Ronny Loc: Netherlands

Finaly being a midwestener down south in a state half full of people from the nort east versuses a bunch of florida crackers I have to remind people that their are cultural and regional differences in how people communicate and that should be considered before judging that a person is being rude. For example New Yorkkers, speak fast, are brusque and get strait to the point. Down south that is considered rude, but in New York thats normal. Southerners on the other hand speak slowly, aren't rushed, like to ponder things first, in New york that is considered wasting another persons time and rude, but in the south thats normal. Perhaps if we were less quick to get offended at what people post and more offended at things that really matter such as homelessness, poverty racism, and immorality, we would all be better off.


And I am from the Netherlands and most West Euro people are just saying what they think. That is the way the conversations are held. No considerations. I came in 1981 to California and in the beginning a lot of people are telling I was rude. Cultures can not be change over night. Over the years I have adapted to the local culture, but it is not easy and I can not always avoid it. And I live here in a FREE COUNTRY. Often I have to put the breaks on and not to react to certain comments in forums I belong to.
But I still think that Americans are often too sensitive in their feelings. I love the big cities like New york. San Francisco, Los Angeles becaus they are melting pots.
Before I came to the US I worked as a design engineer for an American company in the Netherlands. Beside Dutch and many Americans in the company we had also many English, Scottish, Irish, some Germans, Belgiums, a couple French, one Italian and a Spanish guy. If there is something to celebrate the whole Euro group goes to a bar. We always asked also the Americans, but they never joined us.
Being here in California, maybe I understand them why. We might be too rude from their point of view, but not one ever say something.
In a forum like this I carefully watch even to give or not to give a comment. In general speaking about this forum I think nobody is rude.

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

Perhaps we all could use a dose of Dale Carnigie at times.

flash841 Loc: Waretown, NJ

You will always have then among you. This site is overwelmingly positive and constructive as opposed to negative and distructive, so my approach is to embrace the positive and ignore the negative.

Overly Hackled Loc: Still in Siagon

Best advice I've recieved on avoiding the swamp came from a respected and knowledgeable member who said:

"Do what you like, comment when asked, and let the rest slip into oblivion.

I had a few initial dust ups and since employing the above advice I learn more and bark less. :D

gzil Loc: San Antonio, TX

Amen to a great observer - Ronny! I am a Texan by birth. I am never rude, however I speak the truth which seems to make people unhappy and then they say I am rude. Go figure.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

hey flash841 whatcha smokin in your avatar photo? im partial to Partagas Black Label or Hoya de Monterry Excalibures myself. I'm REAL partial to artero fuente opus xx, (won one at a smoke shop once, best darn cigar i have ever had) but not partial to $20.00+ for one cigar. then there are the times that nothing but a swisher sweet outlaws cheroot will do.

flash841 Loc: Waretown, NJ

Hey, back to you Sinatraman. The cigar in the avatar is a Macanudo Gold Lable. I only smoke 2 or 3 a year, but only buy $10 cigars. Enjoy sitting by the outdoor fireplace with a good glass of wine, and the serius radio on a country channel.

Janice Loc: Kentucky

Yes things have calmed down and the majority of people are exceptionally helpful and kind.

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

OK..first of all I will admit to not reading all ten pages.

Second of all I too, have seen some very haughty, stupid, rude, and rather mean spirited commentary on this forum. I even saw one thread the admin felt necessary to shut down it was so mean. Photographers are like all people and some of them are well.....pick your word.

Janice, if you are still following...just ignore it, try not to get caught up in it and never ever take it personally.

There is much to learn from many of the photogs here, many of whom are kind, patient, and very willing to share their knowledge with you. In just a few short weeks I have gleened much from reading, posting and following along. I hope this helps.

Janice Loc: Kentucky

Yes, I am still following and you are right. Thank you.

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

Good comments you made. Unfortunately the internet often brings out the worst in people. There are some rather cowardly people here who wouldn't dare say it straight to your face, but the anonymity of the internet allows them to.