RE: the question: ":Why do forum interactions become contentious". . .


I've just had a very unexpected and very unpleasant PM from a forum participant. 

He'd been suggesting I buy a certain component  and I told him politely that I didn't visualize that particular purchase fitting in with my long-range plans.  

His response was to accuse me of wasting everyone's time and to call me an "effing idiot" (except he spelled "effing" correctly). 

The great majority of interactions I've had here have been very enjoyable and recent input from
more experienced forum members has helped greatly in clarifying my plan for the next upgrade cycle. 

The thread on lesser-know Jazz has been great-- lots of participation and lots of terrific suggestions. 

Nevertheless, I've decided to take a break. 

Best regards,

Stuartk



stuartk

Showing 2 responses by sns

I've been on audiogon since founding, this forum has evolved/devolved just as forums in general. There's always been differences of opinion, in years past certain decorum expected of people, little bad language, much fewer personal attacks. Those days seem 'Victorian', a time when people may have held great malice, but held the tongue. I suppose that's considered bad for one's psychology today, let it all out today, cleanse the soul. something like scream therapy. I'd expect more of the PM attacks in future, likely to go off into threatening people with bodily harm.
Me thinks this is inevitable outcome of a culture obsessed with freedom.
Not so sure some of tough guys on social media forums aren't also some of the most argumentative person to person. I've known a number of 'banty roosters' in my life, they'll cut you in person just like they do here. A couple of these guys were/are audiophiles.

Some claim you need to develop thick skin, thick skin types often use consensus bias in interactions, assume others have equally thick skin. Thick skin has fertile ground to grow in, may not even notice over time. Thick skin can turn into suit of armor.