Quantcast

Ms. P.'s Place

A place to share thoughts and ideas, ask each other questions, and talk to others who understand.

"Beware of Darth Commenter!"

Recently, I have read some blogs where someone commenting has really been tearing the blogger or other commenters down. I think that discussion, debate, and sharing are important when blogging, but instead of disagreeing or discussing topics in a rational and respectful manner, there has been a lot of negativity and personal attacks. All of this reminded me of one of the "23 Things" from my earlier online training. In the commenting "Thing" we were refered to Cool Cat Teacher's blog where she discussed what she called "Darth Commenter" (See Item #7). She emphasized the importance of commenting respectfully. I hope that the link I have provided to her site will help people that have come across "DC" to feel better and maybe any "DC's" who read it will reconsider their approach to blog commenting. :^)
Share this post: Email It | Bookmark It | Digg This | Reddit | Stumble It
Add to favorites: Favorite Post | Favorite Blog | Favorite Author
Posted: Thursday, July 31, 2008 8:40 AM by MsP
Comments

Teresa said:

You're kidding right?

You think it's ok for YOU to write inaccurate posts about homeschooling but I am not aloud to correct them? You're and other people's posts are false. So what would you suggest I do about it?

You won't read the links I provided with accurate information so now what?

Well?

# July 31, 2008 10:25 AM

John Spencer said:

I've been outside of this debate about homeschooling for awhile, so I admit that I don't know the whole context.  

However, I think this demonstrates the problem with online interaction.  Anonymity allows people to attack one another without ever having to face the restrictive norms of an authentic, physical community.  People end up writing things (in posts and in comments) that they might not make in person.  

# July 31, 2008 12:46 PM

Teresa_Thompson said:

spencer- as an education students I ave said and will say the exact same things that I have said here. I will not allow people to spread gossip, rules, and lies about homeschooling. it doesn't matter who they are.

# July 31, 2008 3:03 PM

MsP said:

This has nothing to do with home schooling. I am simply pointing out that along with commenting comes the responsibility to treat others with respect and realize that everyone has his or her own opinion to which they are entitled. However, no one has the right to belittle someone else simply because they have a differing viewpoint. By sharing this article from "Cool Cat Teacher" I wanted to point out that this is a global blogging issue, not just an isolated one.

# July 31, 2008 3:59 PM

MsP said:

Teresa, I'm sorry if you felt my post was directed to you or toward your view on home schooling, it wasn't. There have been many posts I have read lately, on TeacherLingo and elsewhere, that have had a negative spin and, being a positive thinking person, I like to try to help others by providing information that can help better a negative experience.

# July 31, 2008 4:04 PM

MysteryTeacher said:

I started the home schooling thing.  I was reading an article about a city in my state where the children are not going to school for religious reasons and as far as people know, they are not being home schooled.  I am not going to apologize for having concerns about children.  Children are the reason I am a teacher.  I am going to apologize to everyone else that the issue was blown out of bounds.  It was not my doing.  Personally, I hope it will be dropped and we can all move on.

# July 31, 2008 6:05 PM

Betty said:

I read a lot of educational blogs and enjoy seeing things from different perspectives.  It's okay to agree to disagree.  Doing so respectfully makes the convesations flow smoothly. The funny thing is that I read Cool Cat Teacher's blog when I first started blogging and picked up a few tips from her.  I am like a sponge when it comes to learning.  

# July 31, 2008 6:21 PM

MsP said:

MysteryTeacher, thanks for your input. I appreciate your willingness to stand up for what you believe and to do so in a respectful manner. :^)

It's kind of funny that you have read her too, Betty. I guess Cool Cat Teacher is a good place to start because she has so many good ideas and advice for us "newbie" bloggers. :^)

# August 1, 2008 1:43 PM

teachhub said:

MsP,

I think you're so right. The ability to respectfully discuss issues rather than argue and attack is something that needs to be taught by example.

We recently discussed why it is inappropriate to talk politics at work. While I agree that it often gets too heated, alienating and counterproductive, it saddens me that people don't try to hear and understand other people's views. They just tear them down. No wonder nothing ever gets done...

# September 17, 2009 1:21 PM

MsP said:

teachhub, thanks for the comment. This whole issue is one that I work on with my class every day. The kids are often unkind to each other and very self-centered. I work with them to treat everyone with kindness, respect and empathy. It is my hope that what I do with my students will stay with them throughout the year, into their home lives and on into the future. We can't give up on trying to improve social interactions with others. :)

# September 30, 2009 8:03 PM
New Comments to this post are disabled.