I told someone, possibly in good faith, that I try to pick other posters up solely on what they have written, though I suppose I rarely provide the specific traceability to specific clauses in their posts.

I've noticed some poster allege personal deficiencies in their fellow posters, or in third parties, that really sometimes I struggle to see Now it migjht be that the two posters know each other personally, and one has certain knowledge that the other is a wanke_r, or whatever. But often, I feel it is purely speculation.

Can we offer our fellow posters any advice on how to make their foul accusations more relevant; I feel there is so much abuse on this forum that is so wide of the mark as to be completely pointless, and scarcely offensive to anyone for that reason.

SC

For those that have been members on Thai Visa for a long time,you get to know the Posters that have gained long term respect,and are sensible Posters with sensible views,on a given Topic.

And then there are those that are just Trolling,agitating for a Cyber argument,and are determined to have the last word,even though they are talking a load of Crap.

I always try not to become too abusive in replying to those that deserve some verbal,as that only escalates a pointless argument,far better to make a subtle reply,and let them believe they have won the argument/discussion,when in fact they are often too stupid to realise they haven't.

Style of writing and what you actually say,can be a giveaway,as to the Intelligence of the writer,hence the name calling.If you are not reasonably well spoken,and reasonably knowledgable, it's unlikely that you will be able to disguise it on paper,as for foul accusations,again that shows up the true ignorant mentality of the accuser.

For those that have been members on Thai Visa for a long time,you get to know the Posters that have gained long term respect,and are sensible Posters with sensible views,on a given Topic.

And then there are those that are just Trolling,agitating for a Cyber argument,and are determined to have the last word,even though they are talking a load of Crap.

I always try not to become too abusive in replying to those that deserve some verbal,as that only escalates a pointless argument,far better to make a subtle reply,and let them believe they have won the argument/discussion,when in fact they are often too stupid to realise they haven't.

Style of writing and what you actually say,can be a giveaway,as to the Intelligence of the writer,hence the name calling.If you are not reasonably well spoken,and reasonably knowledgable, it's unlikely that you will be able to disguise it on paper,as for foul accusations,again that shows up the true ignorant mentality of the accuser.

I really feel it would be worth posters' while checking back over someone else's recent content, trying to get to understand them, pick up their views on diverse issues, before launching into foul-mouthed tirades of abuse; that way, the abuse could be better targeted. Some useful misquotations might be picked up along the way. Of course, it's too much effort for me, which is another reason why I try to refrain from personal abuse. I just can't be bothered doing the research to support it.

I've mentioned this before, in the context of bickering on the internet, and a comparison to driving. I often find myself responding to the idiots I drive alongside with less-than-courteous driving behaviour. And suddenly there's one more idiot on the road. I've yet to see any poster hold his hands up and say "My apologies; you're right. I'm an ignorant buffoon who knows nothing about the subject and thanks for pointing that out." Normally, the more abusively criticism is worded, the more negatively it is received, no matter how accurate and potentially helpful that criticism is.

So to summarise: my recommendations if you want to abuse someone on the fora:

- do your research first

- keep it polite.

Personally, I always associate swearing with a lack of vocabulary; understandable for non-native speakers, but inexcusible for those of us with a decent education in the English language

SC

I fail to see why anyone would want to engage or participate in it,... "before launching into foul-mouthed tirades of abuse; that way, the abuse could be better targeted." Why sink to their or even below their level, just dismiss the idiot and move on, I wouldnt even give them the courtesy of acknowledging their response or anything further they have to say. If they cant control themselves and feel it necessary to behave like that then they are not worth engaging in any type of conversation of discussion. IMHO