Does it make sense to post news which DUers might view as common knowledge?

[bigtree]

I've had more than enough negative responses to reports I've posted here which cover subjects and events related to the administration which shouldn't be a surprise to average, frequent visitors to this forum.

The criticisms are that the information isn't 'news,' or that 'I shouldn't be surprised." Of course I'm not surprised by revelations about this administration, but I don't think we've come to the point where we don't need the reinforcement of our arguments with facts and details. I think that it helps if the references are timely and sourced -- the farther up the ladder the references go, the more important the statement or material is to the debate, no matter how insignificant the detail may seem in the totality other events and instances of accountability.

I'm wondering if it makes any sense to keep posting these reference points here (almost as my way of thinking out loud) in the face of these criticisms of my supposed naivety and irrelevance. Many of the essays I put up here contain old facts blended with current events and statements to reflect a continuity of knowledge on a particular subject. I'm feeling a bit shy about posting those efforts here as well, as I know many here are intimately informed about the subject matter I write about. I really don't think these posts are any harm and I believe the information could be helpful in advancing our arguments and activism.

I don't believe that absolutely everyone who comes upon my posts is so well-informed as to make the effort meaningless. That's why I bother to share my thoughts and some of the articles I come across. How bad can that be? Others can do their thing. That's more than cool with me. I just operate this way for my own satisfaction, trying to keep up with events and not fall behind. Like I say, I'm thinking out loud about the subjects we all care about, trying to offer something new . . . trying not to become discouraged and walk away . . . I think I will step away for a little while.

[unhappycamper]

1. I vote for you to post *everything* you think *might* have value.

I post a lot of stuff myself. Many times I get zero replies, but I can see folks are reading it & that's good IMO.

[BOSSHOG]

2. Keep em coming BigTree and thank you very much

If folks don't want to be educated they can go to Free Republic. I like checking in at DU where you and others give us all kinds of information. I can't fathom how anyone could be negative about your efforts.

And with the republican scandal machine fine tuned there's no way we can get too much info.

[Sydnie]

3. It absolutely DOES make sense to post them

With so many issues to be addressed and so many years of them piling on top of each other, even those of us who THINK we're paying attention can miss some details. Not to mention that there are new people stumbling on to DU everyday who have just lifted the veil. They are thirsty for knowledge and we should offer it when ever possible.

Revisiting reminds us that things are like a spiders web ... they are intertwined more than we might realize at the time they are happening. Armchair quarterbacking is not only necessary where this administration is concerned, applying hindsight should be mandatory.

Keep posting it, we need it.

[jobycom]

4. This post belongs in the Lounge!

:sarcasm:

Post cops. Fuck 'em. They probably took names for the teacher in middle school.

There are literally thousands, maybe tens of thousands of lurkers, posters, and casual visitors here each day, and that number spikes whenever something interesting happens in politics. Many people come here just to learn, because they know the major stories will be posted, and will also be informatively discussed.

Keep posting. Fuck the whiners.

[TwilightGardener]

5. I like your posts, bigtree. I'm glad someone is bothering to chronicle

what's going on with this criminal administration--we do appreciate your efforts.

[swag]

6. There are a lot of know-it-alls everywhere.

Thanks for posting whatever information you deem pertinent. The people who claim to know everything already, and who choose to express such in corrosively cynical terms don't really deserve much attention. Just look upon them as kickers of your worthy threads.

I don't even reply to them most times.

[The Vinyl Ripper]

7. Not everyone is well informed.

Most people lack the time to comb different news sources and put everything together.

Don't worry about the naysayers, DU says up front that a thick skin is required when posting online.

And I think that when people say something is "unsurprising" that's not critical of you but rather critical of those you are reporting on.

[porphyrian]

8. Post whatever you want. You just don't get to control the responses. - n/t

[RaleighNCDUer]

9. There are plenty of newbies and browsers who are just visiting

who may not be informed - keep them in mind.

Post anything and everything you want.

And, BTW, when I (not speaking for anyone else) say "what else is new" it doesn't necessarily mean I've heard that particular information before - but only that the level of criminality of this administration has long since failed to surprise me.

[Perseid]

13. I like to think of myself as

fairly well informed, but am very much learning from all the links to information posted here. Thanks all, and to the original poster.

[unhappycamper]

14. Welcome to DU, Perseid!

Glad to have you on board. :hi:

[radfringe]

15. exactly

and because so much info has passed though the DU, it serves as a reminder to all of us

something may have been mentioned 2 years ago, and suddenly it's relevant again. Can't tell you how many times I've seen a post regarding an "old story" and have slapped my head saying "oh yeah, forgot about that little bit of info"

[NNN0LHI]

10. No such thing as "common knowledge" in the political world

Peoples memories are short and the media is constantly trying to rewrite history. We can't let them do that.
To give you an example some people are under the false impression that the thugs we have hidden out in the Green Zone are the "elected" government of Iraq.

Hard to believe isn't it?

Don

[Arkansas Granny]

11. Even if it seems to be "old news" to some, each discussion brings

in different viewpoints and is, therefore, relevant, IMO. Also, there are so many scandals associated with this administration it's hard to keep track of everything that's gone on without an occasional reminder. Keep up the good work.

:thumbsup:

[DeepModem Mom]

12. A peeve of mine, too! "And this is news because...?" "Duh!" And so on.

I hear ya, bigtree! Either ignore the smartassery, or provide a brief response, is my advice. And keep posting! Remember that responders to a post are almost always a small number compared to those who click and read the post.

I post quite a few posts "just for the record," not even expecting much in the way of responses. You never know who's reading, and what info they want or need. Your judgment is enough to decide if a post is valuable.

K&R!

[applegrove]

16. New people sign up for the DU all the time. It is important that they

get a good idea of where we all are. Sure it can be annoying you look through the "latest" forum and see very little that is new. But that is how the DU works. It is for everybody. Just skip over the parts you are familiar with.