Decorum and Civility

[shotgunslade]

I think, in this network, we have just experienced the kind of conflict, that unfortunately, afflicts too many of our organizations today. An internet forum without the intimidating physical presence of others actually encourages the kind of egoistic posturing and confrontation that we have just seen and which can destroy organizations. I think the monitors are absolutely correct to take firm punitive and pre-emptive action when individuals demonstrate such destructive behaviors.

I realize that I also have been guilty of such behavior, which is why I now avoid the Political forum I certainly owe an apology to Lee for being an arrogant a$$hole in certain net conversations on that forum.

I think members participate in forums for two very very different reasons. One is constructive and involves seeking and enjoying the camaradie of those with similar passions and interests. The other reason is more selfish and involves the personal gratification of creating and exercising a persona which offsets feelings of individual inadequacy and fulfills fantasies of personal empowerment. At it's worst, this behavior begins to resemble the mating-season dominance posturing of various male mammals and birds. The problem of the latter motivation is that it isn't based on the good of the forum as a whole, but on the jollies of individual members. Ultimately, the good of the forum may require the elimination of those members who addiction to that second motivation spurs self-indulgent and group-destructive behavior. I think we can all benefit from periodic self reflection concerning whether we are falling into that rutting rut.

I applaud their recent decisions.