Personal attacks (conducted on this forum)

Wormhole · 08-06-2009, 12:45 AM

Wow.

I thought I'd just talk about something I do that makes it easier to respond to "hard" posts that may seem emotionally charged.

First, I just read the post and let my first impression guide me, I do not react, I just feel and write nothing. Then I reread the post and imagine that I'm the one who wrote it and use my own internal voice as the narration. I put my self in their shoes so to speak. Through doing this I have realized that nine times out of ten, the other person just wants their opinion to be respected... not to get into a fight.

If we state our opinions (as we should) keep in mind how it will be read by another reader, keep in mind that the person who writes a post feels strongly about what they are saying. Try to be that person for a few minutes so that you can understand where they are coming from...

Then respond. After all, we are all ONE.

I have no doubt that we will get it together and continue on in a way that is complimentary and respectful to ALL opinions without demeaning anyone. It is very important that we have the freedom to do so, and it is also very important that we do not abuse our freedom and thus retain an open and peaceful forum.

Peace of mind,
Wormhole

08-06-2009, 12:45 AM	#11
Wormhole Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 506	Re: Personal attacks Wow. I thought I'd just talk about something I do that makes it easier to respond to "hard" posts that may seem emotionally charged. First, I just read the post and let my first impression guide me, I do not react, I just feel and write nothing. Then I reread the post and imagine that I'm the one who wrote it and use my own internal voice as the narration. I put my self in their shoes so to speak. Through doing this I have realized that nine times out of ten, the other person just wants their opinion to be respected... not to get into a fight. If we state our opinions (as we should) keep in mind how it will be read by another reader, keep in mind that the person who writes a post feels strongly about what they are saying. Try to be that person for a few minutes so that you can understand where they are coming from... Then respond. After all, we are all ONE. I have no doubt that we will get it together and continue on in a way that is complimentary and respectful to ALL opinions without demeaning anyone. It is very important that we have the freedom to do so, and it is also very important that we do not abuse our freedom and thus retain an open and peaceful forum. Peace of mind, Wormhole