Dig Yer Style Dudes...

[RandoRock]

I have to say that ever since joining this site I've been nothing but impressed at the level of respect everyone shows each other. This is might be the only place in all of the internet where people can stand on completely opposite sides of an issue and still have a conversation about it without resorting to personal attacks or being johnsons about it, to use the parlance of our time.

It's nice to know there is still one place where the exchange of ideas isn't just a giant micturition contest.

That being said I love to debate with people and it's been said that I can come off like I'm being aggressive when I get into a good ramble, while it's very rare that I actually ever get worked up during a discussion if I come off like I'm being a Johnson then please feel free to call me out on it. This isn't 'Nam after all.

[Father J]

I've noticed the exact same thing. People are always sending kind words to each other or encouraging others to embrace a life that is more Dude-like. I don't think I've read one negative post on this forum. And I think that's what I like about Dudeism.  It always you to be very positive even when the shit hits the fan

[Reverend Al]

I think "respect" is the key word.  Sure, we disagree on occasion just like any other family, but we show respect for other people and their opinions and simply agree to disagree if need be.  There's none of that egotistical "I must be proven right!" bullshit here that you find almost everywhere else on the ol' Interwebz (or, if there is, I haven't encountered it).

Also, like you RandoRock, I enjoy a constructive debate.  I'm have my opinions like everyone else, but I'm not so arrogant as to think I know everything so I regularly learn new things through the discussions here.  I believe the "big secret" to life is that we are all here to learn and to teach, and you can do neither effectively with a closed mind.

In other words, I like your style, Dudes.

[RandoRock]

It's nice to find a Dude and Walter type environment. The Dude and Walter argued all the time but they never once resorted to personal attacks and they never held a grudge. I feel there is a valuable lesson in that. As you put it, Reverend Al we are all here to learn and teach, I've always subscribed to the theory that the day I quit learning is the day I die. I'm not sure who said that, probably a fella much wiser than myself.