GIVING ADVICE - SHOULD WE ARGUE OR DEBATE?

[John100156]

OK admit it - we all like to help and contribute where we can and excercise our intellect, or lack of, depending on our level of experience/knowledge. Human nature?

So ten questions in my mind to contemplate, I put them as follows as they come to mind and give my opinions and will sit back and wait to be battered: /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

1) Should people comment on subjects even if they are not qualified (or experienced) to do so?
IMO YES: different even naive perspectives often stimulate healthy debate, the more the better!

2) Should those that are qualified get impatient or offensive when others disagree?
IMO NO: Its good to have a healthy debate and in the end we can beg to differ but often reach some form of concensus?

3) When there is a serious ongoing debate, should someone interject with levity?
IMO YES: Why not, it can sometimes be fun!

4) Should we get upset or even offensive (even if we are experts in our field and think we are always right) when others disagree with us?
IMO NO: definately not offensive or even upset really, even if we hold very strong views. It is IMHO best for all that we do keep contributing to the debate, assuming we have the time!

5) Should those more mature Forumite with thousands of posts be taken as always right?
IMO NO: But its often my experience that they do give good advice and I do consider carefully what they say with added weight to their argument. I suppose I respect grey-headedness (or whatever colour if old and female!)

6) Should those who know the answers just sit back and say nothing?
IMO NO: This is a hard one, if when they do they get pulverised or insulted. Not me - I dont mind sounding stupid if I think I may benefit and learn something in the end!

7) If in a mischievous mood should we post anything at all?
IMO YES. Why not have some fun! I suppose we must all learn not to take things to heart after all we give our time and comments freely.

8)Should we make better use of Instant Smileys? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
IMO YES: We may not be well known and this may help others to get some idea of our mood at the time!

9)Should we take and not give
IMO NO: Difficult one, but better to give!

10)If when wrong or insulted should you just give up posting?
IMO NO: We will all forgive you next time your right! And those that insult often get back worse than they give anyway!

I have read of some excellent advice and have gained much from the forum, long may it continue! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[johnalison]

Can't say I disagree with anything there.

I'm not good at smileys I'm afraid but I enjoy seeing them. My mood is usually revealed by my avatar.

 

[BlueLancer]

I agree entirely with Johns post.As a fairly new forumite, I have found all posts and requests for info useful. We are all adults in the main and it is up to us as to what advice we heed. As Voltaire said I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to to death for the right for you to say it, its not an exact quote but close enough. Long may the forum be an arena for everybodies views. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BlueLancer]

Further to my last post there is no such thing as a stupid question, only a stupid answer /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Quandary]

I know that as an very occasional contributor,I should not respond to this but I do find the PBO forum informative, and therefore useful, unlike Scuttlebut which I do look at occasionally, but is much more in the light entertainment field. On there I expect to wade through pages of trivia, it would be a shame if the PBO forum became more trivialized in the same way, so as someone who is more interested in boats than reading I would urge that responses continue to be based on knowledge and experience.
I realize that there is a large core of regulars who like to use the forum to put in time, keep in touch and to have a laugh. For others like me it is just a disincentive to read or contribute as the diamonds tend to get buried in the dross. I don't advocate restriction just suggest that the usefulness and popularity of the forum as described in the title byeline should be protected, it is too valuable a resource to lose.

 

[ThereAndBack]

[ QUOTE ]
I agree entirely with Johns post.As a fairly new forumite, I have found all posts and requests for info useful. We are all adults in the main and it is up to us as to what advice we heed. As Voltaire said I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to to death for the right for you to say it, its not an exact quote but close enough. Long may the forum be an arena for everybodies views. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
I totally agree with your sentiments, however, the quote wasn't Voltaire's. It was Evelyn Beatrice Hall in 1906, IIRC.
Still agree though.

 

[Captain Coochie]

The problem with Diamonds is you need to look for them or pay through the nose for them . Advice here is free so you need to look for it i'm afraid .
What annoys me is when people give advice when they are telling you what they have found on the net . They have no experiance of the subject and often quote things that are many years out of date and could be dangerous .
I think when the above is the case people should give a link to the web site they found the information and let people make up thier own minds .
I also think information that regards regulations should be dated as anyone can see it for many years after on the net .

 

[Poignard]

Voltaire wrote:

"Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers”.

How do I know he wrote this?

I read it on the internet. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif