I SHOULDNT HAVE SEEN THIS ON ACTIVERAIN

Oh, Richie, cover those precious eyes and avert them.

I once responded to an irate email by telling the writer that we would both move forward and just pretend he didn't write that email, you know, give them a gracious way out of their moronic behavior. Let the person recognize for herself / himself what a screwup s/he made.

Richie,

Great blog, people forget that discourse and disagreement is actually healthy and shouldn't let their personal feelings get in the way.  I can only imagine whoever it was that acted this way about a blog, how they'd act during a deal if something didn't go their way

It is a constant effort to remember that all comments are worldwide. Galaxy, too.

Richie -- For all the times I have seen it happen here and all the times I have seen posts (like yours) advising that mud slinging should not take place online, it still happens and will continue.  Unfortunately, writing a nasty comment is just too easy. Same with emailing one.  There's no face to face.  Best to resolve it outside of the online venue.

Richie, I received one of those comments about a month ago, from a guy who acted like he'd gone off his meds.  He ranted and called names and generally acted like a hindquarter.  He justified his personal attacks by informing me that he serves on a state association board (I do also) and that association service meant that he is a self-proclaimed ActiveRain resident expert on the Code of Ethics.

These people are tiresome and lacking in social graces.  Fortunately there are relatively few of them.  And there's always the delete button.

I'd like to believe there are no trolls in AR since they're representing their business, but that's very unlikely. Trolls are everywhere. When someone trolls your post, it's important to be the grown up. I agree that before replying, we should take a few long breaths and think it through. No one is trying to curb anyone's freedom of speech, but they also have to prove that what they have to say is worth everyone's time, including theirs.

Hey Richie I think you are a @#$% and what you said is &*(^-, got it!

Just kidding my friend. I know what you mean, and before you put a bunch of comments you want to take back but can't, call that person or write a letter and throw it in a drawer and go work out at the gym.

You are a great writer.

Richie, having a disagreement is fine - and fair. Mud slinging? I try to stay away from ALL THAT!

Thanks for words of advice to those who forget that anything you post online is irreversible!

It is important to keep that cool head.  We present our positions and if not agreed with then, well, they aren't agreed with!

Richie, I don't even know what to say to this. It was not the right approach at all. If we chose to post our thoughts in any medium, we open ourselves up for criticism because we don't all think the same, so not everyone will agree with your post, especially if it's a topic that is likely to light a fire under some readers. If if it's members only, that is a whole community that can have access to your post. It's in poor taste to start flinging insults just because someone does not agree with you. This post is a great reminder of proper (internet) ettiquette for new bloggers.

This is a forum for mature adults and business people.  While we all have differing opinions (good), there is no place for nastiness (bad).  People can always graciously "agree to disagree."

Richie - so true. I always say that you do not need to delete even angry comments. It is a chance for you to show your professionalism, your cool, your wit...

Richie- absolutely. Sometimes (and often) it is not even what is said, it is how it has been said...

Good afternoon Ricie,

That is why God gave us the two eyes and ears and one brain and mouth to answer.

Make yourself an astonishing day.