• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

Forum Etiquette

Ron Texas

Master Contributor
Forum Donor
Joined
Jun 10, 2018
Messages
6,632
Likes
10,156
There are some disturbing trends around here. Maybe it's trolling or maybe it's just dorky behavior. It starts with a member quoting a post which they did not give a like to. In their response they disagree with the quoted post in either a silly or nitpicking way. Lately I'm seeing accusations that the member in the quoted post was sensitive, defensive or dramatic. My view is these accusations are rarely true and are the product of "the best defense is a good offense" mentality.

Our mods recommend not replying to anything suspicious. This is good advice however, often the first engagement is mild enough to not be suspicious, while any response produces an escalation.

Remember, there is a report button on every post. With the volume around here the mods can't possibly read everything. A lack of consideration for others stifles discussion.

If you think a post is sensitive, defensive or dramatic think twice before making that accusation. It's probably not true. Don't quote posts to disagree unless it's not possible to express your thought otherwise. There is a fine line between seeking clarity and writing something that looks like criticism of the person you quote.
 
On the 'net, nobody can see you smile.
 
Yes, it is an old cliché I've used for decades now, indicating that emotional context and "feeling" does not translate well through a text-based medium. No body language, facial expressions, etc. You can add to that the problem of translating local idioms and such globally without a common language. The ability to hide behind a keyboard and anonymously hurl insults does not a good neighbor make.
 
Not just smile, but frown. However, I'm finding there is a lot more rudeness in real life than there was 15 years ago. Maybe too much online time desensitizes people.
The world's sense of humor seems to have taken a hit, too. The earnestness of some posts I've seen is absolutely breathtaking - enough to make one go wilde.
 
Back
Top Bottom