IMHO: too much negativity. We all share something fun and valuable here

**Panache** · 18th March 08, 12:39 PM

Alan,

What a great sentiment. As with any large group (and we are well over 1000 active members here) there are going to be a lot of things that we don’t agree on. But we all do have this common love of kilts and it has brought us all together. From this have sprung friendships, knowledge, and inspiration to go forth and sew, throw, dance, play, and create.

Not too bad for a site all about men’s skirts!

I do have one question for you Alan, how is focusing only on saying positive things going to work when we talk about Grant?

Your Friend

Jamie

**davedove** · 18th March 08, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

I do have one question for Alan. How is focusing only on saying positive things going to work when we talk about Grant?

Every policy has its exceptions Jamie.

**Panache** · 18th March 08, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by davedove

Every policy has its exceptions Jamie.

Dave are you saying that Grant is exceptional?

Cheers

Jamie

**davedove** · 18th March 08, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

Dave are you saying that Grant is exceptional?

Cheers

Jamie

In his own "special" way.

**Cynthia** · 18th March 08, 12:59 PM

I also have to admit that compared to a lot of other online communities, this place is very civil. Even when arguments occur and feelings get hurt. It stinks, but that's going to happen at some point. You can't really go about life without offending someone, even unintentionally.

I don't really post too much. I read as much as I can although I sometimes have to skim threads and mark them as read so I don't get overwhelmed. Even if someone comes across as a bit too forceful of their opinion (any opinion), I still try to listen to what they have to say. I take what I can from it. I agree or disagree (I don't have to agree 100% on every detail either), and try to move on. I also try to remember that I can't change some people's opinions any more than they could truly change mine on some matters, and just continue to be involved in a community the best way I can.

As I said, I'm sure I will at some point offend someone. I truly apologize if it happens -- I don't intend for it to happen, and I'm sure I will be offended at some point as well. If I'm offended enough, I might mention it, otherwise I tend to be the sort who just shrugs my shoulders and moves along. I honestly haven't seen anything here that was truly offensive, and the things that started skirting it the mods jump on before I even have a chance to consider letting it get to me. I'm not saying people should overlook someone who needs to be corrected about inappropriate behavior, I just have found that for me personally, I try to keep myself from reacting too soon.

Variety of opinions and different viewpoints, as well as knowledge are what makes this community so strong. That, and the fact that it's obvious so many of you have gotten along so well and formed friendships.

Discussion is a wonderful thing. Just take a moment before posting, but remember that no matter how careful you are to word things it might be taken the wrong way. I don't always want someone telling me "good job", but I also don't want to be torn apart without any consideration for my feelings. Pointing out my strengths is great to help encourage me to fix my weaknesses.

I'm obviously babbling... I'm procrastinating to keep from having to get some chores done, but I just wanted to post my thoughts on this as well.

**pipesndrumsnun** · 18th March 08, 01:04 PM

Rock on, Alan!! Great thoughts!!

I also have found X-Markers to be really wonderful and just plain "neat" people!!

**sharpdressedscot** · 18th March 08, 01:26 PM

This is probably one of the nicest sites I've been to. The arguements are nothing here.

**McClef** · 18th March 08, 02:46 PM

Most of the time disagreements are civil and respectful and we prefer to say nice things. We try on the whole to generate light rather than heat whereas with many forums it is the other way around.

At the end of the day opinions are expressed and then we do what we want to do anyway as individuals.

That doesn't stop the fellowship and the camaraderie and it's great to know that there are friends and potential friends all over that otherwise would not know each other.

**Ancienne Alliance** · 18th March 08, 04:49 PM

Wow, Alan.
That's wisdom creeping in at a young age !
I think that the main thing to keep in mind is that everyone is trying to do his/her best here. It often occurs that in searching for some relative perfection, the simple good and sweet things are left aside.

So, all the best ! ...and tough luck for perfection.