I felt like I should make this post to say, as much fun as the last week or two have been, I don't think I can justify sticking around here quite as much as I have been -- too much temptation during downtime at work, procrastination, etc.

I've been lurking myUMBC since I've been in college, and always sort of thought it would be interesting to actively join in the discussions, and it was.  That being said, I was hoping to have compelling debates with people who disagree with me, to learn something about their thought process, reevaluate my own beliefs, etc.  Unfortunately, it seems like the internet doesn't have enough structure to ensure debate is possible, unless both parties are invested in a fair discussion.  If UMBC Agora ever resurrects, I'd totally be interested in that.

I will continue addressing any responses to arguments I have already made, because I think if I'm willing to make an assertion in a public forum, I should be able to defend it from irrational criticism, or concede to fair ones.  Unfortunately, it seems rather difficult to find people who believe and will act likewise.  Engaging in good debate is a good mental exercise, but unfortunately that's a two-way street, and only a select few really seem to understand that -- and I think I usually end up fundamentally agreeing with them, which justifies just a bit of my faith in humanity but doesn't keep the debate going on too long.

Okay now here's the time for passive aggressive thoughts on y'all!!  I think there was specifically one person I was able to have a reasonable debate with that I usually seemed to disagree with, and you know who you are.  If all my discussions on here required the mental rigor the ones with you did, I probably wouldn't be abandoning ship just yet... and probably kind of screwing up my job and academics in the process so meh.  :P  Also global warming is observably true if you define global as "the planet" and warming as "is getting hotter".  :[

Gregorio, I had mostly seen you in the context of trolling Erik, but for what it's worth your existential crisis was relatively amusing/endearing to me, as someone who's been through that before.  Other than mild antagonistic tendencies, you seem pretty bright.  :?

People who agree with me and are right:  Keep fighting the good fight, but try to make sure all your arguments are rational -- don't associate our accurate viewpoints with bad form.

People who disagree with me and are right:  Also, make sure all your arguments are rational.  I don't know why I disagree with you, but I'm pretty sure it's pretty easy to come up with a rational argument for the truth.

People who agree with me and are wrong:  Always remember ideologies come second to reason and loving your fellow man.

People who disagree with me and are wrong:  Please try and make sure your beliefs hold up to scrutiny and are internally consistent.

People who don't get involved in debate, but try to inject humor and/or kindness into the discussion:  You are absolutely more important here than anyone arguing for any viewpoint.  Keep it up, and don't let the dickwads like me dissuade you.

If anyone has any qualms with me or thinks I have made any insubstantial claims over my time of activity here, please let me know in the comments -- I'm not abandoning the forums, I just don't think it's worth my time to try to debate comment threads, especially not as much as I have been doing.  Feel free to hmu on Facebook or email me (sebsnow1@umbc.edu).

Cheers,