Qortra Matthias (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} qortra) wrote,@ 2004-03-21 13:27:00 |
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Now read this.
I have noticed a very bad trend among blogs that I read, especially those at Live Journal. Often, when people are faced with a counter-argument or a differing opinion, they choose to respond by flaming, mocking, deleting another's post, or otherwise prematurely ending the debate without graciously responding to the argument. I notice this in others because I have occasionally been guilty of this myself. However, here are a few things to consider before taking a negative action like that.
Do you consider your position so weak that it cannot withstand debate? Certainly, people may use their blog however they wish, but perhaps if one chooses to allow commenting on their blog, they should be prepared to back their opinions.
If you continue doing this, you will notice that people stop disagreeing with you. This could be misinterpreted as respect, but I assure you, it is not. In fact, it is avoidance, and it is the seed that eventually grow to alienate not only your enemies, but also your friends.
So please, if you are going to state a controversial opinion (and I do believe it is often important and necessary to do so), please be prepared to respond to criticism with logic, patience, and decency.
I have noticed a very bad trend among blogs that I read, especially those at Live Journal. Often, when people are faced with a counter-argument or a differing opinion, they choose to respond by flaming, mocking, deleting another's post, or otherwise prematurely ending the debate without graciously responding to the argument. I notice this in others because I have occasionally been guilty of this myself. However, here are a few things to consider before taking a negative action like that.
Do you consider your position so weak that it cannot withstand debate? Certainly, people may use their blog however they wish, but perhaps if one chooses to allow commenting on their blog, they should be prepared to back their opinions.
If you continue doing this, you will notice that people stop disagreeing with you. This could be misinterpreted as respect, but I assure you, it is not. In fact, it is avoidance, and it is the seed that eventually grow to alienate not only your enemies, but also your friends.
So please, if you are going to state a controversial opinion (and I do believe it is often important and necessary to do so), please be prepared to respond to criticism with logic, patience, and decency.
