It was my impression that the thread was heading for "Jane, you ignorant sl**" territory. If we can keep that sentiment in our heads and speak to a poster's idea or opinion politely we'll be OK. And maybe we won't need a thread like this one.
Rick
rixflix aka Captain Video. Blessed be Jean Shepherd and all His works!!! Hooray for 1939, the all time movie year!!! I took that ride on the Reading but my Baby caught the Katy and left me a mule to ride.
tree68I agree. There are those who seem to love to challenge something that has been written, but are loathe to actually contribute on the topic. As noted, "Source?" does often come across as more of a challenge than a request for more information. Worse is telling someone they are essentially stupid, but not pointing out the error of their line of thought. I missed the mentioned thread. Sounds like it got "interesting."
Worse is telling someone they are essentially stupid, but not pointing out the error of their line of thought.
I missed the mentioned thread. Sounds like it got "interesting."
All things considered - the heat of that thread was to the level of a pilot light on a gas water heater. Yes, there was flame - but not much.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
I agree. There are those who seem to love to challenge something that has been written, but are loathe to actually contribute on the topic. As noted, "Source?" does often come across as more of a challenge than a request for more information.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
charlie hebdo Well said. However, I realize this is not academia or a research forum. Nevertheless, I think it is entirely appropriate to ask the poster for a source for his assertion that the locomotive is a dragon: actual published source or just his opinion. Such is not a personal attack and should not be construed as such in the marketplace of ideas.
Well said. However, I realize this is not academia or a research forum. Nevertheless, I think it is entirely appropriate to ask the poster for a source for his assertion that the locomotive is a dragon: actual published source or just his opinion. Such is not a personal attack and should not be construed as such in the marketplace of ideas.
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
As Lizzy said: If the boys wanna fight you better let 'em.
Editor Emeritus, This Week at Amtrak
LO- That only works in a perfect world. As long as you have two different people, you're going to have two different opinions on things. To say that I can type anything I want as being the truth and have you nobody question my "truth" causes problems. Let's say I post that steam locomotives are actually dragons, and that all modern locomotives use marshmallows for wheels. I've said it, therefore it must be true. If I repeat this nonsense over and over, eventually you're going to lose patience and say something. I'm happier if someone does challenge things so that I can learn more. It's all in how that challenge is presented. If you say "No you dummy! Those wheels aren't marshmallows!!!", well, we're headed to the sandbox to throw sand at each other. If you say "No, I think the wheels are really made out of peppermint patties", then we've got a discussion going. And asking me for my source ranks right up there with be the grammer police. (Yes- I know).
To challenge and to disagree is fine.. to malign is not. Unfortunately many today view disagreement as a personal affront.
L.O. I generally I tend to agree with you, on most things. But in this case I have only overwhelming support for your proposal....well put.
We should all know how to disagree without feeling compelled to editorialize on the sources we disaree with.
Have we all become so thin-skinned that no criticism is allowed?
As the Dodo says in "Alice in Wonderland" --
Steve Otte was right to lock that thread on "federal dispatching."
I propose a simple code of conduct: State any fact, pseudo-fact, or opinion. Just do not impugn others. If you think another person is wrong, or not even qualified to comment on a subject, you are within your rights to think that. But it serves no useful purpose to personally challenge, malign or otherwise confront another member.
In fact these attacks and snarky moments often have the opposite effect than intended anyway. One of the more opinionated posters recently remarked that I seem to know very little based upon how much I was following a particular issue. Now, this person has the right to think that, just as I had the right to think he is full of bull in those bodily parts where he is not full of himself. But I did not respond. What is gained by these pi$$ing contests? Nothing, that's what. However, what it did result in is that I now have much less respect for the individual, and will value his opinions less, and more readily be wary of his supposed facts.
Please just say your piece about the subject. And let others say theirs. But do not engage others in a negative way, period. It's simple.
That's my opinion.
Still in training.
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