((NOT REQUIRED READING, but sharing some thoughts)) Hey everyone, Just want to take some time to address some concerns the other admins and I are having regarding the page. This is not a lecture, but something weve all been noticing and we think you all have probably noticed as well. There seems to be a lot of aggression on our page lately and frankly, its causing some turmoil. Some people hate the tattoo pictures, others are posting, shall we say, very loosely related shark material and still others are posting things just to get people worked up into a feeding frenzy (pun intended). Also, we also have a lot of ego and nastiness infecting the page as well. Vulgarity/profanity for the sake of vulgarity/profanity and others being aggressive toward others opinions. Were all here for an Interest in sharks. While we may have different ideas of what that means and exactly how to go about it, it doesnt mean theres a need to force others to view things through your perspective. We can have debates or opinions without needing to find the perfect one. We can also be respectful in how we share information or challenge views. Proobably the most common thing I see is, Im so sick of.... Well, thanks for sharing your feelings, but theres no reason to get nasty about it. No reason to take out your frustration on others. There ARE solutions. #1 - dont always take things personally. Whether to are disagreeing with someone or they disagree with you...it doesnt need to be a fight - REGARDLESS of what they said. #2 - Everyone gets defensive. Even our own side of the shark debate has run ins with each other. Just realize that its Facebook and its a far from perfect forum. #3 - Everyone has a right to their opinion. Sure, it may not make sense to you, but its far better to try and share information about your perspective than to call names or refuse to let anyone else have any input. #4 - EVERYONE CAN BE WRONG! Its a bad day in my life when Im not wrong at least twice. Get over it. You learn more that way. ALSO, there is no need to rub it in someones face, either. Everyone hates that person who says HAHA - YOU WERE WRONG, I was right, so suck it! NEVER DOUBT ME AGAIN! Hell, Ill ban that person on general principle. #5 - No one knows everything. If they act like they do, then they are part of the problem. Anyone who cannot support their argument/statement, touts their education/experience OR sends you elsewhere to gather more information...usually means a) they dont know that information well enough to explain it, b) theyre too arrogant bother helping others and/or c) its also a way of dismissing others before they find out youre full of crap. They can always walk away, but some find it easier to prey upon the insecurities of others before they make a mistake. Ive seen it HUNDREDS of times (and it makes me laugh.) Anyone trying to disseminate information should know patience...if they dont then they are lousy educators and should be called out as such. An example - Ive never seen Carl Sagan, Neil Tyson or any of the great educators refuse a question unless it was personal. #6 - Dont feel them need to answer right away. Sometimes its easier to disengage your hands from the keyboard in order to get some perspective. I cant tell you how many times Ive written a response and walked away before hitting Enter and then came back to delete the message. I either follow that up with a calmer response OR sometimes I let it go (although its hard for me to let things go...Im stubborn in that respect, perhaps others are as well.). #7 - respect, Respect, RESPECT. If you cant be respectful to at least MOST other members then I suggest you leave now. You arent long for this page. We are keeping our eyes open for trolls and misanthropes. #8 - ASK QUESTIONS...its far better to ask a question than it is to get worked up. Ask someone to defend their view, or ask them to clarify OR just ask them what the context was. It can diffuse tension before it gets out of hand. #9 - If you post, realize there may be a few people who dont like what you post. We cant make everyone act like grown-ups...so have some thick skin...or at least thicker than an exposed nerve of anger waiting to transform you into a giant green beast! Hulks not needed here. GO SMASH ELSEWHERE! #10 - AND LAST for tonight (*applause*, YAY, Do you ever shut up?) Talk to the admins, report a post, express your issues before you do something stupid like get yourself banned for someone else being a jerk. You can HIDE posts, stop notifications, delete/edit your comments, etc. It doesnt have to turn into an all out brawl. Its also (God forbid) okay to agree to disagree. There are no points or winners here. Just people looking to share their knowledge, love and interest in sharks. Anyway, if you made it this far, you earned a special treat. Go grab a cookie, snack or drink. Thanks for listening/reading. We just want this group to be a place to educate, conserve and protect sharks. We hope youll hang in there with us. Thanks, -DS ((image: Dragon shark by Shiro Kuro))
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 03:37:35 +0000
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