FanNation - The Republic of Sport

FanNation presents us with the opportunity to Throw Down. It's a very All-American thing to do; argue. We all have opinions and will argue as such. We all discuss various topics ranging from the "Who Cares Department;" the idiocy of Britney Spears. The always popular "Theory of Evolution" or the thought-provoking; "what came first, the chicken or the egg." FanNation is based on sports. Sports fans will argue about sports. Arguing opinion will never die, and for that the Throwdown will flourish. However, to have a stones chance in hell to make an argument, someone has to be willing to listen.

In the case of the Throwdown, two people go head-to-head and argue two sides of a topic. Readers (should, but typically don't) look at the arguments and vote. That is where it goes haywire. Readers are generally bringing their pre-conceived notions into the Throwdown before they read word one on the argument. They frequently post a vote before both sides have even argued. You don't even get the spousal treatment of listening; al la in-one-ear-out-the-other. It doesn't even go in an ear (or through an optic nerve for that matter) before it is discarded.

I am a firm believer that everyone is entitled to their opinions. I welcome all options. I am a very open-minded person. Even if I have pre-conceived notions, I listen or read before passing further judgment. I don't have a problem with Gay/Lesbian marriage. I don't think "Harry Potter" celebrates witchcraft.  People get some firm in their beliefs that they are unwilling to listen to others. I/we need to take time to listen. Who knows, I might learn something and change my mind. I might be swayed by one's different argument. I may be enlightened. However, I will never know until I take the time to find out.

Throwdowns should be thought out and methodical. It should be argued based on facts. Lately there has been a barrage of topics started by people who have little to no understanding of what they are arguing. Worse yet, these same people have little to no understanding of the English language. If you can't form a sentence, you can't form an argument, plain and simple. I refuse to believe that someone can argue better than I can if they cannot form a rational thought that is grammatically correct. Learn how to write correctly on the Internet before you write on the Internet!

A majority of the more experienced folk who choose to spend time Throwing down, know the system. They understand the protocols. They, no doubt, have experienced the same kind of irritation I share here. They have overcome; I doubt I will get that far. I will choose to participate and read each argument as it is written and make judgment after, so as it is "unsaid" in the rules. I am choosing to use my time in a more productive manner.

I will not spend time gathering facts that will be wasted arguments. I will not spend time thinking and pondering what topics to argue. I will not type futile words that will not be read (ironic that I put this in a Blog!). I will not Throwdown.

This is mildly childish and stupid. Throwdowns that is... The idea of arguing is one thing, but the Throwdown itself has no bearing on life. My life will go on. That is the childish thing about it. I am getting pissed that I can pose an argument, a better one at that, and get shot down at the very notion before I even say a word...So much for being subjective. I shouldn't be pissed at this at all. It is an internet website based on Sports and Fans who remain anonymous. It is entertainment, as is sports. I just want to make sure my time isn't wasted if I'm to be entertained.