(Not sure how this thread is going to go) 

 The best threads are the ones where everyone controls their emotions and at the same time do not criticize a person or person's opinion.  Sadly though, many users succumb to at least one of these every now and then.  

 

Even giving back-up to claims for a certain opinion doesn't do any good if the user giving the back-up to the claim is criticizing someone.  This has the potential to turn any participant in an argument into a troll no matter how intelligent or self-controlling that individual is.  Sad to say I've fallen into that myself a couple of times.  The slightest name-calling, fad, or wording in any topic can trigger a flame war.

 

No matter how right you think you are, it should be a priority to never criticize anyone.  If your opinion gets criticized, remember that you should never take it personally.   

One thing many users take to a personal extent is the difference between a statement like "Nintendo is a company" and an opinion like "I enjoy racing games more than fighting games".  Both of these in their respective literal structures are in their own correct forms.  However, that doesn't mean when a person says "Racing games are better than fighting games" is an actual fact.  It's in a statement form which in the literary sense is a factual form, but it's still an opinion regardless because it revolves around self preference.  

Take me for instance, I love RPG's more than any other genre.  Does that make RPG's the best genre if I say "RPG's are better than any other genre"?  No, but in my opinion it is and other users should already acknowledge it's an opinion if I happened to say that exact statement. 

Now what if someone says "Company A is the greatest developer because....*supplies back-up*" and the back-up is legit, does that make him/her right? Not even close.  It's all personal preference.  Video games are in the entertainment industry.  Because of this, agreement is divided on what is best in each category.  The majority of agreement is not enough either because it's still an opinion and opinions cannot be proven even WITH legit facts.  There are too many definitions on how to determine the greatest <insert entertainment producer here> that it's impossible to put one above another in a factual stance.  

My number 1 rule about an opinion: You can't prove one, but you can agree with one.  If a majority agree's with an opinion, it isn't fact because agreement relies too heavily on factors that are not constants.  Factors such as where a person lives, how a person grew up, education etc.  All of these have an impact on an opinion and if were changed would change the person's opinion.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Controversial threads are more fun, though. I agree with what you're saying, but don't you love it just a little bit when "you're right, and they're wrong"?

Eh, sometimes, but later on the trolling from them gets worse and the one bad apple turns many good apples into poison.........0_o?

True, but that's what I appreciate most about this site: the powers that be give us a lot of freedom, but they don't tolerate that crap.

The site is a lot more tame than it used to be, and more well-regulated too, so I really don't think it is that much of an issue. A thread that goes a little crazy is kind of fun sometimes too.

Yeah. But since we all respect each other, and agree on everything, this thread won't last long.

Unless...........

*punches panda in the face*

I agree with what you say, but we need some crazyness and some off the wall antics now and again. For instance Starfox Command & Super Mario Sunshine were better than Starfox 64 and SM64.

Far too grown-up for me. A little flame-fest here and there has not harmed anyone and is fun, you just have to keep it at a reasonable level, use facts to back up your opinions and try not to get personal.
There are threads where it is not polite, for example it would be pretty rude to turn a polite conversation into a raging debate. On the other hand threads like "Why does the PS3 suck", "Is the Wii incapable of displaying good graphics" or "The 360 is a piece of crap" are threads where everyone knows what he is getting into.
This is the internet after all!
So I try to respect other people and acknowledge facts and arguments that invalidate my opinions. But that doesn't mean that we all have to agree with each others opinions like in some Disney Highschool musical.

I come to this site because there is usually at least semi-intelligent discussion.
I think it is good that someone gets sidelined for taunting (or trolling) -- if they do it too much or in a too mean-spirited way.
It is fun to have fun and to poke fun. It is not fun to make fun. Some people occasionally need to be reminded of that line.

Mike from Morgantown

NintendoMan said: I agree with what you say, but we need some crazyness and some off the wall antics now and again. For instance Starfox Command & Super Mario Sunshine were better than Starfox 64 and SM64.

 No! Your opinion sucks and only a moron would believe the things that you do, thusly making you a moron who doesn't even deserve to post! Everyone else on my Starfox/Mario 64 fansite agrees that Mario and Starfox 64 are teh greatest iterations of the series so I know what I'm talking about. You're just an Sony Xbot Trollspammer and should be banned!