The Schism of October 2008

[charlou]

Hi paddy_rice ...

A fresh, new forum for everyone, where all topics can be discussed! Hooray!

rationalia is over a year old.




As for 'schisms' :

We've lived and learned and we're the better for it ... for the most part.



The pub's thataway ^^^

[paddy_rice]

Welcome to Ratz.

Thanks DP. Were you a member of RDF before the First Schism, and if so, why did you leave?

So nice to see someone willing to jump straight into the forum, less than 40 minutes a member and you already have an interest in some of the serious threads.

So tell me, how DiD you find Rationalia?

I think I found it in the comments section of a news story about the Second Schism. A fairly strong PR campaign appears to have been launched in the online media by ex-RDF members, which is quite understandable considering the quality of news reports on the matter.

The biggest crime was the deletion of the Dambusters thread. Around that time I joined this place, but also stuck to the Old Country.

The biggest attraction around here was the pron at first...

The Dambusters thread? Oh, pray, tell, it sounds too juicy!

Were you specifically taking my post completely out of context or were you referring to the thread as a whole?

I'm sorry if I sound rude, BF, but I don't know who you are and don't remember reading any such post from you. I was specifically talking about some comments by starr and doubtdispelled. Please realise that when you react so angrily and spuriously, it just makes me more curious!

Klr covers most of the story in this thread: http://www.rationalia.com/forum/viewtop ... 21#p376235

[...]

Okay, LP, I get it, thanks for the explanation. I'll take a look. Finally, a bit of clarity! Mental note made: anyone who doesn't share a particular sexual practice or preference is "sex-phobic", "uptight" and "prudish". Fair enough!

I had no idea Rationalia was so intimately related to the First Schism (or should we call it the Great Schism, to be politically correct?). What, if any, was the connection between the Great Schism, pron/chat about felching, and the Second Schism? It's something that hasn't been mentioned at all in the media.

[Mephistopheles]

Were you specifically taking my post completely out of context or were you referring to the thread as a whole?

I'm sorry if I sound rude, BF, but I don't know who you are and don't remember reading any such post from you. I was specifically talking about some comments by starr and doubtdispelled. Please realise that when you react so angrily and spuriously, it just makes me more curious!

Klr covers most of the story in this thread: http://www.rationalia.com/forum/viewtop ... 21#p376235

[...]

Oh HEY, I know some of these people. Now I'm intrigued. I am reading the entire archived stuff now just to find familiar faces.

And once again, it looks like the previous schism was a smart political move on Dawkins' part, again done in haste with little regard for the forum members. The difference is, at least last time seems excusable, considering the legal ramifications were harsher and he actually apologized in person for the haste.

[Don't Panic]

Okay, LP, I get it, thanks for the explanation. I'll take a look. Finally, a bit of clarity! Mental note made: anyone who doesn't share a particular sexual practice or preference is "sex-phobic", "uptight" and "prudish". Fair enough!

You seem to be very eager to assign labels to people and make sweeping assertions based on very little knowledge.

Tell me, do you believe in God?

I had no idea Rationalia was so intimately related to the First Schism (or should we call it the Great Schism, to be politically correct?). What, if any, was the connection between the Great Schism, pron/chat about felching, and the Second Schism? It's something that hasn't been mentioned at all in the media.

What exactly is your interest in events that occurred in back in 2008? That is all ancient history for most of us here.

[paddy_rice]

You seem to be very eager to assign labels to people and make sweeping assertions based on very little knowledge.

Nope, I'm quoting pretty directly from LP. Isn't calling people sex-phobic and prudish because they disagree with you something of a sweeping generalisation?

Tell me, do you believe in God?

Eh?

What exactly is your interest in events that occurred in back in 2008? That is all ancient history for most of us here.

What the fuck? I was only asking, and my questions seem to have been answered pretty well by LP already. I was rather suspicious about the sincerity of your original welcome, and the bizarre reaction from you and BF on this thread just makes me want to know more.

I suppose I'm interested to know what place sex has on a forum about reason and skepticism. In particular, how big a part of Rationalia is it?

[klr]

I see no problem with someone wanting to know the details of the first great dust-up?

[Feck]

You seem to be very eager to assign labels to people and make sweeping assertions based on very little knowledge.

Nope, I'm quoting pretty directly from LP. Isn't calling people sex-phobic and prudish because they disagree with you something of a sweeping generalisation?

Tell me, do you believe in God?

Eh?

What exactly is your interest in events that occurred in back in 2008? That is all ancient history for most of us here.

What the fuck? I was only asking, and my questions seem to have been answered pretty well by LP already. I was rather suspicious about the sincerity of your original welcome, and the bizarre reaction from you and BF on this thread just makes me want to know more.

I suppose I'm interested to know what place sex has on a forum about reason and skepticism. In particular, how big a part of Rationalia is it?

Oh mine's HUGE so a big part

[normal]

I suppose I'm interested to know what place sex has on a forum about reason and skepticism. In particular, how big a part of Rationalia is it?

Well. Not very big. And to clarify, this isn't really "a forum about reason and sketicism", it's more of a friendly environment where we hang out. Sure, most of us are atheists since we ended up here after having our freedom limited at RDF in 2008. The tone isn't usually very serious. Even though we have some serious sections, the main activity we have here is being a laid back, humorous community. So the sex isn't really that important, but what is important is that we don't mind it being discussed in any direction.

I suggest you take some time out to read through some of the new threads, and many of the old ones. It will without doubt answer many of your questions, and you will be able to see if this forum is anything for you.

[FBM]

Oh mine's HUGE so a big part

Been Photoshopping again, have we?

[paddy_rice]

I suppose I'm interested to know what place sex has on a forum about reason and skepticism. In particular, how big a part of Rationalia is it?

Well. Not very big. And to clarify, this isn't really "a forum about reason and sketicism", it's more of a friendly environment where we hang out. Sure, most of us are atheists since we ended up here after having our freedom limited at RDF in 2008. The tone isn't usually very serious. Even though we have some serious sections, the main activity we have here is being a laid back, humorous community. So the sex isn't really that important, but what is important is that we don't mind it being discussed in any direction.

I suggest you take some time out to read through some of the new threads, and many of the old ones. It will without doubt answer many of your questions, and you will be able to see if this forum is anything for you.

I guess my (perhaps rhetorical) question is this: how is Rationalia different from the RD forums, apart from the sex? I always found the RD forums to be quite irreverent and humorous, so I'm not sure Rationalia is unique in that regard.

[Azathoth]

I suppose I'm interested to know what place sex has on a forum about reason and skepticism. In particular, how big a part of Rationalia is it?

Well. Not very big. And to clarify, this isn't really "a forum about reason and sketicism", it's more of a friendly environment where we hang out. Sure, most of us are atheists since we ended up here after having our freedom limited at RDF in 2008. The tone isn't usually very serious. Even though we have some serious sections, the main activity we have here is being a laid back, humorous community. So the sex isn't really that important, but what is important is that we don't mind it being discussed in any direction.

I suggest you take some time out to read through some of the new threads, and many of the old ones. It will without doubt answer many of your questions, and you will be able to see if this forum is anything for you.

I guess my (perhaps rhetorical) question is this: how is Rationalia different from the RD forums, apart from the sex? I always found the RD forums to be quite irreverent and humorous, so I'm not sure Rationalia is unique in that regard.

Play nice shall be the whole of the law

RDF has a list of stuff you are not allowed to do or say as long as your arm

[Thinking Aloud]

I suppose I'm interested to know what place sex has on a forum about reason and skepticism. In particular, how big a part of Rationalia is it?

Well. Not very big. And to clarify, this isn't really "a forum about reason and sketicism", it's more of a friendly environment where we hang out. Sure, most of us are atheists since we ended up here after having our freedom limited at RDF in 2008. The tone isn't usually very serious. Even though we have some serious sections, the main activity we have here is being a laid back, humorous community. So the sex isn't really that important, but what is important is that we don't mind it being discussed in any direction.

I suggest you take some time out to read through some of the new threads, and many of the old ones. It will without doubt answer many of your questions, and you will be able to see if this forum is anything for you.

I guess my (perhaps rhetorical) question is this: how is Rationalia different from the RD forums, apart from the sex? I always found the RD forums to be quite irreverent and humorous, so I'm not sure Rationalia is unique in that regard.

An analogy might be this: the regulars at the table in the corner of the pub were known for their brash and sometimes ribald chatter. The landlord decided he didn't want to alarm potential clientele, and removed the table, asking its occupants to go and sit elsewhere, quietly. They wanted to carry on as before, so built their own pub, and hang out there to this day, occasionally being ribald.

Nothing unique about a bunch of friends wanting to enjoy themselves - and ultimately that's what Rationalia was made for.

[charlou]

I suppose I'm interested to know what place sex has on a forum about reason and skepticism. In particular, how big a part of Rationalia is it?

Well. Not very big. And to clarify, this isn't really "a forum about reason and sketicism", it's more of a friendly environment where we hang out. Sure, most of us are atheists since we ended up here after having our freedom limited at RDF in 2008. The tone isn't usually very serious. Even though we have some serious sections, the main activity we have here is being a laid back, humorous community. So the sex isn't really that important, but what is important is that we don't mind it being discussed in any direction.

I suggest you take some time out to read through some of the new threads, and many of the old ones. It will without doubt answer many of your questions, and you will be able to see if this forum is anything for you.

I guess my (perhaps rhetorical) question is this: how is Rationalia different from the RD forums, apart from the sex? I always found the RD forums to be quite irreverent and humorous, so I'm not sure Rationalia is unique in that regard.

How long have you been a member at Rdnet? Were you there back in October 2008? Or have you heard some gossip and want to know more?

I'd like to know what your specific interest in this is, paddy_rice, because your demeanor is coming across as hostile.

[Mephistopheles]

I suppose I'm interested to know what place sex has on a forum about reason and skepticism. In particular, how big a part of Rationalia is it?

Well. Not very big. And to clarify, this isn't really "a forum about reason and sketicism", it's more of a friendly environment where we hang out. Sure, most of us are atheists since we ended up here after having our freedom limited at RDF in 2008. The tone isn't usually very serious. Even though we have some serious sections, the main activity we have here is being a laid back, humorous community. So the sex isn't really that important, but what is important is that we don't mind it being discussed in any direction.

I suggest you take some time out to read through some of the new threads, and many of the old ones. It will without doubt answer many of your questions, and you will be able to see if this forum is anything for you.

I guess my (perhaps rhetorical) question is this: how is Rationalia different from the RD forums, apart from the sex? I always found the RD forums to be quite irreverent and humorous, so I'm not sure Rationalia is unique in that regard.

How long have you been a member at Rdnet? Were you there back in October 2008? Or have you heard some gossip and want to know more?

I'd like to know what your specific interest in this is, paddy_rice, because your demeanor is coming across as hostile.

I don't see anything hostile about it. I was somewhat curious myself to hear this side of the story. I hailed from Atheist Nation, which was absorbed into TAF a few months after Rationalia split, so I've heard TAF's side of the story. Though they tend to be more vague on the details because they don't want to stir up old shit.

In general, it just sounds like a lot of these split ups occur as a result of poor communication.

[paddy_rice]

Play nice shall be the whole of the law

Well, that's good, because I'm always nice, as you'll discover!

RDF has a list of stuff you are not allowed to do or say as long as your arm

That's good to hear, although I can't say I was ever censured for anything on RDF except for ad homs. So no such proscriptions exist on Rationalia? A couple of people don't seem very happy talking about the Great Schism! Perhaps they're just being prudish and fact-phobic. (Joke!)

How long have you been a member at Rdnet? Were you there back in October 2008? Or have you heard some gossip and want to know more?

I'd like to know what your specific interest in this is, paddy_rice, because your demeanor is coming across as hostile.

As stated in the OP, I wasn't around in October 2008. And yes, you're exactly right: I heard some gossip and wanted to know more. Simple as that. Sorry if I come across as hostile, it all just seems like a storm in a teacup to me (notwithstanding the work a lot of people put in to RDF, which I realise was effectively chucked down the toilet upon the Great Schism).

But I'm still at a loss to understand your (and others') rather hostile reaction to the OP. Is it just because you thought the subject was ancient history? As an outsider, it's hard for me to understand why it's such a sore subject, that's all.