So I had an "internet bout", yesterday, on Facebook, with a fairly well-known public figure (that is, well known in my province's media). I argued my points fairly well I think, and had to fend off all of his supporters (a fairly ideological gang). At some point, I realized that I wanted to say things to the guy that should probably be said through messages, so I did (we went to school together and so I felt like that sort of thing should be said privately so that people didn't think I was trying to show off).
Anyway... after a bit of an exchange, through messages and on his wall, the dude kept ignoring my arguments and in return was producing nothing but ad hominem attacks. Then, seeing how he would likely not "win" the debate, he chose to mute me. In fact, he made his Facebook profile unsearchable and unfoundable, making damn sure I would never voice criticism again.

Now, some of you know that I'm not exactly the type to engage in ad hominem attacks or sophistry. Given my academic training, it's just not something I like to do. So there's really no doubt that the guy muted me because he couldn't argue back (and this has been confirmed to me by a few people who read the whole thing).

I therefore felt legitimated in taking his muting me as a sign of my ... victory. Well, a victory of sorts anyway, since I would have much preferred to see him "get it" and be convinced by my arguments.

But in short: I interpreted my getting "muted" as a victory.

Then later, in the evening, I thought back on how I muted people here. I thought of Tettleton and Dip-shit 33... I recalled how I told them that I was muting them... And I thought: I just fucking gave the win away!!!

So yeah... I'm un-muting. No more muting. Talk away, dumb asses! I'd rather know what the imbeciles are thinking, so as to be prepared to their bullshit and refine my own arguments, than give them the satisfaction to think that "they were too hot too handle".

Tettleton, dipshit, if you're still around, I hear you.