Please take this poll!

[kittylugnut]

I will explain it later. Thanks! ETA: Answer your primary motivation. I know it's usually a combination, but which is most important most of the time? Also, assume that the punishment would fit the crime. Feel free to comment!

Poll

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Comments

[chippers87]

I answered the first one, but there are times when all three are applicable. It depends on which rules we're talking about.

[kittylugnut]

Fair enough. I was just on my way to edit the post to be a little more specific, but you beat me to it. I'm pretty sure your answer will still apply, though.

[hodudududuh]

When I do follow rules, it's for a variety of motivations. One, because it's easier for me personally. Two, because a decent amount of the time they make enough sense that I'm not going to argue just for the sake of arguing. Three, I'm lazy.

The risk of punishment isn't a major concern because generally I have no desire to do anything that would get me in enough trouble for it to really be a problem. I don't get off on risk (generally), and while I do enjoy being contrary I don't enjoy it to the point that I'll continue to be so even if it'll cause me problems.

So basically I guess you could say that I follow the rules primarily because the rules tend to coincide with the sort of stuff I would really do anyway.

Which is not to say that I don't break them. I do, quite often. It's just that I do so only when it makes sense to me.

Unnecessarily long answer END.

[boffleb]

Yeah, various combinations apply at different times. Most rules (like traffic laws for example) just make things better for everyone when they are followed. So I might extend that reasoning to other rules/laws I haven't thought about, which is more sheep-like. And of course, I don't hunt down my co-workers and paint their cars polka dot because of number two. Lucky co-workers. ;-)