Civility vs anononymity

Originally Posted by kenchan

you're WRONG.


how does that feel? not very good, whether you're right or wrong, still doesnt feel good to see that your post was stepped on. that's wat i mean.

that kind of behavior starts the flaming and trolling and meaninless back and forth. to have civil discussions you have to respect the other without slapping some label on their handle.

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

I get what you're saying. If it's something that there is no right or wrong answer, you're correct in that we should make sure we don't phrase things in absolutes. But if you tell me the best kind of oil for my car is cold pressed olive oil, I'll tell you you're flat out 100% wrong.

Originally Posted by kenchan

you're WRONG.


how does that feel? not very good, whether you're right or wrong, still doesnt feel good to see that your post was stepped on. that's wat i mean.

that kind of behavior starts the flaming and trolling and meaninless back and forth. to have civil discussions you have to respect the other without slapping some label on their handle.

Originally Posted by SurfDog

I have noticed from time to time, online in general, but specifically in this forum occasions of very severe troll-like behavior and harsh, critical attack posts.

Example:
Help guys....!! god bless you !!

Example: (not as harsh but one of mine... I was just trying to be helpful)
Diamond in the rough.

I do not claim to be an expert about what the purpose of this forum is, but I do know that for me, it is a place for:
1. Posting knowledge and questions about our awesome 370Zs
2. Setting up meets and track events with local forum members.
3. Admiring some great 370 builds.
4. engaging in a little light hearted social interaction.

Occasionally I run across posts that seem completely inappropriate, and I ask myself "Why would someone be so harsh?". Many time they do not even seem to have taken the time to try to read understand the post they are criticizing!

I'm certain that if a Troll were standing in front of me, or knew me at work, or was a friend of my family, or belonged to the same church, or even knew that I would see him from time to time in a real life setting, he would NEVER be so confrontational and insulting.

It is only by hiding behind the shield of anonymity that a troll is able to be so... bold? Is that even the right word. How about this confrontational without fear of consequence. In short it is cowardice and immaturity, and not worthy of the brotherhood of Z lovers.

I respectufully ask you ask yourself the following questions before you hit send on a post.

1. Would I say this to someones face if I knew them ,and they knew my mother.

2. Why am I posting? Is it to feel self important, or do I actually have something positive to contribute to the discussion and to my forum community.

3. Am I just trying to make myself seem smarter and more powerful by attacking an anonymous poster.

When I see someone get flamed for a question or perhaps uninformed opinion (of which we ALL have many) I feel sorry for the troll(s). I wonder what in there life is so painful that they need to lash out at strangers. I wonder why they are so insecure that they have to build themselves up by tearing down others. (which doesn't work by the way)

I wonder how we have as a "community" failed to show them that only positive interactions lead to any kind of progress as a group.

My belief is that if we all imagined ourselves to be standing toe to toe with those we engage in online conversation, we would be better, more effective, less asinine communicators.

Respectfully submitted for your consideration.

(Now watch as the flaming begins!)