Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > January 1998 > 1998.01.02 > 09Prev  Next


Discussions in MMD Letters
By Joyce Brite

Much has been said recently about how MMD discussions have been
conducted.  There are conflicting ideas concerning how discussions
should be conducted.

Jody and Robbie have been doing a wonderful, albeit sometimes trying,
job of editing and moderating the MMD.  Although they whole-heartedly
encourage thoughtful discussion, part of their job is to restrain
and/or suppress potential conflicts that arise which could disrupt
everyone's enjoyment of the Digest.  It is a difficult but necessary
part of their job.  There are some subscribers who would like to
contribute their opinions but are reluctant to do so because of fear
that their ideas will be attacked by others.  Emphatic and strongly
worded postings can discourage contributors who might otherwise have
very good ideas to share.

There are ways to avert these potentially disruptive scenes.
_Never_ send a submission to the MMD when you're in an emotional state.
If something that someone said really makes you angry, write your
submission, but don't send it -- yet.  Shut off your computer, go for a
walk, go for a drive, go to a movie, etc. -- anything to take your mind
off the subject for awhile.  Better still, sleep on it overnight.
Then, re-read your submission.  Chances are you'll want to make
changes, or else not send it at all.

If you disagree with someone, avoid using inciting phrases such as
"You're wrong" or "That's not true."

Them's fightin' words.  Instead, say, "I disagree."  It is less
offensive.

It's okay to criticize someone's opinion, but it is _not_ right
to criticize the person.  However, if someone does disagree with you,
don't take it personally.  It doesn't mean he/she dislikes you or
thinks you're a terrible person.

For the MMD to operate effectively, all opinions should be encouraged,
but it should be opinions that have not been muddled with frothy
emotion and sarcastic personal attacks.

Thanks,
Joyce Brite
http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~brite/

 [ Well done, Joyce.  Thank you!  -- Robbie


(Message sent Sat 3 Jan 1998, 00:44:48 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.)

Key Words in Subject:  Discussions, Letters, MMD

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page