02-07-2008, 03:29 AM
This is such a touchy subject. The beauty of living in this country is that everyone has a right to express their opinion. On the flip side, the worst thing about living in this country is that everyone has a right to express their opinion....
That said, I think that the responsibility lies with each of us to act like the adults we are. If a user types something that is offensive, you have two choices: react to it, or ignore it. A lot of times, I'll read a post by someone and I'll think to myself, "wow, that person seems out of line..." But then, I'll re-read to make sure that I'm picking up the message that is actually being put out there. You can't read inflection in a person's post. This makes things difficult when you're trying to understand a point of view on a controversial subject.
I think the only way to deal with this is to be adult about it. If a subject is getting too hot for you, read something else. If someone makes an attack on you, point it out... nicely, and maybe privately... and then ask them to stop. If they don't, ignore them. If they still don't stop, email Rob with copies of the posts.
I really don't think that limiting subject matter is the answer. There are a couple of people on this website who's opinions wildly differ from my own. I make a point of not getting into debate with those people simply because it will just turn into an argument. Instead, I read and respond only to posts that are not seemingly written in anger.
I really don't understand why there has to be a lot of drama on this forum. It seems like for the most part we are all adults. Keep in mind that this is supposed to be a place where we can all connect as a community. If you find yourself spending more than an hour or so a day on this site, maybe it's time to examine the quality of life outside this site.... Seriously folks, can't we all just get along?
"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars."
That said, I think that the responsibility lies with each of us to act like the adults we are. If a user types something that is offensive, you have two choices: react to it, or ignore it. A lot of times, I'll read a post by someone and I'll think to myself, "wow, that person seems out of line..." But then, I'll re-read to make sure that I'm picking up the message that is actually being put out there. You can't read inflection in a person's post. This makes things difficult when you're trying to understand a point of view on a controversial subject.
I think the only way to deal with this is to be adult about it. If a subject is getting too hot for you, read something else. If someone makes an attack on you, point it out... nicely, and maybe privately... and then ask them to stop. If they don't, ignore them. If they still don't stop, email Rob with copies of the posts.
I really don't think that limiting subject matter is the answer. There are a couple of people on this website who's opinions wildly differ from my own. I make a point of not getting into debate with those people simply because it will just turn into an argument. Instead, I read and respond only to posts that are not seemingly written in anger.
I really don't understand why there has to be a lot of drama on this forum. It seems like for the most part we are all adults. Keep in mind that this is supposed to be a place where we can all connect as a community. If you find yourself spending more than an hour or so a day on this site, maybe it's time to examine the quality of life outside this site.... Seriously folks, can't we all just get along?
"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars."
"How do you know i am mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the cat "or you wouldnt have come here."
"You must be," said the cat "or you wouldnt have come here."