Posted by michael on August 20, 2000, at 20:18:46
In reply to Re: Counterpoint...no board babysitters., posted by Steeler Tookahn on August 20, 2000, at 15:57:10
I do understand the compassion & empathy that motivates the desire to reply - I feel it myself...
Two possible alternatives... Perhaps writing directly to the injured party, to offer support (if their address is posted)...
Or at least offerng the support in a different/new thread, & as tempting as it may be, NOT attacking/acknowledging/rebutting the 'offending' poster (ie: with-holding any 'attention' that might encourage further 'uncivil' posts/behavior)... ?
At the risk of saying too much... I still believe that the key to this type of issue is: if one replies to these antagonistic messages - regardless of the motivation - one needs to assume some of the responsibility for that thread (& for encouraging the initial poster)... I know that issues like this are not strictly black & white... It's just my opinion. I'm done - no more preaching.
> > Well stated Michael. It's just that the urge to respond is sometimes so strong.....
> > - Cam
>
> True. The urge to respond is even stronger when someone else is being hurt. One feels compelled to let the abused know they are not deserving. It's hard to let other's pain go unanswered. It's human nature.
poster:michael
thread:43275
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000811/msgs/43410.html