User:Tennessee Ernie Ford

Tennessee Ernie Ford is the nom de web of the author of RPG guides. No relationship to the fantabulous gospel singer of the same name is intended or implied.

Current rant(s)
One practical definition of conversational listening is being willing to be changed by what someone else says. One description of effective aggressive salesmanship is being able to take what someone else says, in order to rephrase those ideas/concerns/goals as reasons that other party should agree to your own terms in the negotiation.
 * Listening vs negotiating

I have spent far too much of my brief stay on this planet engaged in what I hoped to be a conversation, but was really a negotiation; two cannot Tango if one is dancing the Fox Trot. So, going forward, when my interlocutor prefers responsive speechifying (my turn, their turn, my turn)...without a willingness to reevaluate their ideas...well, I'll just have to let them continue their monologue without me.

Unfortunately, a side effect of this will be leaving unchallenged claims, both outrageous and subtle, for which there is insufficient evidence, no consensus, and/or one/more alternative views. Some people will, wrongly, assume my tacit approval or endorsement. Still, life's too short to spend it arguing with someone who isn't willing to change their mind.


 * Personalization

Does someone actually have to say, "I guess you try to be a complete, motherfucking, holier-than-thou, male-chauvinist-piggish, Republican, Nazi asshole," before we consider it an attack? Since when is it okay to personalize a discussion without any consequences?

Current Haiku
 True. Also witty. The results of committee: Couplets out of rhyme.

Current humor
Not everyone gets a charge from this, although some might find that it sparks an idea. Shocking, but true.

Current tune
 Cheer up, Hamlet! Chin up, Hamlet! Buck up, you melancholy Dane! So your uncle is a cad who murdered Dad and married Mum. That's really no excuse to be as glum as you've become! So wise up, Hamlet; rise up, Hamlet; perk up and sing a new refrain. Your incessant monologizing fills the castle with ennui. Your antic disposition is embarrassing to see. And by the way, you sulky brat, the answer is to be! You're driving poor Ophelia insane. So shut up, you rogue and peasant; grow up, it's most unpleasant; cheer up, you melancholy Dane! Slings and Arrows