The Backroom

**kiwitt** · 07-12-2005, 22:19

I can honestly say my understanding of issues have improved by discussions in the backroom and some of my perceptions have changed.

**Kääpäkorven Konsuli** · 07-12-2005, 22:21

Originally Posted by Don Corleone

Are you up in Ivalo? I have ALWAYS wanted to go there... I heard you guys party like mad when the sun disappears, for weeks on end. Must be a bitch when work finally comes around again though.

No, I live close of Rovaniemi (Capital of lapland). Sun doesn't really disappear here, but in the darkest season of winter there is only1-3 hours from sunrise to sunset. If you go bit north from here it will disappear, It is called as "kaamos".
But in summers we have period called as "Yötön yö" which lasts about moth. During that periot sun won't set at all.

**Uesugi Kenshin** · 07-13-2005, 00:47

The backroom hasn't really made me change my mind about anything, but it has expanded my horizons, made me look at issues differently and have a more specific idea of what I believe about certain issues.

**Steppe Merc** · 07-13-2005, 00:53

I was previously in favor of a "nobody should be allowed to own guns of any kind other than police and military" gun control policy. Discussions in the Backroom have since convinced me that it is reasonable to allow private citizens to own hunting rifles and shotguns.

As was I. That was another thing that I changed on.

**JAG** · 07-13-2005, 01:07

Originally Posted by Don Corleone

All kidding aside, whether it changes my position or not, disucssin issues in here definitely changes my viewpoint, as it forces me to come to grips with my position in light of different views. Opinions formed in a vacuum tend not to be all that robust and well thought out. I think of this place as a crucible where ideas are refined and hopefully, improved.

Bloody well said.

I honestly don't think any of my opinions have changed in significant ways - possibly my opinions, if anything, have hardened towards the left far more than to the middle - but that of course, isn't the important thing.

I am glad you have rethinked the death penalty Don, we oppose it for different reasons but I think it shows your character in opposing it for the reasons you do.

**ichi** · 07-13-2005, 01:15

I've learned quite a bit about many subjects in here. Plus, its been a good place to work on communication skills, dealing with difficult people, discussing the points not the person.

ichi

**Byzantine Prince** · 07-13-2005, 01:46

Originally Posted by ichi

Plus, its been a good place to work on communication skills, dealing with difficult people, discussing the points not the person.

Same here. If it wasn't for the backroom a lot of real people would have headaches every day because of me. But here I'm harmless, because no one minds internet people(like me).

Thanks for helping me behave guys(well some of you).

**Don Corleone** · 07-13-2005, 01:52

Originally Posted by Byzantine Prince

Same here. If it wasn't for the backroom a lot of real people would have headaches every day because of me. But here I'm harmless, because no one minds internet people(like me).

Thanks for helping me behave guys(well some of you).

Nobody minds, he says, with a warning level of 8 and 1 ban to his name. All kidding aside, I think you're a prime example. When you first started posting in the Backroom, you were downright antagonistic, to the point of being threatening. Then you matured to the level of just attacking people verbally. Now, when your claws are out so to speak, you just tend to be snide (something I'm rather prone to myself).

I've noted a few exceptions, but for the most part, even people I radically disagree with *cough* Jag *cough*, I can see my position from their point of view, and it would appear that this is fairly common among regular backroom participants. Okay, nobody's quite figured out life from Navaros' viewpoint, but I will say, I've at least progressed to a point where I no longer doubt HE at least believes what he says (for a long time, I thought he was on a constant troll).

**InsaneApache** · 07-13-2005, 02:05

Ohh Donny Donny Donny...what a wicked sense of humour you acquired in the backroom....you minx you

**Proletariat** · 07-13-2005, 02:09

Everything I've posted here has been indisputable and anyone who disagrees can go screw.

On a more serious note, politices are inherently stupid. Without tit for tat and personal attacks they'd be boring on top of that. I guess that's why here's alright, even if the typical subjects remain shallow and rhetorical.

**Roark** · 07-13-2005, 02:25

I've certainly learned a lot.

People like Ichi and Big John have served to influence my thoughts, as they seem quite careful and conscientious in their thinking. I tend to respect that more than the views of those who are convinced that they "know it all" and/or are unwilling to incorporate new information.

**Ianofsmeg16** · 07-13-2005, 08:22

The backroom has taught me to think before i post otherwise people much cleverer and more in the know will come out of the shadows and metaphorically devour me up like one of those little sauseges you have at christmas.....mmmmmmmmmmm