[Maflynn]

I inferred this from my other thread here in the feedback forum. I thinks its time to raise an issue however.

Perhaps I'm a little slow but how people conduct themselves here at macnn has been disturbing and it seems to be getting worse. People are not courteous, quick to throw in jibs and generally do not add to the discussion when they start attacking the OP or another poster.

For instance when a poster asked about his G5 2.7ghz will be USELESS? A lot of posters replied - "Yes, you will have to throw it away monday at 10:01am PST", "I'll give you $5 bux for it" A uplifting soul put "This doesn't mean it WONT run on G5s in 5 years you freakin retards."

More and more I see people jump down throats here, and to be honest that not only seems the norm but accepted. I frequent other forums and they are a lot friendier, macworld, apple dpreview to name a few.

I understand sometimes in the heat of a debatet/discussion people get pi$$ed that's not what I saying. My point is some people who perceive a question dumb are quick to post a smart a$$ reply or but down right rude instead of answering the question. We forgeet that not everyone is at a given knowledge level with computers or hears all the news. Typically if someone posts a question they want it answered.

Now that my rant is over I'm not sure what can be done, perhaps if the mods see how other boards maintain civility (w/o sacrifising conversation).

To set the record straight, I'm sure in the past I've slung a few smart a$$ posts myself. Before I brought this into the feedback forum, I tried to ensure I'm not one of those people who flame others.

Mike

[Eynstyn]

Dear Mike,

I can't tell you how tempting it is to respond to your post with a vulgar, mean-spirited and nasty a$$ed remark.

However, I will share with you my personal feelings about the lack of apparent civility on these pages.

It's perfect for my taste and sensibilities.

I find most other forums are pretty mild mannered and civil and that's precisely why I like it here at macnn. This place has variety. You can be serious and light hearted and get intellectually involved and feel very warm toward people but also be vulgar and rude and argue like cats and dogs.

It's like the TV show about a bar where you want to go where everybody knows your name.*

You never know what's going to happen but you can bet it's going to be interesting and I believe when you know something doesn't much suit your wants, needs, tastes or desires, if you can't change the conditions that make you uncomfortable, the only options left are to ignore the people who cause you discomfort, fight fire with fire and flame them in return or leave.

I can understand the distress you might feel but really, now that you have shared your displeasure in this thread, the above remedies are all that is left for you to consider.

...ignore the people who cause you discomfort, fight fire with fire and flame them in return or leave.

*Cheers!

Eynstyn

[Chuckit]

If somebody asks an amusing question, why should we not give an amusing answer? Are we supposed to pretend somebody bitching about how they can't get Tiger to boot their Pentium isn't funny?

[Randman]

I think this transition has people taking one side or another and emotions are running high.

Still, I think most people would be willing to agree to disagree and take some of the stronger comments with a grain of salt.

I also think this that soon, this will all blow over and people will return to some semblance of normality.

I do think there should be something done to truly offensive posts (I'm thinking of one where the person told the other to f off and some other pretty strong language (bypassing the cursing filters as well).

If anything, the Political Lounge is almost pedestrian at this time.

[Maflynn]

Its not the humor that I think is troubling but more of the flaming and the over the top sarcasm that does not add to the thread. While some questions or posts could use some sarcasm or humor, more often then not its over the top and/or flaming.

I think we've all seen too often a new user come here as a question and just get flamed. The question is deemed to elementary or base and so some people let the biting sarcasm fly. To the new person its an important question how else is he going to learn.

Like I said I've been to other forums where people act more civilly yet the banter and discussions are not hampered or repressed - its very lively, so its not that we have to let it go because maccnn is so large and diverse.

All in all, while my position may be in the minority I don't think it helps..

Just my $.02