Take back the power with a few simple guidelines:
1) Never be afraid to go into enemy territory. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, so don't allow your adversaries a dark corner to hide in.
2) Expose the Rs and their acolytes for who and what they are--in their own words and actions.
3) Be open about yourself. If you have special knowledge that might be helpful and informative, don't hesitiate to establish yourself.
4) Don't let IDIs control the narrative. If you have something to say, say it! If you feel the need to correct someone, do so.
5) Control your own statements--don't let IDI do it. IDIs seem to love strawman arguments. As I've found out firsthand, they'll twist your words, put words in your mouth; anything to make you easier to attack. Don't let them get away with it.
6) Be adaptable.
7) Don't pretend to know more than you do. Most of us are not experts. We may have reason on our side, but don't be afraid to ask pointed questions rather than citing facts you are not sure of.
8) Don't let them pretend to know more than they do. Force them to play on your field. NEVER be afraid to ask why. "Why do you trust this person? Why do you take what they say at face value?" And so on. They have only illusions. Shatter the illusion. Ask them to provide evidence for their assertions, and ask them to provide sources for that evidence. Attacking the basis of their arguments can be FUN!
9) Ridicule is your best weapon. Never feel the need to be serious 24/7. This does not mean ridiculing the person you are speaking to. Rather, make sport of their sacred cows. Don't be afraid to use colorful language.
10) Don't let them ignore their own rules. Challenge hypocrisy.
11) Truth is not mean. It's truth. Never let them take the moral high ground when you feel you are in the right. Never let them browbeat you. Never feel like you have to back down.
12) Remember WHY you are here. Those who fight monsters must be careful not to BECOME monsters.
PLAY BALL!
1) Never be afraid to go into enemy territory. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, so don't allow your adversaries a dark corner to hide in.
2) Expose the Rs and their acolytes for who and what they are--in their own words and actions.
3) Be open about yourself. If you have special knowledge that might be helpful and informative, don't hesitiate to establish yourself.
4) Don't let IDIs control the narrative. If you have something to say, say it! If you feel the need to correct someone, do so.
5) Control your own statements--don't let IDI do it. IDIs seem to love strawman arguments. As I've found out firsthand, they'll twist your words, put words in your mouth; anything to make you easier to attack. Don't let them get away with it.
6) Be adaptable.
7) Don't pretend to know more than you do. Most of us are not experts. We may have reason on our side, but don't be afraid to ask pointed questions rather than citing facts you are not sure of.
8) Don't let them pretend to know more than they do. Force them to play on your field. NEVER be afraid to ask why. "Why do you trust this person? Why do you take what they say at face value?" And so on. They have only illusions. Shatter the illusion. Ask them to provide evidence for their assertions, and ask them to provide sources for that evidence. Attacking the basis of their arguments can be FUN!
9) Ridicule is your best weapon. Never feel the need to be serious 24/7. This does not mean ridiculing the person you are speaking to. Rather, make sport of their sacred cows. Don't be afraid to use colorful language.
10) Don't let them ignore their own rules. Challenge hypocrisy.
11) Truth is not mean. It's truth. Never let them take the moral high ground when you feel you are in the right. Never let them browbeat you. Never feel like you have to back down.
12) Remember WHY you are here. Those who fight monsters must be careful not to BECOME monsters.
PLAY BALL!