livinoz
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This post is not exactly scuba related, but more about some of the occurrences on this board.
So, do the TOS mean anything to you? Have you personally read them? That's what I'd like to know.
I ask this because in the short time I've been here, I've seen people being harassed for expressing an opinion when it differs from that of the original poster, and I've read through replies on many threads when someone has disagreed with another poster and then resorted to name calling or a personal attack on that person's intelligence or training. Whatever happened to "discussion" or "agreeing to disagree"? I'm not naïve enough to think that with over 100,000 members using this forum, differences of opinion aren't going to occur. In fact I have always believed that debate and a constructive comment or criticism provide a great opportunity to learn, but it's the way those differences have been expressed in some cases that have disillusioned me a bit and prevented me from asking many questions. I prefer to read rather than ask in case I'm made the target of someone's criticism, and not of the "constructive" variety. In my opinion I don't think anyone deserves to be personally attacked on a scuba forum, or anywhere else for that matter.
The very first line of the TOS states:
This is a friendly forum based on mutual respect.
and further down:
Profane, racial, insulting or mean spirited language is simply not allowed here and this includes any sort of harassment or cyber-bullying.
I joined here to learn, to see what I could look forward to, and to gain from the experience and insight of those who also enjoy this sport. But even on some of the threads about the technical aspects of diving I've seen people use personal attack and "mean spirited" language to make their point; I know many calmly and succinctly argue their case, but some don't and unfortunately the voices raised in anger often seem to be the loudest. For those of us new to the board it is very off-putting to read such argumentative threads and I believe it leads to people remaining silent, not willing to question or express an opinion for fear of being criticised or being labeled as "silly". I also believe the "lurkers" who read the board and then choose not to join, may feel the same way. There are those brave enough to finally speak up, but again, they aren't always treated with respect when they do.
Can I ask then, what is the point of this forum? I thought it was to exchange information, to learn, to have a friendly conversation with other people who share a love of this wonderful sport, not to be treated with disrespect, or to be shot down.
I know full well I may be "flamed" as it's called for making this post, and that people will think, "WTH? She's just joined and she has the temerity to criticise?" But I think I've dared to speak up where others prefer not to. I know I'm personally not enjoying reading through confrontational threads, especially when Im trying to weed out the unnecessarily argumentative things and get to the gist of it in order to understand and learn. And I believe I am entitled to express my opinion about that and to put the point-of-view of the "newbie". And I've no doubt I'll find out in no uncertain terms how people feel regarding what Ive said, or alternatively be ignored. But I for one dont think it's acceptable for someone to reply rudely to anyone, no matter how vehemently they hold to their opinion. Yes, I know where the "report" button is, and maybe it needs to be used more often instead of people merely "putting up" with this constant bickering, but can't we, as adults, demonstrate the "mutual respect" talked about in the TOS rather than having to resort to "moderation"?
Thanks for your time.
So, do the TOS mean anything to you? Have you personally read them? That's what I'd like to know.
I ask this because in the short time I've been here, I've seen people being harassed for expressing an opinion when it differs from that of the original poster, and I've read through replies on many threads when someone has disagreed with another poster and then resorted to name calling or a personal attack on that person's intelligence or training. Whatever happened to "discussion" or "agreeing to disagree"? I'm not naïve enough to think that with over 100,000 members using this forum, differences of opinion aren't going to occur. In fact I have always believed that debate and a constructive comment or criticism provide a great opportunity to learn, but it's the way those differences have been expressed in some cases that have disillusioned me a bit and prevented me from asking many questions. I prefer to read rather than ask in case I'm made the target of someone's criticism, and not of the "constructive" variety. In my opinion I don't think anyone deserves to be personally attacked on a scuba forum, or anywhere else for that matter.
The very first line of the TOS states:
This is a friendly forum based on mutual respect.
and further down:
Profane, racial, insulting or mean spirited language is simply not allowed here and this includes any sort of harassment or cyber-bullying.
I joined here to learn, to see what I could look forward to, and to gain from the experience and insight of those who also enjoy this sport. But even on some of the threads about the technical aspects of diving I've seen people use personal attack and "mean spirited" language to make their point; I know many calmly and succinctly argue their case, but some don't and unfortunately the voices raised in anger often seem to be the loudest. For those of us new to the board it is very off-putting to read such argumentative threads and I believe it leads to people remaining silent, not willing to question or express an opinion for fear of being criticised or being labeled as "silly". I also believe the "lurkers" who read the board and then choose not to join, may feel the same way. There are those brave enough to finally speak up, but again, they aren't always treated with respect when they do.
Can I ask then, what is the point of this forum? I thought it was to exchange information, to learn, to have a friendly conversation with other people who share a love of this wonderful sport, not to be treated with disrespect, or to be shot down.
I know full well I may be "flamed" as it's called for making this post, and that people will think, "WTH? She's just joined and she has the temerity to criticise?" But I think I've dared to speak up where others prefer not to. I know I'm personally not enjoying reading through confrontational threads, especially when Im trying to weed out the unnecessarily argumentative things and get to the gist of it in order to understand and learn. And I believe I am entitled to express my opinion about that and to put the point-of-view of the "newbie". And I've no doubt I'll find out in no uncertain terms how people feel regarding what Ive said, or alternatively be ignored. But I for one dont think it's acceptable for someone to reply rudely to anyone, no matter how vehemently they hold to their opinion. Yes, I know where the "report" button is, and maybe it needs to be used more often instead of people merely "putting up" with this constant bickering, but can't we, as adults, demonstrate the "mutual respect" talked about in the TOS rather than having to resort to "moderation"?
Thanks for your time.
