[redwitch]

I like jokes, really I do. I like sarcasm even more. But why oh why the meanness? If you happen to think a question is dumb, how about resisting the urge to crack a joke -- at least until there have a few serious answers so that the poor OP has an answer or two?

I've seen this too many times lately. Fine, you've never heard of free legal advice? It does exist -- legal aid used to be available, not so much any more. Law schools frequently have clinics. Tort attorneys will at least tell you whether or not you have a case. Criminal attorneys will frequently give a quick piece of advice. Many of the law firms that advertise on television have attorneys on call just for quick questions and answers.

You think a question has been asked and answered. Fine, give the OP the link to the original thread but there's no need to imply they're being stupid by asking again.

Someone is a newbie and you think they're a troll? Give them the benefit of the doubt and see what progresses as people answer seriously. The motives of the OP will show up quickly enough.

You know when someone is sincerely praising a contractor (especially a landscaper) or when it is done for the OP to get a discount, an extended warranty, whatever, let it go and just ignore that post.

I really can see joking around AFTER a question has been answered or at least a few reasonable comments have been made, but why start out being cute? Do you really need the attention so much that you're willing to you hurt another? Is there such a need to prove how smart you are?

[ljarnold]

I agree completely.

[gomoho]

Redwitch - good advice which I think I can follow except when it comes to dog poop threads!!! Sorry had to say it.

But seriously I do think we need to work towards being a kinder, gentler community. Thanks for the reminder.

[jpharmat]

Well said!

[wereback]

I hope the ones that know who they are will listen

[Ecuadog]

Bingo

[Parker]

Big thumbs up. A little class goes a long way.

[DianeM]

It costs nothing to be nice so why be mean?

[queasy27]

Thanks, redwitch.

Personally, I think even the poo threads (dog or otherwise!) can be interesting. Not everyone has been reading TOTV for years or may not check in very frequently. Certainly the member who started the thread thought it was worth discussing. One person's troll is another person's neighbor making a sincere comment.

If Person X is tired of poo, so much the better! Less for Person X to read and get steamed about.

[anarick]

Originally Posted by redwitch

I like jokes, really I do. I like sarcasm even more. But why oh why the meanness? If you happen to think a question is dumb, how about resisting the urge to crack a joke -- at least until there have a few serious answers so that the poor OP has an answer or two?

I've seen this too many times lately. Fine, you've never heard of free legal advice? It does exist -- legal aid used to be available, not so much any more. Law schools frequently have clinics. Tort attorneys will at least tell you whether or not you have a case. Criminal attorneys will frequently give a quick piece of advice. Many of the law firms that advertise on television have attorneys on call just for quick questions and answers.

You think a question has been asked and answered. Fine, give the OP the link to the original thread but there's no need to imply they're being stupid by asking again.

Someone is a newbie and you think they're a troll? Give them the benefit of the doubt and see what progresses as people answer seriously. The motives of the OP will show up quickly enough.

You know when someone is sincerely praising a contractor (especially a landscaper) or when it is done for the OP to get a discount, an extended warranty, whatever, let it go and just ignore that post.

I really can see joking around AFTER a question has been answered or at least a few reasonable comments have been made, but why start out being cute? Do you really need the attention so much that you're willing to you hurt another? Is there such a need to prove how smart you are?

Spot on Redwitch

All it takes is common courtesy

[eremite06]

"Familiarity breeds contempt." This site has become too cliquish among the "regulars."

A real turnoff in my view.

[Buffalo Jim]

Thank You ! Thank You ! For taking the time to say what needed to be said .

The tendency of others to " jump " on a person who takes a " risk " of sharing a Post tends to make people hesitant to try to participate in this important and needed forum .

[JB in TV]

Agree 100%. In addition, I would hope that folks that read the first post in a thread, will take the time to read some of the replies, before just scrolling down and answering. It gets to be a bit much to see the same answer 7 or 8 times. Granted, it reinforces that the answer is accurate, but come on folks, please read the thread before posting your reply. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. :-)

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by redwitch

I like jokes, really I do. I like sarcasm even more. But why oh why the meanness? If you happen to think a question is dumb, how about resisting the urge to crack a joke -- at least until there have a few serious answers so that the poor OP has an answer or two?

I've seen this too many times lately. Fine, you've never heard of free legal advice? It does exist -- legal aid used to be available, not so much any more. Law schools frequently have clinics. Tort attorneys will at least tell you whether or not you have a case. Criminal attorneys will frequently give a quick piece of advice. Many of the law firms that advertise on television have attorneys on call just for quick questions and answers.

You think a question has been asked and answered. Fine, give the OP the link to the original thread but there's no need to imply they're being stupid by asking again.

Someone is a newbie and you think they're a troll? Give them the benefit of the doubt and see what progresses as people answer seriously. The motives of the OP will show up quickly enough.

You know when someone is sincerely praising a contractor (especially a landscaper) or when it is done for the OP to get a discount, an extended warranty, whatever, let it go and just ignore that post.

I really can see joking around AFTER a question has been answered or at least a few reasonable comments have been made, but why start out being cute? Do you really need the attention so much that you're willing to you hurt another? Is there such a need to prove how smart you are?

Excellent and well expressed post.........

[jrandall]

Well said. I try to abide by the Golden Rule. This can be a tremendous forum for all of us to share our questions, thoughts, concerns, and joyful events. I love TV because the majority of people I come in contact with are friendly, caring, helpful, and NICE! Let's not push away anyone.