#1
Posted: 2/1/11 at 9:36pm
As a disclaimer, this is not the case in all situations. There are many kind people on these boards who are genuinely interested in having productive conversations.
But why can't people just be kind, lose all snarkiness, and discuss theatre in a lively and productive fashion here? We're not all meant to agree, by any means, but dissenting opinions don't mean someone is less educated about theatre or life. Other people's thoughts and opinions are what make these boards fun, and they're how we continue to learn about the arts from each other. If you come to these boards to lord your knowledge over everyone and feel superior in someway, fine, but please get that thrill without being outwardly rude. Smile to yourself, believing that only you have all the answers, and simply share your knowledge or thoughts. Remember, too, that often the things we discuss are subjective and will elicit different feelings and opinions from those around you. This is normal and, in fact, a lovely part of life, that we do not all respond in the same way to every situation.
I love these boards, and I think it's fun learning from fellow theatre goers/doers about the history and future of the theatre. What's not fun is wading through the negativity that spews from some of us like fountains. If I may be so bold, I would encourage a new way of thinking. Give positive energy and you'll get it back. Look for the validity in other's posts, even when their opinions are wildly different or their information is incorrect, and you may even learn something new!
This post will probably get a lot of hate. I know it's pretty annoying to hear some annoying, happy person trying to make everyone else around them happy. I have come to learn in my years on this planet that being happy is typically associated with being naive. "She must not know a lot about the world, or she wouldn't still be smiling..." But that's far from the truth, and if you knew me, you'd know that. It's just time, I think, for us to try a different approach than what is sometimes seen.
So let the happy discourse begin anew!
But why can't people just be kind, lose all snarkiness, and discuss theatre in a lively and productive fashion here? We're not all meant to agree, by any means, but dissenting opinions don't mean someone is less educated about theatre or life. Other people's thoughts and opinions are what make these boards fun, and they're how we continue to learn about the arts from each other. If you come to these boards to lord your knowledge over everyone and feel superior in someway, fine, but please get that thrill without being outwardly rude. Smile to yourself, believing that only you have all the answers, and simply share your knowledge or thoughts. Remember, too, that often the things we discuss are subjective and will elicit different feelings and opinions from those around you. This is normal and, in fact, a lovely part of life, that we do not all respond in the same way to every situation.
I love these boards, and I think it's fun learning from fellow theatre goers/doers about the history and future of the theatre. What's not fun is wading through the negativity that spews from some of us like fountains. If I may be so bold, I would encourage a new way of thinking. Give positive energy and you'll get it back. Look for the validity in other's posts, even when their opinions are wildly different or their information is incorrect, and you may even learn something new!
This post will probably get a lot of hate. I know it's pretty annoying to hear some annoying, happy person trying to make everyone else around them happy. I have come to learn in my years on this planet that being happy is typically associated with being naive. "She must not know a lot about the world, or she wouldn't still be smiling..." But that's far from the truth, and if you knew me, you'd know that. It's just time, I think, for us to try a different approach than what is sometimes seen.
So let the happy discourse begin anew!
