Unprofessional, disrespectful posts as of late reminiscent of banned BigGlenntheHeavy

[lookagain]

It is out of line for users to announce to other users ("y'all") that
1) they "failed miserably" at solving some problem(s) that they dared
others to solve, and 2) to dare them to do another one to
"redeem" themselves.

For a math message board, it's

unprovoked put-downs

unprofessional

childish

instigatory


It is an abuse by the user who does this, and it is
particularly so because of the 1) years of mathematics
education (formal and otherwise), and 2) the age of
the user, being of at least middle-aged, should know
better than that.

Banned user, BigGlenntheHeavy (sp?), fit into the two
aforementioned categories (as well as a vular, pornographic
attack on me when I called him out for said behavior).


And, if you forbid me from PMing you, then be respectful and do not
do it in return to me, as evidenced by (today) the one sent to me below:

Please be advised that I entered you on my "ignore" list.

Thank you.

No need to reply.

Be advised that more than a year ago, user Denis ordered me to never
PM him again. Yet, today, he PMed me, and it is of a defensive nature.
"Man up," and admit you were out of line, instead of running for the
cover with the "ignore" application.

 

[mmm4444bot]

It is out of line for users to announce to other users ("y'all") that
1) they "failed miserably" at solving some problem(s) that they dared
others to solve, and 2) to dare them to do another one to
"redeem" themselves.

I do not desire to minimize your opinion, lookagain, but I do not read Denis' post as a serious claim that we are all miserable failures. I believe that such comments by Denis (and others, too) are tongue-in-cheek, in general.

Because I help to moderate these boards, I hope that I correctly discern the difference between playful mockery and speech that goes over the line.

My point of view is that everybody is free to express their thoughts and opinions, as long as the discussions remain civil. Even so, I feel that certain topics of discussion are best held by private messaging. My preference is to keep stuff like flame wars or extended, similar exchanges out of public view.

Small spats or spirited disagreements are okay, as long as they stay small. I certainly understand that the range of human behavior is broad, and I also understand what can be at times "growing frustrations" at both ends of mathematics instruction. At some point or another, everybody needs a break, if for no other reason than to debrief or let the winds blow over.

(For my part, I have certainly jumped on my soapbox many times before; I also post overly sarcastic remarks, from time to time -- sometimes intentionally and sometimes without realizing it. We all operate within our own style, and one person's constructive criticism or sense of humor may not always be interpreted by others as intended by the author. Many different personalities make up our "family", and the English language can be ambiguous.)

If a person decides that they are not interested in reading another person's posts, they may block that user. There are various links around the boards for reporting posts, too. For all readers, the owner of these boards is member Ted, and you may forward complaints to Ted by private message, as well.

As the new school year approaches (along with those inevitable growing-frustrations that I mentioned), let's all take a moment to breathe deeply (or fix a lovely beverage) and seek perspective over how to deal with those seemingly exasperated students.

Cheers ~ Mark :cool:

 

[wjm11]

I do not desire to minimize your opinion, lookagain, but I do not read Denis' post as a serious claim that we are all miserable failures. I believe that such comments by Denis (and others, too) are tongue-in-cheek, in general.

Because I help to moderate these boards, I hope that I correctly discern the difference between playful mockery and speech that goes over the line.

My point of view is that everybody is free to express their thoughts and opinions, as long as the discussions remain civil. Even so, I feel that certain topics of discussion are best held by private messaging. My preference is to keep stuff like flame wars or extended, similar exchanges out of public view.

Small spats or spirited disagreements are okay, as long as they stay small. I certainly understand that the range of human behavior is broad, and I also understand what can be at times "growing frustrations" at both ends of mathematics instruction. At some point or another, everybody needs a break, if for no other reason than to debrief or let the winds blow over.

(For my part, I have certainly jumped on my soapbox many times before; I also post overly sarcastic remarks, from time to time -- sometimes intentionally and sometimes without realizing it. We all operate within our own style, and one person's constructive criticism or sense of humor may not always be interpreted by others as intended by the author. Many different personalities make up our "family", and the English language can be ambiguous.)

If a person decides that they are not interested in reading another person's posts, they may block that user. There are various links around the boards for reporting posts, too. For all readers, the owner of these boards is member Ted, and you may forward complaints to Ted by private message, as well.

As the new school year approaches (along with those inevitable growing-frustrations that I mentioned), let's all take a moment to breathe deeply (or fix a lovely beverage) and seek perspective over how to deal with those seemingly exasperated students.

Cheers ~ Mark :cool:

Eloquently spoken, Mark. Or as Smokey Robinson once said, "I second that emotion." I also interpret the "give and take" under "Math Odds and Ends" in a different light than I view postings under the more rigidly defined math categories. That sort of separates the student audience from the tutor audience and allows for more "flexible" exchanges. Just my opinion.

More importantly, I would like to emphasize how grateful I am to everyone who contributes so much here. It is an amazing gift to the world community. The diversity of approaches and "voices" that students are exposed to increases the likelihood that they will come away with greater knowledge and understanding. For me, that is the "big picture." Thank you everyone for all you do.

VR,
Bill

 

[lookagain]

I have no problem for Denis to mock himself, just don't mock other users
who take the time and effort to type in their attempts and discussions
on exercises.

My point of view is that everybody is free to express their thoughts and opinions, as long as the discussions remain civil.
His wasn't civil. And he set a poor example for newer users by showing his arrogance
with his "Look at me! You're a bunch of losers for not getting it." mentality.

Even so, I feel that certain topics of discussion are best held by private messaging.
And as I pointed out earlier, Denis ordered me not to PM him, so that particular
avenue was not an option.


My preference is to keep stuff like flame wars or extended, similar exchanges out of public view.

Yes. Then Denis or his like should learn not to instigate them. He can be civil and
not disparage other's talents on a math message board.

At some point or another, everybody needs a break, if for no other reason than to debrief
or let the winds blow over.

If Denis needs to give himself a break, then he can find civil, mature ways to do it.

...

 

[daon2]

This is an internet message board. I would simply suggest to not take things so seriously.

 

[mmm4444bot]

[Denis has a] "Look at me! You're a bunch of losers for not getting it." mentality.

I feel badly that you interpret the context in this way, but you are free to do so.

My interpretation of Denis' style is very different.

Both sides need to agree to disagree, on the interpretation of Denis' wordings.

(One size never fits all. )

And as I pointed out earlier, Denis ordered me not to PM him, so that particular
avenue was not an option.

All members have the right to not receive private communications of their choosing. We need to respect Denis' decision. We need to respect your decision to disagree with Denis' style.

I have forwarded the relevant threads to Ted, for review. Please use the moderator links or post-reporting links to advise on future matters of behavior or content, should you desire to submit additional comments.

Cheers :cool: