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Good Use of Talkback? - Sharon (16th Feb 2011 - 09:59:03) I am beginning to wonder whether this Talkback Forum is beginning to be used inappropriately. This is a great way for people to gain or pass on information, and is certainly a good way of bringing attention to facts that are in the public interest. I am concerned that it is starting to become a slanging match, and a place for people to air their personal grievances. I would suggest that people exercise caution when they put their personal views in such a public place – slanderous/libellous comments could land the author in trouble. Perhaps we should consider setting up some guidelines about what is and is not appropriate on this forum. After all it is a great tool, and it would be shame if it became a bit of a waste of space because it was full of arguments and insults. Of course – this is my opinion! I hope I have not offended anyone!

Re: Good Use of Talkback? - Jane G (16th Feb 2011 - 12:06:03) Sharon I tend to agree with you. I think there have been issues raised on this forum that would be better raised elsewhere. I think it is very important though to highlight where there are issues as this website is a really useful source of information, but some of the personal comments that have been posted on here are wholly inappropriate and could certain individuals a great deal of stress. I think if someone has a problem with a school then they should take the problem to the school. There was a thread on here a while ago about bullying and it seemed that some people had an axe to grind but were grinding it publicly rather than with the school. By all means share views and opinions but we are all adults but sometimes certain individuals are indulging in playground behaviour! I would like to thank the editor for his hard work in keeping Talkback interesting and informative, and also not always bowing to pressure when a contentious issue is raised. But like Sharon I feel that some comments that people make are just awful! It must be very difficult for the editor to then decide what to post - damned if you do and damned if you don't. It would be better if everyone thought a little more about their comments before they air them publicly. Posting on a website feels very anonymous and we all need to consider whether we would be prepared to criticise people quite so vehemently to their faces. We are all grown ups.... Here endeth the lesson! :-)

Re: Good Use of Talkback? - tom (16th Feb 2011 - 14:58:05) well said girls lets hope we now get some good sites and less slaging ones

Re: Good Use of Talkback? - Dawn Hoskins (16th Feb 2011 - 16:59:48) Dear Sharon, Jane and Tom In some senses I can agree with you, however in others I don't. The problem we have in this area is that, unlike other areas where press reporting is unbiased, we have a local reporter who is very much tied into one side of any debate. There has been week after week of, not only inaccurate, but down right untrue reporting. Many people have complained to the Tindle News Group, but no response is ever obtained. People want o know what is going on, and when the paper refuses to publish the facts, it is not only annoying, but absolutely frustrating. That is why in matters regarding the Parish Council, the only place you will get a proper 2 sided debate is on this site. I know that may be negative, but none-the-less it is a way for the Parish Council to know what parishioners are thinking. (They monitor this site). Hopefully, it will make them behave accordingly??? We are lucky to have a few Parish Councillors who do take part on this discussion site. I wish they all would. There are many many other issues and topics here. If you don't want to read the ones you perceive as negative - then don't read them. As the Meercat says...Simples

Re: Good Use of Talkback? - Jane G (16th Feb 2011 - 18:01:10) Dawn Whilst I may agree with your sentiments, I don't agree that what has been written on this site about the parish council has been a two sided debate. It has at times been like a mud slinging contest and at times very very personal. I am absolutely in favour of debating an issue, but when intensely personal comments are made about individuals then I think that is unacceptable. I agree that those holding a public office do have a responsibility for those they serve but surely they do not deserve to be personally attacked?

Re: Good Use of Talkback? - Michael (17th Feb 2011 - 07:29:45) Jane G, Words taken straight from my thoughts. This used to be a fun site, now its difficult to look at and read some threads because of these slanderous entries.

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