Wording and Tone Advice

[Ex-Dragoon]

Sometimes we get an idea that we must post right away because its the greatest idea of all time. Then all of a sudden its shot full of holes and we get p1ssed and we may get snarky back. Happens to the best of us. Now how do we avoid this?
1) If you have an idea, phrase it as a question. Especially if you have no experience in that area.
2) If someone is answering your points and they are shooting your idea down. Its hard not to be defensive but check where they are coming from. They might be experienced in the topic you wish to address.
3) Sometimes the tone seems to be one of annoyance. This is your que to check and see if this topic or a similiar topic has already been addressed. Yeah it suck to search sometimes but it also sucks to answer and address the same points over and over again.
4) Most members here will happily discuss your ideas if you pose them in the correct manner. If you have come off as all knowing even if you do not have a clue, your topic has been doomed from the very start.
I will add more as they come up

 

[IN HOC SIGNO]

Maybe folks should check their own knee jerk responses too. Some people can get very defensive and offended when the intent of the other was not to p you off but either to be sarcastic or funny. It's also very easy to mis-interpret the intent of the other as you can't see facial expression or hear tone of voice. Asking for clarification can sometimes avoid mis-understandings.

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

Also a good point

 

[Mike Bobbitt]

1) If you have an idea, phrase it as a question.

1) If you have an idea, why not phrase it as a question?



Sorry, couldn't resist.

All kidding aside, thanks for posting the advice Ex-D. I think we can all benefit from a breather once in a while.

 

[observor 69]

The enjoyment I take from this site is in the healthy exposure to a variety of opinions.
From a vigorous but informed debate. If this acceptance of opposing opinions, the willingness to allow an opinion you strongly disagree with to be heard is stifled the quality of the site and it's readers suffer.

"Self-censorship" will start to occur. Site members will refrain from presenting an opinion or thought for fear of being jumped on.

 

[Mike Bobbitt]

I don't think anyone is saying that we have to stifle our opinions, but there are bad, good and better ways to get your point across without evoking rage in the readership.

 

[Michael OLeary]

Agreed, there's a big difference between:

"I was talking to some people about this, and I think Canada should have a million-man army and fly Harriers from nuclear powered carriers.  Then the world would respect us."

And these questions in the appropriate boards:

"Seeting aside politics, what prevents us from having a couple of fully manned Divisions in the Army?"

and ...

"This is way outside my lane, but I was wondering what it would take for our Navy to be able to operate a nuclear powered carrier.  How large would the Navy have to be to sustain that type of vessel?"

 

[vonGarvin]

FWIW: one self control measure I use when I find myself glaring at the keyboard is to type up a "healthy" response.  Then I walk away from the computer, talk to friends, maybe open another webpage and surf some mortar pr0n, tank pr0n, or whatever.  Then I read what I type.  If I get riled up reading what I typed, I delete it.


(I haven't always done this, but I try to do so now.  Makes me feel MUCH better when I don't respond than if I do....)

 

[Mike Bobbitt]

I've done the same, which is probably why I'm still employed.

I should also point out that Ex-D's comments apply right down the line, from new users to senior members to Staff. It's as easy for a Staff member to lock a thread out of annoyance as it is for a new member to post with little or no searching. A bit more tolerance on all sides will go a long way to keeping Army.ca interesting and pertinent to a wide audience.

 

[GAP]

Coming from a different country's forces and not being familiar with a lot of the organization and terminology of the CF, I have found that if I ask for clarification on a point, I have seldom been dogpiled. There are times when I have to pause and rephrase the question or point, when all I want to do is tell them to STFU, but I have found that the pause helped me, not the other guy.

Probably one of the biggest elements that helps me, is going back and rereading what was posted.

my 1 cent, I need the other