[Oceans]

I have read these boards off & on for years... (may have been a past member? I don't remember). Recently I came here b/c I needed help with "parenting" a pregnant teen. The reactions to my posts were harsh at times and I have to tell you, I only stayed because I couldn't find anyplace else to go... My need for help trumped any personal sensitivities I had...

How can we be more sensitive? Honestly, I rarely see a need. Most people disagree with opinions which is fine in my book. It's rare I see personal attacks... Other than my own experience I really can't think of one (am sure there was one or two tho).

A couple of suggestions...

Using quotes to to pull apart one person's posts and disagree on a point by point basis does feel a little "in your face". This is probably not the intent but perhaps it's better to phrase your own opinion on the topic instead of highlighting someone elses line by line and disagreeing point by point...

I don't read the TOS on a weekly basis (even tho I tell Brandy I do). I'm not sure .if there is a mission statement or something stating that we are all here to share our opinions and no forum is isolated to any one side of the triad. I see that coming up a bit more than anything....

I also think that it's important (as an offended party) to post specifically what the issue is and why you feel offended... More often than not I think we are mis-understanding the intent and or tone... Always good to give the other poster a chance to explain.

That's all I can think of for now. I think the format works well and 99% of the time everyone is respectful. As time goes by, we begin to learn each others posting styles and it gets easier to understand intent vrs assuming it's an attack.