11th July 2008, 01:52 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by BAJR Host
[quote]well argue better and more persuasively next time - or reassess your arguement.
and if any persuasive arguements are ignored, or sidelined, or the reaction is defensive? Discourse indeed requires compromise, and it does involve all parties listening to each other.
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If the arguements are persuasive, can they be ignored or sidelined? Perhaps the problem outlined in the quote above is that most people feel that they don't have an opportunity to express their views to the full membership of (for example) the IFA. Instead they deal with committees and council, which is a more limited pool of people. Many people (including me) think that the work (good and not so good) of the IFA committees could be better explained.
I also think that those people on the committees have only limited time and energy available to give to the IFA and that therefore new ideas can often be sidelined or reacted to less positively than they deserve because they are still in the process of dealing with the other points that have been raised previously, many of which may contradict the new ideas. ('will you just let me get THIS bit right before you ask me the next 15 questions') Of course, the world doesn't stand still but don't forget that these people are volunteers!
I think what makes BAJR popular is that (as you rightly say) anyoone can come and make their point (within the rules) and the people on here will listen, argue and debate (and usually have a laugh too!). It is also true that we can choose to do so anonymously. It's a lot easier to back down/be persuaded that you're wrong and there's a better way if you don't lose face in doing so.