[wp-forums] Tone

[Handy]

I would propose that we need to focus on the tone of the support forums.  I
feel we're a bit hostile and/or caustic. I'm no angel -- you'll notice I'm
using "we" throughout this message!

Here's a post from earlier today from a fella who was just getting back into
the volunteer mode:
http://blog.os42.com/i-admit-defeat-you-win/

That sucks, we chased him off.  It bums me out -- I saw it happen. Now to be
fair, the "final straw" in his case was someone he was helping was a bit of
a dick... but really, he was obviously on the edge if that's all it took.
It could've been any of us that pushed him over. With a bit of research, I
can dredge up a few more posts along those lines. The forums still have a
rep.

What gets me is that odds are "any of us" have scared off other potential
volunteers as well.  There ain't enough helpers as it is, we should probably
not be scaring 'em off as they're still getting their wings! (and don't get
me rolling on the large pile of moderators we never see any more...
different topic)

Granted, some people seeking help are just bloody caustic... but instead of
unloading on 'em, just move on to the next thread instead.  They'll get the
support they "deserve".

This dragged me down a bit this summer and I slowed way down on doing
support and just focused on clearing modlooks and spams instead.  After a
bit of hiatus I've been back into it more at my usual pace... but this time
around the overall feel of the place is bugging me more.

Is it just me -- perhaps I'm overly sensitive?  Or am I not too far off
base?

If it's feeling too much like a grind or like work, step back and take a
break.  We're volunteers -- why be unhappy volunteers?  :-)

Thoughts?  Flames?
(anyone even still read this list besides Wank?)