Kilt Inspector

[Father Bill]

This particular forum has always been an oasis of decency, decorum and thoughtful sharing in the wild and unpredictable internet. The suggestion that people shouldn't be easily offended can be, in itself, offensive to those who respect those requirements and styles. That decorum and taste is one of the mandates we have as Forum Moderators.

Should this thread turn into an argument over what constitutes taste, any one of the Forum Moderators has the ability and authority to close the thread immediately.

Father Bill+

[tripleblessed]

Fossil Hunter - "Maybe folks shouldn't be in such a rush to get offended."

I beg to differ. Perhaps folks should be in a rush to behave like ladies and gents of Xmarks, which is how we expect our members to behave.

I've seen others include two quotes, but I'm not computer savvy enough, so I had to type in.

I find myself in complete agreement with both statements. All too much in the way of attempting offense and taking offense in today's world.
Neither is helpful. There is almost never a good reason to be intentionally offensive, and it is almost never effective communication. Taking
offense is at least as ineffective, and pointless to boot. In going to the trouble of taking offense, we give the assumed offender the satisfaction of "Hah! Gotcha." Or some such. More effective, I think, is a gentle exploration into why that was deemed an appropriate
vector of conversation. I have found at times I have completely misread the intent, and offense was unwarranted. I know that it has happened to me numerous times on this forum; people have simply inserted their personal agenda into my supposed thought process
and read me the riot act when they were offended by something that never even entered my mind.

Ladies and gentlemen avoid such. Ignore or explore. There is often something to be learned in the exploration, not the least of which isthe opportunity for the initiator to be gently directed toward more appropriate choices.

And speaking of choices, censorship is another almost never effective tactic. Less limit, kinder approach; better result.



Afterthought: I have found, often, after gentle probing and pushing the initiator winds up becoming aware of the error on their own, and their
embarrassment is a better teacher than my lecture.

[Father Bill]

Call it censorship if you like. Call it whatever you like.

Thread closed in accordance with Rule 2.

Father Bill for the Forum Moderators.