Yesterday I was away from the computer. I took the day off to put down a furry family member of 17 years. Today I was out of the office most of the day so I'm sorry I have not responded sooner.
I come back to work this afternoon to an in box full if e-mail from many members on the board encouraging me to act on my own rules/policy because they are sick of the petty personal bickering that continues to go on between a few members of InspectionNews. There is a common thread through most of the e-mails that I received and that is that they come to InspectionNews to learn and/or help others and have a good time and that they would like to so without the train wreck of off topic post and personal attacks that are going on.
I couldn't agree more. In fact, I thought I made that point clear two days ago when I reminded everyone of the rules they agreed to when they registered on the message board and the policy for enforcing those rules.
I went back and read several of the posts that were mentioned. Posts put up after I had once again asked everyone to simply follow the rules. I think it just comes down to the fact that InspectionNews is not the place for everyone.
For those that do not have the social skills to come into my home and discuss topics without defamatory, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented or threatening remarks towards one another, there are other places you can go. I've read posts that knock InspectionNews and the people who post here. I have opened up my home and allowed you to come in for free. If you don't like it here, leave. It's as simple as that.
InspectionNews was developed for mature business professionals. Entrepreneurs who are interested in discussing all aspects of the inspection business, to help educate one another and collectively improve the quality of the inspection industry and to help individual businesses succeed. If you do not have the social skills to voice your opinion without tearing into someone else then InspectionNews is not the place for you.
InspectionNews is for the new inspector, established inspectors and those just thinking about getting into the business. Everyone should feel comfortable asking any inspection related question without the fear of being ridiculed. This is a place where people come for answers and help. Even if you think that the question is remedial either answer the question and try to help the person or don't answer at all.
I have spent more time then I care to on this subject. I have done all that I can to reiterate the rules & policies and let adults police themselves. For those of you that don't agree with InspectionNews, I thank you for stopping by and wish you the best in where ever you go. The professional business men and women will remain and help one another to succeed.