M a t u r i t y *a n d* s n i p i n g = = = e O m = = =

This is something it is perhaps unreasonable to suggest, but I am making an appeal. I have hope that if I express this in a kind way, it may actually help create an interest in being more civil to each other, thereby fostering more of a community atmosphere. I am hoping the boards can become more consistently supportive of fellow members' interests, thoughts, and problems.

I understand that the anonymity of the boards encourages honesty and truth. But hiding behind even a user name alias gives some of us permission to return to the schoolyard bully mentality. I certainly love the kind of fun we often see here on the National Board. It is not my intent to make this into a touchy-feely women's group.

My concern is that members are more bold in attacking one another when they are not accountable for their rudeness or worse. I am wondering if some here would like to see a renewed effort to be more thoughtful and considerate. To perhaps not respond so impulsively, nor with knee-jerk judgement, and other self-centered reactions which have been common of late.

I thought of this now, because I have seen people get their feelings hurt because of my comments (although often it appears they may be missing my point).

I have lately seen kind of a disregard for the members who occasionally risk sharing something seriously important to them. Giving them a strongly-worded wake-up call may be kind, but droping grenades down their hatches, the arrogant condescention --- perhaps just because we can get away with it --- seems simply immature. It's likely not how we would snipe at each other at a meet-and-greet. And the spats are sometimes so third-grade-silly, it sort of brings down the value of the TER community.

Which I value. And want to perhaps inspire others to protect. It's not a crisis situation, but why not try to be better?

-- Modified on 4/4/2005 5:43:03 AM

-- Modified on 4/4/2005 5:43:50 AM