Open Letter To Troy

[persephone]

The report button is a useful tool - and the mods do a mighty job.!

[huski]

If people are crossing the line with nastiness or personal attacks, they will get a warning if the post is reported and they are violation of the forum rules.

With a forum this large people will always have differing opinions, if someone has crossed the line report them - pretty simple.

[tlc]

No personal attacks is a base rule which applies to everyone new or old - anyone guilty will be sent off.

Is that only if the person making the personal attack is reported??

I never knew you could report a post and until now had never even noticed the little report button.

I have had a hard time from a few people for obvious reasons, pms and posts, but I have weathered the storm and all seems good for now.

I love this forum and I have learned a lot from being here.

[tlc]

If people are crossing the line with nastiness or personal attacks, they will get a warning if the post is reported and they are violation of the forum rules.

With a forum this large people will always have differing opinions, if someone has crossed the line report them - pretty simple.

WOW Husky you answerd my question before I even posted it!!

[poodlefan]

I have had a hard time from a few people for obvious reasons, pms and posts, but I have weathered the storm and all seems good for now.

I love this forum and I have learned a lot from being here.

You got a much nicer reception than another pro DD forum gave me tlc.

[BJean]

I thought some of the responses in Brooke's post were plain cruel. Sadly, there are people on DOL who rarely seem to have anything positive to say and who seem to just get their jollies from hurting people.

It's probably a matter of perception. Just becasue you may perceive a post that way, does not mean it is intended to be read that way.

And I think there are people who report those they don't like (whether they know them in person or not) simply to try to get at that person. I've had warnings for posts that are mild compared to many other posts, and I used to wonder how could Troy have a problem with my particular post when others are allowed to continually post negative and nasty things. I guess it is because people are reporting them.

Perception again? If Troy had issue with the content of your post and not someone else's, then I think you have to accept the possibilty that maybe the other post was not as nasty as you perceived it to be?

Although I have been around DOL for ages, I am still aghast at some of the posts people make.

Honestly I have never been aghast on grounds of nastiness for anything anyone has posted. I've been baffled, perplexed, amused, annoyed - but that's to be expected from reading different points of view.

That said I 've never got a warning so maybe Im not reading enough into posts?

lol like Steve said

it's a game and what the umpire says is right is right

[justin19801]

I have found DoL to be a microcosm of the dog world. In fact if anything it is a lot tamer than in the show and trial circuits. It is a good foundation to question your ideas and listen to other opinions. I have noticed there is a pack mentality against some posters who stop posting or respond in kind and I think get banned, which is unconscionable in the circumstances. But overall I've found DoL to be a +ve experience so far.

[Quickasyoucan]

I actually think the forum is well moderated. You never get any people coming on here with obscenities (or not that I have seen).

Sometimes you can see people have an agenda, but if you come on here posting something like - I am breeding my unregistered dog, I think I need to rehome my dog, I want to know how my 4 large undesexed male dogs can live together in my 42sqm apartment etc, you will get responses you don't want to hear. This is a DOG forum, people are passionate, as Troy said.

I don't agree with a lot of things that are said here, but I also get a lot of very useful information. Some posters contradict themselves in what they say, some lord it over people, but I just have a chuckle to myself and move on.

[poodlefan]

Just a general comment (and not in response to OP) but I wonder if those quick to accuse others of being nasty ever wonder how many experienced and knowledgeable people won't respond in threads because they don't support that OP's position and don't want to be accused of "bullying".

I do wish that people would hold newer posters to the same high standards they expect of the older members. I've lost count of the number of newbs (some looking to offload a dog) who've started a post looking for advice, not liked what they've got, have responded with personal insults and been encouraged to view themselves as "bullied". I can think of a really good example that I might go look for to illustrate the point.

Edited March 26, 2010 by poodlefan

[FranVT]

When I first came on here I made some flippant posts that weren't as well-worded as they could have been and didn't contain important information. I would not say I got flamed, not even close, in fact everyone was fairly polite, but it sure did teach me some important things about this forum: when you post, be as specific as possible, don't leave out information that could be relevant and word your posts carefully. Not to disguise the truth or make things seem better/worse than they are, but to achieve the outcome you want ie asking opinions on specific matters rather than general.

Sorry I think I just broke the rules right there ^^^ because I'm not sure if that makes sense, but anyway, yes I do think there is some unnecessary nastiness in all sections of the forum but it's fairly minimal (but memorable unfortunately). The vast majority of posts and posters have been amazing, to me specifically in some cases (some of the most lovely, kind, generous people have helped me from this forum as complete strangers) but in general I think you're a pretty good bunch.

[tlc]

I have had a hard time from a few people for obvious reasons, pms and posts, but I have weathered the storm and all seems good for now.

I love this forum and I have learned a lot from being here.

You got a much nicer reception than another pro DD forum gave me tlc.

If its the one Im thinking of, it IS no longer!!

PF, I always look forward to your replies mainly because you are passionate (as most posters here are) about what you write but mainly because I always find you the voice of reason, You always seem to get your point across, (if you are trying to make one) in such a manner that no offense is ever taken. You are very well versed and well informed on everything you post about which I think it great!!

[Pollywaffle]

Brooke,

I read your thread and dont agree that is was a clique-y, mob-mentality bunfight. Sure some people didn't agree with what you were doing, but maybe they had a point.

Next time you want everyone to agree with you and your ethos, dontt post on a public forum. Otherwise expect some public debate.

If others PMd you becasue they found it all too much, tell them to press the report button and ask for assisstance.

L:)

I'm sorry Brooke, but here, here!

[Liebhunde]

We all realises how a public forum operates. What is being objected to is the modus operandi of some. Their points of view are cloaked in snide assumptions and personal observations which have no place in this or any public forum. Those who say they love threads that become poisoned by the the negative slant of the high horse minority reveal in no small way the workings of their own thought patterns.

[poodlefan]

I have had a hard time from a few people for obvious reasons, pms and posts, but I have weathered the storm and all seems good for now.

:p I love this forum and I have learned a lot from being here.

You got a much nicer reception than another pro DD forum gave me tlc.

If its the one Im thinking of, it IS no longer!!

And to think I got the boot for raising the issue of health testing and puppy farms

;)

[Are You Serious Jo]

I do wish that people would hold newer posters to the same high standards they expect of the older members. I've lost count of the number of newbs (some looking to offload a dog) who've started a post looking for advice, not liked what they've got, have responded with personal insults and been encouraged to view themselves as "bullied". I can think of a really good example that I might go look for to illustrate the point.

Exactly.

If a newbie says oops, I have made a mistake and I am prepared to listen to those with more experience with me they get a very different reception to those who tell everyone to eff off and want to continue to do the wrong thing by their dog.

If people just want to have a one sided discussion where only opinions they agree with can be posted they should start a one person blog.

[persephone]

Unfortunately- many things are said which, in a conversation would be lost in the air... on a forum such as this, the words can be chosen with consummate care, they remain, so the meaning, perceived or real, is staring a poster in the face .

These words then can be gathered up by others, added to, and used by them.

The 'written' word will always have more power because of this ...and when combined with passion and skill, can be a very daunting display!

[poodlefan]

Message Board Personalities:

The Drama Queen-Every week, the Queen has a new Drama. Someone is ill in her family. Her turtle is dying from dehydration. Her car has only one functional cylinder. Her lawnmower is sputtering. Her tricycle is missing a wheel. She has an ingrown hair on her knuckle. Prayers are being requested and granted. She has hysterics if a needle falls in the haystack. Daring to ask what is really going on will cause a bout of online tears, wailing, gnashing of teeth, and Grand Proclamations that since no one Cares, the Queen is Leaving. However, it is hard to slam the door behind you, when the message board does not provide you with good sound effects.

The Journalist-loves to give the news of the day. May give that same news on several forums in the same day. Getting the news may not be so bad, but quite often the Journalist is so quick to post the news, that The Journalist does not realize it has already been posted, and replied to, several times.

The Investigator-when one person asks a question, the Investigator is the first one to research it, and post an answer. Usually keeps Wikipedia handy, but will resort to other search engines. Thrives on discovering bad information in a thread, and rushes to provide the correct information to the Information Deprived Masses.

The Detailer-knows the history of any given subject, down to how many buttons were worn on a child’s suit 28 years ago. Woe to anyone who posts an incorrect fact, as that will cause an immediate response meant to show the original poster they are WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! because the Detailer knows All, and remembers All. But the Detailer hides under the Being Helpful disguise, vowing that the Massed need to know the Truth of Knowledge.

The Nosey Parker- has to know every one’s business, and usually on several boards. At the slightest sign of distress or dissension, rushes to the ‘aid’ of the victim, but privately. Parker is also a saver, one who keeps an archive of all conversations, and throws them up to the pubic whenever it will make Parker look better. May be hand in hand with the Cat-Rat and the Oracle.

The Anarchist-hates authority, and hates it when that authority is exercised against the Anarchist. When blocked, the Anarchist proceeds to lob grenades and bombs at the Authority target. So single-minded, the Anarchist will continue the battle to the bitter end of a board, then move on to another board, still blindly lobbing grenades at the original Authority figure. It does not matter that the original target is not available, the Anarchist continues to throw the same grenades in hopes that one will score a hit.

The Megalomaniac – Grandiose, Self-deprecating, Righteous and Smug, the Megalomaniac will fabricate achievements, using emotional diatribe to alternately gather admirers and then alienate any and all members who threaten their importance. Always over the top, the Megalomaniac has Seen It All, Done It All, Has It All and Knows It All – anyone who differs in opinion is not worth cultivating, but will suffer shunning and verbal stoning!

The Henchman – Not intelligent enough to fight an up-front battle of wits, the Henchman will purposefully ally with the nearest victimized complainer in order to wage secret attacks against perceived perpetrators. When the Henchman is “outed” and finds the 'Champions' of The Henchman isn’t worthy of such stealthy defense, the Henchman will immediately jump ship in search of the next victimized egomaniac.

The Peck-a-Little, Talk-a-Little, Cheep-Cheep-Cheep Flock – Never happy with any change, or with anyone different. Changing the format of the board, introducing a new group, bringing in new ideas invite the Flock to get together, and proceed to tear apart whatever offended them. Amazingly, the Flock soon morphs into a pack of Wolves chasing down their prey. It is not pretty.

The Cat/Rat-A split personality. Cat displays a cute, cuddly exterior, wants to be everyone’s best friend, and manages to purr-fectly pull all of your deepest darkest secrets from you. When you least expect it, Rat surfaces, and shares those secrets with anyone who asks. When busted, Cat laments how difficult it is to trust ANYONE!

The Romance Writer-this Personality carries on secret faked romances with a variety of A-listers. Usually the fictional romances are shared with a small group of jackal-like hangers-on, who gather to grab the tidbits and crumbs of the ever-so-secret (faked) life. The Hangers-on then create a need for more Romance, and the Writer becomes buried in Driving new plot lines. All then feel part of an inner circle. Rarely does this Romance ever last longer than a year, as The Romance Writer is too challenged to keep all of the plot lines juggled. When discovered, the Writer changes the story to ensure the heroine appears to actually be a Victim. The next step, a new Romance will be created using another A-lister as a target.

The Traveler – Loves to meet online admirers in person. Unfortunately, this tendency allows admirers to see the REAL persona behind the online identity thus effectively putting an end to any and all admiration. Once the fantasy bubble is burst, the Traveler returns to the online forum to announce to the world how “rotten” the host was. (See Megalomaniac).

The Evil Denizen – A mythical individual on another board who all are required to despise. Often accused of posting inflammatory lies and deceptions about another board, users are nonetheless prohibited under penalty of “forum ban” from even visiting the purported site supposedly hosted by the Evil Denizen. Those who venture in violation of the rule are often puzzled at the fact that the Evil Denizen’s site has nothing inflammatory at all, and are hugely disappointed.

The Oracle – knows what you “meant” to say, even though you did not remotely say anything close to the subject. Will dissect every word, letter, and punctuation mark in a given post looking for a tell-tale sign that can be used to PROVE you don’t mean what you say. The Oracle will save any and all such potentially revealing posts for months, and mysteriously “recall” the outdated information at the perfect moment, using it as a club to batter the original poster into abject fear. Quite often partners with The Nosey Parker and the Cat-Rat.

The Peacenik – Loudly proclaims “Can’t we all just get along?” Waits until the thread is almost dead, and then arrives to try and create Peace, Love, and Happiness amongst the board members. The thread then erupts again into a volcano of emotion. Being largely ignored in the midst of the thread, this enables the Peacenik to proclaim “I tried to stop it, but they would not listen!” The Peacenik then retreats to meditate on the need for Peace, Love and Happiness.

The Birds-on-a-Wire-Sleepily Lurking, they rarely land in a board, unless a post arouses suspicion that it may be aimed at one of the flock. One will then swoop in, and rush to the defense of the maligned Flock member. At the same time, the telephone wires are heating up, and soon all of the Wired Birds are in the thread. Soon, the Flock takes on the appearance of Buzzards battling over the least scrap. Good buddies with The Peck-a-Little, Talk-a-Little, Cheep-Cheep-Cheep Flock

Sybil the Seagull - Sybil has many, many personalities, and the screen ID's to match. Hiding and lurking, Sybil will finally find the perfect target, swoop in, and deposit crap on every thing in the message board. Mission accomplished, Sybil flies away cackling with glee, assuming a new personality/ID, and waits until the next opportunity to deposit more guano. Sybil always delights in leaving a stench behind, with the rest of the message board hollering 'Something Stinks in Here!"

[Aziah]

they are such good descriptions

[Quickasyoucan]

Message Board Personalities:

Sybil the Seagull - Sybil has many, many personalities, and the screen ID's to match. Hiding and lurking, Sybil will finally find the perfect target, swoop in, and deposit crap on every thing in the message board. Mission accomplished, Sybil flies away cackling with glee, assuming a new personality/ID, and waits until the next opportunity to deposit more guano. Sybil always delights in leaving a stench behind, with the rest of the message board hollering 'Something Stinks in Here!"

sorry but Sybil

[poodlemum]

Just a general comment (and not in response to OP) but I wonder if those quick to accuse others of being nasty ever wonder how many experienced and knowledgeable people won't respond in threads because they don't support that OP's position and don't want to be accused of "bullying".

I do wish that people would hold newer posters to the same high standards they expect of the older members. I've lost count of the number of newbs (some looking to offload a dog) who've started a post looking for advice, not liked what they've got, have responded with personal insults and been encouraged to view themselves as "bullied". I can think of a really good example that I might go look for to illustrate the point.

Very true, Poodlefan, although you must admit that there ARE memebrs of this forum who seem to delight particularly in flaming, insulting & bullying people. I am one who was massively flamed in a thread I started about re-homing a dog. Eventually I asked for it to be removed, not because I was "sooking" but because it was getting completely pointless.