E-mail eti-what?
In the I-wish-I-had-written-this category: Jeffrey Dvorkin, ombudsman at NPR, writes about vicious e-mail from listeners and gives some tips about how to ensure your correspondence is considered, rather than deleted.
The title of the piece is "Is it too late to ask for some e-mail etiquette." It's never too late to ask, but I fear it's too late to expect. An excerpt"
"AM talk radio and cable television slugfests have given many the sense that this is what journalism should be. It isn't. Opinions -- even strong opinions -- are necessary and important. But opinions without facts only leave us intellectually and informationally impoverished.
"Like Gresham's Law in economics (bad money devalues good money), bad journalism makes people suspect that all journalism is corrupt. When we claim that we are not corrupt or biased, it is then suspected that we are in denial or must be adept at hiding our biases.
"Hence, I believe, the angrier tone toward today's journalism"
Comments (5)
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The direction of email as a means of communication remains uncertain. Does it create more opportunities for connection or relieve us from the need for face-to-face communication? I imagine both scenarios operate simultaneously.
Your concern about civility in email (or other forms of written communication) is warranted.
Why not host a couple of forums on this topic, particularly since you recently moved to print shorter letters to the editors?
As people rely more on language to provoke, they tend to dismiss language to persuade as a reasonable means to achieve what they want. What better way to remind folks of what the power of the word can do than host sessions to teach them exactly that?
The letters to the editor section reveals the character of a community. Let's work together to make sure Greensboro's character represents our indignation, our hopes, and our thoughts in language that respects all people.
Posted on March 11, 2005 12:43 PM
Here's another possible approach:
(in Chez Miscarriage, quoted in Making Light)
"...deleted their posts and emailed them polite explanations. “Hello, I see that this is the first time you’ve ever posted on the blog. The regular posters here work hard to maintain an atmosphere of respect and acceptance. Please feel free to repost your comment in a less inflammatory manner. Thanks!” "
Posted on March 11, 2005 3:25 PM
Anna, While I respect your right to express your opinion on inappropriate blogs, I can't help but think this is a form of sensorship that could come back to bite you in the proverbial you know what. We are adults and there is no need to protect us from behaviors of those who choose to make fools of themselves. I am speaking as one who has been called ignorant, stupid, elitist, lazy, baby killer, selfish, self-rightous, communist, snobbish and on and on. Someone who doesn't know me from Adam's house cat even suggested I smoked weed and another suggested I was involved in something illegal.
I am not particularly fond of these attacks but I realize if I offer my opinion some people are going to reply in a childish, immature way. Am I giving anyone permission to malign me because I choose to participate in a discussion? No, but I know the possibility (and probability) exists.
As staff members of the N&R I think you have an obligation to call people on disrespectful blogs and to try to lead the discussion back to the topic at hand. I have seen many of you do that just as I have seen the general public try. But some folks refuse to let go of their "right to their opinions".
If I have to take the good with the bad in order to participate, that is my choice to make, not yours.
Posted on March 14, 2005 7:25 AM
I couldn't agree more. Thanks for arcticle.
Posted on March 19, 2007 9:30 PM
Ok, thats interesting for me.. Thank you.
Posted on March 19, 2007 9:30 PM