Posted by JenStar on September 3, 2004, at 17:10:04
In reply to Re: Being Compassionate » JenStar, posted by gardenergirl on September 3, 2004, at 1:35:38
hi gg,
thanks for your post! I think it's great that you followed your gut/heart with that student situation, and gave her a second chance, even though she didn't follow up herself. At least YOU did the right thing and probably (I'm guessing) slept better for it. The idea of the syllabus as a contract is interesting -- I never thought of it that way before. Cool concept.I do think it's wise to allow some "wiggle room" in most rule sets; without it we could end up in dangerous or nonsensical situations.
In this case, though, I'm OK with the rules as they are (and the results). I'd probably accept it if the general rules change, too, as long as the changes aren't too exotic and complex. (Who am I kidding...I like babble enough that I'd come here even if we had to start every post with the words "Purple elephant!")
I agree that when people all cluster to a topic it's usually from a genuine concern. But I also think there can be the lure of the bandwagon at play; people can sometimes feel compelled to be part of a movement or an uprising especially if things in 'real life' are stressful.
I'm making a parallel to my own life (and I know it's not fair to always extrapolate to "everyone" from "me", but it's a start!) -- I personally tend to respond to the curser/rude posts with my own venom when I'm feeling especially trodden upon, ignored, or incapable of saying how I really feel about stuff IRL. I believe that happens to others, too -- emotions and issues IRL can affect the type of response given here on babble. Sometimes things gain momentum and people get on board, working from strong emotions which are fired by other emotions they read in posts.
I also think that when people cluster to see an issues as "Dr. Bob vs XX poster" it can be a rebellion against the authority of Dr. Bob as the overseer, a desire to draw him out into deeper conversation or to have him show personal feeling/thoughts (which makes him into a peer), or to express frustration with the fact that although he runs this board and he's a doctor, he's unavailable for personal assistance.Just my 2 cents...(hopefully not said in an uncivil way!)
take care,
JenStar
poster:JenStar
thread:385696
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040902/msgs/386126.html