Julia Thompson wrote: >Jon Gabriel wrote: > >>Off and on over the last year or so, I've opened my mouth and said something >>when I've noticed listmembers bashing each other -- usually to just say >>'Please take it offlist'. I do know that I'm not completely innocent either >>in this matter. But I do find it annoying when the list devolves into >>personal attacks. >> >>Am I the only one who gives a flying wallenda about this? Because if it's >>not bothering anyone else, I'll shut up and just delete posts I think are >>uncivilized. >> > >It bugs me, too. But I'm usually cautious as to what sort of criticism >I post; and the reaction when I asked if folks could not use the F-word >for a few days illustrates why I'm usually so cautious. > >I don't have a problem with anyone calling anyone else on >listmember-bashing, personally, just so long as calling the individual >on it doesn't include name-calling. > > Julia > On a list like this we get to read and digest opinions from many different perspectives. This is important to me, I enjoy a debate that includes a diversity of opinion. A calm well reasoned reply to a post you disagree with, avoiding emotion/ sarcasm/name calling/accusations has several benefits. First, it generally makes what you are trying to get across clearer and more convincing. Second, those that disagree with you are more likely to listen to what you are trying to say. Third you stand a much better chance of convincing the undecided element of the veracity of your argument. Fourth you increase the likely hood of eliciting a greater range of opinions - people will avoid commenting if they think they're going to get flamed.
Not that I'm innocent myself, I fall into the same trap others do, but I almost always regret it. So no, you're not the only one who cares and yes, it matters. Doug [EMAIL PROTECTED]
