Blogging is only useful when it actually changes something. Whether it be convincing someone to think the same way, actually affecting the vote turnout, or getting someone to contribute to charity, the entire purpose is CHANGE. If nothing changes, big woop. I just wasted an hour typing a rant for brownie points in heaven. Same goes for politics.
I appreciate the opportunity to earn cheat points. Really, I do. But the whole Fantasy Congress is ridiculous. Why not spend that time reading the most recent Congress proceedings and lobbying your local senator to actually DO something? You would learn about Congress just as quickly, perhaps more so, while getting informed on current events, getting familiar with your representatives, and making the impact that your voice and vote is supposed to be able to have.
I encourage ProgressiveU to remember what their purpose and mission statement is, to review it, and then to decide whether this type of thing really fits their vision and values.
Please, I am not just being a bigot. I actually joined a league and looked it over to make sure I understood what Fantasy Congress is and does. I honestly beleive that this is a substantial waste of time, considering what else could be done with those hours.
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i think playing the game is useful because first you have to know about the process of getting laws passed and the Congress before you act in real life.
I think the game is fun, and it's a funny play on fantasy sports. Just because someone is playing Fantasy Congress doesn't mean they can't actually contact Congress in real life - and maybe this game will encourage more people to do so. Also, there is the rating legislation game, where you can read about different laws/laws-in-progress and decide your reaction to them and how they might impact the country.
I think Fantasy Congress falls in line with ProU because it's about politics and issues that affect us all. I like that this site isn't just all blogging, all the time. Plus we are encouraged to craft new blogs about what we've learned in Fantasy Congress and this could provide for a break from the stale, over-used topics that everyone loves to hate. And this (gasp) could actually change something!
"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" - have fun and earn the extra points that may someday get you a scholarship!
You're lucky the other mods tossed this my way...or they'd have let you have it, just so you know.
First off, part of the reason we wanted to run this Fantasy Congress offer was so people could read about Congressional proceedings, something FC keeps major tabs on. They have news stories, legislature being discussed, congress-bios. It's an excellent resource.
So, how do you feel it's a waste of time when it's exactly what you're arguing? This contest is being used to give away 4500 points (which is more than any other contest ProU has offered) and get people informed about Congress. If they don't take advantage of that, then I can see the problem.
Now, in an effort to be civil, I'm gonna leave you with that.
Nicholas Aden
Self-Promotion
*Gasp* we so did not toss anything at you, LOL.
It's called "You were volun-told"... :)~
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"when you have nothing else to say, "Fwonk" is always the perfect thing."
"yeah well, fwonk"
--Devon
Fanaile Essence,
A-Team Member
Thank you for responding to my blog, "Are we are little sidetracked?". Your points are valid. Please recognize that I did not mean to ruffle anyone's feathers.
I have a bad habit of taking two minutes of research before I form an opinion. Honestly, I had gotten no farther than the league game itself and never saw the rest of the website. For this reason, I saw a virtual reality game that indulged in the virtual practice of debate that would never make a difference, like fantasy football that never gives you any exercise. I also failed to recognize that by debating with fellow voters, we would understand the issues better and perhaps sway portions of the loudest people in the voting populace, which would indeed make a difference. I am intrigued by what I see and will play a little longer before I get judgmental and decide it was still a horrendous idea. =)
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"I always knew I wanted to be somebody. I guess I should have been more specific."
~Unknown
Dude, reply button. It helps the debate flow better.
Nicholas Aden
Self-Promotion