Posy I think that the difference between this forum and others where there is often political debate, is that many of us have been here a long while, we have come to know each other pretty well, and shared hopes, fears, sorrows and happiness. When you have that sort of relationship you actually care what others think and it becomes personal, whether that's intended or not.
That's why, if we're going to talk politics here we need to take care, read through what we've written before posting, and try to see things through the eyes of others who may have different views and different life experiences.
if someone wants more robust debate there are political forums where that is what is expected.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
On all discussion boards you will find those who wilfully misinterpret the words of others in order to be offended / shocked / disgusted. There are also those who deliberately post comments in the hope that a certain interpretation will be put on them, and will then feign innocence when precisely that interpretation is made.
There is always the risk of comments being accidentally taken the wrong way when all we have is the written word, without all the other elements of a face to face conversation.
I remember when Verdun was called Christopher, he was quite shy and only posted about plants then. Then he was angry because another poster tried to steal his profile, so he changed his name, then I remember, as does Dove, when he had a sense of light hearted humour and liked doughnuts. Now he sends out sniping digs and upsets people. Is it the same Verdun we used to love? Or has he been taken over? Please come back the fun Verdun.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
Oh eck as like as my old Mum would say, ( A Yorkshire lass) I am an old hand on here, read the mail, "oh" and other papers, have opinions on things and at times print them. Yikes I must be one of them? Eletist? Could someone please elucidate, what exactly does that mean.
Well, I'm not offended, Verdun, and I hope that I haven't given offence. You and I probably wouldn't agree on our politics - I'm a Guardian reading remainer - but I respect your views and enjoy discussing them with you and anyone else. When I look at the Brexit campaign and the rise of Mr Trump it seems to me that many of our problems arise from a refusal to listen to and respect others. I also feel that we ought to make more effort to understand where people's opinions come from before we label and condemn them. To do that, we have to talk to eachother respectfully. I hope I can do that and I believe that everyone here should give it a try.
Posts
Posy
I think that the difference between this forum and others where there is often political debate, is that many of us have been here a long while, we have come to know each other pretty well, and shared hopes, fears, sorrows and happiness. When you have that sort of relationship you actually care what others think and it becomes personal, whether that's intended or not.
That's why, if we're going to talk politics here we need to take care, read through what we've written before posting, and try to see things through the eyes of others who may have different views and different life experiences.
if someone wants more robust debate there are political forums where that is what is expected.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
On all discussion boards you will find those who wilfully misinterpret the words of others in order to be offended / shocked / disgusted. There are also those who deliberately post comments in the hope that a certain interpretation will be put on them, and will then feign innocence when precisely that interpretation is made.
There is always the risk of comments being accidentally taken the wrong way when all we have is the written word, without all the other elements of a face to face conversation.
I remember when Verdun was called Christopher, he was quite shy and only posted about plants then. Then he was angry because another poster tried to steal his profile, so he changed his name, then I remember, as does Dove, when he had a sense of light hearted humour and liked doughnuts. Now he sends out sniping digs and upsets people. Is it the same Verdun we used to love? Or has he been taken over? Please come back the fun Verdun.
But do note everyone that Verdun apologised on the previous page.
Oh eck as like as my old Mum would say, ( A Yorkshire lass) I am an old hand on here, read the mail, "oh" and other papers, have opinions on things and at times print them. Yikes I must be one of them? Eletist? Could someone please elucidate, what exactly does that mean.
Answers in words of one sylable please.
Frank.
Well, I'm not offended, Verdun, and I hope that I haven't given offence. You and I probably wouldn't agree on our politics - I'm a Guardian reading remainer - but I respect your views and enjoy discussing them with you and anyone else. When I look at the Brexit campaign and the rise of Mr Trump it seems to me that many of our problems arise from a refusal to listen to and respect others. I also feel that we ought to make more effort to understand where people's opinions come from before we label and condemn them. To do that, we have to talk to eachother respectfully. I hope I can do that and I believe that everyone here should give it a try.
Well said RB.
This thread will now be locked to further comment. Political discussion is allowed on this gardening forum, but provocation/arguing isn't.