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Otherwise, there is always room for improvement in diplomatically improving the discourse
Hear Hear! I agree that while it is good to have critical (and often passionate) discussions, there is always ways for improving HOW we communicate with each other. I am sure that nobody here has an overt intention of being a mean and evil person. I would like to think nobody comes into this forum thinking, "Hm who can I upset today."
But while it is healthy to open and critical discussions, I think it's also very helpful to use the forum as a training ground by listening to the feedback that other people are giving us about our "speech" and action. I.e. if several people have come back to say that our posts are upsetting / condescending / offensive, we should consider it as that: feedback. If we wish to be open and critical in our approach and discussions, then we also have to be willing to take the criticism and "openness" if it is directed back towards us personally. Then look at how we can improve or amend from there. We are not here to bash each other but to constructively help each other. So there is also no need to be defensive.
I am not addressing this just to Alexis but to all forum friends in general, as something for all of us to think about
It's always nicer to be on good terms and friends with all, no?