I can't speak for ADVRider when about whether arguments back and forth are a good or bad thing. From my perspective, arguments can get people to think about different viewpoints and perhaps spread some understanding that may not have previously existed. In my mind, the issue is whether the arguments are made with civility and facts.
I recognize that some publications, media outlooks and networks like to have inflammatory and accusatory comments. For some reason, that kind of drama is more popular now than ever.
Some people think it's wonderful. They want to create drama and see it. Especially drama from the lowest levels. And, I'm sure that kind of crap drama increases clicks, viewership and advertising dollars from companies that thrive on that sort of nonsense. Again, I don't think that ADVRider is that kind of media outlet.
It's troubling to me that that "troll" type activity is on the significant uptick. I think ADVRider's content on both the front page and in the forum is almost always thoughtful. It's that some of the readers' comments aren't. And, that's sad.
Who would have thought a few years back that people would spend a significant amount of time writing stuff to purposely make people angry or sad; for the attention and/or FOR FUN! I don't get it. But then again, I'm now what some people would call an old fart.
For me, ADVRider has been a wonderful break from all that noise which I consider to be garbage of the worst kind. That's what troubles me when I see the above type crap written in a community that I love and enjoy.
So sure, there are outlets that write, sell and want crap. And there are people that love that kind of thing. I am just hoping that those people are not the preponderance of the motorcycling community.