"The Hardcore Dharma Movement," article at Wandering Dhamma

You can be honest and direct and yet polite and not argumentative. I think that's the best approach. Too many times Buddhists, under the guise of being "skillful" or "compassionate" or some such other reason for not being honest and direct, simply don't communicate. And please don't misinterpret what I'm saying. I'm not saying go over there and post stuff like an arsehole. Just be honest, direct and non-argumentative.

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Here here to the last two points. And on another note, just because most on-line forums and many other activities in our society have a gender imbalance, doesn't let us off the hook. Least of all, for goddess's god's goodness' sake. There's much more to be understood on that point.

"I got on there as "Dharma Geek" and jumped into the fray. Still not sure if that was a wise move, because I do not think the people posting can be swayed from their VERY rigid thinking.

But, then like Clayton I thought about my own journey and when I was still in the dark about all this stuff, how confused and hungry I was for real information. And then I thought about all the people reading who aren't posting but might be engaged, a handful of them might be at the point I was at half a year ago when I first heard Kenneth on Buddhist Geeks. Back then, I was struck by how practical, human and down to earth he made the path sound. So, I thought "what the heck" if there is one person who reads the comments and decides to come to this site or read Daniel's book, they could be helped.

Maybe I'm naive for trying to lock horns like that, but hopefully someone out there got something out of it."

I think your engagement in the comments is really, really well done. I would have been far less tactful.

Thanks tomotvos, it has been a little fun actually, I really got sucked into it and got way more involved than I first intended. Before I knew it I had lots to say...
Resistance is Futile!
I'm trying to remain as clear, challenging and polite as possible. I'd ask that you all call me out on it if I go off the rails though - I don't want to be "that guy" on the thread that everyone rolls their eyes about!

Ron, it won't hurt you to be "that guy" once in a while. It's a valuable learning experience.

Signed,

Been There, Done That,

"That Guy"

I thought you did great, Ron, and represented all of us admirably.

Here's another female voice just to prove that at least one other woman is out here lurking. I lurk mostly because I don't have a lot of time to keep up with the various discussions or to post regularly. I chime in when I feel like I have something useful to say (or think I do), but otherwise I just check in periodically to see what's new and to explore some of the discussions.

Kenneth's tweets and retweets are very helpful in pointing me toward particularly juicy material as I don't have to wade through everything to find it (that's how I got to this article and discussion). I really like Kenneth's pragmatic approach and the tone of the forum; it's a tremendous breath of fresh air and I've made a tremendous amount of progress since tuning in.

I'm not sure what would encourage me to post/participate more as I really am somewhat of a misanthropic cave yogi, but not having a full time plus job would go a long way. Keep doing what you're doing, guys. It's good stuff.

Naomi

I just went and read Ron's comments. Thank you for representing our community so well...

Thanks - it is really turning into a fascinating discussion. Hope somebody out there gets something out of it.

Well, I just read through it all. Ron, good on you!

Hey, I just went back and read the response that Joel wrote to Mr. Peoples - fantastic stuff! Joel, that could not have been put more clearly!