Pro tips for greeting the Juicy Ones on the Introductions Thread

[Whateverist]

Please add your advice for fellow members on how best to keep both to the spirit and the rule against rude treatment of noobs on the Introductions thread. Most often this isn't hard. But sometimes they are want to make assertions of precisely the kind which make us smack our lips and leap up to snatch the treat before its time.

Fortunately it is possible to respond in a manner that is both sufficiently polite and good natured while at the same time sharing a little about yourself. Here I'll share my latest attempt with what I hope will be helpful commentary.

Rule #1: Always include a greeting. Everyone deserves that.

Welcome to a world that does not revolve around what you already believe. Hope the shock doesn't cause you to wig out.

Here I've managed to deliver the greeting and at the same time acknowledge the noob's bravery in coming onto a site so outside his/her comfort zone. Since the noob was happy to share so many assumptions about us it seemed fitting to let him know he might be in for a few surprises.


Rule #2: Self depreciating humor is always best on the intro thread. Personal attacks have no place here.

I would have thought if you've already debated many atheists you would already have a sense of how they think. Most of us aren't at all certain that there is no god. For most of us it is just a silly, fanciful notion which isn't to be taken seriously. There is no need to argue against god belief. You're welcome to it.

If you are going to offer any constructive criticism be sure to throw a wide enough net that they can't possible take it personally. By tossing some of my fellow atheists under the same bus, I let him know he is okay with me.

It helps that I truly do not begrudge theists their beliefs. If you really believe the world would be better off without them, you probably won't be able to hide that.


Okay, who else has some more advice to share?

[Brakeman]

In the example from whence this post originated, the OP posted obvious slurs and lies. It makes biting one's tongue a little too painful. A more congenial christian would not have received such responses. Personally I think our responses were well muted considering the instigation.

[robvalue]

I think you covered some great points.

I suppose that I try to structure my reply so that it gives the person the maximum chance of following up a bad introduction with a more thoughtful one. So I play to the strengths (where possible) and calmly try and correct any massive misconceptions, to give the person a second shot, so to speak. If they just shit all over that opportunity, then really I'm not too interested in them.

I was wondering whether a similar guide to new users for writing their introductions could be useful? Like: common mistakes, stuff that is going to be poorly received...

[Cyberman]

Don't offer to pray for us. That's a big no-no.

Don't bang on about bloody Jesus as the cure for everything.

Similarly, don't harp on about how wrong/deceived/evil we are and how we're all going to hell.

[robvalue]

Don't write a massive paragraph about "what atheists believe". If you're about to do that, you don't understand what atheism is. So just ask instead.

[SteelCurtain]

Protip: A thin veneer of sarcasm will allow you to respond to claims without running afoul of the rules.

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ETA: This quickly evolved into "Pro tips for new users," didn't it?

[vorlon13]

Appreciate the chance to get a clarification on something:

I've been here long enough I think I might notice an obvious sock puppet of a previously banned problem in the intro thread. Is the preferred method to 'make nice' and hit the 'report' button ?

Or do TPTB prefer to nip returning guest stars to be nipped in the bud with foul invective and savage ripostes ???

[Cyberman]

The preferred method is always to keep the information to yourself, occasionally throwing out cryptic in-jokes and allowing Staff the opportunity to use our Jedi mind-reading powers.

But the report button is just as good.

[Thumpalumpacus]

I keep it simple, post a plain greeting, and leave before shit devolves.