Tired of people telling you why you voted the way you did?

[carrierocks]

I wonder, Am i the only person who is tired of hearing people tell me why I voted the way I did?
Did it ever occur to this forum that perhaps we all simply have different taste? Thats why we have different restaurants, football teams, and radio stations. The judges dont make my decisions for me. I usually pick my favorites during auditions, way before the judges pick who they like. Unless someone good wasnt shown during the early phases, then I simply include them in as favorites. I dont pick the underdog, I dont pick the best looking. I have real taste...and thats where I get my pick.

[mum2004]

I totally agree !!!!!
and yes carrie does rock !!!!

[cloie4me]

I wonder, Am i the only person who is tired of hearing people tell me why I voted the way I did?
Did it ever occur to this forum that perhaps we all simply have different taste? Thats why we have different restaurants, football teams, and radio stations. The judges dont make my decisions for me. I usually pick my favorites during auditions, way before the judges pick who they like. Unless someone good wasnt shown during the early phases, then I simply include them in as favorites. I dont pick the underdog, I dont pick the best looking. I have real taste...and thats where I get my pick.

I agree carrierocks. You said exactly what I was thinking.

[obenix]

Frankly, my vote goes out to the one whose singing suits my ears.
Remember that young chap with a low low voice? His name kind of slipped away :o
His singing was great and I love it but the judges said that he was more of impersonation.

That's sad. I loved his singing.

[Son of Simon]

Hi Carrierocks,

If you are genuinely concerned that people are telling you why you voted the way you did, then it's probably best to stay away from a few things. Competent individuals who are comfortable in their own skin realize that:

1) Humans are gregorious by nature, and despite our frantic attempts to establish individuality, our society in fact relies a great deal on conformity, and

2) While every individual is unique, it can be very helpful and insightful to share opinions and ideas when exploring the psychology behind any democratic process.

There is in fact, an entire set of career disciplines that help us understand more about one another, which includes the kinds of choices we make in life. Therefore, you should probably avoid the following because they are all based on someone else theorizing why people make the choices that they do:

1. Psychology, psychotherapy, or any form of personal counsel. When faced with any sort of life-crisis, these people will try and help you determine why you made the choices you made, and even be so arrogant as to help you determine the most healthy positive course of action- terrible!

2. Any talk show, news broadcast, or interview with any sociological or psychological "expert". Experts help determine such meaningless things as why President Bush can't look directly into the camera when he talks about the "strong state of the economy", they help us determine which portion of the population will support or oppose legislation, and they keep us informed about how the people in our world tend to think. This is dangerous ground obviously.

3. Avoid the stock market completely. Investors and brokers base their decisions on their best assumption of human reaction in any marketplace situation, so they're also telling you why you make the choices you do.

4. Definitely avoid the media, newspapers, magazines, bloggers or anyone that practices some form of "occultic" demography. These people help explain sociological phenomenons- they help us see patterns in behavior that lead to everything from the Jonestown massacre to the latest dangers your children face from their peers.

5. Lastly, avoid the internet. Bloggers, Slate magazine, and Internet Forums are some of the worst breeding grounds for "Pop-culture keyboard socioogists". I mean this is really the worst place of them all. This is where people get together to share and exchange ideas about why they feel our culture does the things that it does. And who would want to learn about that? ;)

These forums are about the exchange of ideas. So someone develops a model or a theory that you don't fit into- congratulations! that makes you a human being. Welcome to the human race. If it isn't right about you- then you have every right to explain that it doesn't and then share why it doesn't. Sometimes those people who work on theories about the greater population could stand to learn something about what an individual like you is thinking.

Otherwise, a message forum would look a lot like this:

Poster 1: I voted for Kellie!

Poster 2: I voted for Taylor!

Poster 3: Why did so many people vote for Mandisa?

....
....
*crickets*
....
....
....


And what a spectacular discussion we have generated there. I'm sure glad we learned about poster 1 and poster 2 and can't even begin to ponder why the other 35+ million votes went the way they did. Why have discussions at all - why not just list our votes?

[Feisty Kitty]

SoS, you make this forum interesting!

[carrierocks]

You know SOS, If a person is having a problem and need to seek help, one may refer to a specialist to seek answers. To find out why they did the things they did. That help is out there if needed. But for something as small as a vote for AI contestants, I think most healthy, adult americans can determine why they vote the way they do. Your opinion will only remain your opinion. That being said, I enjoy this form but dont enjoy people who go on and on about why people do what they do, To be sure, just ask them. I think most of us has the frame of mind to answer these questions without needing your help. I enjoy the exchange of idea and thought process, but usually it includes questions and not just answers. We dont need you to tell us why we voted, we can tell you.
Your posts come across as being a bit arrogant. Boastful of any knowledge you have obtained, but allow me to leave you with A thought. When I was a child, my sister and I would play this game. We would try to see who can get their point across by using the least number of words. Today I still practice this to a certain extent. Mindless babble tells me that a person just wants to hear himself talk. Your post could have summed up in 2 sentences or less.

[AbsentElement]

You know SOS, If a person is having a problem and need to seek help, one may refer to a specialist to seek answers. To find out why they did the things they did. That help is out there if needed. But for something as small as a vote for AI contestants, I think most healthy, adult americans can determine why they vote the way they do. Your opinion will only remain your opinion. That being said, I enjoy this form but dont enjoy people who go on and on about why people do what they do, To be sure, just ask them. I think most of us has the frame of mind to answer these questions without needing your help. I enjoy the exchange of idea and thought process, but usually it includes questions and not just answers. We dont need you to tell us why we voted, we can tell you.
Your posts come across as being a bit arrogant. Boastful of any knowledge you have obtained, but allow me to leave you with A thought. When I was a child, my sister and I would play this game. We would try to see who can get their point across by using the least number of words. Today I still practice this to a certain extent. Mindless babble tells me that a person just wants to hear himself talk. Your post could have summed up in 2 sentences or less.
The thing is, some people find what he has to say interesting. Some people are more interested in other aspects of the show than just the performances and dialing numbers on the phone. That's why these forums are so great. If you don't like a particular contestant, you can express it. If you love a particular contestant, you can express it. If you want to discuss the judges' wardrobe, comments, quirks, or thought process you can. If you want to discuss something more complicated, like the voters' thought process, you can. You can discuss any aspect of American Idol that you want. Myself... if I see a posting title that doesn't interest me, I just don't read it and I move on to the next post. There's no reason to give someone a hard time because they find a particular aspect of the show (or its viewers) interesting and post a thread about it. If it doesn't interest you, you're of course free to express that, but why bother (if it doesn't interest you)? If it just annoys you, then just move on. Others will find it ineresting, and the posting is simply for their benefit. I see posts here all the time that annoy me. I usually just move on.

I should also add, if one is in disagreement with a posting, that's different from being annoyed, and we'd be interested to hear why there is disagreement. The funny thing is, it sounds to me like you are both trying to say the same basic thing.... People have different tastes for different reasons. Son of Simon was simply doing what he does best here and providing deeper insight for the benefit of those who care to listen.

[carrierocks]

I started the post because I was interested in hearing other peoples insight to post that tell people why they vote the way they do. If this post didn't interest SOS he could have moved on, why would I? Its my post? He is the one who degraded me in his responce. I dont now why you all team up against other viewers, never agreeing with them and always taking up for each other. I dont see him as having "deeper Insight" I see it as always thinking he is right.

[Feisty Kitty]

Carrie, why do you feel degraded by his insights? He is simply sharing his, in my opinion, very interesting views. If you don't like them, don't read them.

Also, he is always quick to point out that what he writes is his opinion. Perhaps you should reread his posts more carefully before you label someone as arrogant.

And I agree with Ab El. He is very interesting and many people, including me, really look forward to what he has to say.

[Son of Simon]

I started the post because I was interested in hearing other peoples insight to post that tell people why they vote the way they do.

Reread your post again...I don't seem to get that impression. If you were interested in the reasons why other people vote the way they do, then your initial post would sound more like a poll than a rant. Here- let's read it back again:

I wonder, Am i the only person who is tired of hearing people tell me why I voted the way I did?


First you say you hate that people try to presume the reasons why YOU voted the way you do, and now you're saying you really wanted to find out why THEY voted the way they do. I don't see how those two ideas intersect.

Did it ever occur to this forum that perhaps we all simply have different taste? Thats why we have different restaurants, football teams, and radio stations. The judges dont make my decisions for me. I usually pick my favorites during auditions, way before the judges pick who they like. Unless someone good wasnt shown during the early phases, then I simply include them in as favorites. I dont pick the underdog, I dont pick the best looking. I have real taste...and thats where I get my pick.

Again, your reasons for your votes. I just don't see where you even ask others for their own reasons.

If this post didn't interest SOS he could have moved on, why would I?

Carrie, I replied to this post because I AM interested in what you're saying. I replied because my viewpoint is different, and hey, if you post a thread asking for viewpoints (which is, sort of why we post threads anyway) then expect answers in the "other" category.

He is the one who degraded me in his responce. I dont now why you all team up against other viewers, never agreeing with them and always taking up for each other. I dont see him as having "deeper Insight" I see it as always thinking he is right.

Carrie...you can't ban me or someone else who disagrees with you on a thread you post in a public forum. I'm not flaming you- I'm pointing out that you can't just expect people NOT to try and categorize or theorize why groups of people do things and expect to exist in a world full of thiking and feeling human beings. It just won't happen, and I'm pointing out how unrealistic an attitude it really is.

You know what's funny, I complain about the exact same thing. Here's an example:

I'm a straight male. I know what I find attractive (I'm the foremost authority on what Son of Simon finds attractive!!), and yet I see magazines full of wafer thin supermodels who are more likely to get a cheeseburger from me than any affection.

Clearly, someone is trying to tell me (and you too) what is attractive for a woman. They have every right to try and convince me- I have every right to resist and assert my own opinion. That's how it works.

Like I said- if we limit our own ability to properly and clearly convey our own ideas, then a forum is really just a series of post-it-notes that no one would care to read, or a private email conversation that you don't want certain jerkhead know-it-alls to respond to. Think about it.

[carrierocks]

By me stating that I know why I vote the way I do doen't open doors to have people tell what to stay away from in life. It isnt even the same thing. It's arrogrant. I always read his post because I like most of them as well. But didnt agree with this one. You didnt agree with mine. We dont always agree with each others post. My origional comment was nothing more than this..........I know what type of music I like, I know what sounds good to me. Dont say I voted a certain way because I am voting for looks, or because I am jealous, or because I am being lead by the judges. That statement didnt require his.

[Son of Simon]

My origional comment was nothing more than this..........I know what type of music I like, I know what sounds good to me. Dont say I voted a certain way because I am voting for looks, or because I am jealous, or because I am being lead by the judges. That statement didnt require his.

Show me a post where it reads: "I say Carrierocks voted for so and so because..." and I will gladly cease and desist.

If on the other hand, you read someone's post and you are the one that makes the decision to try on the proverbial "shoe" to see whether it fits...then maybe question yourself on that one...

[carrierocks]

The thread that I wrote had nothing to do with you. It had nothing to do with any statement you ever made. It was written due to things that I had read by other people. You just replied to the threat I wrote in responce to them. I like it when you reply, however I didnt like this particular reply. But I dont have to, just like you dont have to like what I say.

[carrierocks]

I wonder, Am i the only person who is tired of hearing people tell me why I voted the way I did?
Did it ever occur to this forum that perhaps we all simply have different taste? Thats why we have different restaurants, football teams, and radio stations. The judges dont make my decisions for me. I usually pick my favorites during auditions, way before the judges pick who they like. Unless someone good wasnt shown during the early phases, then I simply include them in as favorites. I dont pick the underdog, I dont pick the best looking. I have real taste...and thats where I get my pick.

WOW this post really stirred up some sh**. I happen to like what I wrote. I stand behind it but dont care to defend it any longer, you win.....im out.

[sydneylovesace]

You must admit Carrie has a point, there seems to be quite a few people that want to sarcastically tell you why you voted the way you did. Sort of a "slam", if you will.
That is what I think Carrie means...
Is there any truth here, Carrie

[Son of Simon]

You must admit Cloie has a point, there seems to be quite a few people that want to sarcastically tell you why you voted the way you did. Sort of a "slam", if you will.


It's a very good point. Some people will make presumptions about you or your character to prove a point.

That's part of internet forums, and frankly, this site is much less guilty of that than other forums I''ve been to. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I'm saying 1) It's a mild slam, emphasis on mild, and 2) At the end of the day we're all still in control of our own actions and choices, so who cares what an anonymous, ignorant person is going to assume about you?

[lovetheladies]

I'm saying 1) It's a mild slam, emphasis on mild, and 2) At the end of the day we're all still in control of our own actions and choices, so who cares what an anonymous, ignorant person is going to assume about you?

Maybe because we want this forum to grow and I think that when a Judge is slamming, even if it is mild, It sets forth a attitude within the forum that gives everyone a free ticket to make ignorant assumptions just to make a point. Our site will not grow that way. We've lost one...how many more?

[cloie4me]

This may not matter to anyone but I find it interesting. I read on this web site that carrierocks said that she was pregnant. it came up when someone make a comment about Katharine wearing a maternity dress and carrie didnt agree. If this girl is pregnant then she will get offended easier than me and you. I like Son, but maybe it was a bit hard. Maybe? Now, what if you are pregnant? Just food for thought.

That being said, sometimes Im a bit hard, maybe we should all be more careful.

[Son of Simon]

Maybe because we want this forum to grow and I think that when a Judge is slamming, even if it is mild, It sets forth a attitude within the forum that gives everyone a free ticket to make ignorant assumptions just to make a point. Our site will not grow that way. We've lost one...how many more?

I definitely want the forum to grow. By the same token, I don't see how the forum will grow in any productive manner if we aren't allowed to express opinions and allow those opinions to be challenged.

If we were just to post opinions and not expect anyone to be able to disagree, or formulate debates over ideas, then I don't see this forum growing into anything other than series of 1-2 line posts and the judges expecting everyone to not challenge anything.

Many posters openly challenge my opinions, as well as my judgment calls as a moderator. It comes with the territory, and I accept that. Posting an opinion on a message forum is essentially giving your permission for that opinion to be scrutinized and debated- in a manner that doesn't necessarily need to be "nice", just within forum rules conduct.

A moderator has just as much right to voice an opinion as anyone else. Our role isn't authority as much as it is keeping things fairly clean and making sure posts remain within the RoC. We're people too.

Additonally, your argument works against you.

Maybe because we want this forum to grow and I think that when a Judge is slamming, even if it is mild, It sets forth a attitude within the forum that gives everyone a free ticket to make ignorant assumptions just to make a point.

If people make ignorant assumptions unchecked- then this is just as bad. If I'm not allowed to challenge someone's assumption, then what purpose does the forum serve? Maybe if people are aware that fellow members, whether they be judges or what have you, are willing to challenge ignorant assumptions, then maybe it would occur less, not more.

[lovetheladies]

But carries post wasnt an ignorant assumption. She got it from other posts. She was telling people who make comments like "they are voting because of looks" or "the judges influnence the votes" that she was tired of hearing that and told how she votes. This wasnt her assumption, it was more like a quote, its all over this site.

[Son of Simon]

Agreed. But break down the original issue.

1. She's tired of people telling her she or other people vote because of "this" reason or "that".

2. I explain to her (in an admittedly not-so-nice fashion) that this is a normal part of life, and a very regular part of internet forums.

3. It is also explained to her that opinions simply are. We put them here for the very specific reason that we can, and we can freely and openly debate them.

4. She then explains that she was after the opinions of other posters and why they vote. And after reviewing the original post I explain that I don't see that as the intent at all- it seems more of a rant and rally cry against people making assumptions. The latter isn't a wrong thing to do, but neither is challenging the idea by explaining "it happens" and "it's a reality we must deal with when we post."

5. She leaves the argument, feeling like I slammed her because I went into graphic detail about how much of a reality it really is. Like I mentioned earlier, alternatives were included in this thread.

I never once said her statement was "ignorant" nor an "assumption". That's not even what I was trying to convey.

[lovetheladies]

but wasn't she just freely and openly debating those she disagreed with?

[Son of Simon]

Yup- just as I was freely and openly debating her. She's done no wrong. I don't know if that is being properly conveyed.

Her post is a rant. Nothing wrong with that at all. Hey- I LOVE to rant!! But understand that rants will be sometimes be replied to with another rant.

I bear no ill feelings towards carrierocks at all. I would extend that to anyone else on these forums, minus the one idiot who spammed up the forum with advertisements. Yes- I do NOT like him, and people of his "ilk".

Could I have replied in a more polite manner? Of course. What I am sorry about, was her reaction to it. For that I apologize. Just understand that people can and will respond in such a manner, and that you have many, many choices from which to respond to that type of response.

[allisgood]

All of these posts seem to be a rant!
Lets just all agree Chris is the one to beat really no tough competition.
Katharine is boring
Ace seems like a jerk
Kellie has no sense
Elliott not a winner
Bucky not good
Paris WHO?
Mandisa not a winner
Taylor not an idol

(Clarification : (Not a winner = Not a winner in this competition)
I would never never never mean that a human being is not a winner!!!!! :o

[AbsentElement]

All of these posts seem to be a rant!
Lets just all agree Chris is the one to beat really no tough competition.
Katharine is boring
Ace seems like a jerk
Kellie has no sense
Elliott not a winner
Bucky not good
Paris WHO?
Mandisa not a winner
Taylor not an idol
"Katharine is boring" is pretty straight forward. Seems like you just don't find her interesting. I feel differently. For me, she's gorgeous and sings incredibly well. I look forward to her every week.

Why does Ace seem like a jerk? Have I missed something on him?

To say Elliot won't win AI5 is one thing, but to simply say he's not a winner sounds like you're saying he's a loser. He's far from being a loser. To overcome adversity as he has, to get where he's at now, says a lot about his character and will. He may or may not win AI5, but either way he IS a winner.

Bucky may not be as talented as some of the other contestants (I wouldn't argue that he is), but he is undeniably showing signs of improvement each week. He is applying what the vocal coaches are telling him, and it shows.

Paris Bennett. :)

Same as Elliot's case with Mandisa. To say she's not a winner almost sounds like calling her a loser. Do you just mean she won't win AI5?

I'm not trying to sound condescending, just trying to get a little more understanding as to why you make the statements you make.

[allisgood]

I have been challenged to give Ace another chance!
So ive taken that challenge and agree if he "sings his ass off"
I will only vote for him this week.
I don't know how this will turn out but we will see.