DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

Hi All,

I have been on this site for a year and a half. I have gotten some great advise and made some nice friends.  I have gotten great grooming tips, food advice, lots of laughs and a few tears.  However, I have noticed recently when people ask questions, there is a tendency to be a little forceful with answers.  A lot of people are asking  questions or looking for solutions for real problems....aggressive dogs, food issues, re-homing issues...and instead of lending a sympathetic ear and helpful advice, there seems to be some quick responses with judging comments.  Often times I feel sorry for the person asking the question, and some of the answers are mean-spirited.  Some are very helpful.

Sometimes people don't see previous posts.  When someone re-posts something, or asks a question, again...the poster is not doing it to be a pain...maybe they just didn't see the original post.

I like this site. I like knowing peoples stories, and their pups.

I hope that this post can make people think twice before they post an answer to a post, where the poster is seeking advice.  The advice might be something that the poster does not like, but it can be stated in a kinder way.

For example, I am really nervous that people are going to react harshly to this post.

[F, Calla & Luca]

BG is Linda. Takes me a while to figure things out I guess. But  these are great points.

[BG and Gavin]

Shhhh! Don't tell ANYONE!  It's my alter-ego!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I would never say a word, uhoh I did, sorry. I will be discreet from here on since I too have an alter ego : )

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, you never told me not to call you that in public, BG. Now I feel embarrassed.

[BG and Gavin]

Totally kidding F. and Karen.  See the typed word does not relay sarcasm very well! :)  Unless of course you too were being sarcastic too :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I was just being neutral, until I found out if you were kidding or not, lol. I figured you didn't mind my addressing you by your alter-ego's name or you would have told me before this, being the direct and upfront person you are. ;-D

[BG and Gavin]

You crack me up Karen!

[Becka]

I've always thought there should be a special sarcasm font--the typeface equivalent of rabbit quotes and that certain tone that doesn't come across in email/posts. Something like this:

Regular (not sarcastic): "BG, you are so very wise!"

Sarcastic font (using italics for lack of a better idea): "BG, you are so very wise!"

:)

PS I do think you are wise, BG--no sarcasm at all!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good idea.

[BG and Gavin]

Very good idea Becka (she wisely said).

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

thank you for understanding : )

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I like this answer, too!