Park your ego at the door?

[kyboch]

I just thought I would make a comment about my experiences posting and reading this forum. Number one is that I have learned SO much from reading posts here and it has helped me so much in my DIY investing. There are many knowledgeable and experienced people on here who really know there stuff and much can be learned from them.
On the other hand I find that there is also a proliferation of ego on here. There are many subtle (and not so subtle) putdowns mixed in with the good information. It seems many on here have a chip on their shoulders when it comes to investing and are quick to argue, insult and put one another down simply because they may not agree.
I know, because I'm human and have an ego too, that it is sometimes tempting to talk down to other people who may not have the same level of knowledge. It is very nice for the ego to feel superior to others, but it also creates much bad feeling that really isn't necessary. It would be nice if information and ideas could be passed on to each other without the subtle sniping and putdowns.

I'll probably get hammered for this post but felt the need to bring it up.
Cheers to all

[Toronto.gal]

I'll probably get hammered for this post...

You got it!

- 1st: You're entitled to express your polite opinion; it's a free country!

- 2nd: It's great that this forum has taught you 'so much' [hopefully you're passing your knowledge to others you know {family/friends} that need help with financial literacy by recommending books/this forum, etc].

- 3rd: You have to keep in mind that this is an anonymous/FREE/public forum, so don't expect perfect manners/polite humour all the time [we all have bad days & are all adults here].

- 4th: It happens to be filled with wisdom [as you have mentioned].

If you have learned a lot from the forum [as you said you have], then just appreciate the information & valuable time of those you have learned from [tolerance works both ways].

Having said the above, I'm not suggesting you keep silent if you find an improper argument/fight/post, not at all, but speak up then at the appropriate time; it's better than just create a thread to indirectly criticize some here, is not the best idea IMHO.

Last, but not least, there is the ignore button.

Keep learning!

[Jon_Snow]

Yeah, there are a few personalities/egos on this board that are a bit unfortunate... but its not any different from any other internet meeting place I've spent time on. However distasteful some antics are around here, it does not prevent me from learning valuable things from these folks.

[My Own Advisor]

Well said Jon and T gal.

[andrewf]

I think the best thing to do to is to point out to the perceived offenders (perhaps through PM) when you think they are not being constructive. Maybe you're reading something between the lines that wasn't intended. Communication on a discussion forum like this one is not very high fidelity. You miss all the communication that might be there in tone or body language and often people are writing quickly without proofing or considering how what they wrote will be read by others. All that said, this has to be one of the better forums I've come across in terms of level of discourse.

[Toronto.gal]

I would add to also keep in mind that this type of forum is not to make friends [if u do, that's just a bonus], or like each other even, it's just a forum to exchange knowledge, and IMHO, those who contribute the least, should also complain the least.

Fact of the matter is that without certain individuals here [regardless of character], the forum would not be as educational [not talking about myself, LOL].

[MoneyGal]

I think ego can be tremendously useful. There is a lot of unconventional thinking and doing in this forum, and it takes ego to do that. It takes ego, I think, to hew a different path than mainstream society. As long as we stay away from personal attacks - and I think we mostly do - I'm good with "quick to argue."

[Jon_Snow]

I have been a member of this forum for quite a long time, but I have been "lurker" far more than "poster" for most of that time. Now, part of this has been because I was an absolute investor "newbie" when I joined in 2009 - I learned alot by simply reading threads - no real need to post anything. But I have to admit, part of the reason I have not posted as much as I might have over the years is the tendancy for some board "veterans" to be a little short with those with lesser knowledge than themselves. Not a big deal and a bit cowardly, but there it is....

I have to say, though my technical investing knowledge may still be lacking, I doubt anyone on this board is a higher authority on LBYM or high savings rates or early retirement before 45....

[zylon]

Am I going to have to start a "Jon_S acronyms" thread?


- this I can understand.

[Toronto.gal]

For Zylon.


JonS: don't be so sure.

BTW, this thread should be parked under general discussions and not individual stocks.