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Publisher's Point

POSTED:Mon, April 28, 2008 @ 3:11PM

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Mind Your Netiquette

Emily Post penned tens of thousands of words on proper social behavior - in other words, manners. In 1922, when Emily first wrote her definitive guide to etiquette, she said, "Wherever two people come together and their actions affect one another, you have etiquette." Wow, little did she realize that those two people would be able to meet on the Internet and their actions have the possibility to be observed by millions of others. Yes, there have been a great deal of cultural changes in eighty-six years but does that really give permission to people to be cruel when hiding behind a fictitious name? In the short time that our new website has been operating, since February of this year, we have had 4,682 comments on stories and blogs. Undoubtedly, a few more even while I am typing. I value the opinion of our readers and how they react to what we are reporting. What you have to say does really matter. I just cannot understand why individuals need to make a conscious choice to use their brainpower to communicate with hurtful, mean and even obscene words. Yes, you individuals who waste your precious gift of thought and intellect on being rude and negative - you do have the right. All I ask is for people to realize that words can be so very empowering and influencing. They can also be devastating when used in a negative manner. Thanks to all of you who have taken to the new opportunities with the interaction of our website in the productive way that it was developed to be used. Please just mind your netiquette. If you don’t know what it is, Google it.

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2ndAmendement
05-14-08 10:20 PM »Report Abuse	These are the same bullies and malcontents you grew up with.Most are ignorant, but just like a school yard bully they get off on hurting people. I know it is hard but just try to ignore them. When you do not respond to their wacked out, no thought, let see who we can hurt today post.They will crawl back to their miserable lonely life. We can't stop them from posting. Just do not give them the satifaction of a response. Just my two cents.
llaport
05-12-08 7:11 PM »Report Abuse	We don't have to go back in time, to show common decency. If we show our fellow man nothing but anger and disrepect we not allowing the true human spirit to come through. We are only giving off anger because that is easier than giving respect to our fellow man. Animals most often when they come in contact with each other snarl and growl just to show who is boss. Is this all we have to offer each other, anger and meanness, and so lack of respect that our parking lots and roads are full of our garbage, children scream, yell,Spit and hit their parents in public. Not a few children it is a common scene in any store in any town in the USA. I say no, never go backwards that doesn't work, but either is this time in society. We don't even pick up our dead animals beside the road,the family cat lays there until is is reclaimed by nature how sad.
wirlwind
05-12-08 1:28 PM »Report Abuse	We didn't have blogs 15 years ago and most of us were using dial up. When I went back to college for a second career, I was one of a few using a laptop for taking notes in class and I didn't have a cell phone. I would never want to go back in time for the sake of politeness. People have passion, joy, anger and yes, they can be nice. Look for the good and you will see it.
llaport
05-07-08 8:00 PM »Report Abuse	So much has changed in the last 15 years I am often suprised how far people will go. They no longer care what they say to each and other people. It happens on such a regular basis that when we are confronted by this type of behavior the saying is heard on a regular basis, all brass and trash, no class. Isn't that so sad that society has a saying so startling for each other, when it is said a person often thinks the worst of that person. Just a little kindness, and respect for our fellow man goes such a long way. With a lot less harsh words, after all if a problem arises we often have the same thoughts, but if we hold our mean words and offer a kind hand and kind manerisms, how easier just trip to the store would be.
wirlwind
05-02-08 3:09 PM »Report Abuse	If the format mandated people to post with their real names, I'm sure the posts would be different. I choose to be anonymous because I'm a very private person, not because I am hiding. People are passionate about pieces and opinion published in the Leader, and name calling does nothing to promote one's argument. However, in reading the many, many posts here, I've come to understand some do not know how to debate or the power of a good discussion. I'm positive this will evolve into better posting. For what ever original purpose this paper decided to open it's doors to public opinion, this paper should be excited that the people are passionate and vocal. It's a blessing in a time when we feel somewhat helpless in changing the bigger picture. The Gazette has a bigger audience, but the Leader has a bigger voice.
Griffin
05-01-08 9:08 AM »Report Abuse	Mrs. Beck, Thank you for your blog. I'm Juanita DeVoe, and I find much peace in the words you have used here. Words can be devastating to a families and loved ones. I like the new comment post for the news, I just wish readers would just stop and think before thay make these neg. comments about people. The hurt that it can cause is much beyond there understand! I have children in our schools that have family members reading your paper and making comments ( young children) I have a job, my whole family works and shops here.We have family business here in Fulton County. We are all good people and will continue to be ! Our work for people in need will never stop because of things that have been said by a few readers that can't even sign there own names to what that have to say. To all those that we have helped across the community Thank You for your support! In truth the phone hasn't stopped ringing with good words and well wishers. Thank you, Juanita DeVoe

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Publisher's Point

Mind Your Netiquette

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Pat Beck