Civility; and staying on topic in Basic

[MichaelMc]

I'm fairly new here, but I understand the basic scuba forum has special rules. Today there was a thread in it about some first wetsuit dives by a new member after having learned in drysuit only expressing the joy and freedom of those wetsuit dives, Deleted.

That thread had a side discussion that generated acrimony. After the mods pruned the acrimony, the remains of it are now here, Why dive in a quarry? Should you log them

The originator of the first thread appears to no longer be on scuba board. Her profile is blank. Her posts in the new wet thread are all blank, her posts elsewhere are not blank, so my guess is she asked to leave and for her posts in the new wet thread be erased. I would consider that a bad result. She, a new member, showed spunk and interest in learning to dive well.

I hope we can do better. This an't how my momma raised me...

(edit for spelling and clarity)

 

[guruboy]

She self edited her posts. You can edit for the first 24hrs

 

[Patoux01]

Damn it. I just felt it would go to hell when someone asked if she logged her quarry dives...

Come back @Marie13

 

[Diving Dubai]

I had a PM from @Marie13 telling me she was taking a break, because of this. I didn't see teh actual posts and I guess there can always be two sides.

However I've exchanged PM's with Marie over a decent length of time and have always found her to be enthusiastic, enquiring and a good listener. I'd be sad to see her leave permanently, at least we have exchanged email and connected on Facebook so we don't lose touch

 

[Storker]

Some folks just aren't able to comprehend the Special Rules for Basic Scuba. It seems a bit weird to me that something as clear-cut as this:

This forum is intended to be a very friendly, "flame free zone" where divers of any skill level may ask questions about basic scuba topics without fear of being accosted. Please show respect and courtesy at all times. Remember that the inquirer is looking for answers that they can understand. This is a learning zone and consequently, any off-topic or overly harsh responses will be removed. This forum is not open for threads offering goods or services.

is impossible to understand. But that's the way it is with Internet warriors. It's way too easy to behave like a <three-letter synonym for donkey, beginning with an "a"> behind a keyboard, and some just can't resist the urge.

Combine that with the fact that the moderators are volunteers who can't be expected to be vigilant 24/7, and we sometimes end up with situations like this. I hope that those who just had to crap in @Marie13 's thread are happy with what they have achieved. I'm not.

The forum has an option to ban users from certain forums. I hope the current mod corps will take a good look at those who took the opportunity to show their self-perceived superiority in Basic Scuba, and consider if that tool should be appropriate.

 

[HantsDiver]

Damn it. I just felt it would go to hell when some idiot asked if she logged her quarry dives...

Come back @Marie13

If that's an example of civility then I live in a different universe.

In response to the thread, I do think people (including myself a lot) could be more civil. I think we could all think about how we would speak to people in real life and echo it on here.

However... there are some cultural differences. If I said "total rubbish" that is what I'd say in real life to someone on a boat or in the pub. It's a humorous way of saying you don't agree with someone. No one would take offense where I'm from at it. That can sometimes come across the wrong way on the internet - and I certainly need to remember that. I do hope people don't end up worrying too much about how they phrase things wanting to be professional at all times.

I also think some people need to grow a thicker skin and not take things so personally. Asking a question should elicit an answer rather than being seen as an attack. If someone says something you disagree with then it's not an attack on you or your diving. It's an opinion. If we were all the same it would be very boring. People need to lighten up and remember that this diving stuff is meant to be fun.

 

[Storker]

If I said "total rubbish" that is what I'd say in real life to someone on a boat or in the pub. It's a humorous way of saying you don't agree with someone. No one would take offense where I'm from at it. That can sometimes come across the wrong way on the internet - and I certainly need to remember that.

Something to ponder:

When I'm at the pub with friends, I can tell a good friend of mine that he's talking rubbish, and he won't take offense. Because he knows me and my style, and because of the social setting and the fact that my body language moderates my spoken language.

When I'm on an Internet board with a bunch of people whom I don't know, and who don't know me, without the aid of body language and social setting moderating my written language, telling someone that they're talking rubbish usually won't go down very well.

Strange, huh?

 

[HantsDiver]

Something to ponder:

When I'm at the pub with friends, I can tell a good friend of mine that he's talking rubbish, and he won't take offense. Because he knows me and my style, and because of the social setting and the fact that my body language moderates my spoken language.

When I'm on an Internet board with a bunch of people whom I don't know, and who don't know me, without the aid of body language and social setting moderating my written language, telling someone that they're talking rubbish usually won't go down very well.

Strange, huh?

I agree with you. Which is why I said I need to remember that. I'm coming at this from the perspective of someone who does need to think about what I say sometimes.

 

[Storker]

Too bad you didn't get that revelation earlier.

 

[HantsDiver]

Too bad you didn't get that revelation earlier.

You do realize it wasn't me who asked if quarry dives should be logged don't you? My contribution was me saying that I didn't think quarry dives were good and then saying someone should apologize for personal attacks and foul language.

I'm not sure where the animosity is coming from. But if I've done something to upset you then feel free to PM me and I'll apologize if I'm in the wrong. Rather than letting this very useful thread descend into bickering.