DE Stein

For many years, I've been a part of the 'silent community' of UHH. I've posted a question or two; added a few pictures on occasion, but I read the forums every day. Like so many others, I've learned a great deal and viewed some amazing photos! But sometimes... sometimes I'm so surprised at the general meanness of so many!

Questions get asked that seem reasonable to me, only to be met with stinging words of rebuke. It seems many are simply offended that such a question was even asked! Unfortunately, it also seems like when someone responds to a question with a snarky comment, the person who posted the question just has to take the bait and respond in kind.

This is a topic that's been identified any number of times before. I seldom consider posting here because it doesn't always feel like a safe community in which to ask my legitimate, though basic question, lest someone be offended by my inexcusable lack of knowledge. I'm ok with you being smarter than me! But do we need to approach others as righteously-superior?

Perhaps we should create a new forum category for "the smartest voice in the room". At least that way you could all build your arguments for why your opinion/point of view/experience proves you to be "the smartest voice in the room". For the rest of us, we're hoping to learn a thing or two, without having to slog through what reads like 5th grade recess arguments.

OK, that's all. thanks so much!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

As you fail to post examples I am not sure what you are talking about. I have been here for years and yes, there is some of that but not enough to bother me in the slightest. Now if you are talking about The Attic then I can agree but then again that is the purpose of The Attic, spirited discussion. Others are warned to enter at your own risk.

Dennis

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

Well said....there have been many times I wanted to make a comment, but I will NOT lower myself in order to argue a point with the "photography snobs" that reside here, only to be silenced by one who may, or may not have more knowledge than I do.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

DE, there are those in every group that rely on snark as a standard reply. There are some who post cynically humorous replies. One gets to know who does what in replying to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Another thing you may have noticed is how many replies are duplicates of earlier replies in the same thread. I ignore some, chuckle at others, and appreciate the rest.
--Bob

DE Stein

Well, I considered posting examples, but I'm not anxious to call individuals out! That too seems petty. I can say that in today's forum I read through multiple posts where responders seemed to just need to set others straight, to correct their obvious lack of knowledge, etc.

Truthfully, I am only bothered because this kind of communicating strikes me as a deeper issue of character. In my 'day job', I work to help people consider their impact on others, to help form their character in supportive, helpful ways. So when I see what appears to be a failure of character (from my limited perspective), I regret the negative impact they are making on others.

But thanks for your perspective on this, Dennis!

DE Stein

Bob, yes, you are right! I've learned, over the years, who will provide help; who will be encouraging; and who will need to be right! And I know that in every group (even within families) there will be 'that person' who just has to let some inappropriate word or response fly. They just can't help themselves, or so it would seem.

But it does get wearing to see it on desplay, post after post after post. Perhaps I'd just reached my threshold today!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

What I do is either take a three-month break from UHH or just picture the offender naked and afraid

.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I agree with Bob Malarz who rightfully points out some different types of responses. Yes, some are snarky, some are meant to be humorous, a very few are mean and of those, some are meant to politely disagree but the OP takes them to heart as criticism rather than a disagreement. Then there are those who are repetitive as Bob mentions. My personal pick of boring is those who try to go into great detail explaining something very simple and that which almost everyone already knows the information.

Don't get disheartened. It is all part of humanity being itself in hundreds of variations. Nothing to worry about. I see you have 25 posts in all these years. May I suggest you submit some photos, get more involved in the goings on of the forum. I suspect rightly you have a lot of information and some great photos to share. Please put yourself out there on the proverbial limb and let us see some of your stuff or make suggestions.

Dennis

DE Stein

Ah Linda, you are far braver than I! There are some images I simply do not want in my mind! Thanks!

Settlit Loc: Baton Rouge LA

Amen.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I am usually so glad I'm not them.
(Yea, there's more than one.)
I also wonder if they treat their friend(s) the same way.......

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

If you look it's the same few that make snarky replies. As soon as you see their ID you know it's just to start trouble

DE Stein

Well Longshadow, that's my concern as well! If this way of expressing themselves in normative for them (embedded in their character), then it stands to reason that they treat their friends, their families, probably most everyone but themselves, in this condescending, superior manner. And that's a sad reality, because while we may learn to expect it, no one welcomes it... no matter how informative they might be!

DE Stein

And that's my experience as well. I know who to look for. The thing is, often, the information they present is really helpful and good! How much better would it be if they could choose to be gracious in their offering!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

True.
Make me glad they're not a friend also.

(Just don't go visit the Attic. )