There are ways and ways of saying the same thing. Not only are some more polite than others, but some are more likely to be well received (and thus, the intent implemented and the objective achieved) than others.
The way you said it, one gets the impression your paycheck is reduced every time somebody messes up a quote.
That is because:
1) You don't know me as well as you think you do.
AND/OR
2) You are not paying sufficient attention to how I wrote the OP.
AND/OR
3) You have "preconceived psychological impressions" because of
who wrote it.
Which is invariably true in your case whether you realize it or not. There are people on here that - if they wrote
the exact same thing that I did
in the exact same way - you would "take it" differently.
And, the reason for this is - because of the "serious nature" of some of the things I write on CC - certain/some people on CC have a "fixed" impression of me in such a way that - in their minds - they will not "allow" me to be any way but according to the preconceived notions they have developed in their mind. They refuse to 'see' the "other parts of me as a person" when they are expressed.
So, for example, if I say something to be humorous - they don't see the humor; instead, they only see the "serious" (according to their preconceived notions about my personality) - which then comes across in a more 'harsh' way than it was actually intended.
(Which, in this example - my intent is 'humor' and not anything 'harsh' at all!)
This is because they always "attach" to their perceptions (of me) a "seriousness" that "overshadows" the other parts of my personality - "twisting" them into something that appears to be more 'harsh' than it actually is.
Anyone who refuses to 'separate' - and "get to know" - the "other parts of me" - is always going to have a "skewed" perception of me.
My initial reading of your posts (way-back-when) yielded a very low opinion of you - you "had an attitude" and were annoying. As I have gotten to know you better, that opinion has changed somewhat for the better. Why? Because, I have gotten to know you better - for the person you are - and the particular qualities of your personality. And, in ways, I even like you more now than before. Why? Because, I understand you better and am better able to "deal with" your personality.
In the beginning (of "our relationship"), you (yes, you) came across in very 'blunt' and 'harsh' ways. (
) And, sometimes, you still do. But, I have learned to see the person behind the words - to appreciate the "good qualities" while "accepting-with-grace" the things that are "annoying" about your 'attiitude-and-outlook' on things.
In other words, I-accept-you-as-you and try not to be too critical of your personality traits.
Why can you not do the same for me?
If you would just allow yourself to get to know me better, you just might find out that I am not really so bad after all...
You just might find that the "harshness" that comes across to you from my posts is not nearly so much so as you think.
In time, you should find that - while I have no problem "being serious" when I deem it necessary - I also have the same capacity for humor, compassion, etc. as you or anyone else on CC.
What-do-you-say? Give-it-a-try? ..........
Anyone who knows me and my writing style (including my general/usual use of emoticons) well enough will be able to properly interpret the following from my statements:
...how to quote other posts in a thread without destroying the quote.
My use of this emoticon is VERY RARELY (if ever) intended to put across a truly in-your-face blunt-and-harsh type of sentiment. There is ALWAYS at least
some amount of "light-heartedness" included in the meaning.
(Which, as far as I am concerned, is "built-in" to the default definition of what this emoticon is for in the first place.)
If someone wishes to express "real anger", would they not use the 'Mad' emoticon instead?
It really is not that difficult, folks!
This is an admonishment. It is meant to make the point, but without "beating you over the head" with it.
It just takes a little bit of care...
This is a form of "pep talk" - to say:
"I know you can do it if you try."
Please try to maintain the QUOTE structure.
This is to illustrate that I am "asking politely" rather than 'demanding' - and, that it is a good thing to preserve the quote bubbles.
Thank you.
This is saying:
"I appreciate the effort of those who care enough to be diligent in keeping the quote bubbles intact."
While there is a small amount of intended sarcasm in the title, the way the OP is written is intended to "soften" and "balance" it.
So - yes - the thread is intended to:
1) Raise awareness of an "issue" that I believe is worth bringing to the attention of other CC members.
2) Express my "weariness" at having to deal with it -
because, some people don't seem to care enough...
3) Encourage others to have more
pride (the 'good' kind) in the presentation of their posts.
It is not intended to be "ugly" towards anyone in any way. (Nor is the following statement.)
If it came across to you in such a way - you need to have someone who has "thicker skin" - and is more mature - to sit with you - and hold your hand - and keep you "in check" - while you read posts on CC. (
)
"Just sayin'..."