To everyone...
I've worked with the public quite a bit. I have learned over the years that you can say certain things and get people stirred up. Also you can avoid saying certain things and not stir people up. It was kind of fun to stir people up when I was younger. I guess I didn't care who I was ticking off. But at work I *had* to behave myself since I was representing a business, and I learned to do so. It was not easy at times to keep my trap shut, I'll say that!
Anyway as I have grown older and wiser, I've decided that it is better to not tick people off, burn bridges, etc. You never know when that person you are talking to might later be in a position to do something for you or help you. For example I am always polite and friendly to opposing pool teams whereas other players are out and out nasty. Well one of the best teams asked me to play on their team. They did not ask certain other players who are ill tempered, bad sports, sore losers, etc. even though they are better players than myself...
Many politicians have this down pat as to what to say without stirring people up. That is to not take any specific side on an argument, be more neutral about heated topics, don't commit yourself one way or another, change the subject or talk about something else if people are trying to get you into a discussion about a heated topic, say only positive things, etc. Watch the politicians and how they can skillfully avoid "mine fields"...
So if you want to stir people up, respond to negative comments in a negative manner rather than ignoring them or changing the subject. When half the people are for one thing and the other half are opposed, jump in and take one extreme side rather than remaining neutral (you're guaranteed to tick off the other half!). Start topics of discussion which will stir people up - then keep them going, etc. But before ticking someone off and burning bridges, you may want to ask if this person might be in a position to help you later on. Will this person represent a billiards manufacturer in the future which could be a potential sponsor for you? There are many young people on the internet. Who knows where they will be working 5 or 10 years from now. Think about it.
If you don't want to stir people up; ignore negative comments, only say positive things about other people or don't say anything at all. Remain neutral with heated discussions or don't join in. Learn to "drop it" and remain silent. Start topics about positive things or ask questions in a positive way. Stick to billiards related topics and avoid any negative discussion of specific people. Thank people for their helpful advice. Treat other people like you want them to treat you. Might just pay off 5 or 10 years from now...
