M
MiKeY
Guest
So, I've been fairly quiet lately. For those of you with whom I speak regularly, you already know some of my frustrations. I can't help but think, as I've seen more threads closed by moderators in the last two weeks than I have in the entire time I've been here, that we're getting off message, so to speak.
What's the point of our forum? Aren't we supposed to be a community of people with a common goal, or at least, some sort of loosely shared experience? Did anyone seriously join up and start posting in the sheer hopes of tearing someone else down? If that's the case, I really can't relate to that sort of loneliness, other than I can only imagine that the pain from such a prolonged state has festered far beyond bitter, and into a state of incessant, toxic anger.
We're not here to lash out at one another over trivial things. I have seen the level of intelligent conversation dwindle to the point that rather than welcoming an honest, respectable debate, some members resort to personal attacks on everything from a fellow member's avatar to their ability to fully articulate their thoughts. Everyone is at a different point in their lives, but we're all here for a reason. If it's not a form of positive interraction and companionship, then what is it? If you want to debate ideas, that's wonderful; the wisest people I know are the last ones to trumpet their level of understanding. For those of you who have the gift of knowledge and insight, that's terrific; how fortunate it is these days to be a light in such a world of darkness. However, let your intelligence and maturity shine through the truthfulness of your words; we needn't have a war of "I'm better than you" posts.
This isn't meant to be preachy or condescending in any way; I hold myself in no higher esteem than anyone here... be it a seasoned veteran with six flashy stars (Plankton, Steel... as always), or the newest member looking for solice among our ranks. However, I do think that there are truly good people here who, like myself, may be holding back some of our thoughts for fear of them not sprouting through the thick cloud of negativity that unfortunately has come to rest upon our lovely forum.
Here's my challenge to us all: let's work together to reform our community, mutually placing an elevated value upon posts that are meaningful, substansive, and seek to build up rather than tear down. Shouldn't we all have the right to express our opinions, without having to endure personal attacks and torment at the hands of intolerance? May we all be granted the serenity to accept those things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Fire
What's the point of our forum? Aren't we supposed to be a community of people with a common goal, or at least, some sort of loosely shared experience? Did anyone seriously join up and start posting in the sheer hopes of tearing someone else down? If that's the case, I really can't relate to that sort of loneliness, other than I can only imagine that the pain from such a prolonged state has festered far beyond bitter, and into a state of incessant, toxic anger.
We're not here to lash out at one another over trivial things. I have seen the level of intelligent conversation dwindle to the point that rather than welcoming an honest, respectable debate, some members resort to personal attacks on everything from a fellow member's avatar to their ability to fully articulate their thoughts. Everyone is at a different point in their lives, but we're all here for a reason. If it's not a form of positive interraction and companionship, then what is it? If you want to debate ideas, that's wonderful; the wisest people I know are the last ones to trumpet their level of understanding. For those of you who have the gift of knowledge and insight, that's terrific; how fortunate it is these days to be a light in such a world of darkness. However, let your intelligence and maturity shine through the truthfulness of your words; we needn't have a war of "I'm better than you" posts.
This isn't meant to be preachy or condescending in any way; I hold myself in no higher esteem than anyone here... be it a seasoned veteran with six flashy stars (Plankton, Steel... as always), or the newest member looking for solice among our ranks. However, I do think that there are truly good people here who, like myself, may be holding back some of our thoughts for fear of them not sprouting through the thick cloud of negativity that unfortunately has come to rest upon our lovely forum.
Here's my challenge to us all: let's work together to reform our community, mutually placing an elevated value upon posts that are meaningful, substansive, and seek to build up rather than tear down. Shouldn't we all have the right to express our opinions, without having to endure personal attacks and torment at the hands of intolerance? May we all be granted the serenity to accept those things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Fire