No matter what I do, of course, some will complain.
But I have a higher threshold for harsh comments directed at political candidates than I do for the same words used against volunteer board members. When you run for office, you need thicker skin.
For those who think Ellen Zoppo was unfairly attacked in some comments, I don't disagree. All I can say is that I killed 90 percent or more of the nastiest stuff. I had to kill quite a bit about Art Ward, too.
In general, though, let's all try to focus on issues rather than personalities. And let's treat each other more gently.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
18 comments:
Let me be more specific, since the comments keep rolling in.
On the Federal Hill Association thread, which began as an announcement of its candidates forum, people began lashing into each other instead of keeping to the topic at hand. That sort of thing has to end. I don't mind if you raise a reasonable question in a reasonable way, but trashing each other is not going to cut it.
Please remember that Tim Gamache, Alex Carros, Jennifer Janelle and a host of others are not running for office and didn't volunteer to be a target for everyone else to fire at. Whether they like it or not, politicians did volunteer for just that. I'm trying to keep the venom to a minimum.
I'm glad you're willing to put up with all of this. What you post is interesting... sometimes... but most of the comments are either stupid or mean. Don't hesitate to refuse more of them.
Steve, I think that your blog was a good idea and that you had good intentions. However I also think that it has served it purpose. You've done your time and you should seriously consider taking it offline.
It's obvious that the majority of people that frequent this site don't know how to participate in it responsibly.
It's just going to be a waste of time for you. I imagine you are deleting more messages than you are posting.
Steve,
Your blog is the best resource for Bristol news. If people can't be civil that's their problem.
Thanks.
No, it's everyones problem. If someone comes and assaults you because they didn't like something you said, is that your problem? I don't think so. What you say Dan is naive. It's obviously a result of your inexperience in the real world.
The real issue is civil discourse.
The internet has allowed us to become more connected than ever before. We all can have a voice through blogs, chats, what have you. But it has also allowed us to become anonymous.
The can be helpful in allowing each of us to discuss an issue thay my be heated without retribution or the fear of retaliation. Which is not always unfounded.
However the anonymous tag more and more is used to lauch personal attacks against individuals. And that is what is wrong. Submitters should have some respect for each other and those they comment about.
Oh, and Steve how about a blog on the Police Captain issue. I think the amount of support the police captain gets would be overwhelming.
I don't think I will be contributing to the comments anymore. It's too frustrating to have your views attacked. I've been respectful and I haven't said anything to bash anyone. However if my views aren't the same as someone elses, it's too easy to get attacked. That's why so many people chose to be annonymous. They don't want anyone to attack them directly.
11:49 Poster This was and is a great idea that Steve had! Dan is a very smart man for saying what he said because it is true. I have met Dan and he is a very mature, intellectual individual, not naive in any way. I also look forward to reading these blogs to keep up with our vicious peoples cares and concerns in this great city that we call home! Wow lucky us! If 11:49 poster does not agree or like what is said or is worried about being "ASSAULTED" stay off the site, plain and simple! Also he/she cannot be targeted because no name is given, so whats the problem? Steve thank you for your time and efforts! Some of us really do apprieciate your dedication to this project. You do understand though that we are surrounded by immature "ADULTS"
Kelly,
Is it not safe to assume that people post "anon" because they're afraid to get "assaulted" when they have somethnig nasty to say?
Remember Jesus said let him who hathe not sinned cast the first stone.
Gentle, schmentle. Who wants to read that, Steve? Come on! Let's take the gloves off!
Please do not put a smart, pretty and competent woman like Jennifer Janelle in the same breath as the likes of Tim Gamache and Alex Carros.
1:48 comment What was that all about, now we are bringing Jesus into this, give me a break! Does he appreciate tis nonsense? Id assume not!
I met Jen Jenn this evening. She is kind of smokin' hot.
Kelly,
Maybe you should bring Jesus into your life more. I think one should "bring Jesus" into everything they do.
I'm just saying Mr. Danny-do-right (in your mind) might just some day get some slack he doesn't deserve then he might not be so above it all.
I think if some wants to smear someone they should be "man enough" to post their name. That way the guy they're smearing can fire back at them personally, attack them and tell lies about them anf try to destroy them.
I consider people who pick on people anonymously are little weasels that don't deserve to be heard.
I'll bet this little weasel who wrote at 4:18 is a little no-body.
I can't get over the FHA. Can you imagine a group of people who think so highly of themselves, who really accomplish almost nothing and can't take a little criticism without having the guts to answer the criticism without smear tactics?
Thank you, Matt Tellier for stating the issue more eloquently than I did.
Mr,10:04 poster! Are you kidding me! Jesus is in my life! I was implying that this blog is not the place for you to preach the gospel! No one else has! Are you that ignorant and arrogant that you can tell someone they need Jesus in thier life. WOW you are an interesting character! Was that you that came to my door dressed in a suit and tie the other day, pushing the good book on me! Well this blog is a good place to vent but if you have something to say, just say it in english, no need to try and be high and mighty! Its really not working for me and you are making an A** out of yourself! I am sorry for you! HAve a great life, Im sure you are though. Perfect people usually do, so they think!
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