RE: the question: ":Why do forum interactions become contentious". . .


I've just had a very unexpected and very unpleasant PM from a forum participant. 

He'd been suggesting I buy a certain component  and I told him politely that I didn't visualize that particular purchase fitting in with my long-range plans.  

His response was to accuse me of wasting everyone's time and to call me an "effing idiot" (except he spelled "effing" correctly). 

The great majority of interactions I've had here have been very enjoyable and recent input from
more experienced forum members has helped greatly in clarifying my plan for the next upgrade cycle. 

The thread on lesser-know Jazz has been great-- lots of participation and lots of terrific suggestions. 

Nevertheless, I've decided to take a break. 

Best regards,

Stuartk



stuartk
I've been on audiogon since founding, this forum has evolved/devolved just as forums in general. There's always been differences of opinion, in years past certain decorum expected of people, little bad language, much fewer personal attacks. Those days seem 'Victorian', a time when people may have held great malice, but held the tongue. I suppose that's considered bad for one's psychology today, let it all out today, cleanse the soul. something like scream therapy. I'd expect more of the PM attacks in future, likely to go off into threatening people with bodily harm.
Me thinks this is inevitable outcome of a culture obsessed with freedom.
Wait....are you trying to say there are idiotic morons on "Social Media"?  ;-)

Ignore people like this. Trying to respond to them or worry about their comments would be a full time job. (One that pays for crap) 

Cheers and stay well. 
Always look at the bright side. It beats shooting each other. It was not so long ago that the only good hun... Roman Coliseum anyone? 

 
It's only the same egotistical and bullying attitude of leaders who start wars with other countries or kill their own people because they don't aree with them or they come from the wrong tribe.
The veneer of human civilisation is very very thin.

At least we all stay alive on here and only our feelings are hurt.
Hello,
I hope when listening to your system it makes you forget everything except the music being played. I tell people “if you want to make GOD laugh tell him your plans.”
I truly love listening to music. I will go to goodwill and try to find a couple albums I have never heard. Most important surround yourself with family or friends that you love. If you can surround yourself with people you love and have your music too. That’s about as good as it gets!