Professionalism on the Web

[StephenTucker]

It always intrigues me why people in the UK have a tendency to be destructive instead of constructive in their lives. Is it just a British trait to 'criticise' others?

Wherever else I have visited on this planet, I find people are generally open, warm, and willing to help others share in success. No clearer do I see this than when I visit the United States for the GCSAA and STMA shows. Groundsmen and Superintendents over there get nothing but encouragement and enthusiasm to do well from others within the industry. It makes me proud to be part of it all.

The sooner we, on this side of the pond, adopt that attitude and shake off our negative manner, the better!

Of course negative, or rather opposing, comment is all part of open discussion, and usually helps to form a balanced debate. The basis of a democratic society is that there is freedom of speech. But, if people declined to express their views becuase of fear of unjustified criticism, then no one would offer any advice, or viewpoint, and little or no progress would be made in expanding the knowledge base of our industry.

The Pitchcare message board is a case in point. Our difficulty is how to provide a platform for discussion, debate, and exchange of information while allowing a completely open forum. An element of moderation needs to be incorporated alongside the right to remain anonymous - 25,000 'Questions and Answers' would seem to suggest that, in the main, we have got it right.

But annoyance comes when people, who are prepared to give their time freely to help others, run the risk of ridicule. Online there are many who are prepared to contribute their experience and knowledge to help others overcome a specific problem. In the process this improves the knowledge and understanding of all those who contribute. But there are the malicious few who use the message board as an opportunity to act in a childish, way. However, the vast majority use the website appropriately and, for most of the time, advice and information is exchanged correctly.

As an industry we try to set exceptional standards and the majority of us carry out our work with great pride and dedication. We should all be able to speak freely about how we improve our surfacesm deal with staff and committees and, by the same token, explore and debate controversial issues in an adult fashion. Moving forward means having good communication and, for those who have the knowledge others require, being able to pass it on freely without childish and unfounded retribution.

If a point is worth airing surely it must be worth backing, whether that is to agree or disagree. It was Voltaire that said, " I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend, to the death, your right to say it". That is why open debate is so absorbing.
To this day we at Pitchcare, and many of those associated with the website, have been viewed with scepticism; often openly, and privately, criticised. But we remain thick skinned in the strong belief that this is our means of improving our industry. A growing community in excess of 23,000 people can't be wrong.

We have fought many battles, and no doubt there will be more. Each time we feel depressed and battered, we stand up, brush ourself down and continue on. Life is too important to let the feeble slack jaws ruin it for us, and you.

Jealousy is a terrible affliction which burns right at the soul of some people. It ruins their lives and, if you let them take a grip, it can ruin yours.

It is therefore gratifying to know that so many people are out there when you need them the most. To all these people keep your heads held high, you do a great job!


Dave Saltman
Managing Director of Pitchcare
http://www.pitchcare.com

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[TerryWeber]

I try to avoid any negative personal comments because I know that they are non-productive and usually destructive to this type of open forum. Regrettably there have been a few times where commentary made by a couple of people have drawn me into a personal attack and I later became upset with myself for letting it happen. I have to keep reminding myself to not even respond because things will usually take care of themselves in time.

[JohnTutchen]

I believe the quote from Voltaire to be one of the corner-stones of democracy.

Worth noting for readers/members that this article was written in Britain, by a Briton, about a British-based website with a largely British membership.

Having said that, it is equally applicable across the globe, I think.