A little disturbed!
What a wonderful string! It is great to see so many posts from persons who do not post very often, (what we call in Australia the silent majority) in addition to the "regulars". Whilst I agree with guests being able to read. I do feel they should not be able to post, without joining the group. Members privacy can still be more than adequately protected. Having said this however, I have also found I have on at least one occasion unintentiionally posted as a guest due to not have properly logged in. I would therefore not accuse all guest posters of intentionally hiding behind their anonymity. Like most members of this group I suspect I have more interest in learning about my own circumstances than most "normal" people have concerning their own treatment. The reality is most people simply accept their doctors recommendations without question and do not actively seek to track their symptoms. I joined this group to learn more, about sleep apnea and xpap treatments and I am enjoying doing so even though the occasional thread seems to stray all over the shop and well away from the original topic..
Maybe the forum admins can do something about the Guest privileges.
I too agree with the privacy thing, and wouldn't give out certain details about me or my life without good reason. But as one sage and wise poster put it, it is easier to develop a knowledge of who you are conversing with if they are required to be a registered user in order to make a posting.
Should registrations involve phone numbers and addresses? No, I don't believe that is necessary. But if you were to look at this bulletin board (or any bulletin board for that matter) as a bar, or coffee house, or any other public meeting place that you would frequent in person. You meet people, you recognize them when you see them again, you get to know things about them and you, you alone, can decide whether or not you believe what they tell you. But at least you know who it is that is telling you.
If a person walked into a bar, coffee house, or other public meeting place wearing non-descript clothes and a mask and started raving about how everyone in the bar was telling lies and half truths, making personal attacks on people you have grown to know and trust, attacking the very reason for gathering in the first place, how would you treat that person?
That is why, I am strongly in favor of knowing who I am talking to when posting on a bulletin board by requiring those who would like to post to "our" bulletin board, to register. At least you can look at the name and say "hmmm, it's (insert name of your favorite poster here) I am interested in what they have to say." or "hmmm, it's (insert name of person who wouldn't be able to pour water from a boot with instructions on the bottom ) I'm not so sure I want to know what they have to say." But someone signing in as "Guest" has no credibility, no experience, and no recognition. They may have good, timely and accurate information to share, but using the disguise of "Guest" poster, they can post anything and there is no recourse or other way to contact that person to gather further information.
That's my rant.
Later,
Tater
I too agree with the privacy thing, and wouldn't give out certain details about me or my life without good reason. But as one sage and wise poster put it, it is easier to develop a knowledge of who you are conversing with if they are required to be a registered user in order to make a posting.
Should registrations involve phone numbers and addresses? No, I don't believe that is necessary. But if you were to look at this bulletin board (or any bulletin board for that matter) as a bar, or coffee house, or any other public meeting place that you would frequent in person. You meet people, you recognize them when you see them again, you get to know things about them and you, you alone, can decide whether or not you believe what they tell you. But at least you know who it is that is telling you.
If a person walked into a bar, coffee house, or other public meeting place wearing non-descript clothes and a mask and started raving about how everyone in the bar was telling lies and half truths, making personal attacks on people you have grown to know and trust, attacking the very reason for gathering in the first place, how would you treat that person?
That is why, I am strongly in favor of knowing who I am talking to when posting on a bulletin board by requiring those who would like to post to "our" bulletin board, to register. At least you can look at the name and say "hmmm, it's (insert name of your favorite poster here) I am interested in what they have to say." or "hmmm, it's (insert name of person who wouldn't be able to pour water from a boot with instructions on the bottom ) I'm not so sure I want to know what they have to say." But someone signing in as "Guest" has no credibility, no experience, and no recognition. They may have good, timely and accurate information to share, but using the disguise of "Guest" poster, they can post anything and there is no recourse or other way to contact that person to gather further information.
That's my rant.
Later,
Tater
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Different Guest
hello
Pohtaytoh wrote:Maybe the forum admins can do something about the Guest privileges.
I too agree with the privacy thing, and wouldn't give out certain details about me or my life without good reason. But as one sage and wise poster put it, it is easier to develop a knowledge of who you are conversing with if they are required to be a registered user in order to make a posting.
Should registrations involve phone numbers and addresses? No, I don't believe that is necessary. But if you were to look at this bulletin board (or any bulletin board for that matter) as a bar, or coffee house, or any other public meeting place that you would frequent in person. You meet people, you recognize them when you see them again, you get to know things about them and you, you alone, can decide whether or not you believe what they tell you. But at least you know who it is that is telling you.
If a person walked into a bar, coffee house, or other public meeting place wearing non-descript clothes and a mask and started raving about how everyone in the bar was telling lies and half truths, making personal attacks on people you have grown to know and trust, attacking the very reason for gathering in the first place, how would you treat that person?
That is why, I am strongly in favor of knowing who I am talking to when posting on a bulletin board by requiring those who would like to post to "our" bulletin board, to register. At least you can look at the name and say "hmmm, it's (insert name of your favorite poster here) I am interested in what they have to say." or "hmmm, it's (insert name of person who wouldn't be able to pour water from a boot with instructions on the bottom ) I'm not so sure I want to know what they have to say." But someone signing in as "Guest" has no credibility, no experience, and no recognition. They may have good, timely and accurate information to share, but using the disguise of "Guest" poster, they can post anything and there is no recourse or other way to contact that person to gather further information.
That's my rant.
Later,
Tater
Tater, I actually agree with you entirely on this. But if you would permit just one little thought (and it is little).....
I am actually a registered forum member, logging on here as a guest just to make a point to you.
Sometimes it's sad being a forum member, especially if you find noone really cares much about your thoughts or observations, enough to get much of a response. Trust me, it's possible for others to have an opinion of you, deserved or not, even if it's not at all controversial or different. It's possible that one's personality or writing abilities suck enough not to solicit much of a response. Rather pathetic, right? This is true for me. I once, as an experiment, posted as a guest. I was most annoyed (with myself) to find I got more appreciative responses as an anonymous guest than as under my own username. Isn't THAT rich, huh?
I say this because even if a person is socially-challenged, as in my case (I don't post controversial or adversarial comments, just boring ones), they still need the forum. We all have this thing called sleep apnea. Even the pathically-challenged among us (me) need this forum. So, maybe it's possible a person might need to be a "guest" whether or not their comments tick people off. Personally I agree with you that is preferable to have one's personality out there as an identity, identified by a registered username. But maybe there's a need for the alternative.
Only an observation.
Signed,
A registered "guest"
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Different Guest
hello
Afterthought, from this "Different Guest":
On further thought of what I've written, my vote is for the forum to allow for us pathetically-challenged guests. My thinking is that if a guest's remarks (or anyone's) gets so bad or offensive as to hurt or to damage the forum, then the administrators have the right to block or close any topic, in an effort to keep the forum from self-destructing. I suspect they feel that way too, but also feel the need to be as inclusive as possible. I applaud the forum for this.
I for one don't post much any more. I've burned too many bridges with my boring-challenged remarks. But I would feel pleased to know that I could chime in whenever I wanted to, even anonymously, so long as I don't grossly hurt anyone. This is such a great place. I would love to come back to it from time to time, and even post a comment or two, if I feel so inclined.
Thank you.
On further thought of what I've written, my vote is for the forum to allow for us pathetically-challenged guests. My thinking is that if a guest's remarks (or anyone's) gets so bad or offensive as to hurt or to damage the forum, then the administrators have the right to block or close any topic, in an effort to keep the forum from self-destructing. I suspect they feel that way too, but also feel the need to be as inclusive as possible. I applaud the forum for this.
I for one don't post much any more. I've burned too many bridges with my boring-challenged remarks. But I would feel pleased to know that I could chime in whenever I wanted to, even anonymously, so long as I don't grossly hurt anyone. This is such a great place. I would love to come back to it from time to time, and even post a comment or two, if I feel so inclined.
Thank you.
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Zees Pleez
- Posts: 77
- Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:08 pm
This is one area where I think the highway analogy works real well. I can't find out who someone is when they drive by. I know, some people get around the system adn find identities from tags, but the system is set up for privacy. However, if someone does something illiegal and I get their tag, the authorities can get involved and look into it. It's privacy with accountability, not anonimity (sp?). I like structured autonomy, not anarchy.
To the different guest:
You didn't make it clear, have you asked a question without receiving an answer?
If that is the case, then bump it up! It is possible that either a) everyone missed it (happens on days with LOTS of posts) or b) maybe no one here has experiences with it.
I think your simple experiment is a bit flawed, try posting as yourself again...
You didn't make it clear, have you asked a question without receiving an answer?
If that is the case, then bump it up! It is possible that either a) everyone missed it (happens on days with LOTS of posts) or b) maybe no one here has experiences with it.
I think your simple experiment is a bit flawed, try posting as yourself again...
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Different Guest
hello
No. It wasn't a question/answer thing necessarily. I know enough to re-post a question or opinion. I know there are other factors.Mikesus wrote:To the different guest:
You didn't make it clear, have you asked a question without receiving an answer?
If that is the case, then bump it up! It is possible that either a) everyone missed it (happens on days with LOTS of posts) or b) maybe no one here has experiences with it.
I think your simple experiment is a bit flawed, try posting as yourself again...
It's more of a pattern. When people see you as a pesterer, or you're bad at expressing yourself, or even just scared about the reaction you might get, or yes, you have a poor bump-it-up accumen, or have bad English -- these things might affect a person. We're not all alike, you know. We don't all have the gift of personality or strength like Liam or Wader or Rested Gal or yourself. (I'm not being facetious, if I've spelled or used that right)
But, another observation --- You will note that this forum gets a large number of visitors, viewers. How many are members, guests or just viewers, I don't know. .....But given all the interest in this forum, I would hate to see someone who is thinking of posting be inhibited against it. I think part of the forum's success is because we are so accessible. Now, you might say well a person hesitant to post maybe shouldn't even try, but I would disagree. Again, there are all kinds of people. Give people a chance. And if people get out of line, break forum rules or the spirit of the forum's mission, then block the topics, ignor the poster, or find some other way. Remember, even registered members can be obnoxious or socially-challenged. I suspect I'm the latter.
My experiment may have been flawed. I know yours was not a personal criticism. Just don't hate me for having been flawed.
No worries. I'm still an active registered member, and that's a threat!
The one point I have tried to make on this site is that although osa has been known by docs for a long time, only recently has it exploded in recognition by the public. Heck, I had surgery 20 years ago for it. Seemed to work for awhile. This explosion is evident by the growth of this forum. Heck, hard to get a word in edgewise sometimes. But the medical community in my opinion has not kept up with this growth. Which I understand. Thats why I come here to learn from ppl who ACTUALLY use these machines 1/3rd of their life and are computer savy enough to read software results and know what they mean. I had a straight machine set at 10 for 15 months. I got an auto after bypassing my sleep doc and going to my reg doc. Now I see fron encore software that I regularly go into the mid to upper teens temporarily with my auto set at 6-19.What was happening before when I was at 10 all nite. Think I ll EXPERIMENT and set it at a straight 10 and look a results.
Different Guest:
I think you have a point, and I'm not particularly opposed to people posting questions as guest. My issue is when someone comes in as guest and starts being inflamatory, or maligning other people on this board.
If I don't like you (generic, not you specifically), I'll either tell you (as myself) or just not respond if I can't think of something polite to say. But I won't log out, and then come in as guest and post a random rant about how this board is no good and the "experts" know nothing and the more prevalent posters should just shut up and, etc etc etc.
If you're new to CPAP (or new to CPAPTALK) and are having some issue, and really want some support on it or to ask a question, but have issues with registering, that's perfectly fine (IMO). It's when it reaches the level of trying to affect the direction of the board that it's a problem. Think of it like resident aliens in this country: They may not like the way our country works, but they don't get a vote, and if they spend too much time trying to tell others how to vote, we get a little bit tired of it.
The funny thing is, if all of the most knowledgable and prolific posters stopped filling up the board, then people would show up, say "Wow, there's very little going on here, and almost no one who has any real answers. I guess I'll go somewhere else."
As it is, I've had numerous people tell me (publically and privately) that my jokes are among the reasons they stayed with this board, as opposed to some of the others. I'm not asking for credit for that, but clearly when someone tells me that I should shut up, that I'm diluting the good discussion we could otherwise have, they're losing the fact that without some of the banter and off-topic discussion, this board would be dry and boring and have a lot less participation, and I would argue might ultimately be less useful.
Or maybe I'm just trying to justify my own existance on this board.
Liam, ordering a hot dog from the Zen vendor: Make me one with everything.
I think you have a point, and I'm not particularly opposed to people posting questions as guest. My issue is when someone comes in as guest and starts being inflamatory, or maligning other people on this board.
If I don't like you (generic, not you specifically), I'll either tell you (as myself) or just not respond if I can't think of something polite to say. But I won't log out, and then come in as guest and post a random rant about how this board is no good and the "experts" know nothing and the more prevalent posters should just shut up and, etc etc etc.
If you're new to CPAP (or new to CPAPTALK) and are having some issue, and really want some support on it or to ask a question, but have issues with registering, that's perfectly fine (IMO). It's when it reaches the level of trying to affect the direction of the board that it's a problem. Think of it like resident aliens in this country: They may not like the way our country works, but they don't get a vote, and if they spend too much time trying to tell others how to vote, we get a little bit tired of it.
The funny thing is, if all of the most knowledgable and prolific posters stopped filling up the board, then people would show up, say "Wow, there's very little going on here, and almost no one who has any real answers. I guess I'll go somewhere else."
As it is, I've had numerous people tell me (publically and privately) that my jokes are among the reasons they stayed with this board, as opposed to some of the others. I'm not asking for credit for that, but clearly when someone tells me that I should shut up, that I'm diluting the good discussion we could otherwise have, they're losing the fact that without some of the banter and off-topic discussion, this board would be dry and boring and have a lot less participation, and I would argue might ultimately be less useful.
Or maybe I'm just trying to justify my own existance on this board.
Liam, ordering a hot dog from the Zen vendor: Make me one with everything.
_________________
| Machine | Mask | |
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Different Guest
hello
Liam, I know you weren't soliciting compliments, but I for one (among many) think you're the best thing to happen to the forum in quite awhile, and you are its best advertisement!Liam1965 wrote: I think you have a point, and I'm not particularly opposed to people posting questions as guest. My issue is when someone comes in as guest and starts being inflamatory, or maligning other people on this board. ....
I agree the guest problem is a mess. I really do agree. And if banning them is necessary. So be it. It may well be necessary. I once frequented a discussion site on subject of race and racism, and they had to block or stop topics all the time (as you might imagine, with all the extreme hate groups chiming in). So I understand the need to regulate.
Maybe all the "Guests" here are only spewing hateful inflamatory, maligning stuff, I don't know. That is awful. What ever the administrators feel is necessary to keep the forum alive with its wonderful personality, I'm all for it, whatever it takes.
So it looks like I must return as my registered member self, I suppose. It's with some trepidation, though. Hope I'm welcomed again. (best not to admit to being "Different Guest", huh?)
Thank you, Liam.
Signed,
Different Guest, who really wants to to go back to being a real forum person again, instead of being "Different Guest" but doesn't know if this guest/member is ready for the re-entry.
Re: hello
Please note, I never said, nor do I believe, this. I believe that it is by far a small minority, at least one of whom has since "agreed to disagree" with me and made peace.Different Guest wrote:Maybe all the "Guests" here are only spewing hateful inflamatory, maligning stuff, I don't know. That is awful. What ever the administrators feel is necessary to keep the forum alive with its wonderful personality, I'm all for it, whatever it takes.
Many guests, and most people, on this board have good input and/or good questions or valid need for a supportive shoulder.
I hope no one thinks I think ALL guests are vitriolic hatred spewers. Just the ones who don't like me.
Liam, more fuel for the "Liam's ego is way too big" crowd.
_________________
| Machine | Mask | |
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As in Zen, I believe in the middle ground...
Here's my 2 cents on this important topic
On the one hand, I do assume anyone reading this forum would have the common sense to take it as just one type of input. Health management is very individual, personal and unique.
On the other hand, I would also say that anyone who has ears and eyes knows that systemic issues in the medical field, as a for-profit industry, do not always allow or support the patient's best interests. The many DME stories here unfortunately are illustrative of financial and health mis-management. My personal experience is that, without the information from this forum, for my one-time purchase or rental of a cpap, I would have ended up with a machine "prescribed" for me by default by a (well-meaning) DME with little to no knowledge, simply because it was more convenient for him and his firm (read, most profitable and least likely to experience mechanical failure).
Even my pulmonary sleep specialist doctor said that, when it comes to the systemic treatment of sleep apnea, he is just one cog in the wheel (sleep clinic / doctors, DME, insurance, primary care doc, etc.), and many patients end up with poorly fitted machines as they navigate these complexities. These patients often drop out of treatment, a total or partial non-compliance, which is the worst ultimate result, for their personal health as well as public safety.
So, I believe that the information within this site, used judiciously and in concert with (not against) medical advice, is absolutely invaluable. Imho, pro-active management of one's health and treatment is absolutely essential when dealing with multiple providers, of different quality and capability for communication.
So, I continue to applaud the members of this forum, who have helped me personally more than I can say. Thanks to them, I advocated, and received my informed primary care doctor's permission (after conferring with the sleep clinic doctor as well as my pulmonary sleep specialist) to go with auto cpap. Even with this, I want to collect data on my cards and share it after 8 weeks with my pulmonary specialist, to ensure it looks good.
But I do agree, we are not doctors, and our pearls of experience and wisdom are not a substitute for direct medical care. I believe this is particularly true for sleep apnea because it is a condition that often has been in place for years, and is more likely to co-exist with other long-standing health issues. We at this forum don't understand (nor should we) all the subtleties of treatment of individuals with multiple health issues.
It is my hope that individuals who learn from this forum really learn to advocate for themselves, because again I think that is essential, but ultimately advocate by identifying a doctor they can work with directly.
I also hope that I have limited my contributions to telling my story, and sharing what was right for me. That does not mean it is right for anyone else.
On the one hand, I do assume anyone reading this forum would have the common sense to take it as just one type of input. Health management is very individual, personal and unique.
On the other hand, I would also say that anyone who has ears and eyes knows that systemic issues in the medical field, as a for-profit industry, do not always allow or support the patient's best interests. The many DME stories here unfortunately are illustrative of financial and health mis-management. My personal experience is that, without the information from this forum, for my one-time purchase or rental of a cpap, I would have ended up with a machine "prescribed" for me by default by a (well-meaning) DME with little to no knowledge, simply because it was more convenient for him and his firm (read, most profitable and least likely to experience mechanical failure).
Even my pulmonary sleep specialist doctor said that, when it comes to the systemic treatment of sleep apnea, he is just one cog in the wheel (sleep clinic / doctors, DME, insurance, primary care doc, etc.), and many patients end up with poorly fitted machines as they navigate these complexities. These patients often drop out of treatment, a total or partial non-compliance, which is the worst ultimate result, for their personal health as well as public safety.
So, I believe that the information within this site, used judiciously and in concert with (not against) medical advice, is absolutely invaluable. Imho, pro-active management of one's health and treatment is absolutely essential when dealing with multiple providers, of different quality and capability for communication.
So, I continue to applaud the members of this forum, who have helped me personally more than I can say. Thanks to them, I advocated, and received my informed primary care doctor's permission (after conferring with the sleep clinic doctor as well as my pulmonary sleep specialist) to go with auto cpap. Even with this, I want to collect data on my cards and share it after 8 weeks with my pulmonary specialist, to ensure it looks good.
But I do agree, we are not doctors, and our pearls of experience and wisdom are not a substitute for direct medical care. I believe this is particularly true for sleep apnea because it is a condition that often has been in place for years, and is more likely to co-exist with other long-standing health issues. We at this forum don't understand (nor should we) all the subtleties of treatment of individuals with multiple health issues.
It is my hope that individuals who learn from this forum really learn to advocate for themselves, because again I think that is essential, but ultimately advocate by identifying a doctor they can work with directly.
I also hope that I have limited my contributions to telling my story, and sharing what was right for me. That does not mean it is right for anyone else.
Best wishes and good dreams...
Hopeful
Hopeful
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
I agree with Davidmcc - this has been a very, very interesting thread right from the start and all the way through. I especially agreed with SWS's take on the dynamics of all this.
I understand potaytoh's and Zees's excellent points about why it might be better not to allow people to post unless they are registered. In many ways I agree.
But then, I think about "Different Guest"'s very thoughtful posts. I believe that people should be allowed to post as "Guest" on this message board, if they feel more comfortable posting that way....for any reason.
Personally, I was neither offended nor upset by the first "Guest" post that started this whole topic rolling. I read that first post for what I think it truly was - one person's dismay and alarm at the idea of people changing anything at all about their cpap treatment without first consulting a doctor. I thought it was a very interesting take on how people should/should not go about this kind of treatment.
The original "Guest" post had good points in it about the dangers of striking out on one's own, or following any suggestions one sees on message boards. It didn't change how I feel about taking a very proactive role in one's own treatment, but since that Guest was happy with his/her doctor and his/her treatment, I could certainly understand where they were coming from.
I guess each person views "different opinion" and how a different opinion is stated as... just a different opinion or as a "flame". Personally, it doesn't bother me one bit if someone thinks this message board or any board is going the wrong direction or allowing things to be posted that might be considered dangerous by some. If people choose to read a message board of opinions and choose to do something they shouldn't, the individual chose to do that.
As an example, I'd venture a guess that everyone reading this message board has at least one bottle of pills sitting in his/her home, that could kill the person or harm terribly, if they took the whole bottle at one time. I don't see any difference in message board posters sharing information about things like how to access pressure information on these machines or do something else to achieve good treatment. Actually there's probably a lot less danger in tweaking a cpap pressure setting than in choosing to take more or less meds without consulting one's doctor.
Anyway, I'm trying to cover several things at once. Bottom line, my points (my opinions..heheh) are:
1. Posts that are contrary to what "regular" poster(s) have been saying should appear here too - if posting as "guest" makes that more likely to happen, I'm all for people posting that way.
2. The first Guest's post in this thread was fine with me - interesting points and a very understandable opinion whether I agreed with it or not. I like hearing other opinions - doesn't bother me at all, nor do I see it as a flame.
3. "Different Guest"'s poignant, well expressed posts solidified for me the feeling that people should be able to post as Guest - for any reason.
As a sidenote directly to "Different Guest", I really can appreciate what you said and am glad you said it.
I understand potaytoh's and Zees's excellent points about why it might be better not to allow people to post unless they are registered. In many ways I agree.
But then, I think about "Different Guest"'s very thoughtful posts. I believe that people should be allowed to post as "Guest" on this message board, if they feel more comfortable posting that way....for any reason.
Personally, I was neither offended nor upset by the first "Guest" post that started this whole topic rolling. I read that first post for what I think it truly was - one person's dismay and alarm at the idea of people changing anything at all about their cpap treatment without first consulting a doctor. I thought it was a very interesting take on how people should/should not go about this kind of treatment.
The original "Guest" post had good points in it about the dangers of striking out on one's own, or following any suggestions one sees on message boards. It didn't change how I feel about taking a very proactive role in one's own treatment, but since that Guest was happy with his/her doctor and his/her treatment, I could certainly understand where they were coming from.
I guess each person views "different opinion" and how a different opinion is stated as... just a different opinion or as a "flame". Personally, it doesn't bother me one bit if someone thinks this message board or any board is going the wrong direction or allowing things to be posted that might be considered dangerous by some. If people choose to read a message board of opinions and choose to do something they shouldn't, the individual chose to do that.
As an example, I'd venture a guess that everyone reading this message board has at least one bottle of pills sitting in his/her home, that could kill the person or harm terribly, if they took the whole bottle at one time. I don't see any difference in message board posters sharing information about things like how to access pressure information on these machines or do something else to achieve good treatment. Actually there's probably a lot less danger in tweaking a cpap pressure setting than in choosing to take more or less meds without consulting one's doctor.
Anyway, I'm trying to cover several things at once. Bottom line, my points (my opinions..heheh) are:
1. Posts that are contrary to what "regular" poster(s) have been saying should appear here too - if posting as "guest" makes that more likely to happen, I'm all for people posting that way.
2. The first Guest's post in this thread was fine with me - interesting points and a very understandable opinion whether I agreed with it or not. I like hearing other opinions - doesn't bother me at all, nor do I see it as a flame.
3. "Different Guest"'s poignant, well expressed posts solidified for me the feeling that people should be able to post as Guest - for any reason.
As a sidenote directly to "Different Guest", I really can appreciate what you said and am glad you said it.
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Different Guest
hello
Thank you Rested Gal,
I had felt a little squeemish writing my posts, but I was also thinking as I was writing, sort of thinking "out loud."
Your points also got me thinking. You reminded me that we can learn from just about everything, that there can be something of value to learn, even from the angriest of posts. You also showed me how easy it is for different people to interpret the same message differently. Interesting.
FYI -- I once conducted oral history interviews. Part way through, I felt conflicted. Because this occurred over a few years, sporadically, and because it involved me as a white person interviewing people of different ethnic backgrounds, I consciously made a point of creating a kind of moral guidebook to help me. I don't mean for this to sound all high and mighty, it wasn't. It was a kind of code to help me decide who to interview and about what. I decided that I would interview even those who's opinions or personality or beliefs or lifestyles were controversial, and to not be scared or have to justify my interviews. I decided to give everyone the benefit of describing their histories, whether that person was known to be a liar, a cheat, a racist, an adulterer, criminal or infirmed. That helped me alot (I know that sounds weird) in my questioning. Besides, I always checked everything anyway. I learned to find value in every comment. Why? Because we are living in a society of all types of people. And unless we live in a cave as a hermit, we are obligated to learn from these people....good, bad, or ugly.
.......Now, Rested Gal, it's been a few years, and I admit to forgeting even my own lesson, I'm embarrassed to admit. So thank you for reminding me with your thoughts about that first guest's comments. I need to be reminded. Thank you so much.
I had felt a little squeemish writing my posts, but I was also thinking as I was writing, sort of thinking "out loud."
Your points also got me thinking. You reminded me that we can learn from just about everything, that there can be something of value to learn, even from the angriest of posts. You also showed me how easy it is for different people to interpret the same message differently. Interesting.
FYI -- I once conducted oral history interviews. Part way through, I felt conflicted. Because this occurred over a few years, sporadically, and because it involved me as a white person interviewing people of different ethnic backgrounds, I consciously made a point of creating a kind of moral guidebook to help me. I don't mean for this to sound all high and mighty, it wasn't. It was a kind of code to help me decide who to interview and about what. I decided that I would interview even those who's opinions or personality or beliefs or lifestyles were controversial, and to not be scared or have to justify my interviews. I decided to give everyone the benefit of describing their histories, whether that person was known to be a liar, a cheat, a racist, an adulterer, criminal or infirmed. That helped me alot (I know that sounds weird) in my questioning. Besides, I always checked everything anyway. I learned to find value in every comment. Why? Because we are living in a society of all types of people. And unless we live in a cave as a hermit, we are obligated to learn from these people....good, bad, or ugly.
.......Now, Rested Gal, it's been a few years, and I admit to forgeting even my own lesson, I'm embarrassed to admit. So thank you for reminding me with your thoughts about that first guest's comments. I need to be reminded. Thank you so much.
Just a couple of thoughts.... I am not a very articulate person but here it goes.
I agree with the others that "guests" should be allowed to post. I feel that many newly diagnosed apnea suffers find this board daily like I did back in November. I did register on my first visit but feel that some may not wish too. Perhaps emabarrased that they have this condition or concerned about Internet safety but if they feel more comfortable searching and asking for help anonymously they should be able too. After all the goal of this forum is to help "all" of us that suffer with apnea. IMHO, If this board helps only one guest posting anonymously deal with this awful condition then it is worth allowing a "guest" to post without registering.
As far as the "guests" that "offend", they are entitled to their "opinion". As great as this board is it is not perfect. It does need tweaking from time to time. Growing pains are inevitable. Sometimes criticism is a necessary evil.
In regards to the "guests" that appear to be offensive. Try to keep an open mind and look for the good. However, if it is obvious that the "guest" may be posting something to get a negative reaction from the forum don't give them the pleasure. Don't give them an audience. Don't react. Ignore the post. It will fade into oblivion.
To sum it all up, this board is great. It saved me when I thought I was lost. Plese keep an open mind and it will stay strong and help many others for years to come. All our "active" members bring something special to this board that make it strong. Liam .. humor, SWS ... expertise, rested gal ... wisdom, Wader helps us wade through it all, and everyone has their vast experiences that translate to knowledge.... and yes Guests play a role too.
I agree with the others that "guests" should be allowed to post. I feel that many newly diagnosed apnea suffers find this board daily like I did back in November. I did register on my first visit but feel that some may not wish too. Perhaps emabarrased that they have this condition or concerned about Internet safety but if they feel more comfortable searching and asking for help anonymously they should be able too. After all the goal of this forum is to help "all" of us that suffer with apnea. IMHO, If this board helps only one guest posting anonymously deal with this awful condition then it is worth allowing a "guest" to post without registering.
As far as the "guests" that "offend", they are entitled to their "opinion". As great as this board is it is not perfect. It does need tweaking from time to time. Growing pains are inevitable. Sometimes criticism is a necessary evil.
In regards to the "guests" that appear to be offensive. Try to keep an open mind and look for the good. However, if it is obvious that the "guest" may be posting something to get a negative reaction from the forum don't give them the pleasure. Don't give them an audience. Don't react. Ignore the post. It will fade into oblivion.
I did the same thing back in November. I posted a question as my username and did not get much response(0). Out of curiosity, I posted the same question as guest and had several responses. Granted it wasn't much of an experiment. As was said, it might have been missed when posted as "me" and not missed as guest. I just found a little validity in my experiment when I read Different Guest's similar observation.Different Guest wrote...I once, as an experiment, posted as a guest. I was most annoyed (with myself) to find I got more appreciative responses as an anonymous guest than as under my own username.
To sum it all up, this board is great. It saved me when I thought I was lost. Plese keep an open mind and it will stay strong and help many others for years to come. All our "active" members bring something special to this board that make it strong. Liam .. humor, SWS ... expertise, rested gal ... wisdom, Wader helps us wade through it all, and everyone has their vast experiences that translate to knowledge.... and yes Guests play a role too.
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