Originally posted by DarkStar86
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to click on a section of purely positive news and discussion for once on this site?
Ok, first of all let me say that I agree and relate to the beautiful sentiment you are trying to convey ... however I don't think you have completely
thought it through as far as feasibility in a forum setting or for that matter in real life itself.
Positive/Negative are first and foremost relative mental conceptual constructs, and as such are
by definition completely subjective and open to
interpretation. That is to say on a practical level, there are two relative parties involved. The author of the thread, and the audience.
First of all there's no way for me to ascertain an OP's intent ... sure, some threads such as this one might be easier than others but for most of
them it is next to impossible, and quite frankly, not of the utmost relevance.
What you may think, or what your intent is, when you author a thread or write a post might well not be perceived that way from the reader .... and
there are thousands of readers each with their own interpretation. Furthermore, some people interpret the harsh cut of the truth to be a positive
thing, whereas others are quick to blame the messenger who delivers it to them.
This post of mine might be a prime example ... my intent is earnest and positive, but you (or someone else) might interpret it as negative. It is
simply neither possible or imho desirable to define positivity/negativity in this setting. In fact one could easily perceive your post above this one
as a negative reaction to another members helpful intent. I'm not saying that you were being negative, I'm just using the example to highlight the
fundamental problem in your reasoning. In the end, who would determine if something is positive
enough to be the "positive" forum?
All that is within our individual control is how we choose to express ourselves, to speak or not to speak, and to be accountable for which place
within us what we communicate comes from. The only way to bring "positivity" on ATS or again life itself is to let it live amongst all other living
things, not to seclude it in a box.
In the end, and once again reaffirming my acknowledgment and respect of your motivation behind authoring this thread ... I would humbly suggest that
the only change required to remedy your frustration, as all other available remedies, lies within you. Expectations being the building blocks of
disappointment, perhaps a calibration of said personal expectations of positivity is to be considered.
There's really no need to look at things as positive or negative ... I mean you can, many people choose to call rain "bad" weather. But that
doesn't make rain "bad" as rain has no inherent nature, it's just that they've taken a personal position, and by doing so have availed themselves
of much unnecessary suffering.
Edit to add that all of the above is obviously merely my personal take on the matter ... should you desire a response from staff on your suggestion,
it might also be helpful to post your thoughts here:
ATS, BTS, What would you like to see in
the future?
[edit on 10 Feb 2010 by schrodingers dog]
