The Article I Decided Not To Write

[Dennis Hardin]

I probably shouldn’t write this. But I thought about it, and I decided it was something that needed to be said.

I love this time of year for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the National Football League. I grew up watching the gridiron heroics of great quarterbacks like Johnny Unitas, Y.A. Tittle and Joe Namath. The drama of watching Johnny U running onto the field to lead the Baltimore Colts to a come-from-behind victory in the fourth quarter was unforgettable. And it’s the same today. To me, no other sport even comes close to matching football in terms of entertainment, athletic competition and thrills.

There is one particular quarterback playing today whom I admire enormously, and I thought about celebrating his greatness in an article like this one. And then I thought: No way. There is far too much cynicism, resentment and bitterness on OL. Rather than sharing their own values and talking about the things they look up to in this world, a lot of OL members would just attack the value I chose to praise. They would seize the opportunity to show the world how ruggedly honest and "rational" they are by trying their best to tear him down. The ignorant, phony, self-important swine would do all they could to undermine and destroy my profound admiration for this remarkable man and his amazing accomplishments. Who the hell needs that?

I would never hesitate for a moment to defend my position on an issue I felt was important. It is more important to try to reach the rational minds than to worry about the flack that comes from the fools. But simply expressing deep admiration on some webforums is tantamount to exposing yourself as a target with nothing to be gained. I will tell my friends, but I will not speak of him here. It is frankly too painful to watch the predators feeding off my spiritual lifeblood. So in this case I’ve decided to keep my values—including my favorite NFL quarterback--to myself.

How about that, sports fans? What does that say about our little “rational” subculture here on OL?

[James Heaps-Nelson]

I probably shouldn’t write this. But I thought about it, and I decided it was something that needed to be said.

I love this time of year for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the National Football League. I grew up watching the gridiron heroics of great quarterbacks like Johnny Unitas, Y.A. Tittle and Joe Namath. The drama of watching Johnny U running onto the field to lead the Baltimore Colts to a come-from-behind victory in the fourth quarter was unforgettable. And it’s the same today. To me, no other sport even comes close to matching football in terms of entertainment, athletic competition and thrills.

There is one particular quarterback playing today whom I admire enormously, and I thought about celebrating his greatness in an article like this one. And then I thought: No way. There is far too much cynicism, resentment and bitterness on OL. Rather than sharing their own values and talking about the things they look up to in this world, a lot of OL members would just attack the value I chose to praise. They would seize the opportunity to show the world how ruggedly honest and "rational" they are by trying their best to tear him down. The ignorant, phony, self-important swine would do all they could to undermine and destroy my profound admiration for this remarkable man and his amazing accomplishments. Who the hell needs that?

I would never hesitate for a moment to defend my position on an issue I felt was important. It is more important to try to reach the rational minds than to worry about the flack that comes from the fools. But simply expressing deep admiration on some webforums is tantamount to exposing yourself as a target with nothing to be gained. I will tell my friends, but I will not speak of him here. It is frankly too painful to watch the predators feeding off my spiritual lifeblood. So in this case I’ve decided to keep my values—including my favorite NFL quarterback--to myself.

How about that, sports fans? What does that say about our little “rational” subculture here on OL?

I won't attack it and I'm interested. There are several great quarterbacks playing today: Tom Brady,Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Donovan McNabb and Brett Favre come to mind with a few up and comers like Tony Romo and Matt Schaub. Who do you have in mind?

Jim

Edited September 25, 2010 by James Heaps-Nelson

[Dennis Hardin]

I won't attack it and I'm interested. There are several great quarterbacks playing today: Tom Brady,Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Donovan McNabb and Brett Favre come to mind with a few up and comers like Tony Romo and Matt Schaub. Who do you have in mind?

Jim

Jim,

If everyone on OL was as benevolent and thoughtful as you are, I wouldn't hesitate to say. He is one of the QBs you mentioned, but I get too emotional about him (for reasons I can't mention) to talk about him here. As soon as I did, the vultures would begin to disgorge their corrosive vomit.

I probably could be accused of taking this webforum stuff too seriously, but that's the story of my life.

[sbeaulieu]

Of all the quarterbacks in my followings, I'd like to throw in Phil Simms reign with the New York Giants. Him, along with Lawrence Taylor and Mike Allstot (FB with TB Bucs) were some of the best players in the late 80s and 90s. Nothing wrong about appreciating the good players' grit on the gridiron. If folks dig on player preferences, they really have nothing better to do.

~ Shane

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

Dennis,

If your favorite QB is among the ones Jim listed, this is undeniable proof of how irrevocably corrupt your thinking process is.

I don't know if there is any redemption for you.

I would say go and kill yourself since a mind like yours is not a rational value--not even to yourself, but I don't think you should say that to any human being. So just get used to being evil. The least you can do is accept A is A, after all.

You subjectivist intrinsicist emotionalist evader!

Get a life...

Michael

EDIT - Incidentally, the only rational choice possible for favorite QB is Michael Vicks. He is proof in action that Man is superior to Dog. And if you don't get it, it's because man has a conceptual faculty.

[kiaer.ts]

<br />I probably shouldn't write this. But I thought about it, and I decided it was something that needed to be said.<br /><br />I love this time of year for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the National Football League. I grew up watching the gridiron heroics of great quarterbacks like Johnny Unitas, Y.A. Tittle and Joe Namath. The drama of watching Johnny U running onto the field to lead the Baltimore Colts to a come-from-behind victory in the fourth quarter was unforgettable. And it's the same today. To me, no other sport even comes close to matching football in terms of entertainment, athletic competition and thrills.<br /><br />There is one particular quarterback playing today whom I admire enormously, and I thought about celebrating his greatness in an article like this one. And then I thought: No way. There is far too much cynicism, resentment and bitterness on OL. Rather than sharing their own values and talking about the things they look up to in this world, a lot of OL members would just attack the value I chose to praise. They would seize the opportunity to show the world how ruggedly honest and "rational" they are by trying their best to tear him down. The ignorant, phony, self-important swine would do all they could to undermine and destroy my profound admiration for this remarkable man and his amazing accomplishments. Who the hell needs that? <br /><br />I would never hesitate for a moment to defend my position on an issue I felt was important. It is more important to try to reach the rational minds than to worry about the flack that comes from the fools. But simply expressing deep admiration on some webforums is tantamount to exposing yourself as a target with nothing to be gained. I will tell my friends, but I will not speak of him here. It is frankly too painful to watch the predators feeding off my spiritual lifeblood. So in this case I've decided to keep my values—including my favorite NFL quarterback--to myself.<br /><br />How about that, sports fans? What does that say about our little "rational" subculture here on OL?<br />

<br /><br /><br />

It is for precisely this reason that I created Radicals for Happiness, Dennis. http://radicalsforha...s.blogspot.com/ The specific incident that motivated me was a tribute post I made to a soldier I know who was stationed in Afghanistan and who had read some of what I wrote alnog with other soldiers in the same outfit. As soon as I amde the post thanking them for choosing to defend the country someone posted a replay as to how they were stupid dupes of the neocons and how people were only signing up for the military because they couldn't get menial jobs.

Jaron Lanier describes at length the dynamics of unmoderated fora, and how they inevitably devolve.

I extend to you an invitation to post your article at Radicals for Happiness. It is exactly the sort of content for which that blog is designed. I moderate the comments and your effort would not be subject to endless bad jokes and bathroom-wall scribbling. You could post a permanent link here to your protected work there. If you are interested, send me a private email. Or just start your own free blog at blogger or wordpress. It is easy once you get the hang of formatting.

Edited September 25, 2010 by Ted Keer

[Peter]

Roger Staubach, and Johnny Unitas are two of my favorite quarterbacks. The world seems a little brighter when football season starts.

I don't think there are too many hatchet wielding grinches here on OL. Life is too short to not say what you mean, although I exempt white lies, if they are meant to spare feelings. I guess a white lie IS saying what you want to say.

I am going to start a thread about white lies and the hostage principle in Ethics on OL.

Semper cogitans fidele,

Peter Taylor

[Selene]

Excellent list so far.

Add:

Joe Montana

Fran Tarkenton

Bart Starr

Sammy Baugh [or so I have heard]

Sonny Jergenson

More to follow.

Adam

good thread

[Barbara Branden]

Dennis, take a chance! Don't let your own "cynicism, resentment and bitterness" stop you.

Do you remember the line spoken by Johnnie Dawes to Kay Gonda in Ideal? "We can't give up the earth to all those others."

Barbara

[Robert Campbell]

Dennis,

Pro football is not the sport I follow the most closely (mainly, I'm a baseball guy), but excellent performance is worthy of a tribute in nearly any line of endeavor.

Anyhow, I'm way too much of a duffer to be opinionated about pro quarterbacks. If we can get a Colts game on TV, I sometimes tune in to watch Peyton Manning at work, no disrespect for his competitors intended.

If you change your mind and decide to write the article, I won't be raining on your parade.

Robert Campbell

[9thdoctor]

I’ve decided to keep my values—including my favorite NFL quarterback--to myself.

You subjectivist intrinsicist emotionalist evader!

I don’t care for football at all. Growing up my family had season tickets and I attended many games with David Woodley, Don Strock, and above all Dan Marino (his first 4-5 seasons I’m guessing). I didn’t have a choice about going, and I honestly think I disliked going to church less. So be warned Dennis, I’m waiting, with a full bladder, to express myself in even harsher terms than MSK used.

[Selene]

Robert:

Only you would use a term describing a bad golfer to comment on a pro-football thread as a baseball follower.

I was quite amused by the duffer reference.

Adam

Aggh!

Bob Griese, Dan Marino and who could forget John Elway[THE DRIVE]

Thanks 9th!

Edited September 25, 2010 by Selene

[Rich Engle]

Write the fucking article, Dennis. Jeezus, man, get a grip. You literally set yourself up for that one. NO FEAR. I'm scolding you in a gentle way, like I just did a couple of my guitar students this week--"What the Hell is wrong with you? Whip that knob up to 10, bear down, and go for it. What do you have to be afraid of?"

Football and I, no can do, really. I'm from Cleveland. Need I say more? I am fully demoralized. I got to meet Bernie Kosar a few times and he was a really cool person. He was into NLP and a lot of other interesting psychological stuff.

But, when I moved to Florida, I left my masochistic sports tendencies in Clevo, where they belong. I laughed my balls off after we stole Lebron. I don't even like basketball that much, but just out of vengeance. . .maybe.

Now, if they got girls roller derby up and going strong, I'd sign up for watching. Oh, yeah.

rde

[Brant Gaede]

I probably shouldn't write this. But I thought about it, and I decided it was something that needed to be said.

I love this time of year for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the National Football League. I grew up watching the gridiron heroics of great quarterbacks like Johnny Unitas, Y.A. Tittle and Joe Namath. The drama of watching Johnny U running onto the field to lead the Baltimore Colts to a come-from-behind victory in the fourth quarter was unforgettable. And it's the same today. To me, no other sport even comes close to matching football in terms of entertainment, athletic competition and thrills.

There is one particular quarterback playing today whom I admire enormously, and I thought about celebrating his greatness in an article like this one. And then I thought: No way. There is far too much cynicism, resentment and bitterness on OL. Rather than sharing their own values and talking about the things they look up to in this world, a lot of OL members would just attack the value I chose to praise. They would seize the opportunity to show the world how ruggedly honest and "rational" they are by trying their best to tear him down. The ignorant, phony, self-important swine would do all they could to undermine and destroy my profound admiration for this remarkable man and his amazing accomplishments. Who the hell needs that?

I would never hesitate for a moment to defend my position on an issue I felt was important. It is more important to try to reach the rational minds than to worry about the flack that comes from the fools. But simply expressing deep admiration on some webforums is tantamount to exposing yourself as a target with nothing to be gained. I will tell my friends, but I will not speak of him here. It is frankly too painful to watch the predators feeding off my spiritual lifeblood. So in this case I've decided to keep my values—including my favorite NFL quarterback--to myself.

How about that, sports fans? What does that say about our little "rational" subculture here on OL?

You need to buck up a little here Dennis. This is a tough Internet site. Most female posters give up on it. Ellen Stuttle is remarkably stalwart in that regard. George H Smith effectively drove off Dragonfly because DF wouldn't or couldn't inform his philosophical musings with actual physics and didn't like being told his way was no way and that he was a phony coward. If you think WSS is your GHS, he prevails at least by default.

--Brant

aabbcc

[Dennis Hardin]

It is for precisely this reason that I created Radicals for Happiness, Dennis. http://radicalsforha...s.blogspot.com/ The specific incident that motivated me was a tribute post I made to a soldier I know who was stationed in Afghanistan and who had read some of what I wrote along with other soldiers in the same outfit. As soon as I made the post thanking them for choosing to defend the country someone posted a reply as to how they were stupid dupes of the neocons and how people were only signing up for the military because they couldn't get menial jobs.

Jaron Lanier describes at length the dynamics of unmoderated fora, and how they inevitably devolve.

I extend to you an invitation to post your article at Radicals for Happiness. It is exactly the sort of content for which that blog is designed. I moderate the comments and your effort would not be subject to endless bad jokes and bathroom-wall scribbling. You could post a permanent link here to your protected work there. If you are interested, send me a private email. Or just start your own free blog at blogger or wordpress. It is easy once you get the hang of formatting.

Ted,

Thank you. Your message means a great deal to me. I will be contacting you.

Dennis

[Dennis Hardin]

I would never hesitate for a moment to defend my position on an issue I felt was important. It is more important to try to reach the rational minds than to worry about the flack that comes from the fools. But simply expressing deep admiration on some webforums is tantamount to exposing yourself as a target with nothing to be gained. I will tell my friends, but I will not speak of him here. It is frankly too painful to watch the predators feeding off my spiritual lifeblood.

You need to buck up a little here Dennis. This is a tough Internet site. Most female posters give up on it. Ellen Stuttle is remarkably stalwart in that regard. George H Smith effectively drove off Dragonfly because DF wouldn't or couldn't inform his philosophical musings with actual physics and didn't like being told his way was no way and that he was a phony coward. If you think WSS is your GHS, he prevails at least by default.

--Brant

Brant,

I redacted my original post to the part you may have missed. I have no intention of leaving OL. But I do intend to find another webforum for posting articles that are specifically intended to pay tribute to my values.

I laughed at your suggestion that "WSS" (try pronouncing that ) could drive me away. Give me a break. That would constitute letting evil win by default. It won't happen.

[Dennis Hardin]

Dennis, take a chance! Don't let your own "cynicism, resentment and bitterness" stop you.

Do you remember the line spoken by Johnnie Dawes to Kay Gonda in Ideal? "We can't give up the earth to all those others."

Barbara

Barbara,

I appreciate your encouragement, but I just do not believe OL is the place to pay tribute to one's values. I will remain a very active member here, but I will not expose certain deeply held values of mine to vicious ridicule.

If you like, I will send you the link when my article is posted to Ted's site (Radicals for Happiness).

Dennis

[Dennis Hardin]

Dennis,

Pro football is not the sport I follow the most closely (mainly, I'm a baseball guy), but excellent performance is worthy of a tribute in nearly any line of endeavor.

Anyhow, I'm way too much of a duffer to be opinionated about pro quarterbacks. If we can get a Colts game on TV, I sometimes tune in to watch Peyton Manning at work, no disrespect for his competitors intended.

If you change your mind and decide to write the article, I won't be raining on your parade.

Robert Campbell

Robert,

Thanks very much for your support. Although pro football is not your sport, I will, if you like, let you know when my article is posted to Ted's site.

[Dennis Hardin]

Dennis,

If your favorite QB is among the ones Jim listed, this is undeniable proof of how irrevocably corrupt your thinking process is.

I don't know if there is any redemption for you.

I would say go and kill yourself since a mind like yours is not a rational value--not even to yourself, but I don't think you should say that to any human being. So just get used to being evil. The least you can do is accept A is A, after all.

You subjectivist intrinsicist emotionalist evader!

Get a life...

Michael

EDIT - Incidentally, the only rational choice possible for favorite QB is Michael Vicks. He is proof in action that Man is superior to Dog. And if you don't get it, it's because man has a conceptual faculty.

Michael,

I really hope you're joking about Michael Vick (not Vicks). I would say he is proof that, in some cases, Dog is superior to Man.

We can talk all you want about him here on OL. I'm not sure there is any level of ridicule he wouldn't deserve.

[Rich Engle]

You know, I can't believe this whole thread. Dennis, I really can't see you as being that precious. When you write an article (vs. a post), you either publish the thing somewhere, or you don't.

You don't talk about writing an article and then write a post that includes part of your draft material for said article, and then include what constitutes whining about being attacked for, uh, wait, I am having brain-bubbles, oh yes, that's it . . .an article that you haven't written. That's just previewing. And it is not even good previewing.

And how scary bad dangerous would it be to write what sounds to be sort of a touching, Norman Rockwell or whatever piece of Americana about how you admire the bravery of a professional football player (but because it is so emotional you will not name him). This is not cutting-edge writing, but it is writing none the less. It might have been a pretty little operetta. Touching, you know?

Instead, you pull the string in front of the cat and intimate the piece. You practically outline the thing for us. But, with included, as I said, this what appears to be "poor me" stuff, how all the big bad bully-boys on OL (yeah, uh . . .) would beat you up for such blatant true emotion.

That is kind of effed-up, in that you pre-accuse. I don't think that that would happen at all. Probably the worst thing that would happen is that no one would read it and say nothing. Or, if the story was compelling and well-written enough, you'd actually get some compliments. Put it over at the creative writing area and see, right? And what if some a-hole did say something dumb? I mean, that is self-apparent in an incidence where all a guy is doing is trying to write a nice sports bit and some moron jumps on it. So what? Run their ass up the flagpole, if you want.

"This is a tough site," was said. Holy Crap. Ever been in writing workshops? Ever had it torn into smithereens before your eyes? So, your thing is "This is a tough room." Wah. I've pressed this room to the damn limits and I never came out of it with some kind of $#%$ complex. I published a short story here about my wife having a dream about lesbian sex with her best friend and didn't cry or run around with a boo-boo face. Wait, let me guess: that makes me "insensitive." This is why psychologizing is such an assed-up thing to do.

OK?

rde

Man . . .

Edited September 26, 2010 by Rich Engle

[rodney203]

Dennis wrote:

(And then I thought: No way. There is far too much cynicism, resentment and bitterness on OL. Rather than sharing their own values and talking about the things they look up to in this world, a lot of OL members would just attack the value I chose to praise. They would seize the opportunity to show the world how ruggedly honest and "rational" they are by trying their best to tear him down. The ignorant, phony, self-important swine would do all they could to undermine and destroy my profound admiration for this remarkable man and his amazing accomplishments. Who the hell needs that?)

Honest thinkers in this forum will acknowledge this "shoot while retreating" post as a certain type of argument; but i (that's "i" in all caps Ted) can't say what it is because this website is overpopulated by,,,,,,,,,,you know,,,,,,,,,,, swine and such.

I hereby designate this designate this maneuver "The Hardin". As you can see, I got a hardin of my own in the reply, and gave this hardin to ya'll. As I continue to post in this forum I may have to get hardin's from time to time, so be ready for them.

Edited September 26, 2010 by rodney203

[Dennis Hardin]

And then I thought: No way. There is far too much cynicism, resentment and bitterness on OL. Rather than sharing their own values and talking about the things they look up to in this world, a lot of OL members would just attack the value I chose to praise. They would seize the opportunity to show the world how ruggedly honest and "rational" they are by trying their best to tear him down. The ignorant, phony, self-important swine would do all they could to undermine and destroy my profound admiration for this remarkable man and his amazing accomplishments. Who the hell needs that?

Honest thinkers in this forum will acknowledge this "shoot while retreating" post as a certain type of argument; but i (that's "i" in all caps Ted) can't say what it is because this website is overpopulated by,,,,,,,,,,you know,,,,,,,,,,, swine and such.

I hereby designate this designate this maneuver "The Hardin". As you can see, I got a hardin of my own in the reply, and gave this hardin to ya'll. As I continue to post in this forum I may have to get hardin's from time to time, so be ready for them.

So, Rodney, clever poster that you are, you actually edited this post and yet it still says “I hereby designate this designate this maneuver..."

No doubt I’m supposed to feel insulted, and maybe I would—if only I could stop laughing...

Clearly I am dealing with a superior intellect here.

[Dennis Hardin]

You know, I can't believe this whole thread. Dennis, I really can't see you as being that precious. When you write an article (vs. a post), you either publish the thing somewhere, or you don't.

You don't talk about writing an article and then write a post that includes part of your draft material for said article, and then include what constitutes whining about being attacked for, uh, wait, I am having brain-bubbles, oh yes, that's it . . .an article that you haven't written. That's just previewing. And it is not even good previewing.

And how scary bad dangerous would it be to write what sounds to be sort of a touching, Norman Rockwell or whatever piece of Americana about how you admire the bravery of a professional football player (but because it is so emotional you will not name him). This is not cutting-edge writing, but it is writing none the less. It might have been a pretty little operetta. Touching, you know?

Instead, you pull the string in front of the cat and intimate the piece. You practically outline the thing for us. But, with included, as I said, this what appears to be "poor me" stuff, how all the big bad bully-boys on OL (yeah, uh . . .) would beat you up for such blatant true emotion.

That is kind of effed-up, in that you pre-accuse. I don't think that that would happen at all. Probably the worst thing that would happen is that no one would read it and say nothing. Or, if the story was compelling and well-written enough, you'd actually get some compliments. Put it over at the creative writing area and see, right? And what if some a-hole did say something dumb? I mean, that is self-apparent in an incidence where all a guy is doing is trying to write a nice sports bit and some moron jumps on it. So what? Run their ass up the flagpole, if you want.

"This is a tough site," was said. Holy Crap. Ever been in writing workshops? Ever had it torn into smithereens before your eyes? So, your thing is "This is a tough room." Wah. I've pressed this room to the damn limits and I never came out of it with some kind of $#%$ complex. I published a short story here about my wife having a dream about lesbian sex with her best friend and didn't cry or run around with a boo-boo face. Wait, let me guess: that makes me "insensitive." This is why psychologizing is such an assed-up thing to do.

OK?

rde

Man . . .

This is really frustrating, Rich. I want to tell you what I think of your post, but how can I when you’re obviously so pathetically clueless?

[Dennis Hardin]

Rich and Rodney,

Thanks so much for validating my choice not to publish the article here. I was beginning to question my decision.

[rodney203]

Dennis:

Rich and Rodney,

Thanks so much for validating my choice not to publish the article here. I was beginning to question my decision.

===============================================================================================================================

Any time man. In fact, all the time.

But the fact is I'm certain I would have had no quarrel at all with your opinions on that matter.

I would say that it is dangerous to admire people we don't know well. We have all been burned by not heeding that idea.

Edited September 29, 2010 by rodney203