[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by redwitch

I understand Annabelle's point. We do have a tendency to quickly dismiss a first-time poster who says something negative about TV, especially if it is about a crime of any type. We quickly become defensive if someone says something negative (think bond, IRS issues), even when there is some validity in the post.

The reality is crimes do occur here. Fortunately, most are of the minor category -- not minor to the victim, but minor in the overall scheme of things (no injuries, minor property damage ...). Yes, some people will do a post to simply try to ruin the reputation of TV and make it out to be something less desirable. Even so, their "reports" usually are something that easily could have occurred, if not based on some fact. Just because it is the first post by an individual doesn't mean it didn't happen or couldn't happen.

In this case, Promises started by saying it was a rumor, but wanted to give us a head's up anyway. (As to why extra care should be taken at sports pools, it is quite simple -- neighborhood pools don't have showers.) She wanted to know what we knew about this incident and to let us know there was a danger. Yes, her information was exaggerated. She never claimed to know the facts, just what she had heard and, like anything repeated, things get exaggerated.

Maybe we TVers should try changing tactics a little. Rather than automatically be suspicious, perhaps we should try to get to the truth of the post like caroline did. Let's not be so quick to dismiss a negative report. They do happen here.

Well said Red. Fair and balanced. I have taken it to heart.