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What Ever Happened To Civility?

RWIGWH

RWI's Great White Hope
10/2/07
6,255
537
113
It's gotten a bit much lately. Thank you Roger for making this statement.
 

Phil G

Respected Member
29/9/10
3,618
52
48
Stevenage, Hertfortshire, England



I'm a member of a couple of other non-watch forums and it's not uncommon to see thread crapping. Maybe it's their misdirected anger and frustration that can only be vented on an anonymous forum.

It's a few days short of one years since I found this fine watch forum and I visit every day to learn something new. I have gained a great insight to rep watches, the quality of which exceeds my expectation.

Like other have noticed there does seem to be an increase in Friday Night Piss Head Posts.

Maybe they should have a week's ban to reflect on the error of their ways.:lolcina:

Good luck, Phil
 

jfazioli

Getting To Know The Place
10/9/10
73
0
0
Frankly, I'm surprised that there is a 'flame free zone'. The fact that it is necessary makes me question the overall civility of this forum. I'm a pretty new member, and I've already been attacked on a sales thread.

For the most part, members here are welcoming and helpful in this rather confusing hobby, but the :asshat:S turn nice people away.
 

houndoggie

Active Member
16/11/08
344
1
18
Frankly, I'm surprised that there is a 'flame free zone'. The fact that it is necessary makes me question the overall civility of this forum. I'm a pretty new member, and I've already been attacked on a sales thread.

For the most part, members here are welcoming and helpful in this rather confusing hobby, but the :asshat:S turn nice people away.

Attacked?


Really?
 

jfazioli

Getting To Know The Place
10/9/10
73
0
0
Maybe attacked isnt the right word, but dumped on certainly is. I searched amazon for the watch I'm selling and got $165 as a low price... Considering shipping and p/p etc, I thought 125 was fair, and definitely fair for a comparable trade. A pm with a link would have been enough to get me to drop the price... I'm not looking to cheat anyone, just be a constructive member of the forum (and maybe flip some old watches for new)
 

houndoggie

Active Member
16/11/08
344
1
18
Maybe attacked isnt the right word, but dumped on certainly is. I searched amazon for the watch I'm selling and got $165 as a low price... Considering shipping and p/p etc, I thought 125 was fair, and definitely fair for a comparable trade. A pm with a link would have been enough to get me to drop the price... I'm not looking to cheat anyone, just be a constructive member of the forum (and maybe flip some old watches for new)

Pm's fall on deaf ears very often in these matters.
 

RWIGWH

RWI's Great White Hope
10/2/07
6,255
537
113
I gave up on so called "thread crapping" in sales threads. I tried a few yrs back to stop obvious gauging in the member to member forum. I won a few battles, got a few scammers the door, but after a while my actions were no longer welcome. After bringing a few instances of questionable sales to higher authority and getting the cold shoulder over it, I realised we have mods and admin to handle that. So be it. Let the buyer beware.

Pm's fall on deaf ears very often in these matters.
I can prove this statement.
 

Anopsis

I'm Pretty Popular
5/8/09
2,899
1
38
Pm's fall on deaf ears very often in these matters.

It doesn't matter. It's still the proper way to handle the situation. Ultimately the selling price is up to the seller, and no one is forced to buy.
When I see something priced higher than I think it should be, I just move on. Buyers (or lack thereof) will cause the seller to adjust. If someone pays too much for something, well, that may be a shame, but it's not a crime. Or a violation of any policy.
I know that if I as a seller was asking too much for something I would appreciate a PM, not being "called out" like I was a scammer.
 

houndoggie

Active Member
16/11/08
344
1
18
Then make the sales threads read only, like WUS.

Screw the buyers, protect the sellers.
 

tommy_boy

Athletic Supporter
23/4/09
9,563
176
63
The Evergreen State
Screw the buyers, protect the sellers.

Rant begins:

A dark view, this is.

I'm no Pollyanna, but I agree with 'nop.

Let's say that I take issue with a listed price. For example, I found what I am sure was an exact match for a listed watch on that big auction site for 20% less than shown here.

How is the forum served by me pointing that out? Unless a lower priced watch is available right at the minute I post my opinions, it is irrelevant. The watch in our thread stands alone.

Sales thread crapping is what it is: tedious, arrogant and presumptuous.

Rant over.

Carry on.
 

ahw676

Mythical Poster
Advisor
16/11/08
7,543
146
63
LMR is right. And regardless of what comments in a sales thread are allowed, any opinion can be expressed in a respectful manner or not. I just saw a thread in which nearly every opinion on what ought to happen was unanimous, and somehow the thread still devolved into mudslinging and name-calling.

It boggles the mind, I tell you.

But I don't know the solution. And of course, the members who are likely to be the most guilty of the infractions we're discussing are also the least likely to be reading this. :)
 

ThinkBachs

Mythical Poster
DO NOT TRADE WITH ME
9/2/09
8,915
96
48
I'll be the odd man out by saying that I think it's one thing to express praise for something, but there are times when it does more harm than good. I believe that if there are issues with something that people are not aware of, or the quality of work that was performed is poor- it should at least be discussed. IMHO, not doing so implies that flaws or poor workmanship are the norm. It gives more credit to those who create or supply the issue greater credibility than they deserve, and provides them with an argument that their service or product is good because no one has ever said otherwise.

As much fun as it is to appreciate and share in another's experience, I believe that there is a certain level of responsibility to offer constructive feedback.

We often confuse feedback with criticism – probably because much of our experience with it has had more to do with what we’ve done wrong than what we’ve done right or how we could do better. This is unfortunate. Feedback should not be viewed as a personal assault or a list of errors, mistakes, or mishaps.

While the content of the feedback can be negative, its delivery can always be constructive. If it’s not, the feedback will not be accepted or be received as an insult, which can ignite other issues and problems.

Definition of Feedback

The definition of feedback in organizations and business is ongoing, open two-way communication between two or more parties. Typically, feedback is given in annual performance reviews, but the best feedback is timely, honest, and provides useful comments and suggestions that contribute to a positive outcome, a better process or improved behaviors.

When delivered in a positive, constructive way, you can communicate something negative without offending or putting the other person on the defensive. At the same time, you help solve the problem, change behavior and work towards established goals. The degree to which you’re successful at this will indicate how good your interpersonal skills are.

What are the Characteristics of Good Constructive Feedback?

Good constructive feedback is

  • given with the goal of improvement
  • timely
  • honest
  • respectful
  • clear
  • issue-specific
  • objective
  • supportive
  • motivating
  • action-oriented
  • solution-oriented.
On the Other Hand, What is Destructive Feedback?

Destructive feedback is

  • unhelpful
  • accusatory
  • personal
  • judgmental
  • subjective
  • undermines the self-esteem of the receiver
  • leaves the issue unresolved
  • the receiver is unsure how to proceed.
Why is it Important to Give?

To improve. The importance of feedback in an organization is crucial to its ongoing development and growth. In the competitive environment that businesses operate constructive feedback is essential for continuous improvement.

When members are discouraged from leaving constructive feedback on posted topics, the forum can't offer its members the opportunity to grow. What happens to a child who is fed candy all day long? Sure, it makes the kid happy- and everyone feels good when they hear a child laugh and watch them smile, but children can't live on candy. People can't live on candy.

Constructive feedback is something that I feel should be supported when it's done in a helpful way.

Regarding just plain old bashing and thread crapping where the only intention is to cause distress, I agree that that's something that should be worked on, maybe... maybe even myself included.
 

Anopsis

I'm Pretty Popular
5/8/09
2,899
1
38
I don't think anyone faults constructive feedback, in it's proper context.
If I post pics of a watch and say "hey guys, what do you think of my new xyz?" then I expect honest feedback.
If I just bought a watch and I post saying "look what I just got! I'm so happy!" then I really don't want to see a lot of posts dissing my watch, pointing out all the flaws, and lambasting me for not spending 4x as much on the latest ultimate version.
Some may dismiss as semantics, but theres a difference in asking for criticism and just wanting to share something I'm proud of. This, if anything, falls under common decency.
 

ThinkBachs

Mythical Poster
DO NOT TRADE WITH ME
9/2/09
8,915
96
48
I'll make my last point.

Today I got some new markers! I'm so excited about the colors, here's a pic I'd like to share with everyone!


mikey+marker.JPG


I can't wait to show all my friends! Thanks to everyone for helping me pick them out, I learned a lot here!

People I trust and respect would tell me to go wash my face. People that tell me I look nice and allow me to walk around like this are people who don't have my best interest at heart. They just want to be liked.