Rule number 7 here, for writing diaries, is "Be civil." I like that. We agree or disagree on issues. Sometimes we heatedly disagree. Or, together, we're angry at some stupid action taken by a politician who we think is doing real damage.
I know things get heated, but overall I think we do a pretty good job being civil. As far as it goes, this is (despite some occasional shortcoming) a pretty great site.
But we're all roughly coming from the same place: Democrats and/or Progressives. (Note: I'm probably to the left of most people here.)
But where can we talk—civilly—to unlike-minded people?
I've tried to create such a place. It's called ArgueNicely.com. It's a site where you can easily post questions and answers to whatever subject generates passion. I think the design allows for and encourages real interaction.
Anyone can post a question. Anyone can post an answer. You don't even need to sign up. (Yeah, I'm worried about spam...but I'll deal with it when it happens.) Although, if you DO sign up, you can also use the "social community" aspects of the site: make friends, send private messages, post a bio, etc. (Part of my dream: people who really disagree "friending" each other.)
WHY TALK TO THEM?
We spend a lot of time talking about irrational and abusive right-wingers. But we do that because some of them are high-profile—people who affect events—or are simply too annoying to ignore.
But, many people (most, I think) are just people. And you CAN talk with them. Really, I've got lots of friends who I really, really disagree with. And we drink beer and chat and disagree and joke with each other. And get along.
It CAN be done.
Of course, there are other benefits beyond (hopefully) having a good time. You might understand other points of view better. Other might understand you better. Maybe one of you will even convince the other. (Okay, probably not...but it's not impossible.)
THE PITCH
Okay. So here it is. Whenever I want to talk with Democrats and Progressives to commiserate, plan strategy or debate our (relatively small) differences, I'll continue to come to the DailyKos.
But I also hope you try out and help me build ArgueNicely.com for talking with an audience representing a broader range of viewpoints. Let me be clear about this: it's really quiet there right now. There's just a couple of members. And I haven't even approached too many people with other viewpoints yet. (I will.)
If you like this idea, here's your chance to visit, post and otherwise promote and support it. If you don't like it, I'd love to hear why. In particular, I'd like to hear suggestions on how to improve it...or even, why it should be scrapped.
Thanks for listening.