Do some bloggers/writers not link to DU because we're to extreme?

[trumad]

For instance Larisa Alexandrovna who is a long standing member here on DU doesn't include DU in her important links in her BIO at the Huffington Post.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/contributors/bio.php?nick=larisa-alexandrovna&name=Larisa%20Alexandrovna

Don't get me wrong---I greatly admire her work and her posts here at DU---But I have noticed that some folks keep their involvement with DU on the QT because of a perceived notion that DU is to extreme.

Me thinks that DU is one of the greatest sources on the Net for Progressive Liberal writers.

Again, this is not a diss on Larisa.

I'm just wondering if some out there keep their association with DU quiet for the reason above.

[annabanana]

1. well

If you knew where the pot of gold was, would you tell the world?

[Lochloosa]

2. We're not extreme....we're Right

[arcos]

3. Of course DU is extreme...

The US political center is so far to the right that ANY reasonable position is at the extreme left of the political spectrum.

[Arianrhod]

4. DU is not extremist.

Half the time, I wonder if we've been taken over by conservatives. . . .

[ixion]

5. I agree...

Not extreme.

It's called common sense, and it doesn't mean that you're a 'leftist'.

[pelsar]

7. 'bananas"...

is putting it politily:

posts such as: bush will nbomb an american city before the elections
invasion of syrian in july
invasion of iran in october

israelis knew of the subway bombings in london before it happened

i could go on an on.......but my tin foil hat is getting a bit thin from all the bombardment

[Nostradammit]

10. It's about 90% of the time for me

When so many of the predictions made on DU years ago are coming to light, I can't see why anyone would hesitate to mention this forum.

[Arianrhod]

18. I like your sig line.

Similar to Christian Huuygens' statement: "The world is my country, and science, my religion." 17th Century Dutch astronomer who discovered the rings of Saturn.

I prefer such a broader view. :)

[kliljedahl]

40. I agree

and to support the Dem candidate no matter what, even if they support the war is official policy. I won't doo that.

[mogster]

6. Well, there's just four links in that bio

I think it may be a more temporary thing - like: to be updated when something happens, to focus on something special maybe.

She's a very smart and pretty woman btw. I sleep easier when I know that Larisa is about and digging into the events ;-)

As for the DU, it's not very extreme IMHO. From a European point of view it's pretty mainstream, and I compare it to some of the good boards here in Norw. But the name itself makes some people freak, especially the rw'ers over here. I've done some campaigning with DU info on a conservative board (to get across some of the American lib viewpoints) and they immediately started to pick on the name to underplay the information's importance. All while quoting dubious material from obscure rw blogs and boards without asking a single question about that information's origins, of course ;-) Logic isn't their strongest quality.

I think the DU is a fantastic library of contemporary information which plays an important role in putting pressure on the US govt.
It is also a way to get to know Americans if you're not from the US.
The name 'Underground' and the fact that it is a board may turn some people off, but they would probably be prone to listen to the MSM anyway.

[Arianrhod]

19. And I LOVE your sig line! hahaha nt

[JNelson6563]

8. I doubt that's it

Take a good look at GD. "OMG!!!! Get out of path of hurricane now!!! NT" or "OMG!!!!!!!! I'm so fucking upset!!!!!!" or perhaps something like "Today's my birthday" or "What's the best song ever?" I come across crap like that all the time in here. The nonsense posted in here by those who think all of DU is their personal lounge is a main reason I don't recommend DU much anymore.

I would say DU is not all that extreme, DLCers are very comfortable here (sometimes I think too comfortable but no matter) and conspiracy stuff seems to be mostly stuck away in hidden corners.

No, look more to the crap that gets posted as the reason. It's mine. Could be the same for others.

Julie

[mia]

12. I agree.

I open "the latest" page first, and sometimes the !!OMG!! and copycat threads dominate the page and are a turn-off.

Most of the activist Dems I know personally play down DU for some reason. I've never been able to figure it out. Our own local grassroots website doesn't link to DU either.

The lounge should have their own "latest page". I enjoy "favorite song" threads and the like, and the lounge is good for a variety of reasons.

[Kurovski]

41. Lounge threads are no longer on the Latest page, or do I have a

different set up for DU here?

I think its been that way for a few months now.

[Pharlo]

14. Interesting. I have a different perspective....

And, it may be based on upon our viewing times. Personally, my viewing is restricted to evenings and weekends. As a result, I have never seen a thread entitled " 'Today's my birthday' " or " 'What's the best song ever?'" in GD, but only in The Lounge. As for those entitled " 'OMG!!!!!!!! I'm so fucking upset!!!!!! ' " they, too, are generally found in The Lounge unless they have a legitimate based grievance. There is a definite possibility that the reason I see such clearly defined categorization between the varying forums is because of the efficiency of the mods. In which case, my compliments to the moderators.

I find the DU to be a wonderful reference tool: news updates in LBN generally precede my normal outlets by hours, and in some cases days. GD, GD:P and the topic forums are invaluable for reference sources as well as exposure to opposing views on topics and discussions concerning issues.

My personal annoyance factors: pedantics who get in arguments concerning the definition of a word, then feel the need to get into a debate based upon which definition and from which dictionary being referenced; two week time spans with 98% of the threads in GD or GD:P referencing the same event (ie. Hurricanes, Pope's demise, ID) - in short, the DU equivalent of a blonde missing in Aruba.

But, those are personal peeves, and the benefits of viewing DU definitely outweigh putting up with minor irritants.

LOL....Now that I think about it, I do believe we have pretty much just said the same thing...

[JNelson6563]

17. There is no doubt

DU is a good source for info. And I will say that today, at least on first page, I see no lounge fodder in GD. It seems almost every day there is at least one post that I hit "alert" for 'cause it doesn't go into GD.

Cheers-
Julie

[baldguy]

9. Extremism in the defense of Liberty is no vice,

[KharmaTrain]

11. This Is A Verbal Playground

DU is a fun place to read, a fun place to post...but to consider this anything more than a message/bitch board is to thinking DU has more reach than it really does. The same goes for Freeperland...in many ways, these two sites are mirror opposites of one another.

This is like the local grapevine...something to tell you what's going on or a place where people can bitch. Activism and the ability to use this resource as anything beyond just a message board still isn't happening. There's too many fights here, too much talking AT people vs. to people. And, sadly, lots of cronyism here where those who are "popular" feel their posts have more validity or importance than others.

I know plenty of politicians and media types. I'll discuss DU with them and many know this place exists, will check in here and even agree with a lot of what's being posted...however with the site's frantic nature it's not one to be relied on.

DU's a great gateway for those who want to find out about the lies and deceptions of this regime to come...a starting point in their search for the truth...not the end destination.

[ray of light]

13. D.U. is a great place to see the latest breaking news

and they did have that activism thread, but I haven't received anothe assignment in my email, but maybe I missunderstood how that was being run.

But there is another website that is informative and about activism and empowerment too. They have a blog, irc, and forum. It can be fun there as well.

Here's the link...check it out:

http://www.democracycellproject.net

(Just click the tabs and look around.)

[kliljedahl]

39. DU is very mainstream and DLC oriented

official policy is to support the Dem candidate no matter what, even if they support the war. I can't agree with that. There are other less mainstream sites.

[More Than A Feeling]

42. What are the others, besides that one you have in your post?

I'm always looking for new reading material.

[Arianrhod]

20. I disagree.

There is some genuine activism going on here. Such as the time when a bunch of DUers sent emails to Congress, and managed to belay a fellow poster's son from being sent to Iraq. THAT blew me away. It made me realize that there's much more going on here than meets the eye.

The nation's (temporary) focus on Diebold was the result of several DUers' work on Black Box Voting. William Rivers Pitt is a (relatively) famous author. MoPaul is a (relatively) famous artist. Elizabeth Edwards was a member during the 2004 campaign. Much money has been donated thru DU for Katrina, and many care packages have been sent via DU to Iraq.

Personally, I turn to DU for my news long before checking out the MSM. It's usually more accurate, and often prescient. Many times, DU has carried themes and ideas long before the MSM ever picks them up.

To say that we are an impotent "message board" is to not be aware of what's going on. . . .

We aren't meant to be a "final destination". We're meant to be a rubric, a sounding board, a reflection, an advocacy. And for me, this is the best place on the Web for democratic action.

Edited to add: I'm proud to be a member here. :)

[KharmaTrain]

22. As Long As You Think So

I've had a far different experience here over the past 4 years...but that's cause I'm not here for the popularity...just the results.

Yes, I've seen some good things within the DU community, but to say they've gone much beyond is overstating things just a bit. In all due respect, I applaud those who have stepped forward here and have contributed myself to the various causes that have come across here, but to say they've had any real impact in the "real world" is not true.

For a long time, I tried to network, donated a bunch of money and spent a lot of volunteer hours trying to work contacts through DU and other websites and found a lot of shortcomings that have made me rethink my approaches to this place over the past year. I've seen great ideas and good intentions by some very good people turn into flame wars and arguments over whose issues are more important or about money. A lot of energy that gets frustrated. Better to keep things in a proper perspective.

Yes, DU is a great place to find out what's happening. LBN and GD forums are a good starting point to see what's going on and then, as a message board, to comment on them. I don't rely on DU as an "alternative" to the "MSM" or more appropriate corporate media (since this media sure doesn't reflect what goes on on my Main Street), just another resource among many.

If I'm looking for "action"...I still find it at my local Democratic party office and with business associates...people who have a bit more "reality based" views of things than posts on a message board.

If this is helping you find a place to get involved and expand your knowledge and contact, more power to you.

Peace...

[zanne]

24. Some of us live in very Conservative areas....

We can't just drop into our local Democratic Party office or talk to our "business associates" about politics or social issues. DU is an oasis for us. Flame wars and arguments are the result of people expressing their true opinions and exchanging real ideas--maybe they're not as sophisticated as you'd like, but they do shape opinion. I've never seen DU as an activists website, but sometimes we get together and do some really good things here. I think DU has been VERY effective in both giving people the chance to voice their opinions and in shaping opinion.

[KharmaTrain]

29. You Sure There's Not A Democratic Party Office?

20 years ago, I was called the "lone Democrat" in my polling precinct. I forced them to open a special booth and get a poll judge just for me and my wife. In 2004, the first Democrat Congressperson in this district was elected ever. Things can change and this came from the grassroots...building a Democratic party in an area that didn't have one.

I joke that I like in a red area in a very blue state...and I've lived and worked in red areas in the past, so I know how it is being in your situation. Thank goodness for places like DU that weren't around in my "wilderness days"...and yes, this is a great oasis to see there is some sanity in this world...in two ways.

First, for those in the red and purple areas to get around their local news and hate radio filters to get the truth and connect to the "blue" world. Second, for those in the "blue" world to get a better handle on the attitudes in the red states...blow past the stereotypes the corporate media tries to portray.

For those who want to get involved, I first suggest looking locally...especially in areas where Democratic parties are small or non-existant. These are the real roots that the party needs to not only regain a majority position in the House and Senate, but to maintain it for years to come. Democrats need to get more involved in these areas...and there are many of us out here ready to support with voices, boots and checkbooks.

Cheers...

[Arianrhod]

25. I don't disagree with your point.

If your point is, in fact, that we are little more than a ripple in the river of activism.

But a ripple is better than a backwater.

Something I've been learning, at great personal cost, is that I cannot be attached to results. I must work because the work is true, not because it is effective. I appreciate DU in spite of its failings, just as I contribute to other causes in spite of their failings. The goal is what matters to me--even if I will never see it attained in my lifetime.

Indeed, I'd like to thank you for reminding me of this. :)

[KharmaTrain]

27. You're To Be Commended

No attempt here to flame and I appreciate you taking my posts in the spirit they were intended.

I guess my age and cynicism shows too much out here :shrug:

I can fully understand your enthusiasm as I had and still have that fire. It's just fueled a little differently today...and it's based on my experiences, just as yours will be on yours.

As long as you're learning, there is no cost too dear or a future dividend that can't be gained. I just caution to use that energy wisely and find ways to be effective with results you can see and believe in.

Our goals are always changing...the key here is to create an atmosphere where everyone's goals and dreams can have a chance to be realized. We live in a time now where those opportunities are limited and the frustration many have are used against one another so the powers that be can "divide and conquer".

I'm not trying to downplay DU in any manner. I still enjoy popping on here and mixing it up. It can be a bit of positive enforcement when you see how many share the same common beliefs. It's good we can feed off one and other and that events have proven us to be more on the right side of things...but dare I say how many times I've allowed optimism to build too high only to be knocked back to planet earth.

Yes a ripple...but one with a strong undertow and plenty of headwater that can help it gain even greater strength.

[Arianrhod]

33. Yes. I agree fully.

I didn't mean to imply that I've had a smooth sail on this board. More often than not, I've been put in my place by many many posters.

My initial reaction to such opposition is to become angry. How dare they question my veracity? My integrity? My knowledge? Yet I have to look at things from their viewpoint, and acknowledge that sometimes I simply come across as a complete asshole.

It's humbling. I don't like to think of myself in those terms. But as a Pagan Druid Gnostic, I recognize that humility is the only way of achieving the truth. (They don't like my views over on the Atheist Board, believe me. . . . hahaha)

And I agree that our goals are constantly changing. They have to; if they remain rigid and unassailable, we will succumb to the very error of those whom we oppose. Life is not an impermeable structure; it is emptiness, flexibility, adaptation. We must respond (not react) to events as they occur. Hopefully, events will move more in our direction in the future. But if they don't, we can't blame ourselves, or our values and beliefs. We must cling to them as to a buoy in a raging sea, and hope that the Universe will work things out as they are supposed to be.

Sorry for the rambling here. Thanks for understanding; I think we're closer in our thinking than may have at first appeared.

[kentuck]

15. Trumad, you have opened a very important topic...

This is secret information. Do not read any further unless you have secret security clearance from Skinner and Admins. This is the Democratic Underground. If we were above ground, and there is that danger, then we lose much of our effectiveness. It is to our advantage that we stay "extreme" in many people's perception. It is important that people can read and post at DU and not have it become a public issue. The important issue is that the information is getting out and we do not seek nor should we want, recognition for that information. This is a liberal think tank. We are "extremists". If everybody admits to reading DU, then we lose whatever effectiveness we might have in public discussions. We should try to stay "underground". :)

[zanne]

16. Sometimes, I'm too liberal for DU.

Especially when gun ownership is being discussed. If you come out against gun ownership here, you'll see a thread that would closely resemble a thread on Free Republic.

[Jackpine Radical]

28. ...except that the thread would probly be allowed to run

without being pulled.

Maybe exiled to the Gungeon, but not pulled just for being about gun control.

[zanne]

30. No, not pulled, but flamed. And flamed, and flamed. nt

[Jackpine Radical]

34. Flamed or debated?

There are lotsa rural liberal/progressive types, myself included, who own guns, hunt, etc. & have opinions. If you're looking for a choir, go to church or something. You're sure not gonna get everyone around here singing the same tune, which is one of the remarkable beauties of the place.

[zanne]

35. You missed my point.

The original poster asked if DU was too liberal, or radical. I pointed out that a very conservative position on guns seems to be the norm here on DU. (And if guns are a rural liberal/progressive issue, I'll eat my hat. Giving it a brand new name doesn't make it liberal.)

[RagAss]

37. I agree....you just described most of Connecticut....

[Jane Austin]

21. I don't think DU is too extreme, but I do think we're awfully credulous

sometimes.

Repeated postings of Capitol Hill Blue pieces and other unreliable sources get posted over and over, indicating, perhaps, a tendency for us to want to believe every weird thing we can find about bushco.

I agree about the OMG!!! posts, as well as the "Randi just said . . . ." posts.

[bluedawg12]

23. DU has a free flow of ideas. All ideas. Many boards

are not only moderated, but also censored. Here, at DU, there is great tolerance, which is fantastic, and some rules but not restrictive.

When you get a cross section of people from all walks of life, all ages, of varying political philosophy or emerging philosophy, the ideas come out in a great array.

Still, this board tends to be truthful, generally comments are well researched, if not someone usually asks for a reference quickly.

I suppose the uncensored, honest flow of ideas and emotions are "extreme" to some. i find it refreshing. I am on occasion offended, or disagree, but then I have two choices, ignore and move on or disagree. There is nothing co-ercive about freedom of ideas, where as, there as something coercive and sinister and stifling and mediocre in group think.

I wish the real world could be this liberated in the exchange of ideas. But, it the real world we have social niceties, fear of offending others, making enemies, or getting punched in the face, to worry about. LOL.

So, who cares if they don't link here, it is not for the feint hearted.:evilgrin:

[WiseButAngrySara]

26. I think in part, it's because of the name! While I've grown to love it,

when I first was linked to DU, Democratic Underground, the name almost sounded sinister to me, and I've had very liberal friends and family members who would fit in here perfectly, assume that the word underground must place it in a radical category, that had to be hidden because it was so far to the left! It's been a silent gripe of mine for about a year now, because the wonderful word liberal has recieved such intentional negative connotations, imagine the conjecture when the name Underground is associated with a Liberal Web Site.

I know the origin of the name, and the reason it was named Underground, but I do believe it leaves a negative image in the minds of those unfamiliar with DU!

[notadmblnd]

31. actually, I think there been an influx of people that are in the process

of "taming" DU. Self appointed PC cops is what I like to call them. Many people have noticed the change and have either left or are limiting their association with DU.

Now we have people telling us what sources are appropriate to use. Who is considered unreliable, racist or anti-Semitic. Hell there was even a self appointed PC cop here earlier in the week encouraging a ban on the word "bitch".

I fear DU is becoming the same thing MSM has become and if you don't accept the current meme ostracizing will occur. Last time I posted in a thread asking if we here at DU were becoming victims of our own group think, It was locked.

[davsand]

32. Of course we are left "fringe" to some people.

Some of those same people would find Attila the Hun to be a leftie, and thus you demonstrate the political spectrum.

I think that it is possible to read DU (or ANY message board) and draw conclusions that are not accurate ones. IF you don't stop to filter it thru your common sense you will make perceptual mistakes about any source of information. I see it as no different than watching Faux news all day or reading Pravda or the Wall Street Journal exclusively--you have GOT to diversify your news sources or else run the risk of getting limited information and views.

Think of your news consumption as being like your diet: Diversity is good, and without it you might get "sick."

Is DU slanted too far left or right? THAT is entirely in the eyes of the individual reader. Is DU something that has merit and is it worth taking the time to look at? Well, to me it is--but I'm not able to make that call for anybody else.

Frankly, IMO, I find news stories here that are from all over the globe, and I seriously think that I am happier with that kind of global diversity. I love the stuff here that comes in from local sources--our members that are there to see it happen. I just can't GET that on CNN or any other channel. We hear it on here a lot of times before it hits mainstream media.

I love the access to people who actually DO some of this stuff--like DemoTex who flew airliners and some of the others who gave us info during 9/11. Equally, I value info from our members who, sadly, were forced to live thru these things like 9/11 and Katrina.

My opinion is read it, appreciate where all it comes from and THEN make a value decision on it. DU has been a big resource to me.


Laura

[Donald Ian Rankin]

36. I think it's not so much the opinions expressed here that are extreme

as the way that they are often presented.

A lot of posters present their ideas as though they are self-evidently correct, and anyone who disagrees with them is obviously insane and evil, or else brainwashed by the enemy.

*Any* view *looks* extreme if you express it as a rant, and there are an awful lot of rants posted on DU, which is why I think it's understandable someone might not want to link here.

[AllieB]

38. DU is more middle-of-the-road Democrat than other sites

With the exception of the conspiracy theorists, I see more support here for DLC or moderate views than traditional leftish democratic ideals.

[lala_rawraw]

43. You know I post here because I

Don't hide it. Otherwise how would you know? The only links in my bio, which I have not touched for a while are those about me (as a personality thing): health, lit, radio... Not a full list of links or even partial list of links of places I support, visit, and such. I don't even have links to most of my work up there, lol. Magical Realism, for example, is hardly left, right, or center. It is simply my taste in lit.

But people who know me on here have heard me speak highly of DU on the air or in interviews I have given. I am not remotely ashamed about my political leanings or my associations. Everyone has leanings and associations, hiding them does not make the facts of any one story any less true.

Just wanted to say something in my defense here.