Miscommunication on IIS

[casstony]

While fights are fairly rare on IIS I noted a recent thread that was full of miscommunication and people's feelings were probably hurt as a result. I'd like to offer this as food for thought:

"We jump to conclusions in online communication all the time, which explains why there is so much miscommunication in the virtual world. Having taught online classes in colleges and universities for the past ten years, I have come to appreciate the unique challenges that arise in learning to communicate effectively in the virtual world. Problems with miscommunication occur so frequently in the face-to-face (f2f) world, it’s no wonder that communication difficulties are even more pronounced in a medium that relies solely on the written word, without facial expressions, body language, or vocal tone and inflection.
Most of us have found ourselves in the cross fire of miscommunication somewhere along the line. We have offended someone without meaning to by not being clear in using humor or sarcasm in an email or perhaps a discussion in an online forum. Almost all of us have been in the position of both offending another person without meaning to or we have been insulted by someone else who did not intend to wound with words"

Sourced from: http://thistimethisspace.com/2009/08...communication/

IMHO, we should also try to make allowances for the brashness of youth and bold statements by people new to the hobby. A little patience goes a long way.

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

are you saying we need (to use) more emoticons Tony ?

Jen would be happy with that

geoff

[CraigS]

Tony;

Thanks kindly for your very thought provoking post.
Its a very interesting topic (for me).

In many ways, textual communication also assists in clarifying complex thoughts and ideas as well. Discipline is required, as well as vigilance in clarity of presentation.

I also find that the anonymity of the medium provokes a different mode of behaviour.

There is much to discuss on this topic. I look forward to participating in this thread.

Cheers & Rgds.

[DavidTrap (David)]

Agreed - the frontal lobe is often disengaged during communication on the net.

I think the screen-name of the original poster in the thread I assume you are talking about is quite appropriate - he might be playing with peoples' minds!

DT

[CraigS]

David - perhaps so - I think we're all playing mind games, really.
We're all disembodied beings. There are only thoughts originating from within those minds.

Which can also be viewed as a benefit.

I've found that the "Number of Posts" displayed results in vastly different treatments. Fascinating really. The medium strips discrimination based on age, sex, looks, ethnicity, and then re-establishes it upon other criteria.

It's a bizarre place (& very entertaining).

Cheers

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by casstony

IMHO, we should also try to make allowances for the brashness of youth and bold statements by people new to the hobby. A little patience goes a long way.

+1 . I think the poster enquiring about the C14 got flamed here and on CN (by the same people actually) for no reason. Pretty disgusting IMHO regardless of age.

[Kevnool (Kev)]

My opinion here is that it is a public forum and loads of topics are discussed with most being repeated one time or another.

Of course some people are going to argue that there item or there preferred brand is going to be better, That is always going to happen.

Me i read them and laugh mostly without reply(Some i Do) knowing quite well that they will eventually be locked.

Planet X , Eyepiece , Scope , etc just throw the word which in there and then just wait for the padlock.

Arguments will always be a part of forums as both sides get debated.

Thats also why theres moderation to keep us all in check.

Push Forward
Cheers Kev.

[CraigS]

Interesting comments.

I find emoticons annoying, sometimes. Distracting, actually. They can be used sarcastically, or as a display of authenticity. I find it extremely difficult to differentiate between the two uses unless I am familiar with the person using them, or I have followed this person's thoughts across many threads/forums. When I was a newbie, their use confused me no end.

I also believe newbies hold responsibility for their actions. Politeness gets us a long way, regardless of our age. The same holds in real life (as opposed to virtuality). The minute we take to the keyboard we are armed with a formidable weapon. We should respect its power.

Perhaps 'the pen is mightier than the emoticon'.

Cheers

[casstony]

Geoff, while emoticons may help convey meaning, I think it's more important to simply assume the best about a post that may be difficult to interpret. In addition, we all make mistakes or act irrationally at times; if the group generously overlooks the incident it will fade away rather than escalating into a locked thread.

Harsh words can seriously injure the recipient and generally don't make the poster feel better either.

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

I try to adhere to the principals of:
reread the posting to make sure it is not just the author's limited grasp of the subject or language,
not replying when I'm annoyed but waiting till I've calmed down,
asking myself if what I said would unjustifiably upset me if someone said it about me, and
proof reading at least twice.

There are people and threads better off ignored. The hard part can be identifying which ones they are.

Flashing emoticons do little for me except encourage migranes.

And as for l33t sp34k ...

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by CraigS

Interesting comments.

When I was a newbie, their use confused me no end.

I also believe newbies hold responsibility for their actions.
Cheers

You old timer!
Your still a newbie yourself.

Unless you consider 2 months as being one of the old originals.

[CraigS]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

You old timer!
Your still a newbie yourself.

Unless you consider 2 months as being one of the old originals.

Ok .. I'm still a newbie .. you can be right.

Emoticons still confuse me !

Cheers

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

You old timer!
Your still a newbie yourself.

Unless you consider 2 months as being one of the old originals.

11000 post minimum or a big 2005 in the rego line is a must. Man! Then Ken Crawford's still under 100 posts....got a long way to go

[leon]

Interesting thread, however very true, text can be misread as it has no emotion.

Leon

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by multiweb

11000 post minimum or a big 2005 in the rego line is a must. Man! Then Ken Crawford's still under 100 posts....got a long way to go

Exactly how text is taken wrong.

Here is a perfect example of a smartarse reply to my sarcastic humorous comment.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

Exactly how text is taken wrong.

Here is a perfect example of a smartarse reply to my sarcastic humorous comment.

Yep - Ego mate, ego... have another beer. Here's one for you: ...damn did I use another emoticon? Oops!

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by multiweb

Yep - Ego mate, ego... have another beer. Here's one for you: ...damn did I use another emoticon? Oops!

Mate, I used to enjoy reading what you had to say.

You've just proved me wrong in what I thought.
You obviously don't understand humour but certainly know how to put people down.
Where's my ego trip? Because I thought it was funny that a newbie referred to the others as Newbies?
Not picking on Craig, just finding amusement in his comment.

Sheesh

Can't say anything in here without being jumped on!

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

Sheesh

Can't say anything in here without being jumped on!

Nah mate. Take it easy. Not having a go in anyway. All good

[CraigS]

For Ken;

Originally Posted by CraigS

I've found that the "Number of Posts" displayed results in vastly different treatments. Fascinating really. The medium strips discrimination based on age, sex, looks, ethnicity, and then re-establishes it upon other criteria.
…
The minute we take to the keyboard we are armed with a formidable weapon. We should respect its power.

Cheers

[avandonk]

Jeez Ken what would you know! You silly old fella. You should stop teaching those kids about astronomy and be really smart people like us.
You too can win pointless arguments like the rest of us smart fellas.

Berty