Civility

[MNtraveler]

I've spent a lot of time on these forums in the last two days after being away for a while. It sure seems like people are getting more and more rude to each other. Snide and snotty responses seem to appear more and more. These of course generate nasty responses back.

What can we do to get back to being more civil to each other about a subject that is supposed to be FUN?

The admins shouldn't have to be deleting messages and warning users all the time.

Here's one example:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ge-148065.html

Here's another, starting with #61:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-147667-7.html

[RandK-M]

Unfortunately, this seems to be the case all over the internet these days and it's getting worse. Whether it's forums, social media, or comments on news articles, etc, people for some reason think it's okay to "speak" to others differently then they would if the person was standing in front of them. Anything having to do with politics seems to be the worst right now.

I even cringe sometimes when reading the light hearted "Things you see in an RV Park" topic. Some of the comments making fun of other peoples campers or vehicles are downright rude. I always wonder what if the photo that people are making fun of turns out to be a member. Some setups may not look nice or suit the taste of others, but if it's what the people like or can afford, etc, and isn't a danger, then it is what it is.

Some of the comments remind me of a bunch of school bullies standing around making fun of another kids clothes or whatever.

Ray

[ependydad]

Generally speaking, this is a seasonality thing: it's winter and sadly, this place gets uglier as it gets colder.

And, unfortunately- you have some personalities that just clash and mix about as well as oil and water. I've had my issues in the past. More recently- I'm really liberal with the "Ignore Person" and "Ignore Thread". The latter is an absolute God-send. I ignore a thread and promptly forget about it!

[Cowracer]

I can attest that the moderators (or at least a couple of them) watch things like a hawk. I can show you the list of times they jumped my butt over me being "less than nice" even when a sharp, pointed and "less than nice" answer was the best one for some sort of foolishness.

Tim

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Generally speaking, this is a seasonality thing: it's winter and sadly, this place gets uglier as it gets colder.

And, unfortunately- you have some personalities that just clash and mix about as well as oil and water. I've had my issues in the past. More recently- I'm really liberal with the "Ignore Person" and "Ignore Thread". The latter is an absolute God-send. I ignore a thread and promptly forget about it!

Ah yes winter is coming, . PS: somebody told me your a moderator now Doug is that true?..

[dwayneb236]

See it all the time. I will not ask a question here. Too many jerks think they're God's gift to RVing. It is a useful place though which is why I keep coming back. Lots to learn here if you can sift through the snark.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Witch Doctor

PS: somebody told me your a moderator now Doug is that true?..

Oh HELLS-TO-THE-NO. I'll never moderator a RV forum again. Too much babysitting grown adults.

I'd rather get a tongue tattoo!

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Witch Doctor

Ah yes winter is coming, . PS: somebody told me your a moderator now Doug is that true?..

Either that or a Vender! Bold Highlight is for Something! Youroo!!

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by youroo

Either that or a Vender! Bold Highlight is for Something! Youroo!!

Yup- bold for vendor for my site/blog learntorv.com.

[Iwannacamp]

I see snappy comments too. Most of the time these snappy answers are not intended to hurt feelings...I don't think. I have been accused of giving a short snappy answer and I assure you it was never intended that way. I have too much respect for others to be hateful unless some provocation is given. I have said before that people are different and try to add that in the equation when deciding if a response was intended to be hateful. Like Edad if needed I just try to ignore. Best policy.

[TheWolfPaq82]

Have there been people like that....YES ! Are there people like that...YES ! Will there be people like that...YES ! Haven't we all, at some time or another been that person ?...probably...YES ! We are all individuals, we all have opinions...just like we all have....you know whats...best we can do, lend a hand when a hand is needed, express an opinion, but expect others will not go along with it...then move on.

[timfromma]

I think most of the rude comments are really just an attempt at humor. Out here in internet land we don't have the ability to see the facial expression or the tone of voice of whomever we are communicating with which greatly increases the occurrence of misunderstandings.

[Scrapper]

If it's an attempt at humor then the author should use the emojis that are on the side of the reply panel when you click on the "Go Advanced" at the bottom of the quick reply.

I may be wrong, but I have gathered, by some of the comments, that those who use the smartphone app don't have that option. I know a lot of people use the app so you just have to be forgiving of some replies and the ones reading the posts need to read the whole post. I've seen many times that people will say "oh, sorry I missed that part".

Life's too short to get upset over the little things.

[Briorick]

Originally Posted by timfromma

I think most of the rude comments are really just an attempt at humor. Out here in internet land we don't have the ability to see the facial expression or the tone of voice of whomever we are communicating with which greatly increases the occurrence of misunderstandings.

So true! I agree that the internet can be a non-emotional communicating voice. Knowing the sound of another's voice and how they respond, react, or comprehend is essential to correct responding, but usually not something that is afforded to those of social forums. Usually an Avatar, or not, is the only depiction of the person.

Thankfully there are thousands of acronyms, and also Emoticons, that we can use ( and necessitated ) to depict and express our comments, humor, etc. We all like a good laugh! But, unfortunately in cyber world, we have to show it as well.

Without them, it's up in the air as to how another deciphers or conveys the intended / rec'd messages. Be it good , bad , or ugly . That's my .02.

[ManlyMan]

Civility is in the eye of the beholder. Some folks are just more sensitive than others. All I can say is, suck it up buttercup. Just kidding.

[Crabman]

Most of us who frequent forums just shrug it off. Its the newbies that can get easily scared off if they come for help and get lambasted right out of the gate.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by ManlyMan

Civility is in the eye of the beholder. Some folks are just more sensitive than others. All I can say is, suck it up buttercup. Just kidding.

I just did and it was not a pleasant taste or experience.

[Bluepill]

Those of us who grew up on "Father Knows Best" and "Ozzie and Harriet" have a very different worldview than those who grew up on Jerry Springer and conflict-ridden "Reality shows"

My Dad used to say "Civility is a very thin veneer covering a primal beast". Time has proven his wisdom.

[Platokidd]

Most of the time rude post are reported to the site team by our members. Don't know of any site team member who goes out looking for it. We would rather be helping others.
One thing you can count on is We take the "be nice" rule VERY seriously! We do not tolerate any rudeness.

[KFX450RXC]

I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE POST THEIR COMMENTS IN CAPS. IT'S AS IF THEY'RE YELLING AT PEOPLE.

In all honesty, I haven't been to that other more "mainstream" RV forum site since the CEO asked me not to shop in his businesses. I find I have rather enjoyed that because I always thought most folks there were by far the rudest of any forums I'm a member of. This forum is the best in my opinion.