I can only imagine how this is probably going to turn out, but I really have to say something. I ahve been reading on this site for a long time, and although I know I do not have near as many posts placed here, I have noticed an alarming trend on many threads. There aren't too many threads anymore where the subject matter is getting traded in for some petty little arguement between others and people just start "fighting" with each other. Although I know we are just typing here, you can just "feel" the attitudes.
What is up with this? I am not naive, but I really thought we were professionals and this was a place for a "commoradirary" of sorts.
Am I missing something here? I am not trying to start anything here either, it is just with the numerous instances I have seen this, I was wondering how many others feel this way too?
I was also under the impression that this was like "unacceptable" behavior as far as postings went and people weren't allowed to post rude threads.
Let me know what you think, I so invite comments, but please keep it nice.
A troll is a person who posts a thread such as "All nurses are stupid" in an attempt to get people riled up - if people read the post and recognize it as a trollers post, then they usually let it go by and don't respond. The problem occurs when people think the person is serious and not just trolling for flames. They respond and flame back, thereby starting a long tirade of back and forth flames...
A troll is someone that intentionally posts an inflammatory post just to see the fallout. They usually don't come back to post, just to watch from the sidelines.
However, in response the OP's post - All Nurses is moderated to try to provide a safe and courteous place for our members. We as moderators are a diverse group too. THat is why we collaborate on many threads in order to provide a balanced perspective.
It is always our intention to debate the subject, not the poster.
I think the over-all climate of our world is getting pretty rude. It is up to each of us as individuals to be mutually respoectful.
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
Christy,
I agree with you. Although I think Allnurses is better than the majority about this.
It always astounds me when some really seemingly lightweight subject turns into a free for all of politely couched rudeness.
I try to restrain myself from those threads although occasionally I do have to respond when I feel someone is really coming down on someone else who does not deserve it.
That said - they do a great job of moderating here and it really is better then 90% of other forums I have sampled.
It is a thin line between moderating and discoouraging lively discourse of many differing opinions. I would hate for them to suppress the discourse as I have occasionally even changed my viewpoint after a good pro or con debate on a subject.
I find these varying perceptions interesting. I'm of the opinion that this forum is a safe-haven on the internet. I think it's quite civil and productive. Compared to most forums on the internet, this place is heaven. I've been to aol and yahoo message boards and I felt like taking a shower when I left.
I do tend to be blunt sometimes and have to remind myself that words on a screen do not always telegraph my intent or attitude accurately.
I agree, I think that's my problem too. I have a tendancy to run off at the mouth, go tit for tat, and make multiple posts (like I'm doing now) and people interpret that as being agrumentative at times. :)
I've been on some wicked groups before, and this one seems like a meeting of Mother Theresa's to me.
Also, even though people think it's gotten worse, it's actually gotten better. When I first joined it was a lot worse than it is now. I remember vividly a thread "who is the most annoying person at Allnurses" and felt like a schoolboy watching another kid get bullied. Eventually the mods cracked down, causing a big stink in the process and lots of people got upset and quit. It was an ugly time. In the end it was a kinder and gentler Allnurses, even though many people would disagree with that.
It is a thin line between moderating and discoouraging lively discourse of many differing opinions. I would hate for them to suppress the discourse as I have occasionally even changed my viewpoint after a good pro or con debate on a subject.
I agree. People can disagree without being disrespectful.
I remember vividly a thread "who is the most annoying person at Allnurses"
Gee whiz! Now that's rude. :)
I can relate to what you're saying though, Tweety, about being sometimes thought argumentative. I generally stay away from controversial threads (in general I don't like any thread greater than one page long - what else can possibly be said?) but there are a few hot button issues where I feel compelled to post - and continue posting - until the other posters submit to the undeniable truth, which is, of course, that I am correct. :)
Specializes in Happily semi-retired; excited for the whole whammy.
Like PeachPie said, this is a web forum. There are thousands upon thousands of people posting here. That many different personalities and life experiences together is bound to create some kind of drama here and there. Many of these posts are started as either questions or vents. With the question posts, there are going to be many, many different opinions. And everybody always wants to be right, so you'll have debates going on. With venting posts, you're already going to have emotions running wild.
Another thing with the internet is that sarcasm is very hard to understand when it's typed instead of spoken. People might take something seriously that was meant to be light hearted or a joke. It's a common problem with the internet.
Go to ANY internet forum out there. ANY OF THEM. Forums for TV shows, books, movies, sports, careers, health, etc. In ALL of them you're going to find arguments and hurt feelings from time to time. It's just the nature of the internet.
This is a VERY VERY active message board full of passionate people.
Actually, this site is pretty tame for the most part.
Yes, there are some that just like to start a fight....and I for the most part avoid those posters...or make a positive comment and try to put out the fire...doesn't work usually...but I try:uhoh21:
Not to say that I don't like a good constructive argument....because I certainly do!! If it is something I feel passionately about...hehe, I'll give you my opinion. I can disagree with someone's opinion....that is why it is called an opinion....but I try to do so without belittling the other poster.
And on a sidenote.....HEY TWEETY!! Glad to see you back from hiatus:monkeydance:
And on a sidenote.....HEY TWEETY!! Glad to see you back from hiatus:monkeydance:
A hiatus from the internet is sometimes what I have to do. Sort of like, if you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen type of thing. I've done it several times over the years, although this one was one of the shorter ones. The longest I've made was about 2 months.
Yes, there has been a certain nastiness spring up lately. I don't know if its the heatwave, the time of year that students get their results or acceptance letters or if its the full moon.
What I do object to is the almost obscene pm's that posters will send when you have an opinion that they disagree with.
gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP
1,622 Posts
A troll is a person who posts a thread such as "All nurses are stupid" in an attempt to get people riled up - if people read the post and recognize it as a trollers post, then they usually let it go by and don't respond. The problem occurs when people think the person is serious and not just trolling for flames. They respond and flame back, thereby starting a long tirade of back and forth flames...
Just be alert for trollers or "trolls"