The Answerbank -V- Twitter

[naomi24]

This question has puzzled me since reading a discussion between andy-hughes and douglas a few days ago. Not being a great fan of social media I know little about it so for those seeking discussion here rather than genuine answers to specific queries what’s the difference between The AnswerBank and Twitter? Pros and cons?

[jim360]

I think it's safe to say that LadyCG isn't being quite accurate :/

[LadyCG]

Sorry, submitted before finishing.

If you wish to malign the likes of Robinson, Farage or Trump, you may do so at your pleasure. Speak out against economic migrants or Muslim grooming gangs, your posts will stand a good chance of being removed, along with your membership.

[LadyCG]

Jim, my husband isn't secretive about what he posts online and neither am I. I would simply prefer it if we didn't step on each others' toes.

I have seen first hand, numerous times, that moderation on Twitter is incredibly biased.

Twonks like Gary Linekar and Lily Allen can post what they like. Katie Hopkins on the other hand...

[LadyCG]

By the way, Jim, is it accuracy or honesty you think that I am lacking?

[ichkeria]

It depends what you use it for: I use Twitter occasionally for live news feeds. You get lots of publicity on the news about outrageous things people have said on twitter but personally I don’t give a damn about any of that.
And AB is for getting answer to questions and a bit of debate. Far more restrained as a rule I should think than any ‘discussion’ might be on twitter or public Facebook groups, which often is just people shouting at each other

[jim360]

I'm not accusing you personally of anything, LCG, I just think you're mistaken.

[LadyCG]

Jim, I can only go by what OH has shown me, and whether I'm interested or not, he shows me everything. Half the time now I just tune out.

[naomi24]

//if your name is Tommy Robinson, your account will be deleted.
If your name is Gina Miller, you can crusade to your heart's content. //

That's disappointing.

[ummmm]

Some stuff posted on Twitter is funny. It's not really about politics.

[Jackdaw33]

Disappointing, but sadly very likely.

[naomi24]

Jim, //I think it's safe to say that LadyCG isn't being quite accurate :/ //

Why isn't it accurate? I've just checked and according to the BBC Tommy Robinson has been banned from Twitter - permanently.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-43572168

[Old_Geezer]

Anonymous people tend to find it easier to speak their mind. IMO a vital benefit.
One can link to back up expert opinion, but really one should be clear when it's an inexpert opinion being expressed in a thread which requires fact.

[jim360]

It's the interpretation that I think is inaccurate, rather than the fact that TR has been banned.

[naomi24]

Jim. Why do you think it's inaccurate? Tommy Robinson's fate at the hands of Twitter indicates otherwise.

[jim360]

It's roughly-speaking equivalent to claiming that TR is the victim of some left-wing pro-Islam conspiracy by being thrown into prison for daring to speak out against them -- whereas, of course, he was jailed for contempt of court, as his actions would have risked jeopardising the safety of the convictions in that trial.

There's a material difference between the two interpretations, even if the facts are the same. Twitter is awash with abuse, and in practice both "sides" of politics are free to spout almost anything they like, even though Twitter does have rules against "hateful conduct".

One other thing to note is that LadyCG's examples of what is and isn't accepted aren't actually equivalent. The former is an attack on an individual, and (up to genuine libel) is generally protected under free speech; but the latter examples are attacks on entire groups of people, and therefore will tend to fall foul of laws/rules against racial/religious discrimination.

[ummmm]

And not to forget that a massive part of Twitter is about people following celebs, posting funny pics of their pets and just random thoughts.

[Zacs-Master]

Getting back to the OP. Twitter can be used in different ways. Some people obsess about following celebrities and certain topics. Others (myself included) follow accounts which inform me about certain interests (what’s going on locally etc) and I find it very informative from both a news POV and socially (finding out about things going on in local towns and cities).

So, for me, it’s completely different to AB.

[Arksided]

Personally if it were choice between AB and twitter, it'd be AB every time simply because of the diverse opinions, i'm fully aware (Allegedly) that this site can be abused sometimes but does give oneself a broader perspective.

[ichkeria]

"Anonymous people tend to find it easier to speak their mind. IMO a vital benefit. "

Most people on twitter are not really anonymous. And it does not stop them "speaking their mind". Actually what really happens is that people online feel freer to hurl abuse, which is of no benefit to anyone.

[ichkeria]

"So, for me, it’s completely different to AB. "

Yep, indeed.
The only thing they seem to have in common is Tommy bleedin' Robinson seems to crop up every 5 minutes :-)