What Is Your Primary Reason For

[nailit]

Engaging in AB discussions (Arguments??)
Why invest so much time and energy in an anonymous question and answer site?

I can understand asking a straight forward question such as 'why wont my computer work'?
I can understand asking about the ingredients for a certain recipe or advice about a law problem etc.
But the majority of AB is mud slinging (me included).
WHY?
Why do we invest so much of our time...on an anonymous website...slinging bile about?
Whether its news or religion or the return of capital punishment or Prince Harry's private life?

Why do we do it?
Why do YOU spend time here?
(We could all do better elsewhere Im sure) ;-)

[Bobbisox1]

To exchange views and hopefully respect others whether different from mind or not , I never fire the first salvo but often find myself in the midst of controversy, now that doesn’t happen in my real world , just on here ,but I’ve learned over the years to dust most of it off and smile :0)

[emmie]

part loneliness part interest in GMEB and News,
and in the lives of others without really knowing people on here. I don;t get out too much these days so can afford the time to contribute. I also like crosswords section, makes my brain work at little bit more.

[anneasquith]

I don’t spend a great deal of time on AB, nor do I get involved in any mud slinging. Sometimes ( rarely now) there will be a humorous post to follow, or an amusing poster .

[jno]

I don't so much. Ten years ago it was more about debate, now it's just shouting and name-calling and nobody's mind is ever changed by the consideration of a contrary viewpoint (or by facts). As you've no doubt noticed.

[andy-hughes]

I have found my original views completely changed by a cogent argument on here several times, and I enjoy exercising my intellect in exchanging ideas and thoughts with people.

Have been here a long time now, see no reason to stop now!

[nailit]

//nor do I get involved in any mud slinging//
Ahem! Not adverse to a little dig here and there though!

[Apc2604]

I spend time on here mainly because I am quite disabled. Have a condition which is painful and makes me reslly tired. I am basically a gregarious person and love people, but my life has changed. AB lets me chat or debate. My brain is still sharp, even though physically things are very difficult. I can get very depressed and AB takes my mind off things. I love the News section and the arguments!

I wouldn't spend much time on here if I had the energy to get out and socialise. I think I may not be theonly ABer like this. I avoid Body and Soul completely?

[Arksided]

Many reasons some very amusing posters, the veiws of others in news... Fantasy football, and although I don't get involved (Mostly) with any mud slinging... some uppity posters do make me chortle when thy get into a spat.

[jno]

you never know, Apc, you might find Qs on Body and Soul relating to your condition. ABers have a very wide range of things wrong with them. (Mostly curable with 600mg of ibuprofen, of course.)

[nailit]

Must admit, Ive received an inordinate amount of support over the years from complete strangers when Ive posted stuff...and its often meant much more to me than what ''proffesinals'' have provided.

other times I just get frustrated at peoples inability to see the bleeding obvious....

[Tilly2]

It's just a habit now but it's not as amusing or entertaining as it once was.
I have to say though, that I have learned an awful lot through AB and would be sad to see it disappear.

[Apc2604]

Jno. The last thing I want is to find about my condition. I know all I need to know. There's nothing that can be done except manage it. It's not cureable. I spend enough time in hospitals and medical practices without going on Body and Soul. I come on here to get away from health issues!

[nailit]

//I have to say though, that I have learned an awful lot through AB and would be sad to see it disappear//
It wont disappear Tills
Too many adverts now for that to happen...………….

[jno]

I used to learn a lot from posters like Quizmonster and Jake the Peg but I don't know that they're around any more.

[Tilly2]

Well that's good, Nails.

[Peter Pedant]

blimey
Barmaid on Law is well worth the hassle of the site
Fred Puli now deceased

surprisingly little on science

law stands out as we think that no one has ever taken the advice we so generously offer- never any follow up including - do you realise how much your crap advice has cost me?
but hell that doesnt stop any of us

[jno]

fair enough, Apc. If your condition is understood and managed that can only be good.

[tamborine]

Am interested in different pov & knowledge to discuss with clients instead of #where are you going/been on holiday# lol

[Barmaid]

I try not to do "mud slinging". I try to be polite and non personal, but every now and again someone riles me. More often than not, I sit here on my laptop dealing with some really turgid stuff and its just a bit of relief from reading the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 or such like.

I do liking helping people so I will post answers to what I can answer. Although generally, the OPs prefer the answer they would like to hear rather than the correct answer. But I cant say that bothers me.

And some days I just like to chat nonsense with anonymous people.

[nailit]

Must admit, I do love a good discussion re: theological issues, cant get one here though, try as I might!.
Don't even bother to venture into news because of the right wing bias.
B&S When needs be, because weve all been their,
Law, when appropriate,
Chatterbank, just because I aint got a telly and we all want to talk every now and then!


Otherwise, couldn't give a XXXX