[ARC5] Internet forum fights

[W6ph at aol.com]

It is very easy to misinterpret written communication and it can  sometimes
evoke these message "battles".  There is an art to what some  people
have called "Irish diplomacy", the ability to tell someone to go to hell  
and 
have them look forward to the trip.  It is possible  to critique without 
being offensive.  That is the "art".
 
Many times my opinion of someone has changed when I met them
in person and found them to be great people notwithstanding that
their written messages had made me think of them as complete
jerks.
 
It is possible to be critical without being confrontational.  Most  of
us monitor these lists to learn from other's experiences.  The  resource
of knowledge out there is immeasurable and is valuable.  There  is
no need to demean someone else's experiences that may be at
variance with your beliefs.  There is more than one way to get  from
point A to point B, some better than others but they all get you
there.
 
Keep the information flowing.  Thanks to everyone.
 
                                   73, Kurt, W6PH
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 12/17/2009 5:41:13 P.M. Morocco Standard Time,  
arc5-request at mailman.qth.net writes:

In the  last year or so, 
I've noticed that people on this and other lists
are  getting.... testy.  They take offense easily,
start fights over  trivialities, 
and generally treat each other  roughly.