Posted by Racer on December 14, 2008, at 14:04:13 [reposted on December 15, 2008, at 11:07:44 | original URL]
In reply to Re: Orneriness not compatible with the boards. » Partlycloudy, posted by fayeroe on December 14, 2008, at 8:55:07
It's not that you can't *feel* ornery, or uncivil, or whatnot, and it's not that you must say "anything except positive things about fleas, flies and maggots" here.
What matters is expressing oneself in a way which is respectful to others.
I've been trying to come up with an example I can use to illustrate this point, but I think the principle is pretty simple: you can express many things without negatively characterizing alternate viewpoints.
I could say "only a moron puts the toilet paper roll in the holder with the end coming up from underneath," or I could say, "I really find it easier to use the toilet paper if the end comes over the top." One of those is a positive statement of my belief. The other is uncivil. That may be a very silly example, but I figured it was a safe one. (And if it is not, please excuse me.) The principle applies beyond silly examples, though.
And PartlyCloudy, I respect your decision, and hope that taking care of yourself and protecting yourself right now helps you feel better. It's difficult to see you in so much pain, and I very much hope it improves very rapidly.
poster:Racer
thread:868896
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20081003/msgs/868898.html