Preventing Misunderstandings

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Selene
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Preventing Misunderstandings

Post by Selene »

The Philosophy Behind This Message Board

This message board is a place for creative ideas, insights and constructive debate about Druidry and how it touches our lives. It is a place for meeting others on similar paths and exploring how Druidry relates to other forms of spirituality, religion and politics. As such, it is expected that members of the message board conduct themselves in a way that reflects this.

The greatest responsibility for maintaining peace on these forums rests with the individual. If each individual remains open-minded and respectful of others’ beliefs and remembers that OBOD and the message board have an international membership, most conflicts will be avoided. As druids, our aim is to approach each day in the spirit of peace and harmony. We also like lively debate. From time to time, debates get heated and conflicts will arise. Here are some suggestions that may help maintain peaceful discussions:

Suggestions for reading posts:
  • If you are new to the Forum, spend some time reading through past threads. In this way you will learn the way in which individuals on this Message Board communicate. What might appear to be sarcasm may be another member’s idea of humor for example.
  • Allow for cultural differences and keep in mind that what may be acceptable in one culture, may offend another. Sometimes it is difficult to grasp the intent of a post because of the limited medium of text. Remember that a smile cannot be appreciated when it is not seen.
  • Read all posts carefully before responding. Try to read all of the thread. Threads mutate and a clear understanding can only be gained by reading the thread. The last response may not provide a clear view of the intent of the original post.
  • If something hits you as being “wrong,” move on and read it again at another time. Many times our emotions of the moment sway our reactions to what is written. When in doubt, step back and read the post again later.
Suggestions when posting:
  • Try to say what you mean in a way that is non-threatening, non-judgmental, and respectful. Sometimes, with any written communication, it’s easy for misunderstandings to occur, so extra efforts to communicate may be necessary.
  • Try to use qualifiers such as "In my opinion," "I think," when expressing your opinion.
  • Try to express yourself clearly in your own posts.
  • Try to avoid language that might be considered offensive by some of the members. For example, an ass may be the name for a donkey, another word for buttocks, or an insult.
  • Try not to post in haste or in anger, especially to a public forum. Take your time and try to think of the effect your post may have on others.
  • Be respectful of others, their ways and opinions, and if you disagree please do so with respect. Try to express disagreement with the idea, not the person who expressed it. Remember that there is seldom only one correct viewpoint, especially in druidry! Sometimes the most honorable way is to agree to disagree, or to simply walk away from a discussion that has turned into an argument and has no obvious resolution. Certain topics have no resolution, those involving someone’s beliefs being a prime example. One of the main purposes of the forums is to discuss our individual paths, not to try and impose our views on other members.  
  • Use “emoticons” if you feel that would help to convey your true meaning. (see related thread “Improving Board Communication using Emoticons under Board Announcements http://druidry.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=18279 )
  • Don’t be afraid to use the “edit” capability if you read your post once it has been posted and find it is not as clear as you had intended.
In summary, when you become a member of this message board you are asked to:
  • Respect the beliefs and practices of other members, even when their way seems very different from your own.
  • Refrain from aggressive, judgmental or otherwise offensive behavior or language towards other members or staff.
  • Be a positive expression of Druidry and OBOD (if you are an OBOD member).
Remember, treat others as you like to be treated. All paths and opinions are respected and welcomed, but nastiness, harassment, and sarcasm are not.

Welcome to the OBOD Message Board!
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Kat Lady
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Re: Preventing Misunderstandings

Post by Kat Lady »

Hello!

I am bumping this for everyone to read.

As we all become accustomed to the new format of the board, now might also be a good time for us all to refresh our memories with some tips designed to help us prevent misunderstandings in our posts.

There are many suggestions that have been provided by board members in this subforum. I hope that you find them as useful as I do.
If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.--Mark Twain

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