TAY Atmosphere

IMHO, and very H it is, it seems by reading some of these comments that there are some folks here who take themselves WAY too seriously, and don't know how to deal with it when someone gives them a little shit. If you don't like it don't read it, and if you can't take a little crap, make sure you don't attract it.

Not everyone agrees that giving someone shit is in the spirit of keeping it civil.

Not everyone agrees that giving someone shit is in the spirit of keeping it civil.

I didn't say that they did. I said that being given shit is to be expected in life and on the intertubes at times, and that to take it personally and let it bother you very much is probably not the best personal strategy. Those who do choose - and it is a choice - to get bent out of shape because someone gives them a hard time on the web, criticizes their opinion, behavior or position do, I maintain, need to grow up or sack up. As adults we are supposed to be able to deal with this kind of thing without it ruining our day. My kids get pretty upset with each other when they get teased, but I'm pretty sure they'll outgrow it sooner or later. Not to say I'm perfect. Far from it, but I do work to take things in stride when they aggravate me.

It often appears to me there is much confusion or at least lack of consensus about the differences between personal attacks and criticism, sarcasm and teasing, however full of bluster it might be.

often appears to me there is much confusion or at least lack of consensus about the differences between personal attacks and criticism, sarcasm and teasing, however full of bluster it might be.

Yes, clearly people have different threshholds for this stuff. So why not try avoid even sarcasm and teasing with people who you don't know super well while posting here? Is really that big a sacrifice to act on what most of us learned about social behavior while still in elementary school?

Sure, I try not to attract it and I can take it in reasonable doses, but it bums me out to see other valuable community members withdraw due to it. As noted above, I don't believe it's realistic to expect them all to simply "buck up and take it." And if you watch jj's video link, I'd note that the "cover" thing mentioned in that video can go both ways. Seeing folks "get away" with sarcasm and teasing gives cover to others to do the same. Others who may draw the line further toward what many would consider "personal attack." It's a slippery slope. For my part, I'd prefer to be giving cover to folks who want to stand up for a more mature and civil atmosphere.

...What you said, jj. Well put.

Moderators, keep up the good work. Continue to use your best judgement. I am only a lurker, but I appreciate courtesy and civility wherever it is found.

I agree with Jim. "giving shit" in person is vastly different in person than it is online. At least in person, if I'm confronted with sarcasm and or ribbing, you will know by my non-verbals if/when you have crossed that fine line and are in danger of getting your butt kicked. Over the net there's no such feedback between users.

Those who do choose - and it is a choice - to get bent out of shape because someone gives them a hard time on the web, criticizes their opinion, behavior or position do, I maintain, need to grow up or sack up.

It's also really easy to choose not to be a dick on the internet.

Just sayin'.