Why would you want to do that?

[Mr_Flintstone]

Why is it that there are always people in every group that are more interested in asking you why you want to do something, or telling you that you shouldn't do something rather than providing constructive input or help?

Is it a misguided sense of help? Is it a lack of tact? Is it just plain arrogance? Or is it something else? I can understand if it is something dangerous or otherwise ill advised; but sometimes it's over such simple things as your choice of gun, or the distance at which you choose to target shoot. Oh, and let's not forget the grammar police either. It seems that they have agents on every Internet forum, regardless of topic.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Welcome to the internet.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Welcome to the internet.

So you're saying that anonymity reveals a persons true nature? I can buy that.

 

[lhump1961]

To more than a few folks they just have to criticize others in order for them to feel sufficiently superior. Drives me a bit nuts, too, and seems to be worse in the younger generations.

 

[Krell1]

My personal experience with this is with my sisters. They've both criticized me on numerous occasions and questioned why I did certain things. One of the things was my purchase of a motorcycle. Something I've always wanted. One sister asked why I wanted to kill myself. I live away from both of them and never have any "family get togethers". The older sister has a bad habit of opening mouth and inserting foot. She also does not apologize for anything. Bad enough to get such comments from people you don't know but when you get it from family it's going too far.

I guess the old saying fits, you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family.

 

[otisrush]

In my experience probing as to "Why do you want to do that?" is needed or appropriate if something doesn't seem right.

"What scope should I get for my .22 to shoot steel out to 200 and 300 yds?". In my opinion responding with "Why do you want to do that?" seems logical - given that from *my* perspective, the question kind of conveys there's a reasonable chance the person might be a newbie and doesn't understand what a .22 is good (and not good) for.

On the other hand, I have a friend who DOES like to use his .22 to shoot steel out to 200 yards. I can't fathom having fun doing that, but that kind of shooting brings him a lot of joy so.....knock yourself out! Whatever floats your boat!

I do agree that many people use forums as a platform to find ways for them to demonstrate the vast knowledge they have. On more than one occasion I've asked pretty straightforward questions and gotten diatribes about details and pressures and other aspects of firearms and ammunition (not here however ) that cause me to think "Gee....thanks. But what about my question?".

OR

 

[Arik]

Plenty of reasons.

"I JUST bought this gun .... what accessories should I add on?"

WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO THAT? Have you at least shot it? Have you figured out what works for you and why?

"I want to make my 556 rifle into a 1000 yards sniper rifle" WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO THAT? Have you tried? Have you read up on 556 carbine sniping?

I'm not even going to get into the gun buying as it seems that some people buy anything in sight and then run to the internet for validation



Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Rustyt1953]

After reviewing your posts, I can surmise that this comes after your discussion in the Reloading forum.

That, above all sub forums here, is the most serious. A wrong ingredient or measurement in the recipe can be disastrous and no knowledgeable reloader wants that or would offer advice without trying to garner all the info they can about your question or intended purpose.

I don't reload but I read that forum regularly and come away the better for it.

Those folks take their responsibility very seriously and deal in concrete realities. They do not make it personal.

If I am in error then this message will self-destruct in 5 seconds.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

After reviewing your posts, I can surmise that this comes after your discussion in the Reloading forum.

That, above all sub forums here, is the most serious. A wrong ingredient or measurement in the recipe can be disastrous and no knowledgeable reloader wants that or would offer advice without trying to garner all the info they can about your question or intended purpose.

I don't reload but I read that forum regularly and come away the better for it.

Those folks take their responsibility very seriously and deal in concrete realities. They do not make it personal.

If I am in error then this message will self-destruct in 5 seconds.

It was actually another forum that set me off. Then I read one here (wasn't really that bad - probably the one you saw); the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back". But it's not just gun forums. I read things on gun and other forums daily where people want to interject their own views onto a discussion; often times unsolicited. I try to go out of my way most of the time not to offend or question someone's motives. Sometimes, though, it is necessary to clarify intentions. At that point questions are necessary, but I believe it is important to phrase the questions in a way as to not belittle or insult the intelligence of the person in question.

 

[UncleEd]

Mr. Flintstone, your name indicates that you do need guidance in the 21st Century.

 

[rosefarm]

This may blow up in my face, but here goes!

We live in a time where people have become completely self absorbed. Everything is about themselves, what they want, how to get it, and probably most of all, they feel as though they DESERVE it! Choosing to serve God and get out of themselves and help others, be kind, graceful, and caring is not as applicable as it used to be. I will sum up the problem with two words.......Moral Decay.

 

[snubbyfan]

 

[Watchdog]

Why is it that there are always people in every group that are more interested in asking you why you want to do something...Is it a misguided sense of help? Is it a lack of tact? Is it just plain arrogance? Or is it something else?

I don't see anything wrong with asking someone why they might want to do something.

It has nothing to do with lacking tact or being arrogant, or even a misguided sense of help.

Some people...me, for instance...are simply curious as to someone's reasons for doing something. I might ask someone, "Why do you want to rebore that 28-2 to .44 Special?" If someone has a problem with that, well, that's their problem, not mine.

Of course, some people are so sensitive or easily offended, they see any questions as an affront to their dignity or something, or they think their intelligence is being questioned...like, how dare you question me or my motives.

As someone else says here, welcome to the Internet and the wonderful world of forums.

Far as I'm concerned, it's another one of those if-you-can't-stand-the-heat-stay-out-of-the-kitchen situations.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Mr. Flintstone, your name indicates that you do need guidance in the 21st Century.

True! I still believe that there are only two genders (three if you count the occasional genetic mutation). I believe that a man should hold the door for a woman and stand when she enters a room. I believe in patriotic ideals, and believe that an American should stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. I believe that a man should protect his family; and if necessary, put himself in harms way if it prevents the same to them. I believe that all men (and women) are created equal. I believe in the 10 commandments. I believe that the American Flag should fly at every house and building in the country. I believe that evil exists in our world, and it is the duty of every man to be vigilant of its existence. I believe that a person who will not, by choice, work to provide for himself should not expect someone else to pay for it. I believe these things, and many other outdated ideas that are not so politically correct in today's world. If that makes me a caveman, then so be it. To quote John Wayne, "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. "

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

I don't see anything wrong with asking someone why they might want to do something.

It has nothing to do with lacking tact or being arrogant, or even a misguided sense of help.

Some people...me, for instance...are simply curious as to someone's reasons for doing something. I might ask someone, "Why do you want to rebore that 28-2 to .44 Special?" If someone has a problem with that, well, that's their problem, not mine.

Of course, some people are so sensitive or easily offended, they see any questions as an affront to their dignity or something, or they think their intelligence is being questioned...like, how dare you question me or my motives.

As someone else says here, welcome to the Internet and the wonderful world of forums.

Far as I'm concerned, it's another one of those if-you-can't-stand-the-heat-stay-out-of-the-kitchen situations.

Perhaps we're looking at this from different perspectives. I realize that not all people that ask why you want to do something are being derisive. Some truly have an interest in what it is you are doing, and really want to help. And in some unfortunate situations, what one person types is not interpreted by the person on the other end the same way. It is hard to read verbal inflections in typed words.

Those aren't the situations that I'm speaking of. I'm talking about the truly insensitive or mean spirited comments made by some people on some forums. I'm not overly sensitive or easily offended. If someone in real life intentionally says something I don't like, I give them the standard reply "... and the horse you rode in on." Online forums are another story altogether. You can be rude, or snide, but overt arguments will often times get you banned.

On another forum I used to belong to, new users rarely stayed because there were too many "experts" who were quick to tell people how stupid they were because of questions they asked. I see that more and more nowadays, not particularly here - I've only been here a short time - but it's becoming more widespread. If you go back and read my original question, it was not a complaint about comments, but a question as to why people feel the need to do it.

 

[pharmer]

Tomorrow will be exactly 15 years I been hanging around here. Same characters like the pool room I grew up in (at least that's my picture. I'd be happy to know "Radar Mike's" double-"Pete Brown from Outta Town", not so much). I came expecting nothing, spoke up when I thought I had something to contribute (about 1 in 4 times somebody agreed going off the "likes") and have always remained teachable. Easy at 48, easier at 63. I've learned more about S&W's than I could at a college course and a lot cheaper. Lots of changes over that time, most for the better and some chicken####. I've been paying to keep the ads from cluttering the place, less than 10 cents a day seems like a bargain. I ain't doing "social media." $.02 advice, don't take anything too seriously. Joe

 

[raljr1]

I think one of the previous posts touched on it. When you're reading the written word you don't get the inflection in the person's voice, so you're not sure if they're being sarcastic derisive or simply inquiring. I've been using email for over 20 years years now and I've seen that more than once. Add to that the keyboard Commando syndrome with a guy sitting in his pajamas espousing his wisdom, and it's easy to see why someone might take it in a manner in which it was not intended. Certainly this forum tends to be much more civil than many other places on the net. Thank goodness for that.

 

[M E Morrison]

I don't see anything wrong with asking someone why they might want to do something.

It has nothing to do with lacking tact or being arrogant, or even a misguided sense of help.

Some people...me, for instance...are simply curious as to someone's reasons for doing something. I might ask someone, "Why do you want to rebore that 28-2 to .44 Special?" If someone has a problem with that, well, that's their problem, not mine.

Of course, some people are so sensitive or easily offended, they see any questions as an affront to their dignity or something, or they think their intelligence is being questioned...like, how dare you question me or my motives.

As someone else says here, welcome to the Internet and the wonderful world of forums.

Far as I'm concerned, it's another one of those if-you-can't-stand-the-heat-stay-out-of-the-kitchen situations.

True enough, but the tone of the reply makes a difference; "what an idiotic thing to do" comes off differently than "what are you trying to accomplish".

 

[Watchdog]

$.02 advice, don't take anything too seriously. Joe

Exactly. This is just an Internet gun forum, not the houses of Congress, the United Nations, or the World Court.

That isn't to say some things shouldn't be taken seriously.

There are quite a few extremely knowledgeable people posting on this forum. They're knowledgeable in many fields other than guns. When they comment here, perhaps giving advice from their areas of expertise, I listen and take it seriously. This is especially true in regards to the SWCA section of this forum. Some of those guys have been studying and collecting for most of their lives. I believe some of 'em can look at a revolver and tell you the thread pitch on the screw that holds the cylinder release on.

Anyway, there is some serious stuff on this forum. Course, you'd never know it from reading most of my comments

, but really, there is.

 

[Watchdog]

True enough, but the tone of the reply makes a difference; "what an idiotic thing to do" comes off differently than "what are you trying to accomplish".

Sure it does. Matter of fact, chances are pretty good that if someone tells another member something like, "What an idiotic thing to do", they'll get their knuckles whacked sharply by a moderator or the forum admin.

Trust me on this, okay?

 

[armorer951]

Constructive criticism, useful information or a polite correction is miles different (better) than being talked down to. Not sure what is gained by making another person feel "small" or insult them.

There are a few proud, impolite people in the world who, for whatever reason, feel they are always right....and they are right about everything.
They cannot be corrected, even when they are wrong. They'll even throw in a few words in all capitol letters and more than a few exclaimation points just to make sure you feel uncomfortable, and you get the "message".

Sorry, but you'll have to get used to my bad grammar, misspelled words and improper nomenclature everyone. I do make my share of mistakes.....but I still learn a lot from the other members here. Thanks to everyone here for sharing their expertise.

 

[kenv1950]

armorer951

There are a few proud, impolite people in the world who, for whatever reason, feel they are always right....and they are right about everything.
They cannot be corrected, even when they are wrong. They'll even throw in a few words in all capitol letters and more than a few exclaimation points just to make sure you feel uncomfortable, and you get the "message".

So you've met my brother

 

[vytoland]

people talk, i listen...for the most part...thats where it ends.......

 

[susieqz]

well, i'm always right.
what's wrong with that?

 

[Rastoff]

At that point questions are necessary, but I believe it is important to phrase the questions in a way as to not belittle or insult the intelligence of the person in question.

Conversing on the internet requires leeway from both sides.

You complained about the "grammar police", but grammar is important. In fact, poor grammar is usually the cause of people feeling belittled or insulted. Here's what I mean:

Let's eat grandma.
Let's eat, grandma.

Two identical sentences except for a little comma. Yet, they have completely different meanings.

Reading comprehension is also a factor. Some people just misunderstand because they didn't read the whole thing or didn't fully understand the subject or question.

So, when participating in a forum, it requires a little slack. Rather than get insulted, take a step back and consider that the author might not have intended to be insulting. Maybe his writing skills just aren't that great. I know I've gone back and re-read many of my posts and thought, "Wow, that sounds insulting" so, I edited them to be different. Most don't take the time to proofread their own work. That leads to much angst.

Sorry, but that's just how it goes.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

I'll agree that grammar is important; especially when trying to convey an emotion or to avoid sounding like an ***. One thing that particularly irks me (and I have not yet seen it on this forum) is the argument some people have over the terms "clips" and "magazines". On another forum I belong to, a member belittled (intentionally I believe) a new user for using the term "clip" instead of "magazine". Although it can be argued that they do or do not have the same meaning, that was uncalled for. We all knew what the user meant.

Other things that some people get all bent out of shape over is to vs too vs two, or their vs there vs they're, or then vs than. While a person's usage might be incorrect, if you can understand what they mean, don't call them out on it. It's not a college entrance essay.

 

[the ringo kid]

Why is it that there are always people in every group that are more interested in asking you why you want to do something, or telling you that you shouldn't do something rather than providing constructive input or help?


((((((((((I FULLY AGREE))))))))))))))


Oh, and let's not forget the grammar police either. It seems that they have agents on every Internet forum, regardless of topic.

Eye do knott minde peepul who sez eye kant spell? eye just kant stand them never admidding too ever beeing wrong theyz selvez.

 

[snubbyfan]

 

[the ringo kid]

^^^^^^^^^^Heh heh, thankz pfor thuh laff. I really needed it too.

 

[M E Morrison]

Conversing on the internet requires leeway from both sides.

You complained about the "grammar police", but grammar is important. In fact, poor grammar is usually the cause of people feeling belittled or insulted. Here's what I mean:

Let's eat grandma.
Let's eat, grandma.

Two identical sentences except for a little comma. Yet, they have completely different meanings.

Reading comprehension is also a factor. Some people just misunderstand because they didn't read the whole thing or didn't fully understand the subject or question.

So, when participating in a forum, it requires a little slack. Rather than get insulted, take a step back and consider that the author might not have intended to be insulting. Maybe his writing skills just aren't that great. I know I've gone back and re-read many of my posts and thought, "Wow, that sounds insulting" so, I edited them to be different. Most don't take the time to proofread their own work. That leads to much angst.

Sorry, but that's just how it goes.

This is the best explanation yet !!!