Community/Respect/Standards of behavior

[protohistorian]

I have had the great honor while using this site, to speak to and be educated by some very fine human beings. I believe they constitute the overwhelming majority of users, and speak rather highly of this community and it's default levels of behavior. Unfortunately, like cancer, it is a few cells that poison the organism. In that line of thinking, I propose those of us wishing to live in a civilized community of scholars should take it upon ourselves to make changes in our behaviors to try and improve the current situation. I am not above retaliating to posts that insult me and I know it to be a flaw. I am however going to try and not do it so much,primarily because it serves no purpose but to perpetuate poor behavior. We can all survey the posts on this site and see many arguments that span years and have clearly degenerated into personal pissing matches. I pledge to this community I will improve my behavior in this regard, and I hope others will follow. If we do not want ripperology to be seen as malignant, we must address this issue. Additionally, I will be no longer be signing "Respectfully Dave" because I want everyone to understand that I view us all as peers, contributing as we can, and as such, all worthy of the same respect. If you have read this post, I thank you for reading it. Dave

[Phil Carter]

Hello Dave,

Hear hear that man!! Civility is an old fashioned word that needs using more!
I have said some of your manings on my "time for a rescue thread".. well said Dave

best wishes

Phil

[Natalie Severn]

Praise be!

Your best bet might be the church Dave!
luv ya
Norma
x
---one of your " peers"---

[Edward]

Here, Here!

I find these cases fascinating, and I happily learn a lot about the "Autumn of Terror" and about Victorian East End London from visiting this site. I've become very interested in learning more about how the average East Ender lived during those times.

The scholarly discussions and the sharing of opinions and ideas that initially drew me to the Casebook were being overwhelmed by personal attacks and petty squabbling with one another. Some of the posts on this site over the last two or three weeks were filled with such venom that I was on the verge of staying away. I hesitated to post messages for fear of the resulting derision. Who needs the grief?

We are a community with a common interest. Respect. Civility, please. Thanks for starting this thread.

Edward

[Natalie Severn]

On the other hand Edward-as some might say -if you can"t stand the heat get out of the kitchen...

[Monty]

How dull.

Monty

[Edward]

Expressing an opinion for the sake of discussion should not result in an attack, Natalie. Why can't newer members be coached, mentored and taught?

Edward

[corey123]

Edward,

You will have to realize, your opinions will be attacked. I agree, this is a very respectable community and we need to act like it. For the most part we do, but where ever heated debate goes on, insults and threats will follow.

Yours truly

[protohistorian]

In reply to Natalie's comments, being critical is not synonymous with uncivilized. Point out flaws By all means, just keep it civil. Dave

[Cap'n Jack]

I'm always willing to show anyone how to roast a kipper.

[Hunter]

Civility

Hello Dave,

Unfortunately, with human nature being what it is, we always have to work hard at civility; and sometimes it doesn't happen anyway. Just ask the dead from the many wars.

Where I come from, people still pull to the side of the road when a funeral passes. Folks that you don't even know waive at you as you drive by, and if you have car trouble someone always comes along to help. I've even had folks take me home to dinner while my vehicle was being repaired . Even with all of that , however, I have seen a change in recent years that is disturbing. People talk on cell phones in public while totally ingnoring the people around them. Four letter words are uttered, even around children, that would have gotten my mouth washed out with soap by my mother if I had done such a thing. In many places there is little proper etiquette or even shame because its not taught where its supposed to be- at home.

Some of the answers you get from starting this thread will not surprise me.

[Steve Powell]

A Pledge of Humanity.

This site needs more people like yourself Dave.
Wonderful and honest pledge.
I'm with you.

[Ally]

The idea that everyone deserves civility is a fallacious one. The premise that all are entitled to respect is a false one.

There are people on this board who lie with malicious disregard for others and for the truth and treating them with anything other than the contempt that they have earned would validate their behavior.

We currently have two people on this board who go around slandering people without providing a single shred of evidence for their claims and they've been getting away with it for years. They are utterly unconcerned with whose reputation they damage in their attention seeking shenanigans and it has been proven, time and time again, that they are incapable of either providing evidence for their slanders or just shutting up. Appeals to be civil to them are frankly cowardly and a tacit acknowledgment that their actions are acceptable.

[Steve Powell]

Take the Dave pledge.

[protohistorian]

The idea that everyone deserves civility is a fallacious one. The premise that all are entitled to respect is a false one.

There are people on this board who lie with malicious disregard for others and for the truth and treating them with anything other than the contempt that they have earned would validate their behavior.

We currently have two people on this board who go around slandering people without providing a single shred of evidence for their claims and they've been getting away with it for years. They are utterly unconcerned with whose reputation they damage in their attention seeking shenanigans and it has been proven, time and time again, that they are incapable of either providing evidence for their slanders or just shutting up. Appeals to be civil to them are frankly cowardly and a tacit acknowledgment that their actions are acceptable.

If you find yourself in that position call the person a liar, as politely as possible, and do not continue to post in opposition to there posts. You can say I think you are being less than honest with the facts once and be done with it. It should not take days, weeks ,or months to say it. Dave