Has anyone noticed...

[sandragonfly]

reggie, don't worry about it. this same thing had happened to me when I was first all new to here - they even thought I was a backyard breeder back then. eep, way way opposite of who I am/was.

like k9soul said about the good/bad expectations and gini about how you make it out you want it to be - I too have learned that there are not much in the world you can change and no matter what you have said or who you are - only good people will know the true of you. guess who I was taught that from?

well, you know, I've been seeing replies in my threads the same since I joined; they'll always be who they are, said by means or not. and unfortunately, since how some threads and members have had been, people have their own reasons why they're very sensitive with newbies - hard I know because you didn't find negativity when they put that in your threads, but, just wait until you make a few friends and you'll know by heart.

[smokey the elder]

This is a community of several hundred "regulars" and a bunch of assorted visitors (fat fingers; can't type) ...

Several hundred points of view, lots of potential for entropy. But there is surprisingly little, compared to other forums I've lurked on. Try a Yahoo! stock message board if you want some REAL flame wars.

I've belabored this in the past, but the written word is our only means of communication among the multi-dimensional communication spectrum available to humans. Emoticons only help so much! I.e. the much maligned " "...

I think if there's a specific individual you have an issue with, take it offline to a PM. This can prevent virtual foot-in-mouth disease!

[Lady's Human]

Just one thing to add to what Smokey said:

If someone takes an issue to PM, and you have an issue with it, take it up with the Mayor. DO NOT take the PM public.

If you have an issue with a poster, discuss it with the mayor. No need for publicly calling someone a troll. It does no good, it just creates conflict.

If you feel the need to question the veracity of a post, just remember, tact is a wonderful thing. (Which I sometimes lack, but I try)

[Jessika]

Just one thing to add to what Smokey said:

If someone takes an issue to PM, and you have an issue with it, take it up with the Mayor. DO NOT take the PM public.

If you have an issue with a poster, discuss it with the mayor. No need for publicly calling someone a troll. It does no good, it just creates conflict.

If you feel the need to question the veracity of a post, just remember, tact is a wonderful thing. (Which I sometimes lack, but I try)

And also, theres a "report post" function for a reason, make good use out of it. You can even type in a message and it goes directly to Karen. This comes in handy when someone makes a post that is just out of control, a troll, or has obscene content. So instead of making a public ordeal out of it, just report it and it will be brought to Karen's attention.

[Taz_Zoee]

Lots of good responses on this topic.
I just wanted to add one thing I have noticed.
People read things differently. One person may type it in one tone of voice while another may read it in another tone of voice. Does that make sense? It's all in how the reader reads the post.
I personally think PT was a little harsher a few months ago. But I've only been here about 6 months (wow, it seems like SOO much longer). I love PT and if I don't like how a thread is going I either won't read it or just won't go back to it again.

Can't we all just get along? LOL

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Group hug!!!

You lot make everything worthwhile because you all care so passionately

[ratdogg]

*joins group hug*

seriously I think the most incredible thing i've read in awhile comes from k9soul:

The fact is life is constantly changing, people are constantly changing, new members come, older members fade, the dynamics of any community are always changing. Enjoy the good things about the present I say, rather than lamenting how things "used to be." Because no matter where you are in life, things will always change, things will never stay exactly the same, and you will spend a lot of time unhappy if you can't embrace the change and look at the good side of things rather than dwell on the bad, and wish for the past.

this is SO true in what I've noticed about life. Not just my one month here on PT but my 25 years of being stuck on this planet. Things change. What was once terrific fades and something new comes along. I used to wish for the past and it brought me nothing but sadness. Enjoying the present is how I get through each day.

*hands out random smiley faces*