Well, after getting myself caught up in, and observing, a few threads that have got out of hand, I feel I need a qualification in diplomacy!
I think it's easy to take things personally & to forget that not everyone is set out to cause damage.
For example, I found myself feeling hugely upset to have people tell me I shouldn't trust my uni course & should view everything with suspicion because everyone has financial motives. Clearly I touched a nerve with people's feeling about their government and their interests in reptile husbandry... however, this was not intended. I believe in science because I would fail my course pretty spectacularly if I didn't, & because I am not religious, I put my faith in science. Other posts have made me feel better about the whole thing.
My point is that when people say things, they're not always setting out to make an attack...someone may make a comment that offends a breeder/supplier & have absolutely no idea that it would cause offence. Ignorance is not always intentional, there's a lot out there to be aware of & you can't be aware of everything.
I guess I've learned (I hope) to keep things in perspective & stick to the topic the OP started. If I asked an innocent question & it turned into world war III I'd be rather upset. I'm not saying I won't get drawn in again, just that I'll try to think first.
I think another thing to bear in mind, is that when it comes to the internet, some people just love to stir it, cos who can stop them? it's so easy to take the bait.
I think it's easy to take things personally & to forget that not everyone is set out to cause damage.
For example, I found myself feeling hugely upset to have people tell me I shouldn't trust my uni course & should view everything with suspicion because everyone has financial motives. Clearly I touched a nerve with people's feeling about their government and their interests in reptile husbandry... however, this was not intended. I believe in science because I would fail my course pretty spectacularly if I didn't, & because I am not religious, I put my faith in science. Other posts have made me feel better about the whole thing.
My point is that when people say things, they're not always setting out to make an attack...someone may make a comment that offends a breeder/supplier & have absolutely no idea that it would cause offence. Ignorance is not always intentional, there's a lot out there to be aware of & you can't be aware of everything.
I guess I've learned (I hope) to keep things in perspective & stick to the topic the OP started. If I asked an innocent question & it turned into world war III I'd be rather upset. I'm not saying I won't get drawn in again, just that I'll try to think first.
I think another thing to bear in mind, is that when it comes to the internet, some people just love to stir it, cos who can stop them? it's so easy to take the bait.
