Holy smokes... I completely missed that thread. I was busy spreading sunshine and rainbows everywhere else, and becoming Sir Osisisisis's new mom.
In all seriousness, I do get tired of the bullcaca that flies in some threads. The recent Infiniti G37 review by James is a case in point. I won't mention any names, although the head-butting there was reasonably civilized.
One of the things I like about this board is its even-handed moderation. I've been on other boards where, if you stray ONE iota from the topic, your post gets deleted. If you try to quote someone else to rebut or argue, your post gets deleted. If you simply post a smiley or an ROFL, your post gets deleted. Granted, that's an extreme example, but it does exist.
James can't read every thread and be everywhere. Neither can I, although I try. If, as a denizen of this forum (and a stakeholder in the integrity of this board by virtue of being a member) you see something that really needs to be addressed, SAY SO! Just click on the "I don't like what this clown is saying" link at the bottom of the post, and call attention to it. James gets the note immediately.
Personal attacks and
ad hominem arguments, in the grand scheme of things, are completely unnecessary and should be avoided. But, we're all human, and sometimes it's difficult to control that impulse. I've fallen into that trap in the past (when we were much smaller), and am still working on biting my tongue some days. I'd like to think I'm getting better at it.
The more the membership grows, the more difficult it is to keep tabs on everyone and everything. I, for one, am proud of this forum, for the most part. Where I cringe is when I see those nasty name-calling exchanges. I am currently taking an evening class, and one of the rules of engagement is, "Criticize ideas, not people." I wish it was applied more evenly here, because I keep thinking about guests who read what's going before signing up. How many have we turned off?
We are an excellent resource for all things automotive in Canada (and the U.S., perhaps). I think we should all be proud of that, and maybe temper our responses to others with the idea that the whole world is watching -- including your kids, your families and your coworkers. One doesn't need to get nasty to make one's point. And, if the emotional temperature is too high, walk away or ignore the post/thread/member... whatever it takes.
I'm not sure what other solutions anyone may have, but I'd be interested in hearing other perspectives.
