Wow, the basketball thread makes this one look like a Quaker meeting.
I try to stick to rational argumentation. State a position and lay out my reasons. Of course, I can be wrong, but at least I make a cogent argument. Some people when they disagree with you go on the attack and belittle and make a mockery of intelligent discourse. Those folks are not worth my time.
Ordinarily I try to be reasonably polite, but when faced with internet jerkiness and bluster and irrationality, I find it's best to just call it out, and then drop the matter. You don't/won't see me get into protracted arguments with Redward or bankshot or les. Not useful in any sense. But the Ignore function is useful and while a little hidden, easier to find and use than I first thought, after you discover the correct pathway.
Personally if I were moderating a site and someone used the term
junglebunnies in almost any context, I'd probably put them on a week hiatus with a stern warning. Which possibly means I shouldn't be policing any internet message board. Then again, I also wouldn't tolerate the many times folks here call people pieces of shit or worse. I'd prefer more adult discourse. I don't mind freewheeling discussion, but I can decide how to deal with those who cross certain boundaries. Rule #1: don't get sucked into an idiot pissing contest.
Overall, I try to be a better person on the internet, because I'm putting my views and thoughts out in public, and in a written format you have time to consider your and organize your thoughts. No need to be impulsive or a hothead. And the drunk posting some do is awfully sad if you ask me.