and how would a thread that starts out as a flame invitation "devolve" into a flame

I said that threads that turn into free form conversations (of which this is one) run that risk. The fact that you started it as an invitation to flame (even though you probably expected little flaming) is just coincidental irony. Also, I use the word "devolve" to express my distaste over the (almost inevitable) occurrence of actual flaming.

However, certainly a valid turn of the conversation of this thread is towards a general discussion of flaming. There are two major cases to consider. The first is the effect of flaming on those directly involved. The second is the effect on those "just watching".

I think the second case is easier to discuss. When not directly involved it's not particularly upsetting, it's more like the car wreck that people can't stop looking at even though it usually disgusts them. This is the kind of thing that IMHO inhibits people that play the game, and have been lurking, from joining in and contributing to these forums. It also tends to turn off the occasional poster from continued participation. I think this represents a lose-lose situation for the GC2 community.

In the first case of the people directly involved, it's usually much more upsetting or far less upsetting. If the target of the flaming actually cares about his attacker's opinion, then the flaming can be very upsetting. However, this quickly dissipates once the target simply considers his attackers opinion beneath notice.

Of course this requires a bit of maturity on the part of the target to not get caught up in the whole win/lose rat hole. The attacker on the other hand usually exhibits no maturity whatsoever and comes off thinking that they "won". They couldn't be further from the truth.

Correct sir, just a lil social experiment

Um... yo momma!

Dear Novy, You have been a complete and utter fraktard this week, and it's only Tuesday. Kryo has already had to correct your dumb mistakes twice. For your own good, shut your mouth, get your fingers off the keyboard, or at least do something constructive for once.

Yup, sounds like something she would say...

Sorry, maybe i should use the word "rap"?

Or maybe you shouldn't? Think about that!

ack. This thread got mixed with some old stuff.

sheesh. now it back to normal.

Or maybe you shouldn't? Think about that!

Hey, show some gratitude for the platitude, he just has a good attitude.

Correct, I definitely shouldn't use the word rap, much less actually do it:
Novakane

But, since there was some rhyming started in this thread... just thought I'd throw my 2 cents worth up. Please note: Do not comment about the lyrical content of the song that will autoplay upon going to the site as it will inevitably break one of the form's golden rules

If certain people *cough evil* listen, I understand it is a topic of great interest and much discussion before a moderator steps in and tells you guys to knock it off, but I'm trying hard not to anger the moderators.

Also, that mock flame was very cute Maximus

Heavily influenced by Rage against The Machine (v1.0)...

Good lyrics. You need to work on your breathing so you don't sound strained at the end of a verse.

Why do you have to criticize Iraq? Why can't you talk about smacking ho asses, wearing fubu, riding your Lamborghini and sipping on mo'wet like everybody else?

P.S. I did the image.

HAHAHA niiiiiiice pic! Can i use it?

I know about the breathing... I need to quit smoking . Kid's don't smoke, take it from a smoker!

And I don't talk about things in a way other rappers do because it is my true belief that it is a great art form that got hijacked by a bunch of thugs. I know I'm replying to a rhetorical question, but I just like making this kind of thing clear.

Cyberista uses Creative Commons for copyright. Take a look at the copyright link. As long as the photo is unaltered, you may use it.

it is a great art form that got hijacked by a bunch of thugs.

Yes and no.

Yes because it's obvious that a bunch of textbook definition fraktards dominate the population of artists in rap. No because those idiots have no real power. The real power is with the record company executives. There is no more Public Enemy. It's all about selling crap. The record companies make people finance their own oppression. It's sick.

You know n0v4k4n3, it's no fun to flame you when you invite it...