Wow. Just, wow. o.0
Guess that shows *me* for being away for a day (or so).
So, when did Jacob die, and leave the forum to a few particular posters, in his will?
The levels of sanctimoniousness, pretentiousness, hypocrisy, double-standards, and entitlement exhibited here, by some, are astounding. You only get to tell others what do do and how to behave in *your* house. And this ain't your house. It's a meeting place for all of us.
Just so ya'll know... what the "rules" are, are these:
(and, taken from the main page of the forum, where it describes each section of the forum)
Note the last part of each of those, there.
Flash Wrote:
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> I frankly do not know if you have ever come out of
> the Twilight Zone. The Posting Guidelines ask
> that you add a positive contribution to the forum
> and unfortunately I see more smarty pants from you
> than positive contributions. If you are here just
> to party and goof around, stay in the Chat area.
> That is an area where professionalism and respect
> are less expected.
and then walesmaven Wrote:
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> Encourging off topic flippancy in the professional
> areas of the forum just does not comport with the
> "positive contribution" rule. Next time, open a
> Chat thread for this sort of thing, please.
Presuming my first post was being referenced by these posters... (the one about underwear as outerwear)... precisely how was I not making a positive contribution? Just because it was intended to be funny? Others had already more than adequately answered the question at hand. How many ways can the same thing be said? And just what is your definition of "positive", that it dismisses levity?
Perhaps that post of mine *was* "flippant", or "smarty-pants"; if by those terms you mean "fun"; but how in the heck was it off-topic? What I posted was perfectly relevant, pursuant to not only this thread, but another recent thread discussing MSC dress codes overall. And, yeah, it was silly. So what the heck is wrong with that? You expect me to open a whole entire brand-new thread, just to post that comment, when it was 100% relevant to the discussion taking place here in this thread? Why, so I could get blasted about opening unnecessary threads?
Just who is it, who appointed the 'Mystery Shopping Discussion' section to be "the professional area of the forum"? And even if it is, who made the executive decision that absolutely no levity (or, as some have been calling it, "flippancy" ) is allowed to be included with "professional" discussion? Subsequently, who ordained a certain few to be the ones who get to deem what is and isn't "professional", and when and where fun is allowed on the forum?
Now, if any of that was referencing my *second* post, at the point when I made that post, it posed perfectly rational questions. There was absolutely no basis for accusations of being "hateful", "abusive", or "a jerk" to be flung around. But since they were, that made my post totally on-topic ~ at least as on-topic as the accusatory posts were. And, my post was certainly more positive than the posts tossing out those accusations. The words "hateful" and "abusive" (along with "bullying" ) are so incredibly overused and misused, that they've come to lose most of their meaning and impact. It's also oddly ironic that the ones flinging those accusations are often doing exactly what they're accusing others of, by their very accusations.
Neither of my posts in question showed any disrespect. At least not any more than the posts I got in response. And who the heck was "having fun at the expense of others" in this thread?
Speaking of being on/off-topic... how was Flash's post (quoted up there somewhere) a relevant answer to the questions it purported to be answering? Flash quoted my second post with those comments, yet didn't address a single point. Also, just how was *that* a "positive contribution"? And just how could it possibly be considered "professional"? (By the way, at least it's a lot more fun here in the Twilight Zone, than
having my head stuck up my own... whatever world you live on.)
walesmaven Wrote:
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>
<snipped, because I addressed this part already>
> The rest of us are trying to take our obligations to
> posters seriously.
Perhaps a bit *too* seriously. The primary topic of this thread was a reasonably simple question. So what, if along with giving an appropriate answer, a little fun was had? Are you really *that* opposed to fun? I guess you've already answered that question.
Flash Wrote:
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> Do you folks not know how to act professionally?
Pot, meet kettle.
Flash Wrote:
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> I make a genuine effort to be kind to those who
> show respect for others. For those who do not,
> kindness is hardly a priority.
Well! At least now I know I don't have to be kind to you.
Flash Wrote:
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>
(blah, blah, blah... )
> DOES entitle me to comment on what I see to
> be counterproductive posts and behaviors that
> diminish participation in this forum by more
> serious minded shoppers.
So you're the ruler of the Mystery Shop Forum universe? We'll have to let Jacob know that he's no longer needed.
The rest of us are entitled to post as we see fit, also. Longevity does not equate to superiority. Being serious about this business does not equate to unmitigated formality with no fun along for the ride. Your definition of "counterproductive" is not the be-all, end-all final word. How dare you take it upon yourself to tell others what they should and shouldn't say, do, or be.
> There is appropriate professional behavior and
> there is inappropriate and unprofessional behavior
> and I will at any time and in any space on the
> forum, feel free to call out those who think this
> is their playground and a place to insult and
> belittle others for the entertainment of their
> posse.
What's that whole parable about removing the board from your own eye, so you can remove the speck from someone else's?
AustinMom Wrote:
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> But .... X 2 on Flash's comments on this thread.
> I have argued sometimes against the use of the
> words "bullying" and the idea that we want a forum
> without any humor or snark, but it's gone over the
> top in recent months.
Where?! I know I haven't had time to hang out here as much lately, but I just don't see this rampant "over the top" humor and snark. And, even if one wants to argue that humor and snark has increased lately, why does that bother you so deeply? Why is that such an awful, horrible, must-be-quashed thing? And... *real* "bullying" is exceedingy rare. It exists, but certainly isn't rampant.
> There is an unprofessional atmosphere,
> and it's attracting like-minded new posters.
Who?! The vast majority of new posters I've noticed over the past several months are at least reasonably bright and articulate, serious about the business, helpful and informative, and (gasp!) some joviality.
I just fail to see how levity = unprofessionalism. Oh well.
> I disagree - we CAN all be droll and tedious.
> Simply because a new poster describes herself or
> someone else as "light-hearted" does not mean that
> others do not perceive her as tedious and
> unprofessional. And because few posters have made
> arguing comments does not mean that everyone finds
> those posts pleasant and professional.
Well la-dee-dah and good for you. At least I can agree with your first statement.
Practitioner of the Nerdly Arts.