Sticks 'n' Stones.....

[ribbert]

I received this (non humorous) PM yesterday.

.....what's been up your backside lately?  You'd argue with nearly anyone, about nearly anything!!

He's wrong, I don't!


And, then went on.....

...... but you're missing out on some specific things, both in terms of how statistics apply to mechanical things, and people skills.

I never engage anyone off line with these sort of posts, and I have quite a collection of them, but it does raise a question that has bothered me for a long time. I do not understand why on this forum having a different opinion, expressed inoffensively, is so often taken as a personal slight. You offer a different view on some subject and suddenly everyone jumps to the defence of the poster saying what a great guy he is, or, why would you disagree with him, he's a terrific bloke etc. or the poster PM's you suggesting a physically impossible sex act.

I have never encountered this before on such a scale. The rule of thumb I apply is to Disagree agreeably and in the absence of abuse or ridicule do not see why it is so often taken personally.

Lighten up boys, not agreeing with you is not personal nor is it an attack on your character, and can you stop sending me shitty PM's to that effect, I have enough thank you.

No persecution complex here, I have observed the same interaction between others.

Noel

[novaraptor]

Not just here, I've noticed it in the scooter forums also. Not so much in the astronomy forums, but still to some extent. There are some people who get contentious about most anything. Just have to wade through that to get to the good info. Some people find it hard to "agree to disagree".

[magge52]

Having a keyboard to hide behind can bring out the worst. They obviously weren't big enough to post their comments in the open. I compare the internet to the wild west, anything goes...there was a great Ducati forum that was closed down several years ago because of the vitriol, threatening and personal attacks, even had lawsuits threatened against the site's owner. Too bad, the vast majority of folks were stand up and offered great advice, conversation, etc., like this site. It was a home grown site he created on his own as a gesture for enthusiasts so it was pretty basic, no monitors like we have these days and people could post anonymously. When the lawsuit threats came he finally had enough of the bs and just shut it down. It only takes a few bad apples to spoil the bunch they say.

Cheers,
George

[Country Joe]

I agree with novaraptor, it is not exclusive to FJOwners. It seems to be a "feature" of almost every forum that I have been to. Just remember that you can't change anyone else, but you can change who you communicate with and your response to that communication. I know that I have offended other people on different forums when I had no intention of doing so. Internet communication is fraught with opportunities for mis-communication.
That's all I have........

Joe

[Burns]

Being an old person I have the benefit of history in assessing such things.  There has been a shift in the language which I attribute to the assimilation of Asian and feminist cultures.  Saying things bluntly and directly used to be a virtue but it is now a social sin.  To be socially correct you must now speak obliquely and in conformity with the mores of your audience. You must soften your words lest you bruise someone's hypersensitive ego or challenge some local sacred cow. The Thought Police are ever vigilant and are quick to chide you for any unorthodoxy.

The anonymity of hyperspace amplifies that phenomena.

Fuck 'em.

[TexasDave]

Noel some of the folks here stateside need to grow some kangaroo skin. Fuck'em.   Dave

[Pat Conlon]

It is beneficial to everyone, for some brave soul in the kings court, to mention that...

"The king has no clothes on.... "

[FJ1100mjk]

I bought one of these fridge magnets years ago. I feel better about myself now.

http://captionsearch.com/pix/wjc51kjry0.jpg

[aviationfred]

I bought one of these fridge magnets years ago. I feel better about myself now.

http://captionsearch.com/pix/wjc51kjry0.jpg

I know I can be an A**hole sometimes....... Just ask my 2 ex wives......

Fred

[Zwartie]

I received this (non humorous) PM yesterday.

.....what's been up your backside lately?  You'd argue with nearly anyone, about nearly anything!!

He's wrong, I don't!

That's not an argument, it's merely contradiction!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y


Life's too short to get worked up about some jackass who doesn't appreciate a good debate.

Zwartie

[Zwartie]

Not just here, I've noticed it in the scooter forums also. Not so much in the astronomy forums, but still to some extent.

Isn't that the same forum?

Sorry, couldn't resist!

Zwartie

[fj johnnie]

Better to offend some one by saying something , than to say nothing at all. If someone wants to be offended then they will, no matter how hard you  try not to.

[The General]

A really important topic.
Yeah I`ve seen unnecessary, derogative, Vitreole stuff up good sites. But this site not only has a good system for moderation, but it`s backed by moderators of high standard that I think  often cringe, but let some grey statements/pics go for the sake of freedom of expression. A combination of many things make this an incredibly great forum, esp personalities.

Posts of any standard are entertaining. Text articulation can be real tricky when it comes to interpretation, especially with cultural differences, which in themselves are enlightening. ....But PM`s are about discretion, inquiring thoughts, help, logic and laughs...SACROSANCT!

Agreeable disagreement and the encouragement of debate is a great goal and culture to be defended by all.

We are talking about derogative, personal sledging by PM`s you pricks!....What next?   Taking it to a Rally?....Never! (Cause all present would cut your balls out ...if you had any!)
While I know the PM`s posted aren`t all that terrible, I am aware of discreet censorship by Noel over a number of years.

While I`d be the last person ta hold someone`s hand and say "he`s my mate don`t pick on him" (In fact if I had a son, I`d probly name him Sue!), I`m really pleased that it`s Noel that`s broached this subject. With a discreet, wicked sense of humour, he`s a great bloke that`s been hardened over many posts here, and has come back for more. ...What`s really incredible about this is he`s not often wrong, genuinely questions his own thoughts, seeks sensible debate and is brave enough to put it out there for the sake of furthering his/our education.  His questioning is interesting to say the least, but never (ever!) objectionable IMHO...despite some of the posted replies....and I know he donates a lot of time to helping guys out.... Many through PM`d questions.

I know this topic is not a request for defense (apologies,) ....but a statement of astonishment and reflection, that I too share.

I wonder how many others have received PM`s like these. There`s been more than one for sure.

Recognising the thin edge of basted wedge, Doug Mc.

[fuel80guy]

That's the dutch in you fj johnnie,,,,always looking for a spirited discussion.

[Zwartie]

That's the dutch in you fj johnnie,,,,always looking for a spirited discussion.

There are two kinds of people - those who are Dutch and those who wish they were Dutch. Oddly enough I'm wearing an orange shirt as I type this. Isn't dat veerd?