How do you feel about minors on Fluther?

Age means nothing, its maturity that counts.

Uber just about summed up my feelings on this. Nicely done, Batman.

pshaaaw would you expect anything else from me? :P

@uberbatman
@allie
Do you mind me asking how old you are?

Im 20 but i know of quite a few fluthers on here that are a LOT younger than you would think by the way they talk (...er type) and are more mature than some of the jellies on here that are older.

No 20 is cool it’s the 16 and under crowd that I’m referring to.

I’m 21. I second (again) what Batman says. There are some very well spoken and intelligent youngsters here.

I know 20 is cool lol. Thats why i said the rest of what i said. I know some that are 16 and younger, but you would never suspect it because they are mature. Whilst there are others that are immature on this site and are much older than 16. Age is just a number, it means nothing. How you act and speak is how one should be judged, not by a silly number.

You are getting lots of lurve from me, Batty. Ace ace ace.

I’m 16 and no one treats me differently on here because of that (as far as I can tell). I try to be as mature as I can because I know that most of the people I’m responding to are adults and it all works out. The questions that you might not deem appropriate for a 16 year old? Well, I think that I’m old enough and mature enough to deem them appropriate or non-appropriate for myself, and that’s what I do. My parents know I use this site and they have no problem with it. They trust me and trust that I will not read what I don’t think is appropriate for me.

hey look, its one of those 16 year olds i was talking about :P

I’ve seen many really good responses from younger individuals here on Fluther and I enjoy their input because they give us adults a perspective that we might not see or consider without it. The age diversity on Fluther keeps things interesting and enjoyable, in my opinion. And, as @Allie and @uberbatman already said, maturity can be a good precursor for well thought out and appealing answers that we can all enjoy.

Why would anyone object to mine workers being on fluther?

@AstroChuck I agree. And as if that wasn’t enough to drive ya nuts there’s that typo in the question too.

I’m OK with young people in Fluther. If I can help answer a question for them, I’ll gladly do so. But for the more social threads, I’m learning that perhaps I should be a bit more careful. This is the first site that I’ve participated in that has a significant presence of rather young people and I’m not sure what the right thing to do is with regard to certain types of comments. It’s a fine line.

I made a sexual joke in an earlier thread that had me somewhat abashed when I found out just how much younger than me the OP was. I would never make such a joke IRL to someone as young as he, no matter how well-spoken or mature, because that would be creepy. And this is so though I remember being a mature young person. I’m cool sharing a few risqué jokes with people around 17–18, but even then I’m careful, given that I’m old enough to be the mother of a teen. Well, only just.

Why is ‘age of consent’ in the tags? Last I heard, Fluther is not an orgy. And if it is, why the hell didn’t anyone invite me?!

@aprilsimnel
That is exctly what I am referring. It’s just awkward if you’re a conscientious person

@aprilsimnel there are much worse things for a young person to see on fluther than a few sexual jokes.

I never really think about how old someone might be, but I do try to reserve more “adult” conversation for the flutherites I know are “of age”. And I figure, if minors are on this site either their parents approve or their parents don’t know. Either way, I’m not responsible for judging or forming the moral character of teenagers. I know what kind of teenager I was, and I turned out okay. ;)

Does it disturb you that one of the mods is 17 years old? Think of the porn/obscene things all the mods see that most Jellies don’t. @uberbatman got it right when he said age doesn’t matter, maturity does. There’s no reason why a teen can’t enjoy a good sex joke with a middle-aged person—chances are they’ve had just as much (or more, in some cases) experience in that arena as you.

oh god you guys dont even want to know about the conversations that tali reads in the chat rooms :P

Tali, Ali, Petey, Eric… We’re corrupting the youth in Campfire!~

@uberbatman
Your demeanor more than anything else belies your age. Maturity is not about having to defy authority. That simply shows your immaturity. Life is not a sound byte nor a popularity contest. In fact one sign of maturity is to be able to rest on your convictions in a mob of opposition. I am of the conviction that there are somethings that children should not be exposed to. And I am certainly not alone. There is an entire judicial system built around it and excusing behavior by the noted behavior is not justification fo such behavior-(@omfg…) Neither is it a sound argument.

@omfgTALIjustIMDu – The OP of that thread is 13 and obviously a smart kid, so he took it in stride. It’s a bit of not right for an old lady like me to joke around like that, in my mind, with a 13-year-old boy, though. I thought, “Yeah, this kid’s mom would totally punch me in the throat, and I’d understand!”

16+? ehhhn… I was jokey about things with early 20-somethings at that age. 30+ somethings? Not so much.

@SeventhSense and i am of the conviction that it is a parents job to filter what their child is exposed to, not mine.

@aprilsimnel I think you misunderestimate Bushism, not my teenage stupidity teens in general, and I quite agree with @uberbatman.

It seems the “youngsters” think they’re old enough to be exposed to materials “elders” think of as inappropriate for the “youngsters.” Interesting.

@omfg…
They have always. It’s just life
I’m not trying to raise anybody’s kids. I just want to know who I m talking to. The anonymity is misleading at times. You would not speak with me face to face the same way, so why should it be different here.

@SeventhSense why wouldnt you talk to someone face to face the same way?
I would, who i am here is who i am IRL. Why put up a facade?

@uberbatman
Face to face you would be intimidated by me and I don’t just refer to size. There is a life experience that comes only through experience. It is not something that is manufactured in a chat room.

@seventh Seems like you have 3 options: you can either ask the age of every flutherite you address and accept it as truth, never say anything questionable, or don’t use fluther. No point arguing about something you cannot change.

My goal is simple. I don’t want to cause harm

@SeventhSense are you kidding me? Why would i be intimidated by you?

I’d love to have some other adults chime in…

It’s the internet/IRL divide coming into play here that I’m trying to navigate. I definitely would not make sexually explicit comments or jokes to a young teen IRL. It’s not appropriate for someone my age to do so. If I was the OP’s teacher at school and had made such a joke, I would be called to the carpet by the principal for sexual harassment if anyone overheard me, and at the very least suspended.

But like the old saying goes: On the internet, nobody knows you’re a dog. I don’t want some kid creeped out by anything I say to him. Or her. I can’t tell half the time with that, either!

I have a 17 year old son and would much prefer he ask the flutherites for opinions than his friends. There he gets one-sided information. Here, you get a wealth of inputs from all ages and walks of life.

@aprilsimnel, Then maybe the internet isn’t the right place for you….

What kills me is the many adults who feel similar but don’t want to be involved in a controversial thread. It’s so funny that when it comes time for real issues, the great minds of fluther are reduced to Sound Bytes suited for Fox News.

@omfgTALIjustIMDu
So are you saying we should censor aprilsimnel?

I think minors should all have a mark next to their name.

@SeventhSense sooo i suppose your not going to tell me whats so intimating about you and why i wouldnt carry myself the same way IRL?

@SeventhSense, I don’t think that at all, you’re putting words in my mouth.

@uberbatman
I told you already. You didn’t understand.

@omfgTALIjustIMDu – I simply don’t believe it’s OK for me as a nearly 40-year-old woman to crack nasty jokes to a 13-year-old boy. A young person wants advice? Fine. But I’m uncomfortable going into a Bob Saget stand-up routine around someone not even old enough to get a learner’s permit. It’s not as if a young person is simply watching and reading. They’re interacting with me as well. That’s what makes it touchy for me. I watched Delirious when I was 12, but Eddie didn’t come by afterward and communicate with me. That’s all I’m saying. If there’s a reason that that’s OK, I’d like to know what that reasoning is.

Thank you aprilsimnel for voicing your opinion.

@aprilsimnel, Then don’t crack nasty jokes on Fluther where you know there are 13-year olds. Censor yourself, not them.

When I was around ten I found some porno mags while walking in the orange grove behind my house. And my sisters friends used to always tell jokes about sex.

@omfgTALIjustIMDu
THAT’s THE PROBLEM!!!!YOU DON’T KNOW THAT THEY ARE THERE!!

@SeventhSense Then maybe she shouldn’t make the jokes at all if she’s so concerned about who her audience is.

Do you know who else put a mark on everyone that belonged to a group?

THAT’S Censorship.

I didn’t say to censor them. I said I’d be careful of what I said. Please read my first posts again.

@SeventhSense, My point exactly. It’s the same as IRL, you never know who’s around, so keep your mouth shut and don’t talk dirty unless you know you’re somewhere private with people you deem “mature” enough to handle it.

VERY FUNNY.. POOR ANALOGY

@SeventhSense because your old and have experienced life? I dont understand what difference that makes.Care to explain further for someone as young and immature as i?

OOHHHHH OHHH and we can have a mark next to the name for older people, and we should put marks for guys and a mark girls. A mark for gay people and a mark for straight. A mark for Jews, Muslims, Christians, Atheists, and everything in between. A mark for skin color. Yes lets mark for everything because ya know we dont want to accidentally offend someone or say something you shouldn’t around them by mistaking something about them. Who gives a shit about anonymity or anything like that. And then after all this instead of having a big community we are now divided. Brilliant!

@SeventhSense, Is there a reason you’re resorting to screaming at us in the form of capital letters rather than stating your point in a mature, coherent way? It seems the “youngsters” here have proven their point further through your responses.

No in real life you can always see who’s around you..unless you’re being spied on then who cares

They haven’t proven anything other than theor capacity to be belligerent, immature brats. Discussing these topics with you is like arguing with the baby his intents to play in traffic. You are not the intended audience.

Wow.
Just curious.. you know our ages, what about yours?

@SeventhSense LOL this is great. Your calling us names when we are trying to talk this out like mature adults. I guess it goes like i said in my first couple posts. Age means nothing. There are some fluthers on here that act much more immature than us “youngsters”

@SeventhSense, I feel the same way about arguing with you.

Again, I find it interesting that you’re calling me an “immature brat” because I am defending myself in an articulate manner.

Can I get a mark for Belligerent, Immature Brat?

Here’s your B.I.B.

“What kills me is the many adults who feel similar but don’t want to be involved in a controversial thread.”

How can you tell? By all the GAs you and @aprilsimnel are getting, as opposed to the people on the other side of the argument?

…Oh, wait…

@omfgTALIjustIMDu -Elaborate. I don’t see the corollary -

@SeventhSense, Elaborate on what?

@MacBean
You know as well as I do that most people do not want to get involved in a controverisla thread, but there are many parents and uncles and aunts who would be more tha happy to chime in if it affected thenm directly

The corrolary between my argument and yours

@SeventhSense There would be equally as many “minors” who would chime in in opposition as well.

@SeventhSense You said “Discussing these topics with you is like arguing with the baby his intents to play in traffic.” I said I feel the same way arguing with you.
In other words, discussing these topics with you is like arguing with the baby his intents to play in traffic.
No corollary, just the other side of the coin.

No but the corrolation is not there. The inference is that you are unable to make this decision about yourself as an infant is to his well being. It is not the same on your end

@SeventhSense Sure it is, except the tables are turned in my mind. You’re the infant.

Illogical

lol this is honestly getting a bit sad

@SeventhSense Illogical? So you can’t wrap your mind around someone else’s viewpoint? For shame I’m so immature or I might be able to understand you better.

“How do you feel about minors on Fluther? ”
– I feel that as long as they are 13 or over, they aren’t violating the site guidelines and they can do whatever they please. They can visit and participate in whichever threads they like. Hopefully they have parental permission, if not, then that doesn’t say much about the parents who don’t know about the sites being surfed by their early teens kids.

Don’t kid yourself. If a kid wants to see/learn about anything that might not be “appropriate” for their age, they have much easier to navigate sources than Fluther. Google, anyone? It is not my responsibility to censor myself as long as I am responding within the site guidelines. If anyone feels that it is indeed their responsibility to do so, they should feel free to only contribute in a manner understood and appropriate for a 13 year old.

A crucial aspect of Fluther is the mixing of cultures, nationalities and ages. A true melting pot allows for varied experiences, answers and opinions. The fact that people from such different backgrounds (be it age or nationality or anything else) is what makes this site so unique and what gives it the special family-like community feeling. “Marking” anyone for whatever reason would be insulting and would in a way say that we find their contribution on the site as “lower/lesser quality.” And as we all know by now, the Fluther team does not like to focus on negative things.

^that was my personal answer, not affiliated with my mod status. Now….

[mod says:] Please refrain from personal attacks, insulting anyone’s intelligence etc. This topic can easily be discussed in a calm, rational manner without either side feeling the need to make the other look like an idiot. Any further such comments will be removed. Thank you.

1:22 AM…well past this baby’s bedtime. Goodnight all.

What the majority of you are doing is actually pointing out the destructive nature of the far left. The desire to protect children from harmful material is universal. The desire to do so comes from good intentions. As such there needs to be more measures to protect them from unwanted pregnanacy, overdose, suicide and death. Rampant drug use, suicide, unwanted pregnancy and the like have been the cause of Leftist policies. The over reaction bythe right has exasperated this divide but nonetheless the middle way is the path suited for a society and acceptable guidelines for minors need to be adddressed both in reality and on the web. Areas of the internet should be set apart for innapropriate topics

@omfgTALIjustIMDu
It was a simple aspect of logic that you were not able to follow.

I never said to censor, tag or block young people from Fluther. I like that they’re here. I’m saying that I, as an older person, wouldn’t make explicit jokes about a 13-year-old boy IRL to him, so I was shocked that my joke was directed at someone who turned out to be so young. I was uncomfortable with that and I don’t want to repeat that, so I’m going to be a bit more careful.

I can’t be any clearer than that.

It just blows me away that there are so many really irresponsible people. The fact that this is controversial even seems weird. They wonder why 13 year olds are impregnating 11 year olds.

LOL yup blame the internet. Blame the left. Blame this blame that. By golly, it cant just be shitty parenting…...

@SeventhSense—What I know is that on Fluther, people show the lurve for answers that they agree with, whether they back it up with their own words or not. And I’m noticing a distinct lack of support for your side of the argument.

Also, @omfgTALIjustIMDu is making quite a bit more sense than you are. All the “youngsters” were being articulate and sensible in their discussions. And yet you, the one making complaints about maturity levels, were the first one to break out the name-calling and have a little tantrum because people failed to back you up like you thought/hoped they would.

@SeventhSense – Irresponsible people? What are you talking about? As @uberbatman said, we are not the ones who are responsible for what children do or see on the internet, it’s their parents job to be informed and to protect their own children.

“Rampant drug use, suicide, unwanted pregnancy and the like have been the cause of Leftist policies.” Are you kidding me?! That’s just too funny.

It’s not a popularity contest. I get lurve for the stupidest and funnniest things I say. That doesn’t make them any more valid. That’s why this country elected a two time president that drove the country into the toilet by his poor policies, the last 8 years. Sound bytes. Yes, I might have been a little overwhelmed by the onslaught but I was basically a warden who was overrun by the jailers. Kids are relentless and they were speaking of the issue which restricts them so of course they will be in collusion.
The fact of the matter is it makes me uncomfortable to not know who I am talking to in this forum when it comes to minors.

Then maybe you shouldn’t be here.

Whas it the right?

@SeventhSense Our points are very valid. The fact of the matter is it makes me uncomfortable to not know who I am talking to in this forum when it comes to minors. I suggest you get to know some of the jellies better and maybe stick to discussions with them if discussions with us make you uneasy.

@krystal
There were no drugs in schools before the 60’s. Where did the drug movement come from? I have no adherence to the far right but I certainlty don’t have adherence to the far left either

wow your just grasping for straws now…..

@SeventhSense What does your last post about drugs have to do with 14-year-olds on Fluther?

Krystal chimed in

@SeventhSense – What are you talking about??

Your question about the leftist nature of my statement.So was that the right who caused those things?

.

@SeventhSense – Uhhh…NO. But it wasn’t the left either….How can you attribute those things to a political party?

The Weatherman, Black Panthers and revolutionaries in this country wreaked havoc on society. They would have created a civil war and total anarchy. I am not defending the right or hawks of Viet nam but be balanced in your arguments and consider the source of much of the failure of caring for our children.

@SeventhSense Alright, you’re getting pretty off topic here.

Thee was a general disregard for children and a whatever half baked policy as to raising them. The fallout of the era was divorce, single children, abandoned children, children with no voice and a divided country.

I’m getting back to it.

@SeventhSense Why does it have to be one or the other? Why are you even talking about kids using drugs in the first place? You keep changing the topic to random things and going off topic completely. Seriously what the fuck does any of this have to do with younger people using fluther? Stop grasping for straws and babbling on about these random things. You lost this argument, sorry, and your only pointing it out more and more with each off topic post.

Or i suppose i missed your point like you keep saying but never actually say what your point was. Or maybe i cant understand cause im too young. But what i do understand is that we, the “youngsters” have put up nothing but logical arguements and you have returned with nothing vague statements, off topicness, and insults. So really you need to ask yourself who’s the immature one here?

I’ve had my fun with this thread. Im done now.

The 80’s was a backlash of the right and attempted censorship and trickle down economics. That failed also but in the midst of it all always has been a blatanty disregard for making sure that the kids are alright. And they are not. And thay are still not. And safeguards have got to be established and the BS we have now is just not working. So something has got to be done.

@SeventhSense What do you propose should be done?

There is always the cry of censorship but regulations are just to protect the innocent and to create harmony. If a star was added to each member’s avatar with a differnt color to indicate 10–15, 15–20, 20–30 years of age and so on. I don’t think that that would single anyone out because everyone would have a star, but simply allow conversations that would normally occur between folks in similar age groups etc. and would cause less confusion as to uncomfortable exchanges as this one. No one can tell me that that was not a bunch of energetic kids ganging up on me.

Good night

Look. Fluther rules and guidelines say that anyone over the age of 13 is allowed to be here. If saying something to a 13-year-old would make you uncomfortable, don’t say it, because you might be. To be perfectly blunt, the problem here is not the young people. It’s you.

Stepping back from the political bypass. When I came on to Fluther, I was amazed at the number of kids on the site. Since I teach high school, I can tell the difference between an older person and someone who puts up a more sophisticated facade. Sometimes it is obvious in the postings and sometimes it is more subtle. A 20 yo might not recognize a 15 yo but a 40 yo usually can.

As far as sexual content in the discussion, there is more on Gossip Girl or in the hallways of the average high school than here. This is the internet, for crying out loud. If you want that kind of crap there more efficient ways of accessing it than browsing Fluther threads.

AstroChuck enjoys badgering his lurve-score with humourous or criticized sarcasm; does this categorize him as being a younger being? Of course not even the elderly can act “underaged” anyone can.

urbanbatman had said it best: “Age means nothing, its maturity that counts.”
I’ve met many people who act as if they were still a child regardless to their age; in their 30’s etc. Typed words are different from your actual speaking ability in person.

—-Take a stab at my age; guess. @SeventhSense

Just wanted to chime in here – I’m 15, and trust me, my friends say much, much, much worse things than I’ve ever heard on here. I actually used to go around the internet lying about my age because I was afraid that people would judge me for it and censor themselves around me. What ended up happening was I made some absolutely amazing friends who were themselves around me, and didn’t blame me when I told them my real age. In fact, none of them ever even suspected that I was younger than 16 (though, admittedly, at that point I don’t really think there are many maturity differences). I don’t try to be mature, because my mother has made me be a mature person, and I know what’s appropriate for me based on how I feel about things and what I should see and what I should know.
Just my two cents.

To sum it up—-
You lost this battle SeventhSense, kudos to your effort.

Also, I know someone almost in his 60’s and he’s almost as immature as a 12 year old boy. Constant sex jokes, bullying little kids (I’m not even kidding, he made me cry when I was 5 by repeatedly calling me “stinky” over and over again), and having absolutely no sense of responsibility. Age does NOT equal maturity, and he’s proof.

I think there’s some benefit to minors being able to access the opinions of multiple users and in many cases, allows them to have a discourse with adults that they may not normally have the ability to do. I think in some cases, having this kind of exposure helps them mature and see multiple points of view. I would have killed for this kind of advice, direction and support from complete strangers who just want to help, when I was in my teens.

On the other hand, the fact that mature content is often discussed on this site, does make me uncomfortable sometimes – not the content, but the fact that they’re reading it.

I do think that minors with an immature agenda, or those that want to speak in text speak or just generally be menaces, are quickly weeded out because they don’t get the reaction they’re looking for. I think the balance eventually tips in the favor of the mature ones and the rest fall away.

Voice of reason and personal experience, here. I’m a 41 year old mother of 3 children. The two oldest (13 and 14 years old) are members of this fine site. As a responsible parent, so am I.

Of course they are bound to read about some inappropriate things here. They are also bound to hear and see some inappropriate things walking down the hall at school, riding the bus, watching TV and just talking with friends. In my experience, the best way to deal with that reality is to prepare your children for it.

First, you talk about it. A lot. Then you let them move up from G-rated movies to PG/PG-13, and from YA books to more adult-themed books. You read the books and watch the movies with them, and you talk some more. Next, you let them out into the world little by little, keeping a watchful eye on them. As tricky situations arise, use them as teaching opportunities and – yep you guessed it – talk some more!

In little more than 3 years, my oldest daughter will be graduating from high school and preparing to go off to college! It is my job to turn out a thoughtful, mature, responsible fully functioning adult by the time she gets there. Personally, I think Fluther can only be helpful to that end.

@augustlan—More parents should be like you. <3 Your kids are lucky (and awesome).

I read most of this thread. I guess, though I try to be responsible and respectful in parenting and in fluthering, I interact with others here without too much awareness of the age of most others here.
I think that is a testament to the young people here. Most of their questions and answers blend in with the adults nearly seamlessly.
So, either most of the youth here are fairly mature, or the adults are fairly, well,.....not.
I vote for the maturity of the vast majority of young flutherites.
I, for one, vote for diversity.
@augustlan. Will you be my mommy? You sound like a wonderful mother.

@cdwccrn: Very well put.

Well, I don’t think age is the issue really… but I sure think parents need to be ‘up’ on where their kids are surfing and just what they are doing on here or any other site for that matter. Some peeps on Fluther talk about stuff I don’t think is appropriate for minors – I’m not a minor but I think some is inappropriate for me… however I am secure enuff to ignore those comments and move on. I wonder what the Fluther Staff think about it as I have seen comments removed by the Staff and then others that ‘get by’ them that I would consider a bit ‘out there’... so that’s my opine for what it is worth.

There’s been a lot of sturm and drang here. There have been many claims about the effect of exposure to various things. What I want to know is why hasn’t anyone looked for actual evidence to bring to the discussion? I think there is evidence about the effect of education on social development; maybe even some conclusions that policy could be based on. @SeventhSense has made a lot of unsupported assertions. He has been operating on the basis of ideology, not evidence, just as the recently departed (and unlamented) administration has done. Personally, I think it’s time we made policy based on evidence, not ideology.

Great point daloon.

oh, and here he comes

Additionally, marking people by their age range is not a plausible idea. For two reasons:

1. Fluther doesn’t ask for your age when you sign up, just asks that you are 13 or over.
2. People can (and do) lie about their age.

It was actually never about censorship. I simply would feel more comfortable knowing who I am talking to. If all of you have off color conversations with 13 year olds and are comfortable with that, then more power to you. I am just not comfortable doing that, nor am I comfortable having to censor my words. I am obviously in the minority. So you can argue this all you want, but my feelings regarding this will not change. But don’t be surprised when your child gets an early education from me.

@SeventhSense – I think the problem with your answers is that you make it sound like the minors on Fluther need to be taken care of like 5 year olds and be excluded from the inapt conversations. The point others are making, including some minors that did respond to the Q, is that these kids are mature enough to exclude themselves from conversations that might be too “adult” for them. I know who most of the minors are, and I have never seen any of them respond in threads such as the Porn/masturbation ones. The fact that they put their own age out there and are able to self-police is in itself the biggest justification for their maturity. Are all kids at 13 that mature? Heck no! Which is why, not all of them last. Those that type in text speak, derail threads, etc, are sent mod PMs asking them to follow the guidelines and stop talking like that. If they refuse to listen, they are suspended/banned. Often, the community ignores such kids, and so they themselves stop using Fluther or disable their account.

Again, no one on Fluther thinks that 13 year olds should be discussing porn. The point is that people who have been on Fluther longer know how the site works and know that we have some of the smartest minors asking and answering questions on the site.

I ask you to re-read these quotes from some of the answerers up there:

@shrubbery – Well, I think that I’m old enough and mature enough to deem them appropriate or non-appropriate for myself, and that’s what I do.

@augustlan – Voice of reason and personal experience, here. I’m a 41 year old mother of 3 children. The two oldest (13 and 14 years old) are members of this fine site. As a responsible parent, so am I.

@kwhull – I have a 17 year old son and would much prefer he ask the flutherites for opinions than his friends. There he gets one-sided information. Here, you get a wealth of inputs from all ages and walks of life.

@PnL
OK whatever. I hope you’re right.

Anyone who thinks the drug problem in schools started in the 60s is seriously misinformed.

Jayne, is one of the most intelligent, thoughtful and articulate people on the site. And I even told him so, never mind the fact that he is one of the minors on the site. If I remember correctly, he is seventeen.

Mangeons, who is thirteen also regularly makes me forget her age completely. I have to actively remind myself she’s young, but only if I’m about to say something over the line – out of respect for her mother. She’s mature enough to handle any conversation she might stumble upon and from what I’ve seen, mature enough to steer clear of those she shouldn’t be involved with.

I’ve never seen either of them post on something I thought was inappropriate for their age level. And on the other hand there are some ‘kids’ (and i use that word for them regardless of their age) on here that eventually get weeded out because they don’t belong. For maturity reasons, or whatever may be the case.

You still haven’t answered how old you are, SeventhSense. Many have mentioned it but I haven’t seen a reply. I find that more intriguing than any one of your opinions.

There’s nothing wrong with feeling restricted by a community’s rules. However, you don’t live here. You are free to move out and enjoy the wonders of Yahoo Questions and Askville.

Because we are only our names here, we are who we are, at our best or our worst – more often somewhere in the middle. It is our own responsibility to avoid within reason anything we might deem offensive to our own sensibilities as best we can, we have the right to ignore it or speak up as well. It is your responsibility to mind the commonly accepted standard for behaviors and accept the things you cannot change. And it is your personal responsibility as a human being to be a citizen of the world and respect all those around you by minding your mouth around those you may be likely to offend or corrupt unnecessarily.

In short, don’t be a dick if you don’t want someone to walk up and wave one in your face someday.

@asmonet, @augustlan, and @cdwccrn Well put.

@asmonet: Oh no, you’ve said the D word and I am scarred for life. ;)

What I like about this place and what drew me to it is that it’s basically the only place on the internet (at least of the websites I’ve found) that has people of all different ages who don’t bicker because one person is using chat speak and the other person is trying to have an actual conversation or someone said something immature and it pissed someone else off etc., etc.
If I try to find a community for teenagers its all sex jokes and general stupidity, but I feel awkward if I try to join a community of just adults. For me, this is the perfect medium. :)
My point is that pretty much everyone on here is at the same level of maturity and the people who aren’t are weeded out quickly, so age doesn’t matter.

asmonet: I thought it cost extra to have one waved in your face.

Sometimes a question can tip you off to the user’s age. One of SS’s questions has to do with how the site makes money. Anybody with experience wouldn’t ask for a widely known factual answer. Inexperience indicates youth. Other questions that ask for opinions can also tip off age. The “do you think s/he is interested in me” question indicates youth as well as the “you don’t know me” answers do too. Personal comments that are way over the top in anger and language and indicators (evidence begins to accumulate). Some of the language may sound teacherish. “Does thesis imply antithesis” sounds like an interesting senior English discussion to a teen ager. Unlikely to be the teacher who uses it every year. Also I hear enough very bright answers that sound shiny and new but don’t resound with life experience and I think ‘bright kid’. I deal with a lot of bright kids.

If you want more proof, check out the profile. When someone puts no information on their profile, it often indicates lack of experience. When an older person wants to hide who they are, he is more likely to make a joke. Also teenagers ask a LOT of questions when they 1st start. Often as many questions as answers. This isn’t proof positive but the indicators add up,

What matters most is if the questions are answered properly…

@asmonet
I am 41.
“In short, don’t be a dick if you don’t want someone to walk up and wave one in your face someday”....Obviously no one’s has ever waved one in front of your face without being afraid it would be bit off.
This has nothing to do with my question and everything to do with your ego.

Where has the maturity gone?

This thread has turned into Bizzaro World.

@SeventhSense: With your comment to @galileogirl you’ve just proven that the only maturity level you should concern yourself with is your own.

How unbelievably rude. Perhaps you should cultivate an EighthSense: Common

@tiny
@faery
NO ONE CALLS ME A LIAR NOR CALLS INTO QUESTION MY INTEGRITY.

[Mod says] Flame off, folks. Let’s get back to the topic. Be civil, please.

Woh! Who questioned your integrity? I have not been rude at all, surprisingly.

@faery
I wasn’t referring to you. galileo did

@SeventhSense. I’ve read through a majority of the posts in this thread and I haven’t seen anyone call you a liar or question your integrity to this point.

I saw a post above where you stated that you were 41 years old. Are you seriously contending or having trouble with meeting people half-way here who share their own thoughts and opinions about minors here on Fluther?

This is not a critical issue of any sort and more of just a general discussion. People might be more receptive to your comments if you wouldn’t capitalize them like you are yelling and at least try to be more accomodating of others comments here on Fluther as they are trying to be with yours.

Look at this by Galileo,
“One of SS’s questions has to do with how the site makes money. Anybody with experience wouldn’t ask for a widely known factual answer. Inexperience indicates youth. Other questions that ask for opinions can also tip off age. The “do you think s/he is interested in me” question indicates youth as well as the “you don’t know me” answers do too. Personal comments that are way over the top in anger and language and indicators (evidence begins to accumulate). Some of the language may sound teacherish. “Does thesis imply antithesis” sounds like an interesting senior English discussion to a teen ager. Unlikely to be the teacher who uses it every year. Also I hear enough very bright answers that sound shiny and new but don’t resound with life experience and I think ‘bright kid’. I deal with a lot of bright kids.

If you want more proof, check out the profile. When someone puts no information on their profile, it often indicates lack of experience. When an older person wants to hide who they are, he is more likely to make a joke. Also teenagers ask a LOT of questions when they 1st start. Often as many questions as answers. This isn’t proof positive but the indicators add up,”
She’s not questioning my stated age of 41 and calling ne a liar?

@augustlan
I would like you to consider Galileo’s entire above post as bordering on if not blatantly slanderous and have that removed.

@augustlan
Furthermore my entire profile is missing or has been compromised. I had added a profile

I’m not sure galileogirl was talking specifically about you. The entire post seemed more of a general observation.

@tinyfaery
No because she cites exact threads I’ve been involved in like a stalker and also my questions.

It’s like 90s, all growed up.

I’d love for you to tell me where I was flaunting my ego.

@asmonet. I LOVE it when you flaunt your sarcastic, biting remarks that are so damn funny. Can we see some more of those please? :-)

@asmonet
You were flaunting your ego by ending your post on the asinine zinger only to make yourself look witty. It was entirely unnecessary,gratuitously vulgar and only served the purpose of disqualifying your statement about “minding your mouth”.

@Bluefreedom: I’ll try to oblige. :)

@SeventhSense: I wasn’t flaunting my ego, I was exercising my wit. Still am, try to keep up. And if you think that was gratuitously vulgar, might I direct you over this way?

No.

@SeventhSense: I’m just curious – After your post above, did you stomp away from the computer and kick your toys along the way?

Hulk Smash indeed.

I have really hit a nerve here on this one. I think that some of you just like to argue

@cprevite: Mental high five.

@SeventhSense: You set the tone for this discussion, at the very least you set the tone for the direction it went in.

OK so it’s finished. Why are you beating a dead horse that I’m not riding?

Because you still are?

@SeventhSense: Way I see it, you have an issue with underage Flutherers.

No one really agrees with you.

Instead if letting it go, you’ve decided to demonstrate what real immaturity is through your responses.

We get it. Bye bye now.

I know i said i was done with this thread and i know how stupid it is when people answer after a remark like that but i really couldnt resist posting this. I really think it drives my point home from above about seventhsense being the one who needs to grow up.
1 hour ago i got this PM from the highly sophisticated, highly mature SeventhSense.~
“You’re a complete drug addict. Best of luck when you wake up from your dream.”

And the immature one was who?

@cprevite,-UH wrong.
@uberbatman-you are a drug addict
And in reference to the nature of this medium for actually accomplishing anything perhaps you should consider the question that I posed-“Does the thesis imply the antithesis?” which was disparaged by galileo. The discursive mind can never truly acomplish anything except a game of mental ping pong. C

forget it…i knew shouldnt have even came back. I know ive proved my point many times over and you’ve still yet to provide anything accurate except insult others for no warranted reason. You can keep arguing these nonsensical points all day, but not with me anymore. Im done for real now.

It is a pity when someone makes a complete ass out of themselves but is to blind to even see it…...

@SeventhSense: “UH wrong”

Oh, c’mon. I was at least hoping for an “Am not!” or “I know you are but what am I?!”

@cprevite Lol4rl.

lol4rl2.

@omfgTALIjustIMDu and @asmonet: Is this guy for real?

@cprevite I don’t know, but I’m scared for humankind. If I’m like that when I’m 41 (or ever), someone please kill me instantly.

Hey. No ageism either way.

TALI: Yeah, no fears. I’m 38 and can see his insanity for what it is. You’ll be just fine.

@cprevite: I think so, it’s sad either way though.

Well, that was enough fun for one night. G’night all.

i’m 16, and i’ve never been offended by anything here because of how age appropriate (or not) it was. and if i see something i can’t really answer because it doesn’t pertain to my age group, i just don’t answer it. i don’t really pay attention to peoples’ ages, i’d rather judge them by their personality/maturity if anything.

Whoa. I left for a few hours and this thread turned into a freakshow. I’m not even sure what anybody’s talking about anymore… it all kind of blurred into drug addicts and capital letters and something about toys.

And I’ve been threatened with a lawsuit for slander via comment. Well kids do have a tendency to throw irrational tantrums. LMAO!

This thread is awesome reading going from ludicrous to hilarious. I’m tempted to put a GA but that’d be false lurve.

Where you been artificialard?

I have been treated like an adult by for instance game clans, and other online “groups”

I’m pretty mature and advanced for the average 13 years old.

OK I was an asshole on this thread. Many of you had good points. Somehow I got lost in the process and like a pit bull with a bone couldn’t let it go. I apologize to the quite mature minors who engaged me. And to uberbatman for calling him a drug addict-that can only be decided by the drug user himself.

@SeventhSense, Thank you for the apology, and I apologize for us ganging up on you like that.

Oh, and @uberbatman is kind of maybe a little bit of a drug-addict ;)

@SeventhSense that took a lot to say that. I appreciate the apology. Thanks.

@tali i am not, lady whore bag….

@SeventhSense Bravo, man. Bravo.

@SeventhSense: I didn’t even remember that that was you being the asshole in this Q. You’ve since established yourself as an upstanding Flutherite. Thanks for apologizing.

(Hands on hips, tapping my toe on the pavement)
Well I don’t think a guys job should matter!
(Exiting LMSBO!)
Have a great day all y’all!

^^wtf?

lol4rl, tali.