Renazance's recent activity
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Comment on Reddit is now #3 most visited site in the US, below only Google and Youtube in ~tech
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~news
Renazance Link ParentI'd argue it isn't. I don't have to be super involved in the current political zeitgeist to know that Nazism and Communism are terrible doctrines that lead to hatred and suffering. I can still...I'd argue it isn't. I don't have to be super involved in the current political zeitgeist to know that Nazism and Communism are terrible doctrines that lead to hatred and suffering. I can still call out how horrendously stupid each ideologue is without having to be part of either one.
This ties into the idea of changing views. The goal is to never change the view of someone arguing for something, but to change the view of the audience, if you will. If we completely ignore them, and don't let people see how full of hatred and stupidity people who follow those groups are, people might be swayed with the nice layer on top that totally belies what's underneath.
I'd argue that dealing with a massive corp like Facebook, with an already massive group of devout users will be ineffective, yes. But I can tell you that a lot of people that may have signed up for Facebook, or may think about it in the future will have second thoughts. This ties into the "swaying the audience" point.
If "all publicity is good publicity" we'd be seeing a lot more hardcore Nazis and hardcore Communists if that were the case. Obviously, while they are gaining traction (imo, because people are so entrenched and unwilling to argue the stupidity of each) they aren't doing as well as one might assume, based on that adage.
If we ignored, and just banned all discussion of the Holocaust, or the Stalinist regime, or the Maoist regime, those ideals would become far larger, because people wouldn't be as aware of the atrocities as they currently are. Again, it ties into swaying the public, the audience, the listeners.
You will never be able to change someones mind that's super entrenched into an idea, but you can change someones mind who is thinking about becoming entrenched.
PS. It's super refreshing to actually have this conversation, thanks for reading and debating with me.
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Comment on Let's have an E3 hopes, speculation and predictions thread. in ~games
Renazance Link ParentHonestly, I used to be a massive Halo fan. Loved the series to death. They've just fallen into a massive rut and forgotten what Halo used to be. I don't want Halo 6 anymore. They tried to court...Honestly, I used to be a massive Halo fan. Loved the series to death. They've just fallen into a massive rut and forgotten what Halo used to be. I don't want Halo 6 anymore. They tried to court the wrong market and it shows, terribly.
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Comment on Let's have an E3 hopes, speculation and predictions thread. in ~games
Renazance Link ParentI would say... as much as MCC would be awesome, I'd love it if the Dewrito devs got hired to continue their Halo Online port. Seeing how terrible MCC was and how they're only JUST starting to make...I would say... as much as MCC would be awesome, I'd love it if the Dewrito devs got hired to continue their Halo Online port. Seeing how terrible MCC was and how they're only JUST starting to make it better now, I don't want that.
Let the group that did the Halo Online port continue their work, because there's obviously a market for it, and as of right now, it may as well be Halo 3: Custom Edition. Let it grow Microsoft, let it grow.
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Comment on Let's have an E3 hopes, speculation and predictions thread. in ~games
Renazance Link ParentARTIFACT VR DOTA 2 VR some pet project like destinations that barely counts as a game. Valve, remember when you made games that people wanted? I do, and I miss those days.ARTIFACT VR
DOTA 2 VR
some pet project like destinations that barely counts as a game.Valve, remember when you made games that people wanted? I do, and I miss those days.
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Comment on Reddit is now #3 most visited site in the US, below only Google and Youtube in ~tech
Renazance Link ParentThe redesign seems to be exactly that. Make it as appealing as Facebook or other sites. However, there's a caveat to that. A lot of the time the original group is pushed out because of the masses,...The redesign seems to be exactly that. Make it as appealing as Facebook or other sites. However, there's a caveat to that. A lot of the time the original group is pushed out because of the masses, and the original purpose of the group is lost.
The people that were first on Reddit don't want that, most of current Reddit doesn't seem to want it. While the masses are great at monetizing a product, it tends to become the focus, losing the original audience with it. When your mother makes a Reddit account, it's the beginning of the end times for that site, imo.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~news
Renazance Link ParentYou aren't wrong, and I do not disagree! But the media are like piranhas and sharks. They don't care where the blood is coming from, they will attack. I just think we should be more objective in...You aren't wrong, and I do not disagree! But the media are like piranhas and sharks. They don't care where the blood is coming from, they will attack. I just think we should be more objective in what is reported as a whole. Media now seems to rush to print the "facts" first, and often they aren't real facts. Not all the time, however, but I certainly feel this rush to publish is allowing a certain lack of professionalism to rise up.
While there is plenty to discuss about Trump, and plenty to criticize, we need to make sure we are criticizing things worth actually going for, and the facts, not feelings. It's why I personally hate most Op-Eds now. Less facts, more activism, and the last thing reporters should be, is activists.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~news
Renazance Link ParentI don't believe the natural state of websites is /pol/ at all. Content that is encouraged is what will become the norm. That type of content is encouraged there, hence why it's become the...I don't believe the natural state of websites is /pol/ at all. Content that is encouraged is what will become the norm. That type of content is encouraged there, hence why it's become the mainstay. That's also an issue with people not recognizing that people are being purposfuly idiotic in a sort of edgelord ironic way, and mistaking being in good company. That's another topic though.
Having massive blanket bans on things like obvious racism, and other topics isn't inherently bad, but what I disagree with is having the terms extremely loose. For example, in Canada and the U.K. context doesn't matter so much as to why you're saying something, and it doesn't matter if it's your intention. You're allowed freedom of expression until someone perceives it was because they were a protected class, even if that wasn't the intention at all. It's ripe for abuse by bad actors, which is horrifically unfortunate.
I do hope that is enough to curb it. I want this community to thrive, and be a healthy one. Part of that is avoiding the pitfalls of other sites that have tried to create something similar. That being said, I wouldn't call it ignoring either. I'd rather know who the hateful people are from the get-go, so I know to avoid them and I can call them out. Banning discussion never bans ideas, it only drives them underground where they grow, and fester, and rot in their small echo-chambers that nobody can even peek into. Sunlight is the best disinfectant for horrid ideas, after all. It's why I don't think removing them challenges them in any way. It only drives their ideals home more. If the discussion is banned, then they must be right after all! Obviously that is not true, but humans are weird and that's how fringe radical groups see themselves, after all.
At least with containment boards, you can see who is saying what, and what they are saying. Unchecked, ideas can become extremely dangerous, as history has shown us time and time again. I'm not saying we should open up all these communities for people to be hateful, obviously, but I don't think letting them go unchecked helps any either, and that's ironically what banning and hiding said speech does. Catch-22 if you will.
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Comment on What if we got rid of votes entirely? in ~tildes
Renazance Link ParentIf I were to be honest, I'd rather not have special votes at all. I find it easy to abuse in that regard, especially if they were invisible. Say they were weighted, who is going to stop someone...If I were to be honest, I'd rather not have special votes at all. I find it easy to abuse in that regard, especially if they were invisible. Say they were weighted, who is going to stop someone from dropping a bunch of those votes on a comment to artificially inflate it's position? I'd prefer transparency over opacity, but I'd also prefer no special votes at all. Just too easy to abuse in one way or another.
That being said, you aren't wrong in the sense that there are comments with no discussion that are useful none-the-less. But that's why I'd rather have a system that would either be a blanket "contributes/is useful" or a sort of drop down list for why you're voting for it, a-la "Contributes to the conversation", "Is useful", "Interesting/insightful" and even more that I can't think of. Nothing silly like "Cool" because that's just kinda pointless imo, unless it's for a sub-thread or group that warrants it. As in a group called "Cool Pictures" or "Cool Facts". That being said, this site is a little too small for that just yet, so we will have to see!
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Comment on Reddit is now #3 most visited site in the US, below only Google and Youtube in ~tech
Renazance LinkIn my opinion, that's one of the main reasons it's gotten so bad lately. It's gotten too big for it's own good, and a lot of the people on there don't actually know any better than anyone else,...In my opinion, that's one of the main reasons it's gotten so bad lately. It's gotten too big for it's own good, and a lot of the people on there don't actually know any better than anyone else, even if they don't realize it or admit it. Plus, with the size comes the splintering, there's a lot of divisiveness now, and reddit completely feeds into that. What with echo chamber subreddits where saying something that isn't the "right thought" gets you kicked out, and general rudeness to each other, not to mention saying something approved so you can get those nice points that mean literally nothing.
Actual conversation has been lost, save for a very few splinter subreddits, and there doesn't seem to be any fixing it given the size.
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Comment on Hi tilders; In my first relationship ever. Any advice? in ~life
Renazance Link ParentThese two comments are basically what I would say. No two relationships are the same by any means. What advice works for you may not work for others. That being said, here's a couple tips I feel...These two comments are basically what I would say.
No two relationships are the same by any means. What advice works for you may not work for others. That being said, here's a couple tips I feel should be mentioned.
Take your time to get to know them, their likes, dislikes, goals, dreams, ideals. Do the opposite, let them know about yours!
Learn how to communicate with them! This includes listening as much as it includes talking. Be honest with yourself, and them. If you disagree, don't just nod your head for fear of insulting, or coming off wrong. Speak your mind, but not in an inflammatory way. Discuss things with them, as in any relationship, it's a partnership. There will be some give, and there will be some take, and that's okay!
Be willing to work towards bettering the relationship! No relationship starts out perfect, and there is always some way to improve!
And this one is just a little caveat I've found in my experiences. Don't forget to flirt. Just because you're in a relationship, doesn't mean that the niceties need to stop. This kind of ties into getting to know them, though.
Other than that, @ruspaceni is dead on.
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Comment on Books Kafka would be proud of in ~talk
Renazance LinkI'll second historical accounts. The Gulag Archipelago is one of those that I didn't enjoy, per se, but it made me really think about things. Animal Farm, while oft considered a book for children,...I'll second historical accounts.
The Gulag Archipelago is one of those that I didn't enjoy, per se, but it made me really think about things.
Animal Farm, while oft considered a book for children, is one that I feel is important to reread as an adult to make sure you understand what is being said.
Brave new world is another one I think most people should read, even if it's not exactly one that fits into the role so nicely.
All the other suggestions would probably be better than mine, but those are the ones I can really think of off the top of my head. Most tend to challenge your notions and preconceptions about the time, and the subject. Not to mention, they're good books to read in these times of change.
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Comment on Trump signs 'Right to Try Act' aimed at helping terminally ill patients seek drug treatments in ~health
Renazance Link ParentI think that's not too bad of an idea, honestly. If ones terminally ill and there's a treatment that seems promising but isn't approved, and they decide for themselves, I do not see why we should...I think that's not too bad of an idea, honestly. If ones terminally ill and there's a treatment that seems promising but isn't approved, and they decide for themselves, I do not see why we should stop them from doing so.
Obviously, there will be a lot of risks, and I'm sure people will point out some faults in this bill, but I think giving the people the choice is a great start. It's why I'm also for people choosing to end their life in safe, responsible manner. (I.E. Doctor assisted suicide).
Who am I to tell someone who is dealing with a terminal illness if they should have no recourse other than to suffer?
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Comment on Any Warhammer players here? in ~games.tabletop
Renazance LinkIt's a little too expensive for me to get into. I love the lore, and I'm a massive fan, but I don't think I could actually ever find a TT group to play with. Plus the costs of getting into it....It's a little too expensive for me to get into. I love the lore, and I'm a massive fan, but I don't think I could actually ever find a TT group to play with. Plus the costs of getting into it. I'll stick with the books, games, and other media for now.
Edit: I'm more talking 40K, in case that wasn't clear. Thought I should clarify, even if you added the traditional 40K text :P
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Comment on What if we got rid of votes entirely? in ~tildes
Renazance Link ParentI disagree. Gold was something that ended up causing more of an issue than Karma did, in a way. Sure, karma made things a pissing contest, but gold was basically dumping a full bucket of it on...I disagree. Gold was something that ended up causing more of an issue than Karma did, in a way. Sure, karma made things a pissing contest, but gold was basically dumping a full bucket of it on someone. Sure, people may have liked the golden shower, but it made others jealous, and a lot more divisive. I'm of the mind that if you want to support the site, donate regularly. Don't give a monetary reason for people to say something, even if it is a silly badge on their comment.
It tended to stifle discussion, imo. People would see someone gilded their comment and just assume, because someone spent money on it, they must be right. Then it added all the dumb edits about it.
If anything, and I know this might upset people, 4chan got it right. Comments were on their own. No votes, no names, just the merit of the comment itself. If it was a good comment, it would be replied to and there would be more discussion about it. Not only that, but people would end up actually taking the idea and spreading it, whatever it may be.
It would become a Meme, in the traditional, Dawkins sense. A passed on gene, just with an idea instead of a cell, or dna, or biology.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~news
Renazance Link ParentReddit started banning a lot of subreddits they found distasteful. Which, as a company, is completely in their rights to do so. That being said, where is the line drawn? Who gets to decide what is...Reddit started banning a lot of subreddits they found distasteful. Which, as a company, is completely in their rights to do so. That being said, where is the line drawn? Who gets to decide what is distasteful and what isn't? I'm not defending FPH by any means, I just don't like the idea of someone injecting their personal politics into a site that originally stood by freedom of speech and expression. It left a sour taste in my mouth.
I also tend to believe that a lot of those sub forums end up being containment forums, if that makes sense. You take away the containment, and they spill out every where else. At least, when they had their own group, you wouldn't see it in random threads or elsewhere. You could block it from showing up and wash your hands of it so to speak.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~news
Renazance Link ParentI honestly don't think he would have the skill to play that role. Say what you will about Kevin Spacey since the unfortunate truth came out, he was absolutely perfect for that role. I honestly...I honestly don't think he would have the skill to play that role. Say what you will about Kevin Spacey since the unfortunate truth came out, he was absolutely perfect for that role. I honestly don't believe Obama would fit in any way shape or form.
It would just scream pandering to me, assuming that I absolutely worship the man, and while I respect him, I do not want to see him in that sort of role or show. That being said, I don't think there's many actors that could take that role now, with the work and character Spacey added to it.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~news
Renazance Link ParentTo be fair, with the way a lot of communities were being moderated, I can see the value in having a tool like that. Especially with the "high-ground" standings a lot of subs seem to have now, both...To be fair, with the way a lot of communities were being moderated, I can see the value in having a tool like that. Especially with the "high-ground" standings a lot of subs seem to have now, both Right and Left.
Especially when whole threads were deleted and there was actual good conversations to be read and had there.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~news
Renazance Link ParentI think it was mainly a case of optics. Obama definitely had some scandals (the increased drone strikes come to mind) but most were focused on crazy people attacking him for no reason. Trump, on...I think it was mainly a case of optics. Obama definitely had some scandals (the increased drone strikes come to mind) but most were focused on crazy people attacking him for no reason. Trump, on the other hand, has sort of pissed the media off royally, and he's also made a lot of stupid comments and decisions. I think we're just hearing more of it now because the media is in a bit of a frenzy trying to take him down any way they can. It concerns me, in a way, because there was plenty to criticize about Obama, just like there is plenty to criticize about Trump. The media just likes to megaphone ones scandals and soundbites more than the other.
Cards on the table, I didn't hate Obama at all, I thought he was fairly well balanced. I do disagree with him on a few stances, but those weren't really brought out to the public sphere too much. Plus, I think a lot of people romanticize him, especially compared to what the US has for a president at the moment.
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Comment on Bethesda announces Fallout: 76 in ~games
Renazance Link ParentIn that case, it gets a hard pass from me. I want more SP games, especially to the scale of story that was New Vegas. I'll still be keeping an eye out, but honestly, if it's only MP, and something...In that case, it gets a hard pass from me. I want more SP games, especially to the scale of story that was New Vegas. I'll still be keeping an eye out, but honestly, if it's only MP, and something to the akin of Elder Scrolls Online, or Torath forbid, some sort of battle royale? Nah, not interested.
That really ties into my point.
It's easier to digest, but there's no substance to it. The few times the masses (normies, masses, outgroup, w/e you want to call it) find something with substance and nuance, they don't know how to deal with it. They're too used to simple content that doesn't make them think, or look at things from a different perspective. They like to be told and shown only things they like, never anything that goes against their view or ideals.
That makes for a weak community (and society, in my opinion.)