Argumentative people

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Do they make for a stressful environment or stimulate interesting conversations?

How do you handle an overly argumentative person?

 

[seasidemike]

For the purpose of arguing is debating two points, the problem with some people when they argu is that they refuse to be open to any new ideas of information, therefore it is not a debate but an aggressive exchange of unyielding views.

Personally when I argu, I always try to keep an open mind to the possibility that I may be wrong, or may be alter my view based on new information presented. I dislike arguing with someone who does not do the same as there is no outcome from an argument like that other than frustration.

 

[DrLeftover]

Do they make for a stressful environment or stimulate interesting conversations?

How do you handle an overly argumentative person?

Interesting question.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I guess there's different types. Some are harmless and some drive people away by the dozens.

The harmless ones can be ignored or engaged and harmony isn't disrupted either way.

The other kind, well, you're going to have to take action eventually or you'll end up with huge collection of inactive members.

 

[DrLeftover]

True enough.

And a little disagreement is good for the soul, and the board.

If all you have is a bunch of grinning idiot sycophants, you end up with, well

 

[Capt. RiskyBoots]

That depends on what the person is trying to prove. Don't even get me started on ones who make for a stressful environment because I do remember someone who constantly argued with other forum members until we saw things his way.

 

[MrDawn]

Do they make for a stressful environment or stimulate interesting conversations?

How do you handle an overly argumentative person?

Aren't overly argumentative people some times considered trolls based on how they are reacting to the discussion?

 

[Raven]

Walk away.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Do they make for a stressful environment or stimulate interesting conversations?

How do you handle an overly argumentative person?

Aren't overly argumentative people some times considered trolls based on how they are reacting to the discussion?

I am not even sure what the word "troll" means anymore.

Disagree with someone, you're a troll.

Have an unpopular opinion on something, you're a troll.

...Sometimes I think the term gets tossed around too much, even towards people who aren't "up to something."

 

[Dee]

Do they make for a stressful environment or stimulate interesting conversations?

How do you handle an overly argumentative person?

Aren't overly argumentative people some times considered trolls based on how they are reacting to the discussion?

I am not even sure what the word "troll" means anymore.

Disagree with someone, you're a troll.

Have an unpopular opinion on something, you're a troll.

...Sometimes I think the term gets tossed around too much, even towards people who aren't "up to something."

My definition of a forum troll is someone who flames and spams, creates tension and drama for the sake of pissing people off, not necessarily because they want to get back at them but because they know it'll get a rise out of people. Part of this is because they know they can as certain people will respond to things and because it provides a laugh.

 

[Smiley]

Do they make for a stressful environment or stimulate interesting conversations?

Stressful.

How do you handle an overly argumentative person?

If I'm in no position of power, I simply ignore them. I don't talk to them, I don't read their posts... nothing. Out of sight, out of mind.

If, on the other hand, I'm a staff member, and I notice the person is going out of his / her way to argue with everyone just for the sake of arguing and getting an ego boost from "winning", and it's affecting the forum activity in a negative way, I might even consider banning the person. I'm not gonna let someone who obviously has too much free time on their hands to chase other members away while I idly sit back and do nothing.

I guess there's different types. Some are harmless and some drive people away by the dozens.

This.

The harmless ones can be ignored or engaged and harmony isn't disrupted either way.

The other kind, well, you're going to have to take action eventually or you'll end up with huge collection of inactive members.

Absolutely true. I've seen it happen on another forum that is now struggling for activity because the overly argumentative members - some of which are moderators and administrators - have gradually chased the majority of their members away and severely decimated the user base.

 

[MrDawn]

If the person is too debative. I either think they're going out of context, being immature, or just pushing the issue too hard to the point they are being a nag.