Why do Fodorites seem so rude to each other on this website?
Aug 22nd, 2005, 12:51 PM
#21
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stikkyb -- I think I posted something like this not too long ago. I am sometimes appalled at the level of animosity that goes along with being here. However, I do choose to ignore people who become argumentative to the best of my ability. I also think some of the causes are that a) it's a free service that is loosely monitored, so any moron can get on here and say what they want and b) being travel-related, politics and other sensitive subjects can be brought up in the course of conversation, resulting in a little mudslinging here and there.
I do try to answer people's questions, stay polite, but also stand my ground when people start in criticizing others, not just myself.
It is a unique board, and I do enjoy a spirited conversation, so I enjoy coming here. I'd just suggest growing a thick skin and ignoring the trolls.
Happy travels,
Jules
I do try to answer people's questions, stay polite, but also stand my ground when people start in criticizing others, not just myself.
It is a unique board, and I do enjoy a spirited conversation, so I enjoy coming here. I'd just suggest growing a thick skin and ignoring the trolls.
Happy travels,
Jules
Aug 22nd, 2005, 12:57 PM
#23
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And here's a favorite quote of mine I find more than occasionally useful (original source lost to memory, unfortunately):
"Some people go out the front door every day simply giddy with anticipation of being offended."
Fritzrl
"Some people go out the front door every day simply giddy with anticipation of being offended."
Fritzrl
Aug 22nd, 2005, 01:02 PM
#25
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Recently I've noticed an increase in people suggesting that others are being rude just because they don't agree with someone. Today there was also a post questioning why people get so defensive here. Well, one two people are expressing opposite opinions, don't you think it's only logical that each will "defend" or explain his position? That's what opinion type websites are for. Of course, there is a right and a wrong way to do it, and there's no need to turn it all into name calling -- but that usually only happens via a few trolls (or people who seem to have a special screen name they use just to be nasty with).
Regarding the 5 year old post mentioned in the original post above, if it's the one I'm thinking of, I only saw one poster do what I'd call "bashing her" for bringing up the old post. Several others asked why it was brought up (myself included) --asking for a reason is far from bashing.I think the main reason she was asked why it was brought back up after 5 years was because it was a particularly negative post which had already turned into some "name calling". One does have to wonder why it would be brought back up by someone who then seems surprised that when she agrees with the original post, people will still disagree with that viewpoint.
Regarding the 5 year old post mentioned in the original post above, if it's the one I'm thinking of, I only saw one poster do what I'd call "bashing her" for bringing up the old post. Several others asked why it was brought up (myself included) --asking for a reason is far from bashing.I think the main reason she was asked why it was brought back up after 5 years was because it was a particularly negative post which had already turned into some "name calling". One does have to wonder why it would be brought back up by someone who then seems surprised that when she agrees with the original post, people will still disagree with that viewpoint.
Aug 22nd, 2005, 01:03 PM
#26
Well StikkyB, I feel your post is rude, especially since it is the one and only thing you have ever "contributed" here. It is judgemental and you make sweeping generalizations based on two threads... both which I have read and participated on and found quite spirited BTW. Not to mention your post has nothing to do with travel (which you'll kindly remember is the purpose of this BB). What does your post contribute? Nothing. If you don't think your time here is well spent no one is forcing you to read or to post.
<Two respondents literally got into an argument within the thread>... omigod. really? now that is shocking. FYI this is an example of *humor* that i know will make at least some folks here laugh ;-)
<Two respondents literally got into an argument within the thread>... omigod. really? now that is shocking. FYI this is an example of *humor* that i know will make at least some folks here laugh ;-)
Aug 22nd, 2005, 01:06 PM
#27
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I have to disagree. I belong to various message boards and this *is* one of the better behaved. Sure, sure there are disagreements, but I've never seen a message board where this doesn't come up from time to time. IMHO, conflicts will arise when you have 1)different people from differet parts of the world with many varying backgrounds and beliefs and 2) you are using a written forum where tone and body language can not be determined.
I am not a worldly traveler (although I've traveled in the U.S. quite a bit). and I will be making my first trip to Europe in the Fall. So far all of my questions that I have posed to this board have been answered in a thorough polite manner.. and I've never been made to feel foolish for asking questions. If I come across a thread that is not to my liking, then I move on. My suggestion to you is instead of making your first post so negative, perhaps you should introduce yourself, ask a question and watch the information flow your way, or contribute to someone else's call for help.
I am not a worldly traveler (although I've traveled in the U.S. quite a bit). and I will be making my first trip to Europe in the Fall. So far all of my questions that I have posed to this board have been answered in a thorough polite manner.. and I've never been made to feel foolish for asking questions. If I come across a thread that is not to my liking, then I move on. My suggestion to you is instead of making your first post so negative, perhaps you should introduce yourself, ask a question and watch the information flow your way, or contribute to someone else's call for help.
Aug 22nd, 2005, 01:17 PM
#30
thanks elaine, the pleasure is mine.
<most of you must either be supreme snobs or socially inept>
Darn it all... I still can't decide which one I am. Another Fodors challenge in the making?
<most of you must either be supreme snobs or socially inept>
Darn it all... I still can't decide which one I am. Another Fodors challenge in the making?
Aug 22nd, 2005, 01:22 PM
#33
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It's no use StikkyB! There's no lemonade among these lemons.
Since we shouldn't be all "sugary", I'll just say, we must be dealing with a number of miserable old shut ins, who's only enjoyment is their cats (mostly likely 20) and making people who are not in their little click feel small. I'm surprised that they leave their cats alone long enough to travel anywhere!
So, go ahead and citizen the language, and quote your clever little quips, but I'll take enjoyment in the fact that it was guys like me that beat up nerds like you back in high school.
Is this where I should be clever and say "Now I'm done".
Since we shouldn't be all "sugary", I'll just say, we must be dealing with a number of miserable old shut ins, who's only enjoyment is their cats (mostly likely 20) and making people who are not in their little click feel small. I'm surprised that they leave their cats alone long enough to travel anywhere!
So, go ahead and citizen the language, and quote your clever little quips, but I'll take enjoyment in the fact that it was guys like me that beat up nerds like you back in high school.
Is this where I should be clever and say "Now I'm done".
Aug 22nd, 2005, 01:27 PM
#36
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<most of you must either be supreme snobs or socially inept>
Why "or"?
StikkyB, go to Africa or the Middle East: the people on that board are phenomenally kind and helpful.
There are a few crotchety/pedantic types here and some hotheads. Personally I prefer the hotheads as they're more amusing. But regardless, this board is helpful because there's so much good information coming from a wide variety of people.
And of course the fights are priceless.
I have a travel-related question that I was thinking of adding here, but why ruin a perfectly aimless thread?
Why "or"?
StikkyB, go to Africa or the Middle East: the people on that board are phenomenally kind and helpful.
There are a few crotchety/pedantic types here and some hotheads. Personally I prefer the hotheads as they're more amusing. But regardless, this board is helpful because there's so much good information coming from a wide variety of people.
And of course the fights are priceless.
I have a travel-related question that I was thinking of adding here, but why ruin a perfectly aimless thread?
Aug 22nd, 2005, 01:28 PM
#37
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As Canuck girl stated:
<I have posted questions and had mostly sincere responses. BUT some have implied I am an idiot because I didn't know. I appreciate all of the positive & informative answers I get back, but some posters just seem to want to advertise their "travel genius" by demeaning others opinions.>
That's it in a nutshell. From my observations there are quite a few "travel geniuses" on this board who spend more time critizing then helping. There is no doubt that some of us, (myself included) are envious that these travellers have been able to experience so much of the world, it's just to bad that some choose not to share that knowledge without a lot of BS attached.
<I have posted questions and had mostly sincere responses. BUT some have implied I am an idiot because I didn't know. I appreciate all of the positive & informative answers I get back, but some posters just seem to want to advertise their "travel genius" by demeaning others opinions.>
That's it in a nutshell. From my observations there are quite a few "travel geniuses" on this board who spend more time critizing then helping. There is no doubt that some of us, (myself included) are envious that these travellers have been able to experience so much of the world, it's just to bad that some choose not to share that knowledge without a lot of BS attached.
Aug 22nd, 2005, 01:29 PM
#38
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Stu,
Good grief what a stereotype!
Fodorites range in age from teenagers to people in their 90s.
Fodorites have many sorts of pets, or none at all.
And your comment "but I'll take enjoyment in the fact that it was guys like me that beat up nerds like you back in high school"... If this is what you call a source of enjoyment in your life, then I am quite sorry for you.
-A "non shut-in" fodorite poster in her 20s with dogs and cats
Good grief what a stereotype!
Fodorites range in age from teenagers to people in their 90s.
Fodorites have many sorts of pets, or none at all.
And your comment "but I'll take enjoyment in the fact that it was guys like me that beat up nerds like you back in high school"... If this is what you call a source of enjoyment in your life, then I am quite sorry for you.
-A "non shut-in" fodorite poster in her 20s with dogs and cats
Aug 22nd, 2005, 01:31 PM
#39
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Rex: that is one groovily named town you are from.
But back to the OP: I am now mad at myself for having apologized for offending someone who asked a question in a way that was not thought out, nor carefully put, nor even showing the least bit of knowledge about the destination they were inquiring about. I gave them an honest answer that was just a little sarcastic, but then, their question was dopey.
Anyway, they complained and I said I was sorry for offending them. I think perhaps that if they read this thread, they might realize that they were overly sensitive and a bit babyish. They certainly didn't take my little bit (and I mean little) of sarcasm very well.
Why ask a silly question if one isn't prepared to get a little guff in return? And then, ever apologetic as I am, I said I was sorry. I'm not entirely sure, but I think I lied.
By the way, without exposing the poster I'm referring to, their question was something very akin to "what is there to see and do at the Forum in Rome?"
But back to the OP: I am now mad at myself for having apologized for offending someone who asked a question in a way that was not thought out, nor carefully put, nor even showing the least bit of knowledge about the destination they were inquiring about. I gave them an honest answer that was just a little sarcastic, but then, their question was dopey.
Anyway, they complained and I said I was sorry for offending them. I think perhaps that if they read this thread, they might realize that they were overly sensitive and a bit babyish. They certainly didn't take my little bit (and I mean little) of sarcasm very well.
Why ask a silly question if one isn't prepared to get a little guff in return? And then, ever apologetic as I am, I said I was sorry. I'm not entirely sure, but I think I lied.
By the way, without exposing the poster I'm referring to, their question was something very akin to "what is there to see and do at the Forum in Rome?"
