Thanks for the support and opposition

[Jules A, MSN]

It always puzzles me when I see posters who come unglued after receiving opposing opinions to their threads. To me the beauty of an open forum is to hear the good, bad and ugly especially if you are trying to make an important decision. I'd urge anyone who only posts for cyber hugs and support to list that in their title so those posters who might want to encourage a different line of thinking don't waste their time.

What I personally have found is sometimes the opposite opinions actually have an interesting perspective. When a particular poster really irritates me I try to explore what exactly is causing such a strong reaction on my part. Some times I conclude the poster is just a twit but the truth is more often than not there is something I need to adjust on my end and I have learned important things from other members who have annoyed me. Try keeping an open mind. :)

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

^^^ This, and the people who want advice, but not really!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Agreed. My favorite (insert eye roll) posters are the ones who float some really impossible plan ("I have three felonies, but plan to become a nurse, and here's how I'm going to make them admit me and allow me to take NCLEX..") but then insert the caveat "No negative posts, please!"

Oy.....

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

Get off my thread.

[caliotter3]

And don't forget withholding pertinent information until the OP can use it to lamblast somebody who took the courtesy, time, and effort to present a thoughtful reply based upon the information provided in the original post.

[SmilingBluEyes]

My thing is, if you don't want a bunch of opinions, some of which are bound to disagree or offend, then don't post your business on a public form. Whether allnurses or facebook, keep it to yourself if you can't handle the heat.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

I think your ability to withstand opposing viewpoints increases the longer you post.

Kind of like growing a callous.

I once posted a question that really wasn't a question. I was absolutely convinced I was right and I just wanted everybody else to agree. It was humbling when every single respondent disagreed with me. After recovering from my anger, I admitted I was wrong.

Not everybody can move from an entrenched position and see another POV. Not everybody wants to.

It's not such a bad thing. Those kind of threads are highly entertaining. I sometimes wonder if that's what the poster was after all the time.

[TitusNoir]

I think your ability to withstand opposing viewpoints increases the longer you post.

Kind of like growing a callous.

Totally agree. I am obviously a novice poster here, but have years of....experience (?) posting on a Broadway message board. Almost 10 years of virtually socializing with old theater queens and you grow a thick skin. You nurses have got nothing on them :lol: I also always browse on forums before I start posting to get a feel for the community and see if it's somewhere I would like to offer my thoughts and opinions and ask others for theirs.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I personally would LOVE to hear about the old theater queens!

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

I personally would LOVE to hear about the old theater queens!

Me too--awesomeness!!

[Emergent, RN]

I need advise. My nursing instructor told me that if I miss another clinical, I'll be out of the program. But, my birthday is coming up and my boyfriend wants to take me to Las Vegas. I'm really feeling threatened and bullied by that woman. Should I report her to the head of the program? My boyfriend says I should get a lawyer.

I need your support here, no negativity wanted!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I need your support here, no negativity wanted!

Ah, yes. Don't you just love the ones who are only on the hunt for cheerleaders, nodders, yes-people, and PollyAnna well-wishers to feed them exactly what they want to hear? Dissenting opinions are shouted down as 'disrespectful' or 'mean' or 'negative,' regardless of how respectfully they were presented.