There are certainly multiple sides to this whole issue.
I can understand that merlyn would be a little tired of
answering what to him are very basic questions.
I can understand someone voting a post negative because
they percieve it to me be "mean" or "curt". (and I do mean
anyone's post here)
I do know that everyone in this community brings something
to it, even if only a different viewpoint.
All that being said...
Is a negative vote really worth getting uptight over?
Honestly? I just do not see that it is. People are not
always logical, and someone could log in in a very bad
mood and vote all their votes negative on semi-random posts
just because at that moment that feels good. Silly, but
true. Yes, it would be the polite, and contructive, thing
to do to make a post or message exlpaining a negative vote.
But I just do not see where a negative vote is worth
getting upset about, explanation or no.
We all have different humors, experiences, and ways of
looking at things. The same words printed in the same way
under the same circumstances will affect me differently
than it affects you. Remember that forums like this are bad
in one respect: there is no body language, no vocal tone,
nothing to help in your interpretation of what you see
written. I am sure we all have had experiences were
something that was written sounded horrid, but was not
intended in that vien.
Yes, merlyn can be considered curt at times. But if you
do not take the tone personally, there is generally a LOT
of information within there. No, I am not saying that
manners need to go out the window. But, should you see
anyone's post that is a little curt, look past it. (Note:
a curt post is NOT the same thing as one that is an attack.
Attacks are certainly undesireable; curtness can be
forgiven.)
And as for the negative votes on posts all I can say is
this: in the end, it does not matter. My two posts that
gone -1 do not make me any less a person, just as those
that made it to +6 (high for me) do not mean that I am
better than someone who has no +6.
Basically, I guess I am just saying:
1) Do not take votes on your posts either way so seriously.
2) Answer posts as you would like to be answered.
3) Look past what might sound pretty curt and see if there
is something you can use for the better within the words.
I understand all this is long and wishy sounding; thanks
for your time nevertheless.
Roy Alan