When you come upon a nasty TROLL.Oh Bruce, I love your post!! :laugh: :-* :-* :laugh:
"REPORT," "IGNORE," "bypass and SCROLL".
I've noticed that tentions can run a bit high here at Bettermost, so I thought that maybe a discussion about good old-fashioned manners, and how they can be adapted to the internet, might help. I think good manners are based primarily on respect for others, and this respect leads to a concern for the feelings of others. So the question becomes how can we express ourselves here, let our voices be heard, while being mindful of the opinions and feelings of our fellow members?
By starting this thread I am in no way trying to claim to be an etiquette expert, and I am quite aware that I can be a rude little shit sometimes. (Hmm Maybe I should have said "rude little snot." Someone may want to address the topic of swearing. Where and when is it appropriate?) So I hope this thread doesn't degenerate into a laundry list of all the times I've stepped on some toes. :laugh:
I'll start by listing a few thoughts and observations. Please feel free to jump in and add whatever you think might be of use. But remember, mind your P's & Q's. ;)
--I think it might be helpful to keep in mind that this is the internet, and that means people can not see our expressions or the tone of our voices. So maybe it would best to use the smilies when that will work, or take a couple of extra minutes to use words that will suggest how serious we are.
Responding to someone in person by saying "that's stupid" might be okay since they can see the smile on our face and the twinkle in our eye. But those who read a comment like that on the internet might feel insulted.
--I think it's best when expressing your opinion to make it clear that you know your opinion is your opinion and not fact. And for those who find it difficult to distinguish between the two, just remember that almost every declarative statement you make is your opinion, or at least that's my opinion. 8)
--If you don't get someone else's point of view, try to understand them before refuting them. Ask questions. Start a dialogue rather than an argument.
--Don't say "I'm sorry, but..." unless you're truly sorry. :P
--Remember that not everyone has to be on the same page. So state your case as clearly as you can. If others disagree, let them.
--If you've accidentally hurt someone's feelings, say your sorry. You don't have to add insult to injury by defending your right to have your own opinion because that's usually not the issue. People do disagree with one another passionately sometimes, but heated arguments are often caused not so much by the opinions we express but how we express them.
A tired TOPIC should be put to BED,
Instead of BEATING it 'til DEAD.
Bruce, I really appreciate you sharing some wisdom with us in such an entertaining way. 8)
TOoP you are just amazing!
Both for quality and quantity!
I've had fun with these! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed them! :)
:laugh:
Care to tell us what you've been invited to join in on? :P
I think we all could learn a few lessions from you, David. You're one of the most polite people at Bettermost. :)
Don't post in anger. If something makes you mad, give yourself some time to cool off before responding. Not only will this help tamp down the level of hostility, but chances are you can make your case a lot better when you're calm.
Nice thread, Gary. ;)
I try, but I fail every now and then! :P 8)
My granny was raised in the hills, so I have a little hillbilly in me! :laugh: :laugh:
Oh, I have hillbilly blood in me, too. West Virginia was/is the home of the Hatfield family. And Devil Ans Hatfield -- the patriarch of the clan that waged a vigilante war on the McCoys -- is venerated as a local cultural icon. There's a statue of him in Logan county.
But as you say, Jack, things are calmer now. 8)
Thanks for reading the thread and commenting.