Several years ago, after we lost another CompuServe forum participant and community member and it caused me to recount some lessons I learned on that now defunct, but once dominant forum platform.helped
I was a part of the management team of a number of forums: Issues, Religion, White House, Education, Religious Issues, and Christian Fellowship and my tenure was over 25 years.
Since I only go back to the 1990s as a sysop (system operator), I will restrict myself to that period.
Lesson #1
People seem to love hyperbole, but other people become very skilled communicators. Some overstate their cases, but,when engaged, can be reasonable.
Lesson # 2
Never type in all caps. It is called screaming and no one can hear you.
Lesson # 3
If you said something harsh, there was a"<g>" statement you could attach to made anything easier to take. <g> was for "grin."
Lesson #4
Real people read remarks we direct toward them. They can have their feelings hurt.
Lesson #5
Diplomacy works. It always has.
Lesson #6
Push-back only creates more escalating push-back. You can often gain more ground by backing up.
Lesson #7
Not every challenge requires an answer. Not every insult requires a response.
Lesson #8
Some people are nicer in person than they are online. Give them a chance to reveal their true charm.
Lesson #9
This medium is a gift and provides a level footing for people to share, negotiate, create mutual understanding, and build relationships. It must be used properly and with integrity, but it can be a blessing.
Lesson #10
Online friends are real friends. We meet in public, on the phone, in airports, at regional gatherings, in prayer, and online. We sometimes do business. We often encourage. We sometimes argue. But we are friends.
But we are real.
There were so many lessons. These are just 10.
