1. "I'd question if "rebelliousness" was ever the "spirit" here..." In response to In response to 0 Tue Mar-17-15 09:29 AM by 8-bit
Been here (with a handle) since '03, and the Japanese saying of "The nail that sticks out gets hammered" seemed like it has always applied. There was just more background noise to mask things in previous years. I have a growing list of topics that I won't participate in discussion here because I just don't have the energy for it. Why bother even trying with set-in-stone thinkers?
The Internet is actually a terrible place for intellectual discussion, because it allows anyone to participate, no matter their level of discourse. Anyone can come in a derail a conversation without fear of repercussion because they can hide behind their screens, usernames and avatars. The only exceptions that I've noticed are very-topic-specific forums, like a metal detecting, knitting or auto repair forum. You can have some great conversations ABOUT THAT TOPIC there.
My advice: Save the deep, intellectual or controversial stuff for the face-to-face, in-person world.