I'm sorry, but I have to ask...

[jcb]

I know what you mean. I found myself digging through the food pantry last night and now I have a tray of chocolate chip cookies sitting on my counter.

 

[dolcezena]

I have visited several message boards in the past and have found the DIS to be the most welcoming and honest.

I NEVER - in any way, shape or form - said, implied, or intended to imply that the boards weren't a welcoming place.

I'm not exactly sure why you feel that threads having to do with hobbies (scrapbooking, etc.) other than Disney do not belong here.

I didn't actually say that. I was responding to a comment that someone made that the boards are for Disney-related topics only. (Your post indicates that you also disagree with that)

I only used scrapbooking as an example. I could have very well used word games, smiley threads or any number of NON-Disney threads. I used scrapbooking, because crafty-type stuff scares me. I have no aptitude for them. If I tried to scrapbook, I'd probably end up gluing my hair to the page!

With all of this being said, I would like to thank Pete, the mods, and the rest of the crew for everything they do on a daily basis. I know it can be frustrating at times, but you are providing an amazing service to those who come to the DIS for peace, comfort, and entertainment.

I'm not sure if people's eyes are dazzled by images of cake & brownies, or if they're choosing to ignore what I'm posting, in their eagerness to see more of said cakes and brownies.

Quite some time ago, I said that I understood the mods decision & that I respect & accept that decision. I'm not sure why some people are choosing to interpret a simple question as an assault on Pete & The Gang, the DIS & the mods.

Two final points...

*a PP commented that there have been 50 posts such as mine. To repeat myself, I haven't been on the boards in quite some time, which is why I asked the question. If I had seen any of those threads, I wouldn't have had to ask the question.

*I posted this on the podcast board simply because, (when I visited here in the past), I found the people here to be more open-minded, more friendly & less judgemental than the craziness that was the CB. I have to say, it slightly saddens me that this is not quite as true as it used to be.

I apologize to anyone who chose to take this as an attack or a criticism.

 

[safetymom]

I only used scrapbooking as an example. I could have very well used word games, smiley threads or any number of NON-Disney threads. I used scrapbooking, because crafty-type stuff scares me. I have no aptitude for them. If I tried to scrapbook, I'd probably end up gluing my hair to the page!

BTW, you could always do digital scrapbooking and not have to worry about gluing your hair.

 

[metalis4ever]

1. As a fifth grade reading teacher and certified reading specialist, I am very bothered by the fact that this comment was made. I understand that it is important to know one's audience when you are writing. However, stating that posts need to be "toned down" to a fifth or sixth grade reading level is absurd IMHO. There are many intelligent individuals who frequent these boards. This includes those who hold several degrees --- masters, doctorates, etc. They use complex sentences. They use "large" words. And, quite honestly, their writing is not that of a ten year old. I could Lexile or use any number of reading tests on posts from various boards on the DIS to support this.

2. I come to the DIS with the attitude that I am "off the clock" and I am sure many others do. If I don't put a comma in the correct place will my opinion/information in a post still be valid? Yes. If I use a single syllable word instead of a multisyllabic term will others still understand my point of view? Yes. I would never expect people who come onto a message board site to create posts as if they were submitting a college dissertation. If they choose to write "simply" then that is their choice. If they choose to do otherwise that is their choice also. But, do not lump them all into a category by implying that posts using big words and sentences will not be interpretted correctly.

That's why I clearly stated that it was my opinion. My experience on here clearly differs from that of your own therefore I am going to have different observations and opinions. The underlying point I was trying to make and clearly I failed was that people in general tend to become very defensive when someone comes in to a thread and posts in what others perceive to be a higher reading level. From my experiences this is true for you it may not be. I was not implying that people on the Dis are unintelligent or somehow below me I was simply stating that in order to meet the wide range of audience i.e. demographics here on the Dis as well as to cut down the likely hood of being misinterpreted as rude, condescending or sarcastic one must tone down their writing style. Also I never said anything about spelling or grammar I can't spell for the life of me as I have been crippled by spell check, again I was only expounding my opinion based upon my experience and observations which to you and others may be wrong but to myself and others are correct.

The fact is that not only here on the Dis but everywhere knowing your audience is key as it links directly back to perception and as I stated in a previous post there is no such thing as perception for perception is just another word for ignorance. As a teacher I would expect that you would understand that more so than anyone else.

 

[dolcezena]

You also make a great point regarding individual worldviews ..It is very important in my opinion to know ones audience I learned very quickly on here even when posting about Disney specific topics to tone down my writing to about a 5th - 6th grade reading level otherwise people become very defensive and assume since one is using larger words and complete thought out sentences that one is attempting to be condescending, rude or sarcastic.

You SO have to have known you'd get slammed for this!!! In fact, I admire the fact that you posted it!

Anyway, if you're so inclined, head over to my "Attempting To Be Non-Judgemental" thread I've started on the (dreaded) CB.

Currently, it's called "Open Call for Participants In A New Thread," but I am looking for a new title! I'd appreciate your input!

 

[dolcezena]

Crap - I told myself that I was going to ignore this thread....

 

[DisneyKevin]

I was not implying that people on the Dis are unintelligent or somehow below me I was simply stating that in order to meet the wide range of audience i.e. demographics here on the Dis as well as to cut down the likely hood of being misinterpreted as rude, condescending or sarcastic one must tone down their writing style.

One should never underestimate one's reader.

If your writing is being interpreted as rude, condescending or sarcastic and it's not intended as such, you might want to take a look at your communication style as opposed to the comprehension skills of your audience.

 

[WebmasterPete]

I think this thread has outlived its usefulness.