Special Symbol

[jools]

Over the last few months there have been several cases on the lizard section where an op has been roasted and it has then transpired that they were perhaps a child, dyslexic, english as a second language, learning disabilities etc. Once ppl have realised this many I know regretted the tone of their replies. There will always be strong opinions on a forum - vigourously expressed - this is as it should be BUT would it perhaps be helpful if (and only the member themselves could request it) there could be a special symbol that could be attached to the screen name to signify "go easy". I know this would not be a perfect scheme but may well help some ppl who do not wish to specify that they have special needs or what those needs might be. Has this ever been tried or suggested before?

[LiamRatSnake]

Originally Posted by jools

Over the last few months there have been several cases on the lizard section where an op has been roasted and it has then transpired that they were perhaps a child, dyslexic, english as a second language, learning disabilities etc. Once ppl have realised this many I know regretted the tone of their replies. There will always be strong opinions on a forum - vigourously expressed - this is as it should be BUT would it perhaps be helpful if (and only the member themselves could request it) there could be a special symbol that could be attached to the screen name to signify "go easy". I know this would not be a perfect scheme but may well help some ppl who do not wish to specify that they have special needs or what those needs might be. Has this ever been tried or suggested before?

I think you may have a good point, especially for kids.

[Reaper941]

I've never regretted it.

[RawrIsDinosaurForILoveYou]

i think this is a good idea
it might make the people that think "oh there just a kid, what do they know?" stop being so up themselves

i don't know if its only me, but i've noticed us 'kids' are the ones most affected by the people needing to let off steam.

[Reaper941]

Originally Posted by RawrIsDinosaurForILoveYou

i think this is a good idea
it might make the people that think "oh there just a kid, what do they know?" stop being so up themselves

i don't know if its only me, but i've noticed us 'kids' are the ones most affected by the people needing to let off steam.

I think you made a few spelling and grammatical errors..

[jools]

Originally Posted by RawrIsDinosaurForILoveYou

i think this is a good idea
it might make the people that think "oh there just a kid, what do they know?" stop being so up themselves

i don't know if its only me, but i've noticed us 'kids' are the ones most affected by the people needing to let off steam.

Yes there will always be a few with an attitude. It is also not my intention to be patronising to anybody. The problem with the internet is that you can't see who it is you are talking to or see them to gauge their reactions - and vice versa. It is normal and natural to adapt the way we speak to ppl depending on who we are speaking to and I for one would be much more patient with a child, for instance, than I would an adult who was just being an idiot.

[RawrIsDinosaurForILoveYou]

yeah, its just like, you cant tell if they mean it in a sarcastic tone

[Reaper941]

Originally Posted by RawrIsDinosaurForILoveYou

yeah, its just like, you cant tell if they mean it in a sarcastic tone

Is that why you're ignoring me?

[jools]

Originally Posted by Reaper941

Is that why you're ignoring me?

No-one is ignoring you. I just don't really get what your point is. Do you think this suggestion would be a good idea?

[incrisis]

A symbol might make things worse.

A lot of people who can't be bothered to spell would request it.
People who troll will request it.
It might draw unwanted attention.
etc.etc.

It would get to a point where people will ignore the symbol, or purposely post replies that could be seen as 'nasty'.

The best thing to do is remember that this is a forum full of people from all walks of life, different attitudes, different interpretations of what they read or post.

It comes down to the old adage....

If you haven't got anything nice to say, say nothing.