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Definition : 2. attacking an opponent's character rather than answering his argument.
Wikipedia has a good article on this : http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Ad_hominem
Probably the most common example on the MWO forums : X isn't a problem, you just suck! (or insert other derogatory comment about the poster's skill)
It is non constructive, has zero discussion potential and is a blatant attempt to derail the thread by redirecting the issue into one focused on a poster rather than the thread topic. It happens in practically all discussion threads.
Another common one :Poisoning the well : http://en.wikipedia....soning_the_well
Example on the MWO forums : Don't bother listening to X, he's just a noob! (or other derogatory comment).
Other examples of thread derailment :
X has said this many times before, therefore it cannot be true/he should not be taken seriously.
I have never experienced this problem, therefore it cannot be true/the problem lies with you
Posting image macros, often of an insulting/sarcastic/off topic nature.
Sarcastic comments about how the poster loves to watch the thread drama, usually involving "grabbing some popcorn"
Refusing to respond to counter arguments other than to complain that the poster isn't agreeing with everything he said or is "whining", often making the claim that "see, he didn't take my advice and is just complaining, this is why we shouldn't take him seriously!".
Edited by Jun Watarase, 06 May 2014 - 01:51 PM.
