It wasn't his that was deleted

In Reply to: Why was Joseph's recent post deleted? posted by Smithson Bennett III on July 25, 2002 at 11:25:36:

It was a response to something he wrote. It lacked the criteria for staying up on the board. If anyone feels strongly about something, there are ways to discuss it without crossing the line into personal attacks and/or getting mean spirited. The bulletin board is not a perfect medium of communication and has inherent weaknesses. Chances are always high something could be misunderstood or be taken out of context.

Here are some recommended tools:

• Give the person the benefit of doubt with "When you say ... do you mean?" or "You seem to be saying...", etc
  
• Feel what you feel but don't let it get out of control with "When you say such and such, it upsets me because..." or "I am getting irritated by your repeated statements about..."
  
• do not assume someone is purposely trying to offend you and talk from there. Instead of "F--k you (for saying this and that)", try "something that I find personally offensive is when you say..."
  
• Understand your own limitations and perspective, qualify it by saying, "In my opinion..." or "this is how I see it"
  
• Do not assume automatically that the nuance being expressed by someone is a negative one and implies that you are being slighted. Instead of "Oh excuse me! *puke* So you think we're poor pathetic SOBs then", try "It sounded like you were talking down to us, which would be pretty sickening to my stomach because..."
  
  
  
  I hope you catch my drift. Thanks "S.B. III"