Posts by Jeremy Davis7

Lisa Hernandez3;

Yeah, but people aren't exactly built that way.

I didn't think they were.
I'm just trying to spark some actual conversation about why people act the way they do—what drives them—in this whole new "internet" / virtual landscape we're stuck in...

When you take on moderation, you know what you're signing up for—you know there will come a day when you don't want to do it anymore, and there will be others who'll want to step up and keep things running.

That’s exactly that inevitable "turn-over" I was talking about, which the domain owners clearly factor into their plans.

You might even feel good knowing someone you actually respect is taking over.

So, at the end of the day, it really is that sense of "legacy"... that feeling of contributing something meaningful or leaving your mark behind is a huge motivator.
At least in your case.

These are simple principles; there's no need to overthink it or play games by pretending everyone is following some deep, hidden psychological playbook.

I agree, we're talking basic principles here.
Just don't go implying that I'm "getting off" on any of this.
If there's any ego involved on my end... well, that's all in your head.

And you can't dodge the costs—someone has to ensure you have something to moderate, and somewhere to do it, while maintaining it regularly and ensuring continuity. For a forum to look this well-developed today, covering all these bases with a solid group of quality users, someone had to invest in it—meaning spending money, time, and having a real vision.

I'm with you on that.
It's clearly a well-run business with a clear way of doing things.
That takes professionals.
It's an unavoidable expense; without it, the whole thing falls apart.
How much are people in America actually getting paid for this?
They obviously execute everything and manage the moderator network... in a way that encourages volunteerism (it draws in the enthusiasts) without needing to shell out extra cash.

Kudos to them.

Please. Why would anyone want to carry a branded bag through town? It fits their outfit, it's useful for carrying stuff around—it serves the consumer and the company with the logo. It's just a bag, a tiny little pleasure, and if it's a nice, sturdy one with handles, the satisfaction is even better.

Smart move.
😉

Look, this forum is a platform where all the heavy lifting is already done—the branding is set, the infrastructure is free, and everything is laid out for you. If you actually dig the logo and the core philosophy behind it, you’ve got more than enough reason to get involved, whether you're just posting or stepping up as a moderator.

I'm with you on that.
That's exactly what this place gives its users, and it's the whole reason people even show up.
You don't just stumble into that kind of engagement... you have to work for it.
And let's be real, that traffic? It sells incredibly well.

If you're constantly feeling like someone is using you, maybe stop acting like a contributor to this untouchable capitalism through your posts and just go start your own media outlet on a private domain.

Are you saying the whole topic is pointless?

I never understood those bloggers who whine about being exploited by the site owner—using their writing, their names, their talent—it’s ridiculous. Just rent your own domain and host your own site instead of using someone else's resources and then complaining about it.

Can I sense a bit of anger in your "voice" here?

I'd rather not. Personally, I wouldn't be okay with it. I really don't like seeing multiple nicknames being used within this PDF. 😉

I respect your take.
I'd do the exact same thing.

🙂

feralpilot0;

It all comes down to enthusiasm and good intentions. And habit, too.
There isn't any deeper psychology than that. 😬

I appreciate you being blunt about this. I'm with you.
That’s the core of it, and if those elements are there, the whole thing actually works.
Everything you pointed out? Yeah, it can absolutely be exploited if the circumstances are right.

For me, it starts with just loving the content, and then you just keep going.

That’s pretty much how I saw it, too.
But as someone running the show, what you have to watch out for is burnout. Everyone hits a wall eventually.
Unless they become addicts to this digital stage they perform on... neglecting their actual lives because they spend more time on these forums than they do in reality—all without getting a paycheck.
Then we're talking about pathology... a classic internet-age phenomenon.
Trying to satisfy whatever void they're feeling (escaping loneliness, for instance).

So I don't get why some former colleague would throw a fit when criticized for slacking off, claiming they aren't even paid for it. Yep, they were told that later, and you have to do the work regardless. 🙄

Exactly... that's the burnout I'm talking about.
It's obvious the system accounts for that and tries to ensure a steady turnover before people tap out.

You hit the nail on the head.

Thanks.

🙂

silentpilot6;

I get why everyone loves to trash the mods... but honestly, what would this place even look like without them?
Have you ever been on an unmoderated forum? I have... though it was probably a century ago, but I've seen how that goes. Eventually, anyone who actually cares can become a moderator.
Just write good, interesting stuff, stay out of the petty drama, and stop picking fights, and your chances of being tapped for a mod role are pretty high.

That’s just how it works... let me let you in on a little secret.
A sub-forum mod steps down, or they can't keep up with the workload anymore, or maybe a section grows so fast it needs extra hands. Usually, the specific sub-forum mod—or sometimes an admin, but much more rarely—throws a suggestion up on the moderator forum so the rest of the crew can weigh in on that user. If the feedback is mostly positive, the suggestion sticks. If not... well, it doesn't go based on friendship or family ties. We always look at how much someone posts and how they contribute. That's the bottom line.
Just so we're clear... I don't want people thinking some random guy who signed up seven days ago and has twenty posts suddenly becomes a mod overnight.
I could suggest my buddy, but it wouldn't do any good if the rest of the group didn't want him. Sure, the Admins have the final say, but even if they're on board, if the collective group of mods says no, the proposal isn't passing.
Think whatever you want about us, but when it comes to this, we’re actually pretty democratic.

__________________

Everything you just said lines up perfectly with what I expected.

The system has to ensure "quality," which means making sure they pick the most reliable ones—people who are dedicated, post frequently, provide value, and aren't constantly looking for a fight.
To me, having multiple observers reach a consensus on candidates makes the most sense. It keeps things from getting too subjective, and at the same time, it gives those making the decision a sense of contribution and importance—which is a classic way to build motivation.

If you pull the users into the mix... you create a sense of belonging, which is another psychological win.

I trust your take that it’s a "democratic" process. Creating that feeling of community—that "this is our space" vibe—is key. Maybe even the most important part of keeping the whole thing running.

But the real magic is in the recruitment process.

Wait, so a mod actually suggests someone else for moderation!?

There's the catch... that's how the system stays self-sustaining.
The only thing I'm wondering is: did anyone actually give you guys instructions or hint that this is the preferred way to do things?

It’s obvious the owner considered the basic human need to contribute, to feel like you belong, and to have some status within a group. And he’s playing it smart—especially nowadays, when everyone feels disconnected and spends so much time in digital spaces.

He designed a system that feeds itself by tapping into those exact needs.

Brilliant.

🙂

slywolf45 said:Nobody is being "encouraged," and nobody is having "privileges" revoked, regardless of what that term might imply.
It’s actually quite straightforward. You either pull your weight and do the work, or you don't.
If you aren't contributing, we simply look for new moderators.
End of story.

For my part, I stepped into a moderator role on this site after being nudged about it for quite a while.
I’ve been around here for a long time and I enjoy it; I eventually said yes because, let's face it, I spend a significant amount of my time online anyway.
Since I'm already hanging out here, I figured I might as well get a little more involved.
I volunteer for so many things in life without expecting a paycheck; this isn't anything out of the ordinary, nor does it drain any significant amount of energy or time from me.
I don't view it as granting myself some sort of special power or elevated status, much like I don't view any of the other significant responsibilities I carry in my daily life.

So, who was doing the nagging? If you can say.

What do you think their angle was?

Is there some sort of unspoken agreement—or maybe just a suggestion or a nudge—among you mods to scout potential candidates? Like, spotting the people who are super active on the forum and then offering them a chance to step up and take charge of certain threads?

To me, that seems like the absolute backbone of running a business. Every volunteer eventually burns out or just loses interest. It happens.

If I were calling the shots, I’d be all over that.

I’d set up a system where the active volunteers are encouraged to hunt for new blood while that initial spark of enthusiasm is still burning bright.
That way, I’d maintain a steady turnover of reliable people, keep costs down, and make sure everyone stays motivated enough to keep the quality high... which, obviously, drives the traffic... which is what I’m actually selling to advertisers.

PS.
Don't you feel, even just a little bit, like you're being "used"?
Like someone pulled you into a machine that's already spinning according to set rules, designed specifically to play with human psychology?

I'm not trying to stir the pot... I just want to understand how you see things.

This goes out to all the mods, if they're willing to talk.
Feel free to use burner accounts if you don't want to put your name on it; I really don't care.

🙂

silentpilot6 said:Honestly, there’s a certain level of satisfaction that comes with banning an idiot 😁. As a moderator here, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought, "this guy needs to be banned immediately." Too often, those people managed to stay online 😢
. Today, I handed out a 500-point penalty for hate speech... you just can't win with some people in America 😠. I actually regret not issuing a permanent ban right then and there, but I'm taking it slow... I'm just waiting for his next move 😈

I am 100% with you on this!

👍

slywolf45 said:It really just boils down to the fact that I barely have any life during the week. 😁
When I actually have free time, it's usually on the weekend. During the work week, I'm not exactly the social butterfly type—I'm working, and I have internet access at the office too. Once I'm home, this has been my favorite way to decompress over the last few years. Maybe I'm a bit of an addict, but who's counting...😬

So what you're saying is... being a "devoted muff diver" is just some kind of poetic metaphor!?

PS.
Just kidding.

😉

Thanks.

Look, when I bring up things like "special treatment" or whatever, I’m not trying to demonize this board or the mods.

I’m just trying to wrap my head around how a system built entirely on volunteers—one that actually manages to stay afloat—even works in the first place.

The whole thing is fascinating to me. It’s really just a byproduct of how we all communicate now... you know, thanks to the internet.

Cheers.

PS.
Your post output is absolutely insane!!! Good grief...
We practically started hanging out on this forum at the exact same time, yet you've somehow outpaced me nearly 20 to 1!?
Over 23,000 posts logged (and that extra bit there? That's more than half of everything I've ever written)!!!
😲

Where does all that energy come from?

It’s pretty obvious this place is a huge part of your life.

I can't help but wonder if someone behind the scenes is watching... maybe offering moderator spots to the people who show the most enthusiasm.

🙂

briskpuma23 said:God, help me. 🤦

I honestly don't get why you're acting so shocked.

And I have no clue why you felt the need to bold my last sentence, either.
High volunteer turnover seems like a totally realistic possibility here—any pragmatic person making a living off this kind of model needs to account for it.

We aren't living in Disneyland (at least not when business and money are on the line).

It’s hard to swallow the idea that the owner of a forum wouldn't care about the very volunteer base it relies on.
They aren't even looking into ways to keep people motivated.
They haven't built a system that actually encourages them... they just exploit them.
It's pretty obvious they make their money off this... isn't it?

Think about it—how do companies that thrive on high turnover actually work? Take sales, for example, where they mostly use people in that 20-to-40 age bracket.
How do they motivate the burnt-out ones to just walk away, while pushing the fresh, hungry newcomers to give it everything they've got?

PS.
Are you actually trying to discredit me or something?

🙂

briskpuma23;
Quincy:

I honestly thought this thread was actually about psychology—you know, looking at what kind of traits make someone want to be a moderator in the first place. I’m not here to lecture anyone on the official procedures, that’s not what this is about. I'll just lay one thing out plain and simple—there’s no big secret here—current mods basically just nominate new ones based on how much they contribute to their specific subforum. It's as informal as it gets. But let's get back to the actual topic: the psychological makeup of a moderator.

In my book, you can't separate how a forum functions from the actual motives that drive someone to take on a mod role.
They aren't two different things. They're tied together.

Why am I saying this?

What really trips me out about this whole setup is how a massive commercial media entity (one that operates on a global scale) can have its entire core business model built on the backs of volunteers! People who work for free, without whom the whole thing would collapse overnight.

It's pretty obvious the people running the show accounted for that in their math.
The whole business lives off that reality.

To me, it looks like pure applied psychology. The owner (or whoever is sitting at the top of the food chain) uses it in a very calculated, lucid way.

We all know—well, I hope we do—that industrial psychology teaches us that money isn't always the primary driver for people in the workplace.

Employee motivation isn't just some academic sociological puzzle; it's behavior aimed at hitting goals that satisfy deep-seated human needs.

People act the way they do because of internal psychological triggers. A person's output doesn't just depend on their skill, it depends on what's driving them.

And that right there is where the rabbit hole starts.

A manager's job—the person steering the ship—is to grasp the complexity of human personality and use motivational theories to pick the right tools, whether that's material rewards or psychological ones, depending on the situation.

One thing they can easily exploit is the basic human need to feel valued.
Big corporations do this all the time; they hand out status symbols, like fancy cars or executive perks, to keep people hooked.
Around here, the equivalent—as cliché as it sounds—is being able to use a larger avatar or a bigger profile picture.

Another huge motivator is praise.
People love hearing that they're trusted, that they're doing a good job, that they matter.
So, I'm curious: have any of you moderators actually been praised?
Like, through a private message or something similar?

Did it move the needle for you when someone reached out and offered you a moderator spot?
How did you react, and why?

I don't buy the idea that power is the only thing pulling people in here.
I get what people say about just wanting to contribute... whatever.
But I think the real engine is that inner drive to feel recognized—to feel like you've been plucked out of the crowd.

The way this whole project works has to be built on that. Everything I just said has to be baked into the system.
Otherwise, the boss wouldn't be able to "squeeze" out that intense volunteerism from the very people the business relies on.

I'm genuinely wondering: what methods are the people running this place using to try and manipulate you? Because obviously, someone is coordinating everything—and they're getting paid for it. Someone has to talk to advertisers, track the metrics, and handle the business side. How are they working to turn you into an instrument for their own ends?

Was the mere fact that someone—say, another moderator—reached out to you enough of a reason to "take the bait"?
Who actually gave that person the green light to contact you?
Does this feel like part of a larger pattern?
Is anyone asking you guys to handle this stuff on your own?
Have you ever seen an official manual for this, or have you been personally nudged to act this way?
It feels like a well-oiled machine here, one that’s basically designed to keep itself running indefinitely.

Someone had to design this whole setup. In my opinion, it takes just a tiny handful of employees—maybe one or two per major US region—using pyramid-style engineering and clear instructions based on behavioral psychology to build up enough momentum to stay unstoppable.

Once those wheels start turning... once that flywheel gets spinning... all the boss has to do is check the reports, count the cash, and enjoy the ride.

If I were sitting in his chair, I’d set specific targets for that small group of employees and build a reporting system—basically a bonus structure—if they hit their numbers (you know, traffic, ad revenue, all that jazz).

PS.
I also don't think you can run a business on pure volunteerism for years on end.
Let's be real: people will work like this for a while... until they're completely burnt out and fed up.
Then you have to go out and recruit new blood—people who actually want to be there—just to keep the machine alive.
That means you have to factor in a predictable turnover rate for volunteers, which clearly needs to be part of the plan.
For those of you actually doing the moderating, have you noticed any signs of this?
Like, do they push out the less motivated people by stripping away perks or authority, while giving more power and privileges to the new recruits?
I don't know... just asking.
Looking at it pragmatically... it sounds totally plausible to me. Honestly, if I were making my living off this forum, it's exactly what I'd do too.

😉

briskpuma23 said:People become moderators for the exact same reason they join Reddit—to actually contribute something.

Every single question the OP asked could have been directed at any regular user. I mean, why on earth would you give away your thoughts, ideas, conclusions, and questions to everyone else for free? Why spend hours deep in discussion? What drives someone to spend over an hour just drafting an opening post? And you’re doing all this pro bono. So, what’s the actual payoff?

At the end of the day, a moderator is just a regular user with a few extra permissions.

And just because someone makes money off a certain situation—well, people make money off the fact that we're breathing, too—it doesn't mean it's smart to quit living.

So, how did you actually become a moderator?

How does the whole system even work?

Did someone "reach out" and offer it to you?

What's the motivation here?

Is there actual management overseeing everything... and are they getting paid?
We're talking about processes that aren't exactly simple—you have to control things, manage people, motivate them, instill a sense of responsibility, handle consequences... stuff that, by the way, pays incredibly well in the corporate world.
But here? Not a single cent!??

Actually, not just "here"... it's the same story everywhere in the world.
Zero cost involved!?

It's fascinating, really.

The guy who dreamed up a business where he makes huge profits based entirely on volunteers—people working for him for free for whatever reasons (and I'm trying to wrap my head around those reasons)—is a historical anomaly. It's a phenomenon that only showed up once the internet arrived.
If I were studying psychology, I’d write my entire thesis on this... honestly! (There you go, folks... a little idea for all you out there)

I'm not asking these things to be a jerk. I genuinely want to understand how the owner/boss conceived this business model.
A business that—let's be real—rests entirely on your shoulders, while you perform your duties totally free of charge and with complete professionalism.

PS.
I think there's a massive difference between someone just casually chatting and someone who actually manages the whole thing, keeps an eye on every thread and post, and essentially (whether you want to admit it or not) works this full-time.

🙂

Look, I don't want this to come off as a provocation.

I honestly think it's a valid question, and I’m genuinely curious about what drives someone to become a moderator for a commercial media outlet.

What am I talking about?

Reddit, for instance—it's just one tiny slice of a massive global forum ecosystem under a brand that pulls in millions of users.
It's a massive brand that operates right here in the US market.
It covers a huge range of topics, and for it to work as a product or service provider... to actually create that sense of "added value" for the user, it needs to be curated, managed... moderated.

Okay. That much is crystal clear.

But that's also where the dilemma starts eating at me.

We're talking about a commercial entity here.
The owners of the domain and the brand own everything associated with it, and they exploit that brand commercially.

How? By selling advertising space that plenty of advertisers are itching to buy, because this place clearly gathers a massive amount of potential consumers and interested parties... you know, all those ads and banners popping up on the edges of the page or screen...

The biggest value for the owners is the traffic they sell to advertisers.
And that traffic is fueled by high-quality threads and organized moderation—maintaining order and "hygiene" in discussions, which directly impacts the quality of the site.

To make that happen, they need to hire a small army of people to oversee and moderate all these topics (and I mean globally; America is just a tiny fraction of the whole picture).

The owner's motivation is perfectly obvious to me.
Making money from selling ad space.

What I truly can't wrap my head around is how they managed to recruit thousands (my best guess) of volunteers who diligently, passionately, almost fanatically, do this work for free. They're basically working for nothing.

He's built a fantastic business, he's making serious bank, and his overhead is minimal.
Most importantly: the moderation (watching over all the threads) that ensures his precious traffic costs him absolutely zero dollars.

So, what motivates people to enthusiastically work for free on a commercial platform whose sole purpose is to turn a profit!?

From what I can gather, there's an entire moderation hierarchy; authorities, team structures, departments, recruitment methods, oversight protocols... it's actual fucking management!!?
Literally.
And all of it "for free"!
Nobody sees a single cent, yet they pour in their time, their talent, they carry the responsibility, they have to follow organizational structures, and so on...

What's the draw? What do they get in return?

Is it a game? A sense of mission? Feeling important? A little bit of power? The need to feel "cool," a sense of belonging... whatever it is!?

I'm seriously asking.

PS.
Whoever designed this business model is a genius worthy of a Nobel Prize.
A master psychologist who clearly understands how humans function and knows exactly how to instrumentalize that without blinking.

Basically: "I'm using your labor for my personal... definitely not charitable... purposes, I'm paying you nothing, yet you remain motivated, you work hard, and you're even happy about it."

Top tier stuff!

🙂

hiddenpuma75 said:How old is your daughter?
I'm guessing she's a teenager, 🤷

I'm curious if she's actually reading this herself, or if you suggested she embark on a journey through the highs and lows
of cloud nine?

I honestly wonder if books like this should be specifically targeted toward young people.
Personally, I'd much prefer if they stumbled upon them naturally, just like I did.🙂

On one hand, I’d love for everyone to read "cloud nine" because I truly feel for anyone who misses out on encountering a book like this—much like how I’d feel for someone who misses out on love or fails to find joy in music.

On the other hand, it feels like the book might be "too deep"—perhaps too intense and overwhelming for someone still shielded by the simplicity of youth, untouched by life's complexities and the author's raw, captivatingly honest confession.

Here is an analogy that comes to mind.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with sexuality, but it still feels a bit premature at fifteen
to dive headfirst into sexual relationships.

So...

Who knows? Maybe the book will resonate with her later when she truly needs it.
After all, it's a book for "adults" ( 🙄 )

She’s my neighbor. I head over there for coffee all the time whenever my wife isn't home.
She's in her prime... just frustrated because guys today don't get women (and being alone sucks...)
She's a total firecracker!!!!

There's just no escaping it... she calls me constantly.

Honestly, it might be time to elevate our conversations to a more subtle... spiritual level.

😉

coastalhound262 said:😂 🤣 😂 🤣 😂 🤣 😂 🤣 😂 🤣

Don't go acting like I was the one fishing you in through the window.

Glad to see you're in a better mood... honestly, you sound way more sane today.

Looks like you finally managed to shake off that nonsense I was spewing the day before yesterday.
Whatever, whatever...

Though... gotta say, your last comment actually stung a little.
Guess I'm just not part of that inner circle you actually bother to respect.

Give me a break, man!

😢

boldsailor32 said:In response to that nasty DM: I didn't set fire to Saint Elijah; lightning did that a few days ago!

And I certainly wasn't flying on a broomstick!

I think I get what’s going on here.!

Honestly, we should probably just drop the whole thing and stop digging around in it.

The guy didn't mean any harm... he just got carried away by his own inspiration.

It happens... whatever.

Only someone with a pure heart could be this childishly naive.

If he feels the need, he'll explain everything to us eventually...😉

I'm out.

PS.
Next time I'm cruising through Viganj—which I do plenty, usually tearing through in my old black 2007 Honda Civic, blasting some reggae, rearview mirror charm, always in a black tee and khakis, jacked up, shaved head, nose ring, left elbow on the window, right hand casually on the wheel, acting way too confident while Lorena McKenet plays softly on the CD player followed by Marko Perković...—I might just yell at him out of sheer annoyance.
You never know who might be peeking through your window.

🙂

boldsailor32 said:I am from San Francisco.

San Francisco wasn't burning back in 1998. No one died in any fires there, and Franjo Harmon certainly didn't arrive by helicopter.

I actually had some connections to helicopters back then... 😉

Everything checks out, man.

The thing is, I read somewhere that the author was supposedly inspired by her time hanging out on the Pelješac peninsula and up near Saint Elijah... so, being a decent human being, I actually suggested she go back and visit since she was so "inspired" by it.
And the guy just makes it crystal clear that he's from San Francisco, he hasn't even set foot on Pelješac... and if God willing, he might one day...!?

At the end of the day... whatever, it doesn't matter. I'm just a little thrown by it all. (Now that you mention that fire in that area)... nothing makes sense anymore!

🤔

boldsailor32 said:

hiddenpuma75:

Because back in 1998, my small town faced the largest wildfire in its history.
Two people lost their lives, which was so significant that President Franjo Harmon actually flew in to inspect the damage and pay his respects.
The fire reached my house, where I kept my library of about 2,000 books.

I grabbed just one single book to save; I left the rest to the mercy of the flames.

So you're from Viganj... I remember when that place went up in flames. The wind drove the fire right into the heart of town, nearly reaching the coast. Those two women got lost in the thick smoke and perished right there in the center.

I am glad you managed to rescue that precious book against all odds!

But that wasn't even the biggest fire. My ancestors actually devastated and burned through Cape Cod on two separate occasions. I'm not sure if the locals have forgotten that over the generations, but whenever I grab a coffee in Eureka, I make sure to sit with my back against a wall.

A little caution never hurts.

The guy claims he's from San Francisco and hasn't even set foot on Cape Cod!? What a joke.
😕

Megan Nguyen22 said:I believe the fundamental flaw in modern spirituality is how people cherry-pick elements from various traditions just to suit their own whims. They craft this personalized spiritual cocktail to make it easier to keep doing exactly what they’ve always done. Essentially, they focus on treating the symptoms caused by a lack of true spirituality without ever touching the core—they never actually change who they are at the center. When life gets messy, it’s always someone else's fault; the environment is "evil" or "toxic," and they use spirituality as a convenient excuse for their own behavior. If everyone starts viewing themselves as their own god, then everyone else becomes nothing more than an object. Now, I’m not saying this applies to everyone. There are those who sincerely seek spirituality—which, to me, means striving to be better people, shedding hatred, envy, and malice... I think those souls will find fertile ground.
It honestly saddens me how everything is constantly masked in mysticism, wrapped up in being "secret" or "incomprehensible" through special techniques and methods, when true spirituality is actually about simplicity. There is no such thing as "instant spirituality." It is an exhilarating process of growth in understanding and humanity. There is no point in trying to play God; it is enough to simply strive to be a truly authentic human being. I

and I know this because I see my own hypocrisy: I can talk about spiritual matters beautifully, making everything sound wonderful, only to turn cold or irritable toward the very people who need me most. If I could just be kind to those who need it, that would be enough for me.

WildFox is WiseFox (it is more appropriate)!
🙂

PS.
I get the feeling we’re all starting to think along similar lines... regardless of all the different beliefs we use to clutter our heads.

Spirituality at its absolute best!

I’d never put you in that group of people who actually have the guts to say that just because something is labeled "spiritual," doesn't mean it actually is.

I'm pleasantly surprised here, Persifale.
Honestly, I’m starting to wonder why I even bother arguing with you!

That old saying still holds water: "All that glitters is not gold." Or, in your case—given all that neoliberal, quasi-spiritual, pop-culture, inclusive, politically correct, "good vibes only" nonsense—it's basically "know-it-alls who actually know nothing."

👍

PS.
This isn't aimed at Floverka... or more accurately, this whole trendy wave of relativism that mistyscout2 is always talking about.

I wasn't exactly running the numbers on this one.

If you try to factor her into the equation... you aren't going to get the outcome you're looking for.

Some of the greatest thinkers of our era have said it before: "...you don't enter paradise with a calculator in your hand."

Sometimes it wouldn't hurt to just stop for a second, look back, and give a hand to the people who are struggling to keep up... you know, actually reach out instead of just sprinting toward some finish line we think we're hitting so fast.
The smart guys might find themselves staring at a locked door... once they finally get "there."
😉