Can we just have requests for advice of a problem that we need help with or seeking the opinion of a concerned or involved party?, or just a general inquiry without fear of the questioner being torn apart by someone who is pushing their ratings as whatever user. This is a great site but over the years it has become a very hostile site to those that are not prepared for a battle.

Looking through the forums over the years there has been a trend of people employed with suitable qualification but little or no experience using the forums to aid their careers. Well phrased questions often receive more courteous response than snappy one liners which work on the assumption we are all followers of the OP on social media. Given the general downturn in all employment opportunities and the overall erosion of remuneration in the H&S sector the phenomena you notice is a side effect of such changes. Tolerance is the first victim of perceived pressure.

I have probably given as much as I get but sometimes it's how it comes across when typing, I will type something that is funny in my head and not realise it is how it is percieved by people reading it. I am not saying everyone is the same but if I don't like the response I do one of two things, respond or ignore!

Just like the real world really. Some people are helpful, pleasant and "nice" whilst others are most definitely not. New users do sometimes get abused and sadly we will probably never see them again. More experienced users will have learned whose opinions are to be respected and whose are to be treated as sewage. No different to the pub, works canteen or Facebook.

The written word lacks tone, and therefore what can seem to the writer very innocuous can be taken as quite offensive. If I asked "Why do think that is the right way"? it can be taken as a genuine question of your point-of-view, or, more often, as quite confrontational. I remember replying to a new users question by trying to get them to consider the problem for themselves, rather that just spouting" Yes, because that comes under section 6 of blah,blah,blah...". I went with the "Why do you think that...."? Needless to say it din't get the required response and I had to back track rather quickly. I think this forum is a great debating ground for people with a common profession or interest. If I feel I am right I will (try to) defend my comments, but if I am wrong then I learn something. The trouble is once the POST button has been pressed there is no deleting. Oh for the many times I have found a better response pop into my head to the one I have just that minute posted However, I don't take things personally as I have it on good authority that behind this screen of pixels you are all real people... most of you, anyway!

What about a thick skin, we work in safety and most of the time people disagree with what we have to say. I think there are times people come on to blow of steam, they are in the mood for a debate, they want to help the poster or it's percieved to be a tongue in cheek posting.

James I just looked at your posting history to try to understand how your opinion arose. I believe you have a valid point I note one post ( you don't post very often) where you took the OP to task about his spelling. Kettle pot?? Or am I a cyber bully too?

I tend to ignore the idiots. And I always keep in mind how easy it is to miss-read an e-mail and take it the wrong way. Do I get my own e-mails right all the time - probably not, but if I offend or bore it is by mistake.