Re: Not all Surfacehippies are idiots! - my final response to this

[Guest guest]

I have always enjoyed and appreciated your postings and continue to

do so. And I do agree with you about not allowing the verbage to

become abusive and rude - something I failed at in my anger towards

what I perceived to be consistent stereotyping aimed solely at

American OS's. I allowed such postings to go on for quite some time

and allowed my feelings to vent up to the point that I did lash out.

I should have responded sooner in a perhaps much more professional

way.

I do not apologize for taking individuals to task, but do apologize

for the rudeness of the tone in which I did so.

And I still assert in the stronegst of ways that cautions are what

are most needed when expressing feelings, not stereotyping.

By the way, to the person that said " get a life " - I will continue to

contribute here and to those who appreciate the feedback I can offer -

that may not be their idea of getting a life, but it's my idea of

aiding those who want to regain theirs just as I have mine as a

result of resurfacing.

Joe

> I actually agree with what I interpret as your message, that some

OS's are

> informed and communicative and some are closed minded and ignorant.

The

> patient needs to discriminate and be an informed consumer. That's

what we're

> here to facilitate.

>

> But then you state:

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: " rtdinc2003 "

> > Testy verbal exchange is painless and the hallmark of a free and

open

> > society... so keep it up, y'all

>

> I think you're wrong. People who visit this group are often

suffering,

> exhausted from chronic pain, and frightened. They are looking for

> compassion, understanding, sympathy, knowledge and encouragement.

>

> Your " testy verbal exchange " can suddenly become abusive and rude,

leaving

> no opportunity for a discussion that includes anyone unwilling to

risk being

> the object of verbal castigation. If one patient turns their back

on a

> better life because of exchanges like this it will be a shame.

>

> The Internet is not an opportunity to participate in a verbal free

for all.

> Groups like Surface Hippie not only have written rules, they have

customary

> modes of behavior consistent with the goals and purpose of the

group.

> Controversy and discussion is one thing but calling people " twits "

and

> making other derisive statements is not acceptable.

>

> I'm sure you, Joe (and others) can contribute valuable insights,

opinions,

> and knowledge to the Surface Hippie Group without the anger and

criticism

> that has charactorized this thread.

>

> Mike Trautman

> C2K, Kennedy, Sep 02