Taibros.net

Flame On!

So talking with my brother, it has occurred to us that many of my posts results in even more inflammatory comments. These comments are aptly named “flames” in which strong criticisms are brought up regarding my statements and positions. So having such a track record, I thought I’d make a guide on how to do it yourself!
So if you are looking to get flamed yourself, read these 7 essentials to getting flamed. I find they are quite useful for xanga entries, online blog posts, upcoming debates, forum discussions, or in general, friendly conversation.

1. Think ahead - instigating a flame talks a great deal of forethought and intentionality. This is important, since if the readers think you are ignorant of the topic, they will discount your views and think you’re a newb. Always be on the ready to think up and flesh out a well developed statement that can bring out inflammatory remarks. Remember that it takes an idea to get everything started, and if you don’t think, where are those ideas going to come from?

2. Understand the situation- understanding all sides of a given issue help in determining how to incite the most argument. It’s not just enough to be knowledgeable of the popular viewpoint, you must also be knowledgeable of and be versed in the less popular, or minority viewpoints. Understanding all sides lets you easily traverse the topical landscape of the issue and jump between sides if necessary. Additionally you can assess the strongest position (or most vulnerable) with which to take and to use as your own. Being able to do this allows you some intellectual flexibility and lets you do whatever you want with your arguments.

3. Communication Skills - being able to discourse in logical arguments will really help drive your points clearly and effectively. This is an essential skill for almost all forms of sport, social interaction, and professional trade. Being able to speak clearly will help the reader understand just exactly where you are coming from and what points you are making. Without it, your potentially flamable topic becomes incoherent and unintelligible, and people will ignore it - and thats bad!

4. Be strong - a strong statement is usually one that is black and white, with no shades of grey. Refine your argument so that there are no uncertain areas that will leave the reader guessing. Take a hardline stance! be extreme! be wrong! Its OK. Despite being in such a liberal, PC society, there is nothing stopping you from forming your own opinions or positions. In life, this translates into having a strong will and having a clear direction and focus - now who doesn’t want that?

5. Have fun - you’re doing this on purpose! its an act just short of a prank (read #6 and #7 if you are really into pranks). Understand that people may flame you for what you say. And those flames can be much stronger than yours, or even can be attacks on your character. Saying weird things or things that are even downright wrong can be perceived as stupidity or mental depravity. But remember that its not what you say that defines who you are, its your attitude and your actions that define who you are. Now that’s true integrity.

6. “Pysche out!” - thats the name of the game, or so my cheme 06 classmates say. Playing it involves conversing with this exact sort of tactic. And once you’ve made them break down and try to flame you back, you will realize that you have just been psyched out. Keep in mind that although this can include dissing people or things, a clean psyche out will involve no disrespect, rather insightful leading remarks that instigate the flame.

7. “YHBT YHL” - recite this at the end of any flamed post: “You Have Been Trolled, You Have Lost.” If they don’t get it, you have won. You have successfully instigated a flame. (The term trolling may bring up some confusion, this is the act of intentionally making controversial statements to “bait” overzealous persons into flaming you. The success comes from successfully baiting someone into actually trying to flame you. You win regardless of whether their flame is particularly true or not).