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» babble   » rabble content   » rabble reactions   » A definition of sneering, please.

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Author Topic: A definition of sneering, please.
Cueball
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4790

posted 02 November 2008 01:51 AM      Profile for Cueball   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by jrootham:
Probably, Malcolm in some respects behaves even worse than you do. He does it at a lower frequency on Babble, though.

Well, how does one qualify "sneering" I mean in the sense that one can identify it and then create policy around a definition?

Would you say that this statment qualifies as sneering:

quote:
"What part of "by any means necessary" do you not understand?"

How about this one... does this qualify as sneering:

quote:

Also, why do some people seem to take umbrage at what appears to be sneering when directed at things that they like and support, but then remain dead silent when used in support of what they don't like, or even do it themselves?

Doesn't that come across as a kind of double standard?

From this thread drift, here: Green Party and 2008 Election numbers


From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged
Fidel
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5594

posted 02 November 2008 02:44 AM      Profile for Fidel     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Do ppl like Dick Cheney knowingly sneer for the cameras, or is it that he has no control over what is a semi-conscious contempt for people and living things in general? Or if he was born of a jackal in a box car, did he grow up running with the clan near high tension power lines? Questions-questions...
From: Viva La Revolución | Registered: Apr 2004  |  IP: Logged
KenS
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Babbler # 1174

posted 02 November 2008 03:14 AM      Profile for KenS     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
I think Michele's criticism was misplaced Cueball when she asked you to sneer less.

I guess I'll repost my reply to you in that thread, then pick up the point.


From: Minasville, NS | Registered: Aug 2001  |  IP: Logged
KenS
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posted 02 November 2008 03:16 AM      Profile for KenS     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Reposting from the thread my reply to Cueball's opening post [when that was originally posted].

Originally posted by jrootham:

quote:
Probably, Malcolm in some respects behaves even worse than you do. He does it at a lower frequency on Babble, though.

We'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are not being deliberately dense.

One off sneers in a thread are noticeable, but a dime a dozen around here.

The point is in the second sentence. It is the frequency and persistence with which you repeat the same sneering point that gets people's goats.


From: Minasville, NS | Registered: Aug 2001  |  IP: Logged
Catchfire
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posted 02 November 2008 03:18 AM      Profile for Catchfire   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Oh for Christ's sake get on with your lives.
From: On the heather | Registered: Apr 2003  |  IP: Logged
KenS
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Babbler # 1174

posted 02 November 2008 03:30 AM      Profile for KenS     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
It is your dog in the manger approach that turns people's cranks- not the content of what you say [which is what you think its about], or even the sneering.

You probably don't start out sneering, and may not even get to that point for a while.

Case in point, was when Michelle called you on the sneering in the thread started by Brian Topp thanking people, or probably in the follow thread that opens with an attack on you.

It is a vast understatement to say that calling you on the sneering was late in the game. Because that was a point you've been making for over two weeks in I'm sure at least a hundred posts. And that's just your posts- hundreds of posts written by you or directly in answer to you. And discussion ending in every case.

I responded to the content of your point when it started- right after the election. But when it was clear this was going to be one of your yapping pooddle routines, I dropped out of that.

I've even made one of my yapping poddle comments, or something like it, when I agree with the point you are making. Thats because I'd like to hear the discussion and see where it will go- or could go if it wasn't for your incessant racket.


From: Minasville, NS | Registered: Aug 2001  |  IP: Logged
Fidel
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Babbler # 5594

posted 02 November 2008 03:31 AM      Profile for Fidel     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
The topic, Catchfire. We really are trying to get to the bottom of this sneer phenomenon. So, why do people sneer?
From: Viva La Revolución | Registered: Apr 2004  |  IP: Logged
Frustrated Mess
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 8312

posted 02 November 2008 06:56 AM      Profile for Frustrated Mess   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
I've even made one of my yapping poddle comments, or something like it, when I agree with the point you are making. Thats because I'd like to hear the discussion and see where it will go- or could go if it wasn't for your incessant racket

That is both sneering and condescending and so typical of what we can expect from MikeS. I think we need a policy.

From: doom without the gloom | Registered: Feb 2005  |  IP: Logged
KenS
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Babbler # 1174

posted 02 November 2008 07:10 AM      Profile for KenS     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
A policy would be good- including if it catches me in the net.

But not easily done.


From: Minasville, NS | Registered: Aug 2001  |  IP: Logged
Frustrated Mess
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Babbler # 8312

posted 02 November 2008 07:12 AM      Profile for Frustrated Mess   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Took me barely seconds. And what about arrogance? Should we include that with sneering? Is condescension part of arrogance? Or can one be exhibited without the other?
From: doom without the gloom | Registered: Feb 2005  |  IP: Logged
Michelle
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Babbler # 560

posted 02 November 2008 07:30 AM      Profile for Michelle   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Are you folks kidding me? You want an exact definition of sneering, and then for that to be explicitly written out in babble policy and enforced? What the heck do you guys think this is, the Supreme Court?

I don't think so! It's not my job to be a constitutional lawyer or judge. It's my job to moderate the boards and try to keep the tone civil when things get heated. That doesn't include codifying every nuance and tone.

There is more to moderating than simply stepping in, copy of babble policy in hand, and read out the charges and giving warnings and suspensions. I would much rather attempt to mediate between people who are upset with each other or intervene in arguments before they get ugly than to always come along with a stick. I'd rather remind folks to keep it civil - it's much more constructive than the punishment spectacles some of us seem to be craving whenever they think a fellow babbler has stepped out of line.

So that does mean that occasionally I'm going to tell people what I'm seeing happening in a dispute, and that I will occasionally use descriptive words like "sneering" to describe a tone we're witnessing.


From: I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged
unionist
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Babbler # 11323

posted 02 November 2008 07:39 AM      Profile for unionist     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
I don't get it. A quick Google search produces the following definition:

quote:
Sneezing - Forcible explusion of air and associated damp materials from the mouth and nose in an explosive, spasmodic involuntary action.

Of course it should bloody well be banned.

It's unsanitary.


From: Vote QS! | Registered: Dec 2005  |  IP: Logged
oldgoat
Moderator
Babbler # 1130

posted 02 November 2008 07:54 AM      Profile for oldgoat     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Thank you Unionist. Finally, a voice of reason.
From: The 10th circle | Registered: Jul 2001  |  IP: Logged
TVParkdale
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 15681

posted 02 November 2008 09:38 AM      Profile for TVParkdale     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Well there's one possibility I don't see here.

On some boards, there are "thunderdomes" or "flame bases".

Usually "flame bases" are no-swearing insult zones.

"Thunderdomes" are no-holds barred zones, including off-topic messages.

The moderators move the posts over there and let at 'em.

This cuts down insensitive, off topic, sarcastic and snarly posts in regular forums while leaving a space for the sort of Rush Limbaugh vs. Keith Olbermann punditry.

For the sensitive--they ignore the forum completely.

Points for creative use of language, come from the cheering crowds


From: DaHood | Registered: Oct 2008  |  IP: Logged
Slumberjack
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Babbler # 10108

posted 02 November 2008 10:36 AM      Profile for Slumberjack     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by TVParkdale:
"Thunderdomes" are no-holds barred zones, including off-topic messages. The moderators move the posts over there and let at 'em.

But then we mustn’t discount the entertainment value for those who don’t have to deal with it, in never knowing when or where the next drama will surface.


From: An Intensive De-Indoctrination, But I'm Fine Now | Registered: Aug 2005  |  IP: Logged
TVParkdale
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Babbler # 15681

posted 02 November 2008 10:56 AM      Profile for TVParkdale     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by Slumberjack:

But then we mustn’t discount the entertainment value for those who don’t have to deal with it, in never knowing when or where the next drama will surface.


Entertainment and the anti-censorship value. Sometimes very bright, workable alternative ideas come from such forums.


From: DaHood | Registered: Oct 2008  |  IP: Logged
Catchfire
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posted 02 November 2008 10:56 AM      Profile for Catchfire   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Well, we used to have the Middle East Forum, which was basically the same thing.
From: On the heather | Registered: Apr 2003  |  IP: Logged
RosaL
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 13921

posted 02 November 2008 11:53 AM      Profile for RosaL     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
As a matter of fact, there's a lot of sneering on babble - it's just that when people think the sneering is deserved, they don't notice or at least don't mind; often they enjoy it. I'm rather vividly aware of this because things I believe in and groups I belong to are a daily target. (Most of the time - but not always, I'm sorry to say - I hold myself in check.)

My point is this: if you're going to sneer, you can't get all upset and indignant when someone sneers (or when you think they have sneered) at what you believe in or groups you belong to. Of course, it would be much better if we all treated each other with respect, while disagreeing and debating vigorously and cogently!


From: the underclass | Registered: Mar 2007  |  IP: Logged
Fidel
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Babbler # 5594

posted 02 November 2008 12:02 PM      Profile for Fidel     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
I'm thinking of changing my location to "out from under the bridge and out for a sneeze"
From: Viva La Revolución | Registered: Apr 2004  |  IP: Logged
Malcolm
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Babbler # 5168

posted 02 November 2008 03:12 PM      Profile for Malcolm   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
I'll fully admit that I was sneering.

And I'll call out jrootman on his hypocrisy in pissing and moaning about it as he sneered back.


From: Regina, SK | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
Cueball
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Babbler # 4790

posted 02 November 2008 03:33 PM      Profile for Cueball   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Well, if its any indication of where the board is at, I find it most revealing that the board has a "smiley" that's only function is sneering:
quote:


Perhaps this "smiley" should be removed from the future incarnation of Babble?

[ 02 November 2008: Message edited by: Cueball ]


From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged
TVParkdale
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Babbler # 15681

posted 02 November 2008 03:39 PM      Profile for TVParkdale     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by Cueball:
Well, if its any indication of where the board is at, I find it most revealing that the board has a "smiley" that's only function is sneering:

Perhaps this "smiley" should be removed from the future incarnation of Babble?

[ 02 November 2008: Message edited by: Cueball ]


Yeah, but what about eyerolling at say, an idea or news clipping or whatever.

It's not always about 'sneering' at one's debate opponent.


From: DaHood | Registered: Oct 2008  |  IP: Logged
Cueball
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4790

posted 02 November 2008 03:41 PM      Profile for Cueball   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
I am not sure that such a tool should be in the hands of the community, having it makes it look like the board sanctions its use.

Perhaps they can come up with some kind of Java script caution warning people about its use?


From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged
bigcitygal
Volunteer Moderator
Babbler # 8938

posted 02 November 2008 03:43 PM      Profile for bigcitygal     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Cueball, I'm glad you still have your kooky sense of humour.
From: It's difficult to work in a group when you're omnipotent - Q | Registered: Apr 2005  |  IP: Logged
Cueball
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Babbler # 4790

posted 02 November 2008 03:44 PM      Profile for Cueball   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post

From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged
unionist
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Babbler # 11323

posted 02 November 2008 04:00 PM      Profile for unionist     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
I'm still confused. Is sneering worse than leering?


From: Vote QS! | Registered: Dec 2005  |  IP: Logged
Bookish Agrarian
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posted 02 November 2008 04:03 PM      Profile for Bookish Agrarian   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
or peering?

[ 02 November 2008: Message edited by: Bookish Agrarian ]


From: Home of this year's IPM | Registered: Nov 2004  |  IP: Logged
bigcitygal
Volunteer Moderator
Babbler # 8938

posted 02 November 2008 04:59 PM      Profile for bigcitygal     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Sheering?


From: It's difficult to work in a group when you're omnipotent - Q | Registered: Apr 2005  |  IP: Logged
TVParkdale
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 15681

posted 02 November 2008 05:06 PM      Profile for TVParkdale     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by Cueball:
I am not sure that such a tool should be in the hands of the community, having it makes it look like the board sanctions its use.

Perhaps they can come up with some kind of Java script caution warning people about its use?


WARNING:

The following html is a sneering smiley. Please be accurate in your post as to who, or what is the object of your sneer so that there are no misunderstandings from those who may not be the target of your intended sneer.

Thank you for your patronage.

[ 02 November 2008: Message edited by: TVParkdale ]


From: DaHood | Registered: Oct 2008  |  IP: Logged
KenS
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1174

posted 02 November 2008 05:12 PM      Profile for KenS     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
The sheep I sheared didn't come out looking like that.

More bits left behind. More bits taken out. More of the colour red in the picture.


From: Minasville, NS | Registered: Aug 2001  |  IP: Logged
G. Pie
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Babbler # 15576

posted 02 November 2008 07:03 PM      Profile for G. Pie     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by KenS:
The sheep I sheared didn't come out looking like that.

That's a C-A-T.


From: Vancouver Island | Registered: Sep 2008  |  IP: Logged
jrootham
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Babbler # 838

posted 02 November 2008 08:21 PM      Profile for jrootham     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
I don't think I'm being hugely hypocritical by responding to behaviour I don't like with flames (or sneering, or whatever you want to call it). I've been pretty upfront about objecting loudly to Malcolm for a long time.

The other quote is a bit out of context. I used the original phrase and the response I got indicated to me a lack of understanding, so I asked (impolitely) what the lack of understanding was. Given that the whole exchange started with me being slandered I'm not planning on backing down from that any time soon.


From: Toronto | Registered: Jun 2001  |  IP: Logged
Cueball
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posted 02 November 2008 09:05 PM      Profile for Cueball   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Golly gee. Lets see how many times I have been slandered as a Communist, a Greenie, or a Liberal, or a Stalanist in the last couple of months. Not just by one guy, but by a virtual rat pack of party hacks. But its my "bad behaviour" that is at issue. Of course when the shoe is on the other foot, a little bit of slander is all that is needed to set off some "justifiable" sneering.

Now I get it.

[ 03 November 2008: Message edited by: Cueball ]


From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged
Malcolm
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Babbler # 5168

posted 02 November 2008 11:04 PM      Profile for Malcolm   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by jrootham:
I've been pretty upfront about objecting loudly to Malcolm for a long time..


Object to me all you want.

Rather like when you referred to me as a "piece of shit" on another list and were not subject to moderation.

Hypocrite still strikes me as the right word.

[ 02 November 2008: Message edited by: Malcolm ]


From: Regina, SK | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
Malcolm
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Babbler # 5168

posted 02 November 2008 11:08 PM      Profile for Malcolm   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by Malcolm:


Object to me all you want.

Rather like when you referred to me as a "piece of shit" on another list and were not subject to moderation.

Hypocrite still strikes me as the right word.

[ 02 November 2008: Message edited by: Malcolm ]


And BTW, my "sneer" in the thread in question was directed at two public political officials - the leader and a spokesthingee of the Green Party. If they put themselves out there, they can put up with the sneers.


From: Regina, SK | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
Cueball
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4790

posted 02 November 2008 11:38 PM      Profile for Cueball   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by Malcolm:


Object to me all you want.

Rather like when you referred to me as a "piece of shit" on another list and were not subject to moderation.

Hypocrite still strikes me as the right word.

[ 02 November 2008: Message edited by: Malcolm ]


Please! This thread is about defining "sneering" not swearing.


From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged
bagkitty
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Babbler # 15443

posted 03 November 2008 12:16 AM      Profile for bagkitty     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
There is really only one practical solution... it involves a locked room, foam rubber baseball bats, and a lot of friction burns.
From: Calgary | Registered: Aug 2008  |  IP: Logged
Cueball
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4790

posted 03 November 2008 12:17 AM      Profile for Cueball   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Nor is it a sex games thread.
From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged
Fidel
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5594

posted 03 November 2008 12:28 AM      Profile for Fidel     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by bagkitty:
There is really only one practical solution... it involves a locked room, foam rubber baseball bats, and a lot of friction burns.

How bout a good fitting jacket, a coupla guys built like bathtubs, and a rubber truck?


From: Viva La Revolución | Registered: Apr 2004  |  IP: Logged
Cueball
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4790

posted 03 November 2008 12:31 AM      Profile for Cueball   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
quote:
Originally posted by Fidel:

How bout a good fitting jacket, a coupla guys built like bathtubs, and a rubber truck?


Making psychiatric jokes again Fidel? How "progressive". Good to know where you really stand.

[ 03 November 2008: Message edited by: Cueball ]


From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged
Fidel
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5594

posted 03 November 2008 12:34 AM      Profile for Fidel     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Aw dont be like that.
From: Viva La Revolución | Registered: Apr 2004  |  IP: Logged
Cueball
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4790

posted 03 November 2008 12:35 AM      Profile for Cueball   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Don't be like what?
From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003  |  IP: Logged
bigcitygal
Volunteer Moderator
Babbler # 8938

posted 03 November 2008 03:30 AM      Profile for bigcitygal     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post
Well, this has been fun hasn't it?

My thinking is this thread is not going anywhere, and I'm going to close it as the nastiness has been unabated despite various attempts at levity.

Here's a suggestion for the fresh new week: less nasty please!


From: It's difficult to work in a group when you're omnipotent - Q | Registered: Apr 2005  |  IP: Logged

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