Keys to productive internet discussions

[MathGeek]

Originally Posted by meaux fishing

I don't feel like every time I post I need to let everybody know how smart I am

Isn't this what is happening when discussions degenerate to every post trying to come up with a better insult than the last?

I apologize if my posts have come across poorly. I'm a MathGeek, not a communications expert. I am working on improvement and appreciate input.

I think we can all do a few things to improve:

1. Stop the insults and stop repeating past transgressions of others. These generate all heat and no light.

2. Take the time to patiently explain once again subtle points that may have been missed by new participants.

3. Be quick to overlook offenses and do not ascribe to malice that which may be attributable to more pure motives.

4. Keep the discourse to facts and do not stoop to judging the motives of others.

[LPfishnTIM]

Originally Posted by MathGeek

Isn't this what is happening when discussions degenerate to every post trying to come up with a better insult than the last?

I apologize if my posts have come across poorly. I'm a MathGeek, not a communications expert. I am working on improvement and appreciate input.

I think we can all do a few things to improve:

1. Stop the insults and stop repeating past transgressions of others. These generate all heat and no light.

2. Take the time to patiently explain once again subtle points that may have been missed by new participants.

3. Be quick to overlook offenses and do not ascribe to malice that which may be attributable to more pure motives.

4. Keep the discourse to facts and do not stoop to judging the motives of others.

I can agree, overcoming pride and prejudice on the internet, doesn't happen easily! the facts are anyone can write just about anything without real consequences of there actions. I think people really do show some of there character on the internet, which in real life people may never question there integrity.

[Garfish]

Originally Posted by LPfishnTIM

I can agree, overcoming pride and prejudice on the internet, doesn't happen easily! the facts are anyone can write just about anything without real consequences of there actions. I think people really do show some of there character on the internet, which in real life people may never question there integrity.

Well said Tim
Like I tell my students and players all the time .....
"character = what you do and how you act when no one is looking"

[meaux fishing]

Originally Posted by MathGeek

Isn't this what is happening when discussions degenerate to every post trying to come up with a better insult than the last?

I apologize if my posts have come across poorly. I'm a MathGeek, not a communications expert. I am working on improvement and appreciate input.

I think we can all do a few things to improve:

1. Stop the insults and stop repeating past transgressions of others. These generate all heat and no light.

2. Take the time to patiently explain once again subtle points that may have been missed by new participants.

3. Be quick to overlook offenses and do not ascribe to malice that which may be attributable to more pure motives.

4. Keep the discourse to facts and do not stoop to judging the motives of others.

I apologize, I did not word that post correctly. What I meant to say was, it is obvious you are an academic. I have relatives who are professors at various universities and they over explain things all the time because that is what they are used to doing in academia. I did not mean to come across as insulting you

[MathGeek]

Originally Posted by meaux fishing

I apologize, I did not word that post correctly. What I meant to say was, it is obvious you are an academic. I have relatives who are professors at various universities and they over explain things all the time because that is what they are used to doing in academia. I did not mean to come across as insulting you

I didn't take it as an insult, but more as friendly advice. I am guilty as charged for over explaining.

But I hope no one reads my comments in this thread as encouragement to be more academic.

My intention in this thread is to encourage folks not to write things that they would not say in front of their pastor, priest, or rabbi. I'm advocating for more kindness and respect. Did not someone important once say, "Anyone who says 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fires of hell."

[simplepeddler]

Originally Posted by MathGeek

I didn't take it as an insult, but more as friendly advice. I am guilty as charged for over explaining.

But I hope no one reads my comments in this thread as encouragement to be more academic.

My intention in this thread is to encourage folks not to write things that they would not say in front of their pastor, priest, or rabbi. I'm advocating for more kindness and respect. Did not someone important once say, "Anyone who says 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fires of hell."

Now that there I can understand my brother!!

All I really needed to know I learned in kindergarten, right?

[ckinchen]

Originally Posted by MathGeek

I didn't take it as an insult, but more as friendly advice. I am guilty as charged for over explaining.

But I hope no one reads my comments in this thread as encouragement to be more academic.

My intention in this thread is to encourage folks not to write things that they would not say in front of their pastor, priest, or rabbi. I'm advocating for more kindness and respect. Did not someone important once say, "Anyone who says 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fires of hell."

No worries MathGeek. Like you my "real job" is a very technical profession, I have to interpret new SEC rulings, and other matters most people could care less about. When I get on this site it is more like being at the camp with the guys for me. I do appreciate all of your very meaningful well thought out posts. I get 300 emails a day and I am in and out of the site all of the time so sometimes I just do not have time to read the longer posts.

Thanks for your efforts and for trying to keep our site family friendly and productive.