The Jesuit Approach to Forum Posting

10 replies
Occasionally, I come across posts asking the permission question: is it ok?

There are many things that people seem to want to know if it is ok for them to do. When I see such posts, I always think back to something an old work colleague said to me. He said he subscribed to the Jesuit method of marketing.

The Jesuit approach is to recognise that it is better to have to beg forgiveness on your bended knees than to ask for permission. It is not only a memorable phrase, it is also something that I have also always believed to be a broadly correct principle.

Of course, in everything you do, you should exercise due diligence, so don't misconstrue the point I am intending to make here.

But, to stay with the forum example, my view would be that you should read the forum rules before you post anything just to familiarise yourself with the overall ethos of the place. Then if you want to do something, provided you believe it does not run counter to the rules, just get on with it and don't bother asking for permission.

If you use your common sense and you understand the rules, there is no reason why your post should get deleted. If it does, well, hey, worse things happen at sea. There may be a good reason for your post getting deleted that you simply do not understand. That's why forums have moderators after all. Don't bother asking why. Just move on.

And that's the essence of what my friend called the Jesuit approach.

So what do you think are you a 'permission' kind of guy or a 'publish and be damned' type of person?

Will
#approach #forum #jesuit #posting
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
    I agree as long as we and as people accustom ourselves to the rules of the area we are in at the time, just do it and you will eventually find out about any un-written rules.
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  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    Those things that I do will either work or not work.

    If they work, then awesome. If they don't work, then I might learn something from the experience.

    When creating threads for the forum, I know that they will either survive or be deleted. If they survive, people will either enjoy them or learn from them or both. If they get deleted, a few people may enjoy them, learn from them, or both, before the thread gets deleted.

    It is a win for me, regardless of the outcome.
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    Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
    Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
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    • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
      It would be interesting if the legal systems worked like that rather than the ignorance is no excuse approach.
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      nothing to see here.

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      • Profile picture of the author tpw
        Originally Posted by Andyhenry View Post

        It would be interesting if the legal systems worked like that rather than the ignorance is no excuse approach.

        The difference between the law and forums is that one operates mostly in black-and-white and the other operates in diverse shades of gray.

        Sometimes I know there is a chance to have my post deleted, and sometimes I am surprised when it happens.
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        Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
        Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
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  • Profile picture of the author Kal Sallam
    I'm the second choice :'publish and be damned' type of person'
    with a little bit of extra common sense on the top
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  • Profile picture of the author AdrianCostan
    Although I would go with publish and be damned, I think that the overall it's not a bad think to ask first. But that of course depends on the subject of matter.
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    • Profile picture of the author Harvey Segal
      Will

      I definitely agree with your Jesuit approach.

      Would it possibly be OK if I tell others about this post ?



      .
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      • Profile picture of the author Ken Strong
        Originally Posted by Harvey Segal View Post

        Will

        I definitely agree with your Jesuit approach.

        Would it possibly be OK if I tell others about this post ?
        Down on your knees, worm.
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        • Profile picture of the author azmanar
          Hi,

          If I'm a stranger to the community, I'll ask questions first and shoot later.

          If I know the community well enough but still a stranger to them, I'll be sharp-shooting ( and there's no begging ).

          If the community and me are mutually acquainted, I'll shoot first and let them ask me questions. lol...
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          === >>> Tomorrow Should Be Better Than Today

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      • Profile picture of the author Will Edwards
        Originally Posted by Harvey Segal View Post

        Will

        I definitely agree with your Jesuit approach.

        Would it possibly be OK if I tell others about this post ?



        .
        Sure Harvey. I'm glad you liked it. I guess being a Brit, you may have a similar sense of humour. It's not just the principle I liked; it's the way he put it - made me smile anyway.

        Will

        EDIT: You know, you get me every time
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