Have you ever found yourself posting something controversial (or potentially controversial) and then apologizing for what you're saying? It's one of my biggest pet peeves, and I'm curious as to what other people think about it. In my opinion, it is really condescending to the crowd that you're speaking to when a blanket apology is tacked on at the end of something that you think in order to smooth everything over. Assuming that people will get upset just because you have differing beliefs means that you have a pretty low opinion of those people, whether you do so consciously or not. When discussing a topic, especially somewhere like EF, where in so many aspects of their lives, the members are open-minded, supportive and accepting, it shouldn't matter what the topic is. Differing opinions should be welcome across any topic, and for the most part, I actually think that EF is pretty great about tolerating contrary or unpopular ideas.
That being said, I'm well aware that it's difficult to determine tone over the internet, and I know that there are some people who will tend to jump on the defensive as soon as a whiff of anything other than perfect, sunshiney agreement is scented on the air. I'm also aware that there are some very sensitive topics discussed - on here especially - so sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry (ha - being sorry to avoid being sorry). Do you guys catch yourself apologizing without thinking about it? Do you consciously make an effort to apologize when you feel that you might ruffle some feathers? Do you add on an apology when you're making a post that you /do/ intend to be provocative as a sort of "well, I said sorry, so you can't get mad at me" measure? Personally, I just try to be as tactful and open as possible, refrain from making aggressive comments (usually) and hope that if I upset someone, they will tell me so and give me a chance to clear things up.
That being said, I'm well aware that it's difficult to determine tone over the internet, and I know that there are some people who will tend to jump on the defensive as soon as a whiff of anything other than perfect, sunshiney agreement is scented on the air. I'm also aware that there are some very sensitive topics discussed - on here especially - so sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry (ha - being sorry to avoid being sorry). Do you guys catch yourself apologizing without thinking about it? Do you consciously make an effort to apologize when you feel that you might ruffle some feathers? Do you add on an apology when you're making a post that you /do/ intend to be provocative as a sort of "well, I said sorry, so you can't get mad at me" measure? Personally, I just try to be as tactful and open as possible, refrain from making aggressive comments (usually) and hope that if I upset someone, they will tell me so and give me a chance to clear things up.
