The purpose of forums, unfortunately so forgotten, is to share perceptions and ideas- and often learn and improve your own. Nobody changes their perception unless they choose to, but they at least get a chance to understand why others see things a certain way. Unless of course, you already believe you know everything. Then, you have slammed the door to your own growth, your own expansion of knowledge and understanding. That act alone usually seals the dismal future of that individual- and there is no one else to blame but themselves. Sometimes we try to give such people the benefit of the doubt, but it seldom makes a difference. Good luck with your choice.
Seems wordplay is lost on some. Perhaps reread the post to which you replied? Personally, only put two people on ignore. Severely blatant racists who continuously started flame threads. Willing to bet, though, that lots of folks who call themselves "conservative" have me on ignore.
Perhaps, but the function of forums, in almost all cases, is to express your opinion and to flame those who disagree with you. Internet anonymity does not make for polite conversations where anyone learns, unfortunately.