The purpose of this thread is to establish etiquette guidelines for the USMS Discussion Forums. Most of the nearly 900 forum members use common etiquette when posting. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Please use this thread to list suggestions for "netiquette guidelines" for posts on the discussion forums.
Hugh Moore
USMS Communications Committee Chair
Former Member
I think this thread is totally unnecessary.
This forum is remarkably well behaved, and when we sign up we are told the guidelines - and when the guidelines are violated our posts get pulled.
What I don't understand is how people get insulted when they see *other* people acting like children. It seems to be some sort of WASPish cultural insensitivity and/or bias. People communicate in different ways and tolerance is called for. When I see posts from some particular posters I feel . . . indulgent (usually, otherwise I swim a 1650 fly.) Also, it is a nice diversion after a frustrating day at work.
Obvioiusly, the complainers never grew up in the Italian/Jewish/Swedish/Scotch-Irish/Wasp household that I did!
I, unfortunately, was one of the participants in "that" thread. In fact I'm afraid I may have unintentionally started the whole mess, even though I thought I was making a perfectly legitimate comment.
I basically agree with Phil's approach and it's pretty much the one I've been following. Up to now, I've mostly succeeded at being indulgent or ignoring certain posters. This time, though, I let myself get provoked, even after I promised myself not to (I think it was the ADD remark). I'm not sure how netiquette rules can prevent that.
When your comment would not be of interest to most of the group, you should communicate with e-mail or private message. That appears to be the only problem I have occasionally observed in the discussion forums.
Originally posted by KenChertoff
...
This time, though, I let myself get provoked, even after I promised myself not to (I think it was the ADD remark). I'm not sure how netiquette rules can prevent that.
You refer to the thread 'Not everyone in shape in California', where we debated yesterday.
Well, when reading and re-reading the thread, there is nothing wrong to have an opinion that is judged on its perceived merit by an opponent opinion, which in turn is being judged on its perceived merit, and so on until the information is supporting one side.
The entire thread has clean English in it, blunt English, but that's the value of the word 'merit' with regards to opinions and experiences.
I really agree with Jean. It doesn't have to be a "rule," but very personal swimming technique advice to one particular swimmer(and that swimmer's detailed and very individual replies) might as well be sent by e-mail. An alternative might be for the poster who wants advice to generalize the topic so that we can all benefit. A brief exchange can be entertaining or useful to all readers. But long threads that go on and on devoted to helping one swimmer or arguing with one swimmer over this or that technical point about that person's swimming style or intervals are not of general interest and belong in the realm of private discourse. What would be the reason for not consigning this to e-mail?
Originally posted by effi
...
A brief exchange can be entertaining or useful to all readers. But long threads that go on and on devoted to helping one swimmer or arguing with one swimmer over this or that technical point about that person's swimming style or intervals are not of general interest and belong in the realm of private discourse. What would be the reason for not consigning this to e-mail?
I think effi, that it is the exact value of the USMS forum discussions, to have long replies "...devoted to helping one swimmer or arguing with one swimmer over this or that technical point about that person's swimming style or intervals...", when that one swimmer is anyone interested in technical advices from knowledgeable swimmers and coaches across the US.
To me, it is hypocrisy to claim today November 4, 2002 that it is "...not of general interest...", and do the opposite April 17, 2002, when feigning general interest in the thread '500 yards prep' started by Fisch.
I am printing your 'contribution' to that thread, below.
Originally posted by effi
Ion, how are you outworking the .50 per 100 and 1.00 per 100 you describe? It sounds like you are not going at those times in workout or in races. I'm confused about what your dilemma is.
I replied April 17, 2002 to your post, with a technical answer starting with:
Originally posted by Ion Beza
I train in the 1:15 pace per 100 yards lane. ...
...
which I followed April 17, 2002 with:
Originally posted by Ion Beza
"It sounds like you are not going at those times in workouts or in races"
is wrong, as far as 1.00 and slightly sub 1:00 per 100 free goes.
Misinformation effi.
Below is your claim of general interest in the thread '500 yards prep':
Originally posted by effi
Ion, thanks for explaining. That is actually quite interesting. Now I understand. It is a little complicated. I wasn't being critical--I just wanted to understand because I am interested in all these 500 training strategies.
Thanks,
Effi
The entire thread can be seen here:
forums.usms.org/showthread.php
So, because April 17, 2002 you feigned interest in the thread '500 yards prep' started by Fisch, a thread which is "...devoted to helping one swimmer or arguing with one swimmer over this or that technical point about that person's swimming style or intervals...", it is hypocrisy to claim the opposite of this November 4, 2002, by writing that the same style of thread has no "...general interest...".
What "technical advances" can be gained from discussing the merits/problems with New York and New Jersey? Before replying, please note that though the initial discussion DID involve commuting and training facilities, it did degenerate into attacks/defenses of NY, NJ, and San Diego.
Ion, you are obviously passionate about a great many things; you are also adept in the art of raising the ire of your fellow swimmers, perhaps just to accomplish it. The common denominator in your issues with training/swimming/culture in NY, San Diego, and now (the taper issue), is YOU. You were in all three places and had concerns. A great many swimmers/athletes have long trained and enjoyed their lives in and around NY, NJ, SD, etc. You need to relax, enjoy this sport and those around you for everyday that you can. I was shocked when the initial thread put up by Cynthia (bless her heart) took on a life of any kind. I though that there was no way that the thread had a chance to grow. Silly me. We are off track and in no way helping or supporting our efforts to become better swimmers, athletes, and people. Jeez, folks, relax.
Originally posted by Bert Bergen
What "technical advances" can be gained from discussing the merits/problems with New York and New Jersey?
...
What can be gained is knowing where is the best training environment.
You didn't notice this answer before?
I stand guilty of helping to fuel the fire after the gauntlet was thrown down, though I didn't think it was that far off from the direction the discussion had taken.
Therein lies the problem. It did get a personal, and for that I apologize for not taking it off-line or just letting it go after the first "volley" and letting that be my response to the merits of the argument.
I just wish the forum software could be tweaked to get the "Ignore" list to apply to e-mail notifications.
I'll work on being more considerate of everyone when next I have free time on a Saturday (or any) night. :rolleyes: