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A trend of rudeness


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#1 Ratty

Ratty

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    Ratty

Posted 27 September 2013 - 05:59 AM

Criticism- A guide to building up vs. tearing down
We (the admin team) have started to notice a trend of rudeness from older members of the community towards newer members (newer being defined as, though not limited to, people new to the forums, new to the fandom, new to internet culture, and/or new to social situations). Though we understand it's frustrating when people do things "wrong", lashing out and being hostile towards newer members does not represent us as a community well, and does not help to teach or build up newer members. Instead of learning how to properly interact, they are left discouraged and feel unwelcome.
 
It's one thing to point out that someone did something incorrectly, that's fine, and in some situations should be done (in a friendly manner). But just telling someone that they are doing something wrong is not helpful unless you also point out how to do it right. Don't leave people ignorant, then they can never learn how things DO work. Even a link to a helpful source is fine if it fits the situation.
 
Finally, don't repost the same unhelpful information over and over; if you've said it once or someone else has already written it, it doesn't need to be said again. We don't need to hound new members into submission. If they want to learn, they have the information there; if they don't, that's their problem, but that doesn't make it okay to be hostile. Keep the moral high ground! If you're an older member of the community, it's your job to set an example in the way you treat others. Be respectful, even when others don't do the same, because whether or not they deserve it, the people watching and learning from your reaction do.
 
Some examples of poor behavior:
  • Disagreeing with someone or saying that you do not like what another person has posted without giving reasons as to why you do not like it or giving suggestions as to how to improve it (like how one might say alicorn OC's are bad without helpfully providing reasons or critique in a friendly manner)
  • Responding to a legitimate question by a newer member in a rude manner with the goal of putting them down or laughing at the question (like how one might respond to a simple question in support with a .gif showing that they find the situation humorous, instead of helping the person)
  • Posting the same critique multiple times, either by posting it yourself multiple times or by posting the same thing again after someone else has already posted it (like how multiple people might tell a person that their topic has been posted in the wrong spot)
Please adhere to the guidelines set out in this post; ideally you'll do this because it's right, but we should also mention that if we notice that your behavior violates the terms mentioned in this post, there will be consequences. Feel free to ask any questions you may have; we encourage discussion on this issue. The Private Issues forum is also available if you wish to discuss a specific incident.
 
 
For any comments to this, post in the discussion thread.


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