When posting your personal opinions on RP to get mature discussions, do you ever feel attacked? What can be done?

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 18:56:53 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2017 7:07 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:07:26 -0400

You can reply, ignore, ridicule, counter, or simply block.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 16 at 2017 7:16 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:16:25 -0400

Disagreement is not an attack. However, ad hominem attacks are. I've experienced many of those. Fortunately, I have a thick skin. Never blocked anyone. I believe that their attacks only work against them because I trust in the good and common sense of the RP community to see their attacks for what they are: Admissions of defeat.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Jul 16 at 2017 7:26 PM

SGT Eric Knutson — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:26:04 -0400

Thick skin is part of it, but the others are right, we are here to help the youngsters with the experience that we have at our fingertips, but there are many small minded people out there that want to make a spectacle of themselves for what ever reason. My advice is read what is said, and then evaluate if there is ANY useful information for your question, if yes, thank them and either move on or ask for more information / idea if practical. if no, move on to the next. If said person starts berating you and becoming unacceptably unprofessional, then I would kick a note to SMSgt Doc Thomas, SSG Palmer (JP4), Col Burroughs, SFC Davis or SGM Marquez and ask their advice and input. Of course I am pretty sure the offending party will also hear about it from the rest of the board here as well, but they are the admin that I know about and every one of them has given me sound advice either directly or indirectly since I got into doing this board, also as Admin, they are the only ones who can DO anything if it is too bad. Good luck to you young padawan.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 16 at 2017 7:54 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:54:10 -0400

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster Great post and subject. I posted something about this as well earlier on that has taken on a life of its own.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-you-think-it-is-right-to-insight-anger-in-other-rp-members-with-your-comments

Do you think it is right to incite anger in other RP Members with your comments? | RallyPoint

Can we ALL be Professionals? LET'S RESPECT ONE ANOTHER ALWAYS! THINK BEFORE YOU RESPOND! THANKS I've noticed a lot of adverse and derogatory comments made by some of our RP Members lately! When you read some of those comments it's clear those Members are trying to insight anger and/or attack the other individual's intelligence or just plan being unprofessional. I like RP because the majority of Service Members have been very professional! What...

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 16 at 2017 8:11 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 20:11:24 -0400

I've blocked people for tagging me in topics I specifically asked them not to, and for suggesting borderline violence and also living in my town. I see this as extreme though. Most, I state my opinion, read thier's, debate while it's civil, and ignore it it gets personal.

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Jul 16 at 2017 8:14 PM

CWO3 Dennis M. — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 20:14:56 -0400

Great question for new members to see, for which I am one. I enjoy and greatly respect what the Admins and senior members say about this very subject!

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Jul 16 at 2017 8:18 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 20:18:14 -0400

I don't think I have had a response to anything I have posted that I would consider an attack. I guess it happens, maybe depends on the contents or tone of ones' post. ( Is the grammatically correct "one's "?)

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2017 8:41 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 20:41:20 -0400

RP is a site with humans posting. That means all things humans do may show up here also.

Some people can disagree and be mature. Some can't.

Such is life.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jul 16 at 2017 8:44 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 20:44:11 -0400

I can respect someone who disagrees with me if they put forth an intelligent argument and are respectful. But those that don't, don't get my respect. I have a hard time caring about the opinions of those I don't respect.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Jul 16 at 2017 8:53 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 20:53:28 -0400

I know there are some people that can be idiotic on here but those individuals you just have to ignore. There are many great people here to give and receive advice from so don't let the bad ones deter you from posting something you want to get advice on. Hope this helps.

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 16 at 2017 9:33 PM

SPC David S. — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:33:29 -0400

When intelligence fails to show expect stupidity to fill the void,

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 16 at 2017 10:19 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 22:19:06 -0400

I mostly don't post in the genres that draw those sorts of attacks. Purposefully so. Partially for that very reason.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 16 at 2017 10:34 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 22:34:30 -0400

Sometimes. If it devolves to the "Jane you ignorant slut" level, I simply stop interacting. If they need that small win to feel better, let them have it. As soon as it breaks down, I let them go. Everyone else can see what an a$$hole they are.

I take issue with some of our new Rallypoint members that are "family" members. Some clearly have the thinnest of linkages and frankly don't know squat about military service. When I see the exchange on a post, and it is is really not professional nor an exchange among people trying to share/learn, I don't even engage.

https://youtu.be/5jEVCX-d4Zk

Jane curtain & dan akroyed

Jane you ignorant slut

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2017 10:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 22:52:30 -0400

oh yeah i was called a neo-Nazi

Response by SrA J King made Jul 17 at 2017 12:35 AM

SrA J King — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 00:35:08 -0400

Thick skin is one thing but I to remember that some are just plan stupid and what's to spread it ignorance.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Jul 17 at 2017 1:36 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 01:36:34 -0400

Sure, absolutely. Especially because I am an E-4 that speaks my opinion. I make sure that I read my posts multiple times before posting and try to view it from all angles and think of how it could be viewed and attacked. Then I push the submit button. Yes sometimes I do feel like some higher ranks or even other branches attack back and I deal with it different ways. Sometimes I respond, sometimes I ignore, sometimes I block, but if it is too bad of an attack that is unwarranted you can always take it to the site moderators. Just know what you stand for and remember that not every one is going to agree with you all the time. If they do, then usually that means you aren't taking a stand but just going with which ever way the wind blows.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 17 at 2017 1:54 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 01:54:19 -0400

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster Anyone Want's to Bust My Chops, Take a Number and Stand In Line. 21 Years a Navy Spook. Past CDR VFW Post 10299. I Gives a Damn!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 17 at 2017 6:19 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 06:19:42 -0400

Sometimes it depends on the nature of my discussion.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jul 17 at 2017 7:24 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 07:24:48 -0400

Wow, if you think things get rough here, you would have never survived in the old internet Newsgroup days, where un-moderated forums were routinely vicious and personal.
Frankly, I don't generally post much on the political/non military social side of things here, other than the interest groups like motorcycles. As far as responses to military related questions, I haven't seen many that I thought were personal attacks. If you are military and ask questions about your behavior to a bunch of Senior NCO's and Officers, your going to get opinions, some that can be pretty blunt and judgmental. Sorry, but that is/was what we were paid to do. OTOH, most of the advice that I've seen given is genuine and well thought out.
If you do have a response that you do think is inappropriate, this is a moderated forum, so let one of the admin know and let them deal with it. Every group I've ever been in has had individuals that thought the internet gave them the right to be assholes.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 17 at 2017 8:14 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 08:14:45 -0400

You need thick skin if you are going to post on controversial subjects. There are few subjects everyone will agree with on here (or anywhere). I have never blocked anyone for any comment they have made but there have been a couple that have blocked me which only confirms my opinion of their inability to argue their positions well or at all.

We are almost all veterans or still serving here (a few civilian supporters). We should be able to take a few slings and arrows without too much difficulty.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 17 at 2017 9:06 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:06:24 -0400

Sometimes responses to inaccurate or Incite a response is considered an attack.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 9:10 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:10:39 -0400

I haven't personally felt attacked but I've seen it happen. I agree with those who say to ignore it, block it, etc. to and extent. Everyone should be respectful of others, but for those of us on here who are still serving we need to remember the customs and courtesies with which we live by. Senior SM's shouldn't use their rank to belittle anyone or as "proof of their correctness" and they shouldn't attack junior SM's for asking legitimate questions even if said SM "should" know the answer already. And junior SM's should speak to higher SM's with the same respect they'd use if they were face to face.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Jul 17 at 2017 9:13 AM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:13:13 -0400

I live by a simple rule on the internet: never expect a mature response to anything you post. While that sounds like a discouragement from posting, it really isn't meant to be. It doesn't preclude the possibility of mature discussions to be had. And certainly, we have more of them here in a specialized community. But if you just go in assuming anyone and everyone out there is a troll, life gets much easier for you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 9:32 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:32:27 -0400

Unfortunately that's the downside of social media nowadays. You can post your personal opinion online and get advice which is great but you sometimes run into those internet tough guys that love to push peoples buttons. The only thing we can really do is be the bigger person and don't let a few buttheads rile you up.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 10:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 10:21:16 -0400

Having mature discussions on threads such as these will not always be the case. If someone "Feels personally attacked", maybe they don't take criticism very well. All comments and opinions should be taken with a grain of salt. Being professional is the best way to go about it. However, it can be tough to decipher what people mean since you are only seeing text. Knowing the tone in which a comment is made would help a lot. But, that's where one has to ask explicitly what is meant. It's as simple as asking for clarification.

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Jul 17 at 2017 10:27 AM

LTC Orlando Illi — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 10:27:54 -0400

Maybe I am being to simplistic and maybe it is a function of the culture that I grew up in - but for me - it isn't personal - it is just business. I have a right to my opinion and you to yours. I will tell you straight up if I disagree with you. My Grandfather was an honorable man, a World war 1 Combat Vet , and he taught me many things before he passed away. One that stuck with me the most is that a man's honor is function if what he believes in and what he will stand up for. So many of you may disagree with what I say. Fine with me. Just know that when I disagree with you - its is not personal

Response by SPC Jesse Davis made Jul 17 at 2017 1:15 PM

SPC Jesse Davis — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 13:15:47 -0400

Some people invest alot of themselves into their 'identity' and respond harshly to it being attacked. Consider the case of criticism against conservative ideology or what it has presently brought to the white house.

Response by SFC Donald LeBlanc made Jul 17 at 2017 1:33 PM

SFC Donald LeBlanc — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 13:33:07 -0400

PFC Pamala (Hall) Heydt - Unfortunately with all "social media" you will run into this type of anti-social behavior. It boils down to respect for each other. As many have responded to your post - you have many choices but my favorites are: Respond or Ignor! Don't let it bother you because if it does you've let them win.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 1:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 13:33:47 -0400

The key to never feeling attacked is multi-faceted. First, you can agree with everyone about everything. Second, you can be the most intelligent person in the world. If any of these things are lacking, you are vulnerable to attack. Second, you can have thick skin. Frankly, I disagree with most people about most things and I'm not the most intelligent person in the world. Thankfully, I have think skin. If I say something that someone disagrees with (which I do fairly often), then they are going to go on the attack. If they are smarter than me (I'm wrong and they are right), it could be perceived as an attack. My think skin enables me to either brush it off or accept it as constructive criticism. Trolls will be trolls and there's nothing you can do but develop thick skin. If you are wrong and they are right, then accept the situation as a learning experience and move on. The best thing you can do when talking to people, especially online, is to have thick skin. It will serve you well.

Response by Omar Kapanadze made Jul 17 at 2017 5:07 PM

Omar Kapanadze — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 17:07:20 -0400

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A horrific story unfolding out of Lumberton where a woman has been accused of stabbing four of her young children to death, along with her husband.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 5:19 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 17:19:50 -0400

I experienced it once, awhile back but I blew it off. There was a lot of good advice from other Veterans and SM's. I get it, I'm new and I probably ask dumb questions now and then but for the most part (99%) RP Members have been good about getting fair advice.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jul 17 at 2017 6:58 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 18:58:20 -0400

The problem with posting personal opinions is that you run the risk of someone disagreeing with you. It doesn't matter who is right or who is wrong, some people are incapable of dealing with disagreement. Some people also can't help themselves because they have the innate urge to correct others.

We might all be "professionals" here, but some people cannot help themselves. It doesn't even have to be about "hot button" topics either like abortion or transgenders in military. I came across an individual who was literally going out of their way to pick a fight with me over something as simple as "What the cards issued at DEERS/RAPIDS are called". The amusing thing was this was not the topic of conversation so his "corrections" were both needless and unrelated. But he could not handle the fact that I said I got my card issued from DEERS so he latched onto me.

Nothing can be done. People cannot help themselves. The example I gave was rather tame, but he probably didn't even realize he was doing it until I flat out pointed it out to him and it has since stopped.

The only thing you can do is be mindful of your discussions and the things that could possibly come back to you. If you feel you are being attacked, call them out on it. Like I said, they might not even realize the lengths they are going over a simple discussion. Lastly, there's always block and report to admins.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 8:15 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 20:15:57 -0400

Insulted and buttons pushed? Yes, but that can be a good way to work through personal issues you may have. It's not welcomed but if it happens then try to stay above it within reason. We've all seen plenty of it here on RP but it's the exception vice the rule. Attacked? No, because an attack here would have to be electronic via spamming, denial of service attacks etc. Remedy is up to the individual. If you treat someone else poorly first and they respond similarly then shame on you. If it comes with malice out of the clear blue then just make your case and move on, or just move on period. After that let the admins handle it. I haven't blocked anyone but if they went ballistic electronically I would, because that can't end well. Have down-voted once and IMO it was warranted. If not I stand corrected.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jul 19 at 2017 8:21 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 20:21:09 -0400

I haven't experienced anything that I'd take as an "attack" and it's the internet, so that's kind of a shocker actually.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 10 at 2018 11:27 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 11:27:48 -0400

Sometimes went a give an answer and someone comes long saying that lying/fraud/illegible acts are ok!