What are some helpful guidelines to remember when you find yourself in the middle of a fast-paced, heated comment thread?
by 
Jodie44
ANSWERS: 4
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That you are the bigger person and bowing out shows that you are all the more wise.
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Keep your cool. Stay on task, don't get side tracked. Be able to back your point of view up with facts. Don't throw out personal attacks. It makes you look petty. If you feel that you are getting too emotional, step back and cool off. The thread will still be there when you get back.
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Stick to the point, don't allow yourself to get distracted to the point of bringing other issues into the comment thread. Keep a cool head, shown by not resorting to name calling and personally abusing the other user involved, even if they are stooping to that sort of behaviour (not that I could imagine you doing that anyway Jodie!). If it degenerates, say you have made your point and leave the comment thread alone. If the arguing is occurring around you rather than you being involved in it (which has happened to me a couple of times) I have tried mediating, in the way that I might mention that neither person is obviously going to cede, and as such they both ought to forget about it and get on with their lives (although that tactic did not work, I would try it again if the need arises). Otherwise I would just read on and not re-join the thread.
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We have the luxury of anonymity here....and you can always remove yourself, ignore or reinvent yourself. It's only words. I figure when folks start making personal remarks and insults, it's time to exit stage left. Life is too short.
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