There are a number of challenges when posting information on-line. It usually starts with a simple question, but very little background information. As a result you get no answer, or lots of answers that do not apply. As an example: what kind of sound card should I use? Without knowing what kind of locomotives the person has, what kind power they use (DC, DCC, battery), and what their budget restraints might be, they might get every answer except the one they are looking for.
Most people will also reply with information about products they prefer and that’s only natural. They are happy with what works for them and feel others should feel the same. Ask a person what brand should I buy, and I would be very surprised if they didn’t recommend the one they use. They would also be enthusiast about what they enjoy and might come across as pushy in person and very pushy on-line. I ran several clubs over my lifetime. In every club there were people who would voice strong opinions on almost every subject and annoy most club members. I nominated these people for Executive positions because I realized that unlike the deadwood they were passionate about the club. /DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/w00t.gif
Exchanging information with a person you can not see or hear is also problematic. Someone’s writing style on-line may appear condescending as there is no body English or voice reflection to tell you that the person is only trying to be helpful. The writer also has no feed back to let him know that he/she is coming across as a know-it-all. Humour can also appear to be sarcastic. The light hearted pokes we exchange in person with friends would appear rude and callous on-line. /DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/unsure.gif
People on-line are not as they actually appear. Someone who comes across as crusty in writing may actually be very soft spoken, helpful and look like Santa Claus face to face. When Ric Golding met me in person at the American Invasion of Ottawa, he exclaimed that I didn’t look anything like what he expected. I was reluctant to ask him what he really expected, and no I don’t look like Santa Claus.
Some people really do know it all about a particular subject. There are many experts on-line and they may come across that way. But again realize they are only trying to help. Some of these experts may also be blunt in their replies because they have answered the same question over and over and over during their many years on MLS and other forums.
No one is happy all the time unless medicated. There may be a day when a normally helpful person may come across as grumpy, because they are. There may also be a day when you are cranky, take a comment the wrong and over react. Relax! Over the long run everything will be fine. If you kissed off everyone that occasionally disagreed with you, over time you wouldn’t have any friends or a spouse.
MLS is a great place to exchange information. Some of it does not apply to you and some of it you won’t like. But it’s like a buffet, take what you like and leave the rest. /DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/wow.gif