I didn't have a thread about me, and I didn't care, I don't want one. But THIS thread has made me feel awful. I understand that there are those who would rather not have had one made or think it's a good idea to publicly compliment people, however I was one that participated and enjoyed doing so. What I wrote was sincere and I feel like I'm being told I wasn't.
I don't want to discuss this further and this is the last I will post on this issue.
This post made me feel sad. I don't think anyone should be made to feel bad about writing something encouraging to or for someone else that is from the heart. I don't think any of us are lemmings following the sound of a can opener (in reference to SeatBelt's illustration), but that's just me. Actually, I'd say I'm more of a ferret than a lemming.
This thread was on my mind all morning at church. Being someone who has written a few threads as well during my time on CC, I've come to realize you just can't win. The last time I complimented someone, another poster ripped my head off, and ironically, I had complimented this same poster that lashed out at me at another time as well. So I opted not to answer any of the threads dedicated to specific users because I figured someone was bound to get upset about it.
When writing polls especially, I've often gotten feedback such as, "Your poll answers SHOULD have been..." or "You SHOULD have written..." or a downright gleeful "Seoul is going to get an infraction for this..." (for the user who was helpful enough to point that out... I never did get an infraction for it, but thank you anyway.)
I try to use others' opinions to improve ideas for the next thread. And I do want to respectfully suggest one thing for anyone offering helpful hints--show us how it should be done, and I'm sincere about that. I've asked people who told me I "should have" done something this way or that way to please write a poll, thread, etc. that includes all of their improvements so I can see an example of how it "should" have been approached. Ironically... they never have, and I really wish they would, because we all want to see something better, and I learn best by example rather than lists of regulations.
SeatBelt would be an awesome candidate to start some threads with positive vibes, seeing as he's thoughtful, insightful, and extremely articulate. I'm hoping I can count on him to be someone who will follow through and show us his ideas for how to improve the atmosphere here with some real live examples.
It's easy to tear something down. Anyone can do it, and I've gotten to the point where I don't pay much attention to the wreckers.
I'm more interested in the one who, after making polite suggestions, can actually build something better.