, being a daily contributor, I just never noticed it before. That said, it did come across to me in a decline in civility and an inability to engage in reasoned discussion.
I think much of this attitude can be traced to the setbacks we have had, especially from presumed allies stabbing us in the back and trying to help the other side. (John McCain, Dick Cheney, Jeff Flake, and various other backstabbing RINO types.)
People are wanting to lash out at any hint of opposition, and I think they are doing it because of frustration with the number of traitors we keep uncovering in the last decade.
If we were winning and advancing, I think people would be less likely to do this.
I can only counsel patience to the extent that you are able.
I lurked here from the beginning of FR until actually joining ten years ago.
It is much worse now than it used to be. I could buy some really nice champagne for the night of Nov. 5, if I had a buck for every time I’ve been called a leftist, a troll, a ‘never trumper’ or sworn at.
The way to deal with it is to ignore it.
It's not your imagination. This forum has changed over the years.
I joined in 2002. Back then, an enormous number of people were active here. Remember, they even organized protests and events.
Yes, we had flame wars and heated debates, and there was some nastiness in those days, too.
But, also, there were many good and decent people here. I'd say most of them moved on sometime between 10 to 12 years ago, and sad to say, many of them passed on.