How does one distinguish between opinion (free speech) and innuendo and assumption? An example is playing itself out on ning as we speak. The Potrerillos break in and subsequent shooting and stabbing of a beloved resident is a prime example. So many assumptions based on anger and emotional stress with no facts to back it up. We as a community are doing what we can to stop these crimes and protect ourselves and what we do not need is baseless innuendo. So how do we stop the rumor mongering and finger pointing? Is there even a way to control this? Do we have the right to control it?
I believe the responsibility lies within ourselves and our ability to distinguish between fact and rumor/assumption in a kind and concerned way so as not to emotionally spit out something that is harmful and misleading to others. We are all guilty of doing this from time to time but stopping to reread something you just keyed and asking yourself, "do I know this as a fact" and "is this post going to be taken the wrong way and possibly hurt an innocent person" is a worthy exercise.
Replies
Wow - I tried so hard to do exactly what you said when we had a tragedy in our community almost 3 mos. ago. I kept posting, FACTS ONLY, was so angered and upset by all the false rumors and assumptions.
At the end of the day, I don't think that what I said made a difference to anyone other than those who know the FACTS - I believe that is the only closure that I can expect at this point.
Yes, I continue to promote that we should be a united community. Having been through what you describe, you are truly a voice of reason (and that is IMHO) since your words are so familiar to what I said.
Thank you for the post and I hope others think before they reply - is it hurtful conjecture? I hope it doesn't have to happen to someone close before this concept is understood.
All my best,
Val
How did this very sensible suggestion as to internet manners turn immediately into hostility irrelevant to the OP's message? Think twice, post once . . . a sensible twist on the old carpenter's rule! As a person intending to be a Boquete "immigrant" (aka expat) I hope personal face to face interactions will lack the confrontational tone that keeps popping up onlne.
Hello Stephen. I am the daughter of the beloved resident the OP is speaking of. I do not live in Panama, but have had many, many visits to the area and have met so many nice people. The "real life" of this area is not reflected in the hostility found in some messages on this site.
In this difficult situation for my family, I have been brought to tears by the kindness, love and support for my mother as well as for myself, by both friends and strangers (or soon to be friends hopefully). I have had multiple offers of places to stay and there are various people helping me deal with different aspects of this situation.
I comment this because even though I do not live here, I have always loved the area. It's sad to see crimes like this happening in an area with such good hearted and caring people. On the internet, some people seem to get so easily offended and react in such a hostile way, in my opinion. I guess it has to do with the anonymity of being online.
I hope your experience on this page doesn't deter you from coming here and experiencing the area and the people (both foreigners as well as Panamanians) first hand. I don't think you'll regret it!
Deborah, your mom is a great lady and my husband Curt and I were so shocked when we heard what had happened to her. We have been to her beautiful home and she used to come and visit us when we lived in Potrerillos - she loved our dog, Mia. We are anxiously awaiting the news that she can have visitors. Please tell her we said hello and if you need a place to stay in David, you're certainly welcome at our home.
Thanks Deborah - am familiar with the way online discussions turn lambs into lions! We will be visiting B again in January. :=)
Deborah, nice ta meetcha. You give your Momma a smooch on her brow from her old buddy Dav, won't you? Susan and I are wishing you both the very best.....
I understand that the regulars who dominated the Ning forum prior to the "changes", of which many we responsible for others not wanting to participate, are moving on. This is unfortunate, as they have so much to contribute, but understandable as in their minds this was their Ning. How dare a new principle step in and enforce reasonable rules on the playground they felt they owned. Funny how human nature is. The upset group keeps complaining to whoever will listen how Ning will now fail without their participation even as membership participation increases as a result of them leaving.
I thank JLM, whoever they are, for keeping Ning moving in the right direction.
There have been hundreds of problems with courtesy on Ning, but truth wasn't a problem until JLM decided that they were it's sole proprietor.
This "Bill" fella does not seem to care about those posting all over Ning who really like where Ning is going. Good news is their are other options for disgruntled Bill to spend his time and not be so disingenuous to others on Ning. Bill, sorry, please be nice & do not get me banned!
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next