If You Don't Have Anything Constructive to Say...Shut Up!

Hi G.U.A.F.,

I'm quite blunt and often deliberately word things provocatively.

I usually examine what I write, and occasionally, (usually after taking some advice) I withdraw the comment and apologise. On other occasions, I find that my motivation is often hidden deep, but the reaction I have received to a provocative comment has spawned a useful dialogue and I often find that I have achieved my aim by pricking a nerve and getting to the core of the issue.

The kind of thing you refer to will never go away and in a lot of cases, I think it has it's place and does a lot of good - although there are many shades and personal attacks aren't particularly useful. Many of the best and most useful threads here are heated debates though.

For example, it's not very often we get pasionate about html. But conversely, when it comes to discussions about marketing, ethics, little guys, big guys, people 'pushing the line' of common decency in their marketing...those subjects get passionate really easily and there is usually a lot to learn.

For me personally, it doesn't really bother me too much when someone doesn't like me or what I say or if they attack me personally. They don't really know me, and I have broad shoulders and enjoy a bit of sport and verbal tennis.

Plus, as I said, I'm not one to hold back, so for me it goes with the territory. It would be pretty hypocritical of me to whinge if someone laid into me on here...besides, I could always butt-kiss my way out of it.