I don't think it's a discussion group. It's a support group. There are tons of ideas people have that make me furious and I can not support. But because this is a support group I just move on. There are tons of other message boards on the net to get into heated discussions about whatever cause you like.

Maybe I'm wrong, but that is what I thought this board was about when I joined.

i'am always afraid i've said the wrong thing and ppl are going to hate me. or make me feel bad, i think the fighting went on for so long were all scared to answer any posts. i only joined a couple of weeks ago and i didn't know what to think anymore, i glad it ended at least i hope it's ended. i don't know how it started nor do i want to know

i don't want to get into heated discussions.there are times that i feel like the best way for me to give support to others on this sight is by posting another alternative .but i'm not doing that so as not to offend anyone.
i wish there was a book on online etiquette

I think we all need to relax and breathe. What happened a couple of weeks ago was very extreme. Of course there will be times when people will disagree, I've seen it happen a lot of times, but I have never seen it get to a critical point like it did. We are all adults dealing with the same disease. As long as we respect each other and are responsible for our words and actions, things will be fine.

Chill out and be yourself, treat everyone just as you would if you were face to face...easy enough, right?

I think this is a difficult topic because sometimes by not responding you could be eliminating the possibilities of helping someone look at something different, more positive. But you could also upset them and cause them stress.

I know when people post a topic about their blurring vision, there is someone who is going blind or already is.

When someone complains about falling into things and leg pain from walking, there is someone in a wheelchair reading it.

At some point someone is scared and they want to know if this is whats happening to them and if someone can relate to their feelings about bladder and cognitive problems.

Sometimes I feel anger because someone is writing about things they did or our fixing to do, only because I know I can't. I am glad they can, I would never wish them to be worse only better, the anger comes from frustration present in my own body.

I We all forget at times that we are all on different levels. We need compassion for everyone. I am so guilty of not thinking before I post. But I think if we think about the many faces of MS that will be reading it that will help us all to get along.

i really don't want people to think i am drudging up anything from the past. honestly i really want to know if this type of a forum allows for me to say what i feel if not said in a heated way.or if it's better to just ignore anything i think may be wrong or misguiding

I say speak your heart, but if I learned anything from the last week, it is think before you speak (type)

I think even more than that, don't take it so personally when someone doesn't agree with your viewpoint. The only things that make me upset on these boards is vulgar name calling and clogging the board up to fight your personal battle. Other than that, these is a discussion AND a support group and should be used for both. But stop worrying if someone doesn't like you. As if the world worked that way.

well, if you have a PROBLEM with something someone is posting, you can always send a Private Message asking for clarification. I think we all learned that blowing up a group over differences of opinion isn't the right way.

I was thinking the other day about this. I couldn't come up with a good analogy so I didn't post it.

But what do you do if you see someone with a problem you've been intimately familiar with and no longer deal with it? Do you just say "oh, sorry you have it", or do you say what Helped it?

I think you tell them about your experience. I would hope everybody would. I would never tell anybody what to do, but letting them know what worked for you may prompt them to take a specific action that is necessary.

I must say though, it seems to be real peaceful here lately. I hope that keeps up.

omg...pntpnt...is f'in Oprah...how funny is that? tw5 I say speak your mind...what's the point of holding it all in? As if any of us need any more stress in our lives, right? Say what you want but refrain from childish anecdotes or retorts, not that I think you are like that anyway...but I think it is a good rule of thumb...just think adult...that should be safe!
kisses, em

For a second there Emmie, I thought you were talking about me. I never refrain from childish anecdotes or retorts. That's why I'm so loved here.

A question about online etiquette was broached. I'm not an expert, but I have read about 'netiquette' (search on Google). The one thing that struck me is just good old common sense. Never say online what you wouldn't say to someone in person. Just thought I'd add what little knowledge I have.

tw5 post whatever you want.
like the others said people don't really get mad at the Discussion, they get angry when someone is intentionally mean. I think we all have the same goal to get well.
I think everything is going cool right now I am so happy. Just in time for the holidays!!!