OT/mini rant - Are you a balcony or basement person??

I generally dislike getting into these discussions (and I dislike that I am doing it right now...LOL.) BUT I just feel the overwhelming need to point out that, just as there are "balcony" and "basement" personalitites offering advice, there are also balcony and basement personalities RECEIVING the advice. What motivates and comforts one person may not work for another. Just like in a classroom, here is a NEED for all sorts of approaches to reach all sorts of people under all sorts of conditions. Sometimes I need a pat on the back and a lift me up and sometimes I need a kick in the pants and a good old fashioned scare...

 i agree with you on this.  people are not a one size fits all.  Sure would make life easier!  But what is offensive to one person isn't to another.  That's just the way it goes.

I also feel that in some ways the 'rules' are a bit different online.  It's not like having a private conversation with your friend.  You are opening yourself up to everyone's opinion.  Tone is difficult to give online and it doesn't serve someone well to be touchy and on message boards.  (note: not saying anyone is touchy, i'm just saying).

above that though - i don't feel that people should assume that someone else will be their 'balcony' or get annoyed that they are a 'basement' person.  Ask for what you need if you need it.  As I tell my husband, I failed mind reading class :)

"Ask for what you need if you need it. As I tell my husband, I failed mind reading class "
Love it!!! And too, like others have mentioned, if you are posting something on a public forum, you shouldn't be surprised if you get some "harsh" feedback. Isn't it easier to be honest when you aren't face to face?? LOL.Have a great day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Oh..very very true!! Thanks for pointing that out. I think I am going to try to make it a point (in my posts) to say if I need a lift me up or the brutal/harsh truth.

I think that's a great idea! I have noticed some folks do that. Especially when they WANT a kick in the pants, LOL.

Very well stated, I agree.

That is what I as going to say (but probably not as nicely...).  You said it very well.

Loral

Thanks. I was channeling my inner balcony;)

Let me add that, when I post on a forum such as this, I do it knowing I will receive a lot of advice (some good, some bad, almost all well meaning) from many different personalities. It is up to me to decide what to do with it.

None of us have any right to tell others how to post.   We are all different personalities and sometimes even cultures and so the way we express ourselves might not be to everyone's liking.   I know, because I am blocked by quite a few of the more sensitive folks on here who don't like my "tell it like it is" style.  

I have been on OH over 8 years and have NEVER been rude or called anyone a name, although I can't say it hasn't gone the other way - I've been called just about every name under the sun at one time or another - thankfully I am not easily offended and realise that personal attacks are the first sign that person is floundering in a discussion!!!!!

Sometimes support is as much a kick in the butt as it is a pat on the hand.  I would suggest that if you only want pats on the hand, make sure you put it as a disclaimer in your post or just block the people you don't like!!!