Over the past few days, I have been giving a lot of thought to the recent unpleasantness. Usually, I send my comments to authors privately. I have said before and maintain that I don't like to post comments that might be seen as negative in a public space.
I have somewhat of an issue with that, though, because a free exchange of ideas in a public forum is one of the tools that can help our community grow. It is paradoxical that we are unable to offer positive criticism without risking censure of our own.
And by critical, I do NOT mean it in the way that some people view it as "inclined to find fault or to judge with severity, often too readily." My understanding of 'critical' in this context as "involving skillful judgment as to truth, merit, etc.; judicial: a critical analysis."
What upset me about the recent incident was that I had not felt I had done anything to warrant the response. Based on feedback I now have from others, I still feel that way.
The situation was worsened in my eyes when the entire thread was deleted. I understand reasons for doing this, but it left me feeling that I was tacitly being blamed for instigating the whole affair.
I will always accept responsibility for my own actions. It felt hugely unfair to appear to be responsible for others' actions.
All of that is now in the past.
I have learned a lesson from this, and the 'mistake' will not be repeated. I will no longer comment on any story in a public area unless it is one that I have worked on or contributed to.
I take my responsibility as a proofer/editor seriously and always will. If this means that I lose some of the freedom to post that others enjoy, so be it.
I urge all authors to use proofing services when ever possible. Use the services of BOUSER or GEBP. We are there to help.
Comments
My apologies
I always hesitate to delete threads for fear of hurting the feelings of some who may have been involved but not really contributory. Even people who contribut to heat and escalation are usually doing it from misunderstanding and not malice. But at this point, since I spent two hours last night unpubbing threads involving the MSP (malicious sock-puppeteer) I'm at a loss as to which thread involving you I may have deleted.
Regardless, I unpub threads not to punish anyone but simply to prevent escalations. So, please don't take anything too personal if you get caught up in one of these happenings. :)
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
No apology needed
Erin,
Actually, this happened on the Stardust site. Rather than keep two blogs and having started blogging here first, my comments ended up here. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.
I, for one, truly appreciate all the effort you put into the site. It is too bad that there are a few that make it difficult for you and the rest of us.
Janet
Janet
Mistress of the Guild of Evil [Strawberry] Blonde Proofreaders
To be or not to be... ask Schrodinger's cat.
It's okay
I remember that now. Things were hot all over right then. Bob was being cautious.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.