Blue dots??

I see your point, and agree, to a point.
But I think if it's serious enough for someone to issue a ding just because that poster disagrees with another poster's opinion -- is rather childish, and a Mod or Staff should make the final determination if it's that bad.

What's really irking, is when a poster issues a ding without a comment. Hit & Run? Sniper fire?

It's not so much that the dings bother me as it is they tend to cause me to be more conservative -- and THAT causes me to not want to respond to certain posts.
HecK!
Maybe that's a good thang though.
If I get the slightest feeling that another poster MIGHT be a tad touchy, I just don't bother posting anything, just in case I MIGHT hurt their feelings or be taken the wrong way.

 

HeY!
It's ME/US who should be awarding the Mods and Staff for providing this site and these forums to do what makes me/us feel good because we're ABLE to assist and help others.
That's the main reason why I'm here -- all the rest of the fun is just icing on a delicious chocolate cake with creamy triple fudge ice cream.

Allowing me to do that is MORE than enough reward for this poster. It's a win-win situation. Helpin' folks makes me feel good and helps me maintain my sanity when thangs get out of whack.

I can EASILY deal with red, green and blue dots for the privilege of being a contributing poster on this fine site.

Thanx to y'all who make that possible.
Y'all are my hee-rows.
Yes you are.

 

Lost them O no if you want I will help you look for them.

 

This thread has caused me to go
"Hmmmmmmmmmm"
Which is the sound of the gears turnin' in
my (somewhat) pointed head.
Personally, I like that sound.

As a result, and as I often do, I've re-read this entire thread,.......... again. (I do that a lot when the threads continue -- to be sure I don't miss a thing or a point. Call it "review" if you will -- or won't)

And, DaD-GUM if this isn't a most excellent example how folks can calmly and rationally discuss thangs on their minds -- rounded or (somewhat) pointed.
One size fits all.
Very impressive!

Now, if I might, and as I sometimes do -- I'd like to break down some of what'cha'll have had to say.
Ready?
Here goes ------------------>

Hmmmmm
I think, yes, ..... and no. All depends.
Ruffle feathers to drive home a point?
Yes.
But to purposely ruffle feathers to cause anger or to insult another poster?
No.
It's a timing thang and a "feel" for the situation.

Too true, amigo.
And some of those same people are really just tryin' to instigate, (passive-aggressive?) and get whupped at their own game when presented with (simple?) logic. And THAT'S what REALLY gripes 'em.

**AfterShock AfterThought (and little secret)
When a poster is throwin' an attitude, I've been known to mirror that same attitude back att'em.
Now, if that ticks 'em off, what have we learned?
Combrende?

I reckon it's kinda like breaking a 2-year-old horse to a saddle.
Back in the day, a cowboy just rode 'em till they stopped buckin', and the learnin' process began after that.
However, there ARE those who will make better rodeo stock because they seem to enjoy bucking. Which is fine in a rodeo arena, but I doubt a New York Mounted Policeman would find it to their liking.

I've tried thinkin' like that, but it hasn't worked --- and I'm not sure I want it to.
Maybe it's my competitive spirit, or the desire to be the best I can be --- but when I put my past record on the table for all to see, I don't want them to see ANY red, unless it's to underline the word "excellent" (or better).
Am I hard on myself?
YuP!
TOO hard?
Hmmmmmmmmm

Can I ask you a personal rhetorical question?
Do those awards make you feel good?
They sure do for me.
That's when I know we're communicatin'.

Truth be known, I enjoy reading and discussing thangs with folks who don't always agree with me.
That's one way I LEARN.

After a good discussion, I'm either more firmly convinced my opinion is correct for me, or I re-examine my opinion(s) and consider changing them based on new knowledge.

And therein lies the secret. Or, "talent".
Good for you!

Whine?
No.
Clarification?
Yes.
Explanation?
Appreciated.

That's a good fact to remember.

HeY!
Wait a minute!
Don't I owe YOU a red ding?!

O U C H !!!!

Knowledge is power.
GOTTA love THAT!

Wait a minute, buster!
Lemmie check to see if that's an insult.
Hmmmmmm
NopE!
Continue ...............................

YeAH!
We're men, fer gawd's sake.
That goes with the territory.
Ya reckon.

Well THAT certainly wasn't something "stupid" to say. And I don't think I could agree more with that assessment.

I don't lose sleep over them -- but they still kinda bug me.
However, when someone who has dinged me, turns around and befriends me --- My-0-My, it's a beautiful thang,
and well worth the sacrifice.

My partying daze are long gone --- but I STILL see that other weird stuff.
And one good jab to my jaw and I REALLY see red dots --- and little Saturns, too.
LOTS of 'em, just before the lights go out.

As with luck -- there are TWO kinds of reputations.
Maybe three, ......... let's see,

1. Good
2. Bad
Hmmmmmm
OH!
and
3. Ugly

MY opinion?
I think you done yo momma proud.

IMO ---- your "best" is
outstanding.

So true!
And that's what I like to think, too.

"Outspoken"?!!!
Who?!
Say it ain't so.
*wink*

Sorry to hear that DH.
Good news though -------- just round 'em up,
I hear they can sew 'em back on now-a-daze.

 

Yea but who can sew now-a-daze???

 

A stitch in time
saves nine.

 

Well I Guess I Better Stay On The Lookout For The Dot Police. I've Been A Bad Boy. Oh Well.