Why has someone blocked you?

2017-09-04T20:56:17-04:00

So as many of you know I have posted a lot of content on RallyPoint. I have also had my share of conflicts. Some of them ended on a good note with both of us disagreeing and moving on. But this isn't always the case. So I a going to tell you about my more recent block.

So on a thread speaking about the roles officers and NCOs a National Guard SPC Signal Soldier didn't agree with me. I have a feeling it had to do with there being a "LT" in front of my name. So at some point he let me know I was wrong in my reference about the orders process. So I tried to clarify my point. I have had some training in the orders process. I was a LRS Scout when I was enlisted and aided in our mission planning. In addition to that I would like to think OCS, Infantry Officer Basic Course, Ranger school, and the Ranger Instructor Course would validate my knowledge. But I was wrong I suppose. I am not sure what they teach to E4 commo guys in the Guard but it must be good. Instead of replying with an answer I was blocked.

I figure this is a good enough reason as any. What have you been blocked for?

(As a side note, by no means am I saying that his point wasn't valid but RP has profiles. Often I will view that before I hastily made a judgment on that person. Sometimes they put me to shame with their experience and I am train to figure out what they are telling so I can learn. Other times, this case I am surprised quick they are to judge and insult other members.)

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 4 at 2017 9:01 PM

2017-09-04T21:01:43-04:00

There comes a point when it's time to drop it and move on. Generally, I congratulate the miscreant and tell them to take a victory lap. However, there are those times (only a very few) when I persist in attempting to annoy someone (best done with questions) until Grump is my reply. I wear those blocks as a badge of honor

Response by PO2 Robert Aitchison made Sep 4 at 2017 9:04 PM

2017-09-04T21:04:56-04:00

I've been blocked by a few people, don't remember who and don't have a clue as to what specifically it was that motivated them to block me but I've had my share of disagreements with folks. Just being a socially libertarian Republican seems to set people off all on it's own.

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Sep 4 at 2017 9:15 PM

2017-09-04T21:15:12-04:00

I've been blocked a few times on this site. A few of the people who blocked me, it was simply because I disagreed with them, others I don't know exactly why. I'm quite blunt so I can come across as aggressive or even offensive at times so I'm sure that played a factor. My goal has never been to disrespect, intimidate or offend. However, you can't always control how somebody will interpret your words.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 9:17 PM

2017-09-04T21:17:48-04:00

As soon as someone tries to throw their rank around like it's supposed to mean something to a veteran or starts the "your a racist/bigot" ad hominem attacks, I'll just ignore/block them as they have nothing to add to any logical debate. When someone blocks me, it'a badge of honor. But the active duty member that blocked you sounds like it's time for them to grow the fork up.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 4 at 2017 9:28 PM

2017-09-04T21:28:15-04:00

Think so a couple of times. It usually happens when I start out my response with "Tough love time..." It would have something to do with a question so off the wall like "I have a RE-3 or 4 and want to know if I can get credit for my 2 months in and just do 3 weeks and graduate a SEAL?" It has to do with the question poser's inability to deal with reality vs. their fairy land. It's the same thing as pushing out a reality check on duty. Their negative response just reminds you to consider the source and move on. Some are worth the attempted clarification, but frankly, most are not. Inability to deal with straightforward written english responses indicates a problem beyond the question, hence not worth my time at this stage. More tough love.....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 12:19 AM

2017-09-05T00:19:38-04:00

90% 0f this initial thread was just you trying to justify your position in the argument and take a swipe at the other person, and since you couldn't do it directly since he blocked you, you started a new thread to get the last word in. If you were really just interested in why other people get blocked, you could have just asked that, instead of listing your resume about why you know so much about the orders process, and how little the SPC must know. Not a good look, IMO.

Response by AA Joseph Moody made Sep 5 at 2017 2:04 AM

2017-09-05T02:04:22-04:00

I've never blocked someone because I disagree with them, now on the other hand if someone is going above and beyond to be a d-bag well....I look at it this way. My goal here is to learn and spend some time around people online who are in a head-space I am use to. And engage in discussions that someday some future person might read and find useful. And I doubt any of us want to read some tumbler-triggered idiots attempt to tie any and everything back to racism and white privilege, if we wanted to do that we would go to facebook.

Almost forgot, as a matter of etiquette online, starting troll threads like this to get one last jab in, is a way to leave quite the lasting impression about your character CPT Private RallyPoint Member , something I like to tell the highschool kids who work at my brothers restaurant is that "you never know when your next boss is going to come in, so don't ass it up"

And this is a small community, a small online community that overlaps the real world community you are in, so pretend that someone, sometime in the future will recall this thread when they need to make decisions that could impact your career.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Sep 5 at 2017 2:36 AM

2017-09-05T02:36:11-04:00

LOL, lets see my last conversation was a RANGER E4 Commo guy on another military website, never met him before but his first statement to me was he saw more combat than me and all I could do about that was jerk off to Black Hawk Down........all because it said I was a former Infantryman in my profile. The other Infantry guys in the forum jumped on him, I didn't have to say a thing (have to say the Brotherhood aspect of the MOS is always cool). I thought it was funny because the whole Black Hawk Down thing was well after my time and I never saw the movie or read the book. To tell you the truth I never met a happy E4 Commo guy, either online or when I was on Active Duty. They all seemed to be unhappy in their MOS.........something to do with maintaining out of date technology and their Recruiters oversold the MOS or something of that nature, not sure.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 3:03 AM

2017-09-05T03:03:39-04:00

Blocking someone who doesn't share your view point is a sign of a weak willed and mined individual. People who wish to surround themselves with those who think like them and reinforce their beliefs are incapable of proper learning and will be limited. They will still be able to grow, but not as much as those who allow others to significantly challenge their beliefs. Instead of blocking someone who has a significantly different opinion, you should investigate their claims and lay out a substantive counter argument. I have blocked one retired NCO because he was making personal attacks and started talking about my family. This is supposed to be a professional site. I expect people, even those who are retired to carry themselves in a way that is professional, ethical and logically sound. I thoroughly believe that argument (the old use of the word, not the negative one that is common now) is the best way to expand the mind. Socratic dialogue challenges the mind and expands your views. Only through interaction is there a chance to experience empathy.

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Sep 5 at 2017 3:49 AM

2017-09-05T03:49:38-04:00

Not sure yet. I know there may be some butthurt because I reject lgbt labels and the grouping.
I have had an incident where a certain SFC liked to vote down all my comments relating to postings surrounding transgender.
I said something about his rank and the worst he could do to me now was give me a thumbs down.
I still see them and have even noticed thumbs up from them.
Personally being known as a PFC again after several decades has been a shock to me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 6:02 AM

2017-09-05T06:02:55-04:00

Those that have blocked me, I don't rightly know the rhyme or reason. The best guess that I can come up with is that I offended and hurt their particular fragile feelings in some fashion or another.......who knows but them, really.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Sep 5 at 2017 7:05 AM

2017-09-05T07:05:22-04:00

I've been blocked by a few folks on here. It doesn't really bother me, only confirms my suspicion that they could not engage in a discussion/debate and hold up their end. I've never blocked anyone, it just seems counterintuitive to being on a site like this.

This block is a little strange in that someone was asking for a policy/procedure assist. If you are looking for advice on a site like this, the best response is to say thank you and move on, even if you do not follow the advice. Any advice you get on here is free and worth exactly what you paid for it. You can use it, or not.

Response by LTC David Brown made Sep 5 at 2017 7:05 AM

2017-09-05T07:05:39-04:00

Well, we are on the internet. I don't like being blocked but their choice not mine. And so that and $5 gets you coffee at Star Bucks.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Sep 5 at 2017 9:17 AM

2017-09-05T09:17:35-04:00

I have only gotten into a couple heated exchanges over my time here, and have neither blocked others nor been blocked. Maybe I haven't pissed off the right person enough. I'll try harder next time, promise. ;-)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 9:42 AM

2017-09-05T09:42:41-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I have been blocked by a current Admin, but have no knowledge as to why. Oh well...lol. Can't even remember the guy's name, but I tried to comment on a post a couple weeks ago & got grumpy cat.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Sep 5 at 2017 10:03 AM

2017-09-05T10:03:18-04:00

I don't typically give a blocker any more time than I've already wasted on them. In conversations, I typically go out of my way to take a non-combative stance, even when I'm met with hostility from the other side. And the only reason I continue in a hostile conversation is because I'm trying to make a point. So I try to leave any insults and personal attacks out of it because it usually only serves to hinder the conversation. Though I've had moments. But a block is an immediate and permanent end to the conversation. It means the person isn't interested in listening to anything I have to say, and is perfectly fine to live in their own little safe space bubble. Since they don't directly affect my life, I'm equally fine to let them live in their blissful ignorance and not allow them to eat up any more of my own precious time.

Of course, that's not saying there aren't perfectly valid reasons for blocking someone, either. But I'm not talking about those instances of harassment.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 10:09 AM

2017-09-05T10:09:24-04:00

On RP, I have no idea if I've ever been blocked, nor do I care. If I have been it doesn't hurt my feelings in the slightest. All it proves is that I challenged someone and they couldn't handle it.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Sep 5 at 2017 10:38 AM

2017-09-05T10:38:15-04:00

Mostly the sin of challenging political ideology... rudely... a fool is a fool

I have the honor of being blocked by Chip Nagel... the man can't handle diversity of opinion.

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Sep 5 at 2017 11:14 AM

2017-09-05T11:14:43-04:00

LT Rosa. I really DGAF if someone blocks me. Please refer to the DGAF flow chart below. It contains the process whereby you can assess you level of concern over infantile behavior

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Sep 5 at 2017 11:28 AM

2017-09-05T11:28:50-04:00

Just thought i'd add a comment (again)...

I'm working from an iPhone. If you find that i've blocked you IT WAS ACCIDENTAL! As i find those individuals i remove the block.

I'd rather be amused by stupidity here on RP than have to watch CSPAN for my daily fix...

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Sep 5 at 2017 11:29 AM

2017-09-05T11:29:23-04:00

Thanks for your service to our country sir! I happen to value everyone's opinions whether they agree with me our not. Sometimes their perspective is refreshing because I hadn't thought of the situation from their point of view. Other times though they are disagreeing just to disagree and I feel their rank or age is or has to be suspect, because they lack experience and are responding in a knee jerk reaction to something I said. So be it.....I have been voted down and feel at least I elicited a response from them. Being blocked just shuts down the communication process and doesn't solve anything. The very best sir to you in your career and thanks for serving our country and for being here on RP.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 5 at 2017 11:43 AM

2017-09-05T11:43:17-04:00

Some RP members have blocked me because of my conservative Christian views on many social issues.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Sep 5 at 2017 12:16 PM

2017-09-05T12:16:06-04:00

I have to say I've been blocked and done the blocking.
Point 1. I assumed I was blocked by individuals who just couldn't handle a reasonable and rational discussion nor couldn't handle someone pointing out the false narrative sources they insisted to cite on RP.
Point 2. I blocked three members so far for the vile language, intentional motive of inciting hateful commentary, refusing to clarify statements by using terms "this group" or "this person" as an example of historical fact, and when someone keeps copy/paste the same thing again and again and again.
Spirited debate on important topics should be encouraged but we all have our individual thresholds when it comes to spreading fake news, false narratives, and prejudicial behavior.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 5 at 2017 12:18 PM

2017-09-05T12:18:18-04:00

How do you determine who is the blocker and who is the blockee? It seems as if there would be some indication on your profile the people you have on block and who has you on block.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 12:22 PM

2017-09-05T12:22:23-04:00

I wouldn't sweat it. Blocking someone defeats the purpose of a blog. By being there you are saying you welcome the thoughts of others. By blocking you are saying you only welcome the thoughts of others that agree with yours. The only exception for me is when the dialogue has crossed the line into harassment, such as threats, hateful private messages etc. Blocking for those conditions is just a matter of convenience and a way to no longer be subjected to the hate and discontent. Someone that blocks because they dislike what you say reminds me of a child that covers their ears and screams when you try to talk to them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 12:47 PM

2017-09-05T12:47:22-04:00

I honestly don't care when someone blocks me. I have blocked a couple people usually as a timeout. One person got extremely into way too personal attacks so I blocked.

I just figure if someone blocks me they just can't handle other people's opinions.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Sep 5 at 2017 1:05 PM

2017-09-05T13:05:23-04:00

I don't think I have gotten a grumpy cat (never seen it so I guess not) but I was following that thread and he was not making sense to me much anyway. I was involved in one argument that ended with name calling buy a LCpl I think, and I decided that the only thing that was going to get through to the kid was a nice solid 2x4, MAYBE, so I just dropped the discussion when a few other NCO's tried pointing out where he was wrong. I had made my points, and then silently wished his CoC good luck with this kid. He may have blocked me, or something else, never bothered to check. I, however did NOT block him because at some point in the future he may actually say something that makes sense and I need to hear. Just because someone is a dummy today, does not mean that all their thoughts will always be invalid, I try to allow for the possibility for a person to grow up at some point.
I try very hard to keep my deportment as high as possible when in these discussions, and the fact that I have not been counciled buy anyone, let alone Admin, tells me that I must be holding true to being rational with people, even the ones I disagree with. As for you Lt Rosa, I have learned several things from your comments, both to myself and others, and you have helped me refine my answers on more than one occasion, for which I thank you.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Sep 5 at 2017 1:23 PM

2017-09-05T13:23:22-04:00

Damn, I must be slipping. I haven't pissed anyone off enough to block me yet. That ain't a good record for an old Army Captain.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 1:40 PM

2017-09-05T13:40:06-04:00

I know I have been blocked by a few people who don't believe I should discuss, debate, or disagree with their opinions. Mostly, these have been people with very low achievement in their military and professional lives - or whose profiles are suspect due to absence of name (anonymous) or significant background details. I have blocked a few who were persistently abusive and physically threatening. I think t=it would be nice if we had a list of our blocks and blockers - and were provided some way to communicate about whether the blocks shocked be removed. Warners Regards, Sandy :)

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Sep 5 at 2017 3:47 PM

2017-09-05T15:47:11-04:00

I've had a couple knock down drag outs, but haven't been blocked. I did get a down vote once because I had a meltdown and was perceived as being mean to someone.
Personally I've never blocked anyone because while they may be, being an ass at the given time they may have something decent and productive to say later. Just like at work or in the service someone may say something absolutely dumb assed or offensive; just point it out and move on. You don't stop talking to them and discount them altogether "even a broken watch is rite twice a day".

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 5 at 2017 10:39 PM

2017-09-05T22:39:33-04:00

Well first I'm going to say I don't think I've ever been blocked on Rally Point. Is there a way to find out? I know I've been Down Voted just once because a fellow Marine had a difference of opinion with me and felt that was the best way to make his point.

Now on Facebook, I have been blocked by many many people for quite a number of different reasons. The majority of them block me simply for my opinion. Not because I was forcing my opinions on someone or because I was in an angry debate with someone. Simply because I had an opinion that was different than theirs was warrant enough to lay the ban hammer on me. I've been blocked by people I've known my entire life. People I've visited in the hospital. People I've comforted at funerals. People I've celebrated weddings. People I've congratulated at graduation.

The blocks that always hurt me the most were the ones that came from people that I was close to. Primarily because when a block happens, it's not readily apparent.

In my life, I've only blocked 2 people. 1 was a good friend and despite being on the polar opposite of me politically, I truly had no quarrel with him and I made that point clear. His left leaning friends on the other hand had a tendency to harass me on my own facebook and they would typically use him as the go-between. The 2nd person I blocked was actually a Marine I served with. He was upset at some trivial meme I had posted on my facebook. But instead of having a conversation with me about it, he launched into attack mode and hurling every insult he could come up with. When I tried to engage him in a discussion, instead of listening to what I was saying and responding, he'd twist what I was saying or put words in my mouth (which I can't stand). I told him we can agree to disagree, but if he kept launching the personal attacks in my direction I'd be forced to remove him. After 3 strikes, I blocked him.

It's honestly a shame when it comes down to blocking people instead of being able to communicate in a civil manner.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Sep 6 at 2017 2:13 PM

2017-09-06T14:13:50-04:00

I've blocked two people on this site and both were for "multiple" incidents of foul language and name-calling. I'm here for reasoned discussions and to learn from the other members with different backgrounds and experiences. However, I've learned that people who immediately resort to name-calling most often do so because their argument has little or no supporting logic behind it and is based strictly on emotions. There are also a small minority of folks out there who are basically trolls and I don't need to waste my time on folks whose goal is to disparage others and not to share and to learn.

Response by 1stSgt Mack Housman made Sep 6 at 2017 3:04 PM

2017-09-06T15:04:53-04:00

I don't spend two seconds of thought on someone who blocks me. That shows their lack of intelligence and cowardice to engage. They're not worth my time!

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 16 at 2020 7:20 PM

2020-03-16T19:20:03-04:00

Blocking someone because of differing opinions is building a mind prison of your own making. Unless the debate devolves into shameless name calling and ad hominem attacks there are two possibilities.
1) You learn something you didn't know
2) You defend your position and learn the flaws in someone else's argument.

I've blocked two people, both for unnecessary vulgarity. We're military professionals not 12 year old boys learning to swear, making inappropriate sexual comments, and posting photos of feces.