Please read, a shift in board policy

[snoopy]

Originally posted by LisaZoe
Quite honestly, when I see such posts, I think it says so much more about the poster making the attack than the person at whom the attach was aimed.

Yup, thats the saving grace.

It still should not be tolerated though, there is no reason for it. It turns reasonable people off and makes them not want to be a part of the discussion any longer, which is a shame. We've lost some good folks as a result -- they might not have come out and announced their departure, but their absence is glaring and they are sorely missed.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by snoopy
When you say "condemned", does that mean "going to Hell"? If so, I'd say that is a pretty over the top thing to believe and rather haughty to make such a judgement, yes. But on the other hand, I do think some people actually BELIEVE this to be true and aren't saying so to be mean or nasty. Their beliefs dictate that if you don't accept Jesus Christ as your savior you go to Hell, plain and simple. I think its a little different than saying "I believe in such-and-such, and if you don't, you must be stupid" or worse yet, "I believe in such-and-such, and since you don't, you don't have the right to an opinion".

I can see your point. I just wish those people would word it like "My beliefs dictate to me that...." instead of sound accusatory like "You are going to hell"

I hope that made sense. I'm tired.

 

[snoopy]

LOL, it did make sense, your point is not lost. Its all in the delivery. And I'm tired too.

 

[mtblujeans]

Let's clarify a little bit. According to dictionary definition:

Main Entry: sar·casm
Pronunciation: 'sär-"ka-z&m
Function: noun
Etymology: French or Late Latin; French sarcasme, from Late Latin sarcasmos, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer, from sark-, sarx flesh; probably akin to Avestan thwar&s- to cut
1 : a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain <tired of continual sarcasms>
2 a : a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual b : the use or language of sarcasm <this is no time to indulge in sarcasm>

 

[Rajah]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, and thank you!

 

[ginna74]

ty

 

[Hagred]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX
I can see your point. I just wish those people would word it like "My beliefs dictate to me that...." instead of sound accusatory like "You are going to hell"

I hope that made sense. I'm tired.

First of all, I must thank Alex and Pete for making this decision. Politics are one thing, someone venting about a personal situation in their lives is something completely different. If you disagree with how a poster handled something, politely disagree. Carrying on for five to 15 pages with your case that what he/she did/said was horribly, awfully, unconditionally wrong is too much.

About the "My beliefs dictate to me that..." idea. Sorry. That's NEVER going to fly. Many of the religious people I know feel that their beliefs are the only ones, and that's fine. As long as it has no direct impact on my or my loved one's lives, they can believe whatever they want.

FWIW, I see no difference between "I think..." and "My beliefs dictate to me that...". How much would I sound like a carrot-head if I said to you, "My beliefs dictate that this chair I'm sitting in will continue to support me"? You can't expect people to insert words like this to suit everyone. It's just not going to happen.

As far as people telling me I'm going to hell, I'm afraid the only hell I believe in is Hell, Michigan. I've been there. I might be back. So, in essense, they're right. I AM going to Hell.

I'm glad Alex and Pete made this decision. There's just been way too many attacks lately. Thanks, guys!

 

[caitycaity]

But on the other hand, I do think some people actually BELIEVE this to be true and aren't saying so to be mean or nasty. Their beliefs dictate that if you don't accept Jesus Christ as your savior you go to Hell, plain and simple. I think its a little different than saying "I believe in such-and-such, and if you don't, you must be stupid" or worse yet, "I believe in such-and-such, and since you don't, you don't have the right to an opinion".

i don't see the difference between the two, but that is probably because i am not religious. i know some people who really do think that people who like bush must have something wrong with their mental capacity (no, i am not one of them).

but anyways, i agree that it is in the delivery. hopefully this will make things a little nicer around here.

 

[Deb in IA]

Messages that are argumentative or sarcastic in nature will be deleted without discussion.

Alex, am I right in assuming that these rules apply to everyone, moderators included?

 

[cats7494]

Thank you...
and I shall be nice too!

 

[momof2inPA]

Originally posted by snoopy
It turns reasonable people off and makes them not want to be a part of the discussion any longer, which is a shame.

That seems to be the whole point of the nastiness, lately. The one person in particular seems to think the personal attacks will make those that don't agree with him cower in fear and post no more. Hopefully, this new policy will keep us all in check.

 

[nativetxn]

Thank you, webmasters. I promise to be good

 

[Kteacher]

Thanks Alex!!!

 

[CRB#33]

Originally posted by nativetxn
Thank you, webmasters. I promise to be good

Well it's about time!



Seriously, WOOOHOOO!!! to this Alex!!! Thanks! Believe me, it will help to curb my sarcasm which I have a self-control issue with

 

[MeanLaureen]

Originally posted by Deb in IA
Alex, am I right in assuming that these rules apply to everyone, moderators included?

Awww.. man! Alex? Does this mean I have to start behaving??

Question.. does this mean I have to change my name to NiceLaureen or NonConfrontationalLaureen or something like that?

 

[always quiet]

I just wanted to take a sec and thank all the moderators who do their best to keep this place running smoothly and for making it a place that we all want to come back to day after day.
I appreciate all that you guys do.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Deb, Deb, Deb...
Whatever could you be refering too?
None of the webmasters or moderators would EVER be sarcastic, myself included.
How about "kindandgentlelaureen"

 

[Robinrs]

It has become a battleground of sorts on these boards, which keeps me away and disgusted most of the time.

This is so needed and wanted A and P, thanks for making this a priority.

Judi, I got the "kool aid" remark also and found the remark so tasteless I could not believe it. It speaks so much of the person delivering it, much more than what it reflects on me. Remember, when someone points a finger at you, THREE fingers are pointing towrds them!

I love that analogy!


Alex, I hope this works. So many people here know how to walk that tightrope of not going over the line but getting their nasty point across so this will be a difficult one to legislate.

Robinrs

 

[WebmasterAlex]

well Robin, I have no delusions that we can do it perfectly but I think we can put a dent into making it better!

 

[Pooh93]

Thank you Pete, Alex and the other moderators for all you do. I know it can not be an easy task. I have always enjoyed coming here because people seemed to respectfully disagree for the most part. I realize things run in cycles and hopefully, this cycle will be back on the upswing.