IMHO: too much negativity. We all share something fun and valuable here

[Alan H]

Clearly I'm out of touch and way too sensitive, here....

Carry on!

[CameronTaylor]

Better watch it or I'll wear a kilt to beer night !


CT - fashion

[Jake_S]

Clearly I'm out of touch and way too sensitive, here....

Carry on!

We appreciate you being sensitive Alan, there aren't many large fellows like yourself that are sensitive.

So, we'll say that it's one of your wonderful personality traits

Jake

[string]

Also, string is cool in her understated way, galoshes and all. So is Yeti, though he's less understated.

Thank you, I also count myself richer in my number of friends since I joined this site, and to think I just came to try and figure out what my brand spanking new boyfriend thought was so great on here. And because kilts are HAWT

I don't think I've ever been called understated. It's nice, I can work with this. *wanders off to find her socks so she can go to class*

[thescot]

There's been an awful lot of arguing and fighting on this board recently. . .

I disagree. Put up your dukes.

OK, that was a joke! But I do believe, along with many others, that the disagreements tend to be minor and are usually concern differing opinions about style, quality,etc. And the disagreements are, I think, nearly always civil and carried out in objective fashion, rarely personal. (The mods do a good job of looking after that.)

One problem with written communication is that we always miss the nuance of unspoken communication--body language, facial expresison, etc. Something said tongue-in-cheek with a humorous intent can be taken as quite harsh when written. (See my initial comment above.)

Overall, I like it here, like the folks who hang out here, and I like the freedom to talk, review, joke, tease, and generally be friendly and tolerant of anyone who wants to come over and play.

Slainte.

[sharpdressedscot]

Plus, I think a site with absolutely no disagreement is a bit boring. I like having a discussion (not flame wars mind you)

[McClef]

It's the nature of internet forums that there will odd things that get one's dander up (we would probably say make the fur fly over here) but even then it's done in a Parliamentary fashion.

And we do have those wonderful moderators who issue warnings and call time on a discussion if they think it's necessary.

[starbkjrus]

Wow, Alan.
snip...
keep in mind is that everyone is trying to do his/her best here. ...snip

So, all the best ! ...and tough luck for perfection.

Nope, not everyone. There are an occaisional certain few.

Clearly I'm out of touch and way too sensitive, here....

Carry on!

NOT!!

I am in full agreement will Alan on this one. I think some of you are missing the point. It is not a matter of agreeing with everyone or not having a spirited discussion. It's about civility. This is by far one of the most civil sites on the net BUT it is not as civil as it once was. It's really just a minority that are stirring things up but I think we should all reconsider just how we tone our posts and try to be a bit more respectful in some instances. Read your post AT LEAST three times before you post it.

As for those of you who are going over the top - I'm watching you and I WILL send notes home to your mother.

[Chase]

Quote: [So I'm going to not rant for a while, in fact for a good while. In fact, I'm going to look for things to praise in those with whom I often disagree, and write good stuff about what they choose to wear, or in some manner in which they helped me learn something. And I'm going to start right here, and right now.]

I could use a praise, hug compliment, pat on the back, kudos, etc...LOL...All in all, you're right...I'm guilty of provocation on a couple of occasions myself...You would think I had a dark side if you visited my other forum (I moderate) for high-risk/threat operators...That place is a battle-zone, but a necessary evil...I appreciate this site for two reasons, it's integrity and the fact that it humbles me.

I don't want to take things for granted and XMTS brings me closer to a place I would rather be compared to where I am now.

Great sentiment...Thank you

Chase

[Alan H]

I wouldn't even go so far as to say "stirring things up", but I do notice an increase in the number of posts where someone responds to another person with a different point of view by telling them that they're selfish or disrespectful or careless or whatever. It's often just one or two or three posts. Flame wars don't happen here. That's great.


Personally, if I'm in a discussion and I am making a point like for example, about choosing where to spend my money, I try hard to say what I would do or what I think is right. I might point out options. I *might*...even, possibly point out a moral quandry. However, I would never, ever tell someone that they're a bad person, or inconsiderate, or immoral for seeing things differently from how I see them.

but this is not the case with everyone here, and I wish that it was.

At the last Nor Cal Beer Night, two X-marks regulars commented to me about how much negative stuff was being posted right now and I had to agree. I hope, I hope very much that it changes, and I will do my best to not be a part of it.

However, if the overwhelming majority of folks think everything is hunky-dory, well, then the issue is not the overwhelming one that I seem to think it is...maybe.