Wow.
Just.... wow.
I'm so sorry to see this. It does no one any good to be so disrespectful. It is quite possible to state the harm that is being done in a way that may be helpful, rather than being likely to cause harm.
And yes, for whoever asked the question, it is possible for people to speak to each other respectfully while dealing with these issues. It happens on MB sometimes. And sometimes it doesn’t. I, too, would like to see more moderation in this area.
As for whose opinion counts? Well,
this thread answers that. It is a policy statement by Tempest. (I’m not sure there’s anyone who wouldn’t know, but just in case, Tempest is the forum administrator and has final say on such matters.) Here is the full text of Tempest’s original post.
There have been a number of complaints about many threads on this forum where people feel that their opinions are being disrespected. This is troubling to me, because I've always felt that everyone's opinion should be respected.
It has become SO troubling to me of late that I felt the need to post this message to every member of this forum - newbie, lurker, old-timer alike - I don't care how many posts you've made, if this is your very first, or how much you know or do not know about MB, this message is for all of you: RESPECT ONE ANOTHER. If you disagree with someone's opinion, state it politely and without condescension or malice - or do not state it at all.
An opinion (a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty) does not have to be based in fact, nor backed up by any. Opinions are completely subjective. If you think someone's opinion is ridiculous, that's your prerogative, but it is NOT anyone's right to be rude (ill-mannered; discourteous) and/or condescending (to deal with people in a patronizingly superior manner) about it.
***Edited***
And if you are in question about whose opinion counts, remember: MINE is the one that counts [MOST] here.
(The edits were in the original.)
I like Tempest’s policy a lot. I’d like to see it followed a whole lot more.
