Am I out of line? epilepsy.com members say so...

[Bernard]

Hey folks, it appears that I have upset a few people over at epilepsy.com over a discussion on the VNS:

VNS resource discussion

out of context quote pile on Bernard thread

Am I out of line? Do I need to be flogged with a wet noodle?

[RobinN]

I don't think you stepped out of line here at all.
You kept to the point offering your take on the situation, and it appears that the young lady (whom I will admit I know nothing at all about), has her dander up because you don't agree with her decision. Sounds like she still questions her decision and is defensive.

Other than the two who else have you upset? Do they not have administrators there to moderate.. guess the mud hasn't been thrown yet.

[Birdbomb]

Darling you are caught in the middle of a couple of trolls. No matter what you say or do, they will find something to attack you with. Both of these pinheads could use lessons in forum etiquette.

What I see is some woman with her panties in a wad and her shoes on the wrong feet. As for the "rhoid" (sigh) He's being true to form, a sick, manuliputive, lying BOS. I hope the 2 of them will be happy together. Herb has been banned from most E sites for his vicious personal attacks and looks like he's getting ready to chalk up another one.

Anyone wants to hurry it along, just report their posts to the modator.



If a site allows links in signatures/posts then this woman has no place to talk. Herb shouldn't even be allowed near a computer much less message boards!

[Birdbomb]

BTW Might want to send her a love letter

How to Use Proper Forum Etiquette

For someone who signature reads "life is fragile, handle with prayer" maybe she should pray for more understanding and do less criticizing.

[Bernard]

epi_help (forum staff) has contacted me privately saying that they have "received complaints about recent posts and behavior on the site". I just wanted to make sure I wasn't walking around with blinders on. I didn't think I had overstepped the bounds of decency (though I did get frustrated with the mischaracterizations directed my way and I'm sure it's apparent).

[angel]

I read the post and dont see that you said anything wrong.... did I see the name H**b? " the Troll " or was I having a bad seizure! lol
I'm thinking birdbomb & Bernard should just Ignore these two people.... It to me looks like they are trying to get a rise out of you...

[skillefer]

I read over about a third of the posts. Honestly, I think that the other parties are too emotionally biased to participate in a logical and reasonable dialogue based on scientific studies and facts. To remain impartial in such debates is difficult. However, I must say, you handled yourself quite well.

[BuckeyeFan]

Your early reactions seemed OK Bernard, especially when you stated that you never misrepresented yourself as having medical credentials or E. Later on, you were getting pulled into an argument, not a discussion. Not a big deal.

The person who started the discussion doesn't sound bad or nasty in other postings, so maybe the two of you are just too different. The biggest thing I have learned over the last year is that everyone's E acts differently and reacts differently to treatment. We all are grasping for life ropes and when you feel like someone has put grease on yours, it can be hard to accept.

My advice would be to just surf away now that you have stated your opinion. Unfortunately, some discussions turn into arguements versus debates. At that point, the participants are not even reading each other's responses, just picking out things to attack.

Hmmm ... sounds like congress!

Each of us needs a comfort zone. I was on the other site before coming here and didn't get the comfort feeling that I have here. But this site will not be for everyone. My visits to the other site are usually just for casual chat room visits now.

[Bernard]

Thanks BF - appreciate the honesty.

[speber]

My advice would be to just surf away now that you have stated your opinion. Unfortunately, some discussions turn into arguements versus debates. At that point, the participants are not even reading each other's responses, just picking out things to attack.

I couldn't agree more.

[brain]

I saw the post before you even posted this
thread and I don't see anything where you
were out of line at all. In fact, it seems that
they were trying to make mountains out of
molehills, trying to draw something out of you
to make your post "reportable" but you stayed
within your boundaries and limitations. As far
as I am concerned; they were the ones who
were out of line - for one thing is, she was
the one who was using all CAPS which is
deemed as "SCREAMING" (not being used as
an emphasis) - and nowhere did I see you
imply or esteem yourself as a medical specialist,
they were the ones who brought it up and
were making attempts in doing so likewise.

The way I see it all, they were trying to make
a Clay Vase out of dry dust sans the water,
kiln, and everything else. They had no foundation
at all whatsoever; you just merely made the
facts based upon findings and they didn't like
the report findings and they wanted to trample
it down. (OH WELL)

I supposed if you were Customer Report Magazine,
would they have done the same likewise?

[stilldancing_98]

Bernard, I read the posts, they were interesting first. But, since I feel I know a little about you I see where you are coming from. And people get mad when you know your stuff. And when you can debate it. But if I just read that not knowing who you were...I would have thought maybe you went to far. I appreciate your knowledge. I think people just get mad when they don't know what to say.YOU KNOW WHAT?YOU WERE JUST ON TOP OF IT!! How's that!! Great job on expressing yourself. Teresa

[darkmarkshark]

Reading the post that was written there, to discuss replies here, I'd say that person is just itchy to find someone or something to fight


*and I should add, my E would never have been diagnosed had I not listened to someone who "had no experience or profressional medical knowledge about E"

[ashmstng]

Hey Bernard~
I read the posts. I feel you didnt say anything wrong. You were being yourself as in helpful and your opinion on whats best. Dont let it bug you. By alot of the posts I read the person that overeacted just took it too far and way overboard. It was not called for at all. Lets just say I will never go back to that board again. I have never been happy and comfortable being on this board with everyone I have met on here. You all have helped me in so many ways and Bernard you are the one keeping it together. Great work!

[Cint]

Hey Bernard,

I used to visit the epilepsy.com site and remember that discussion and the ones who were upset. The one was accusing you of not knowing your stuff! Wow, was she wrong! The truth hurts. Actually, by your postings on that website & the epilepsy foundations website, did I find my way here. I feel much more "at home" here and feel I can be "myself". So much more to offer here, also. I rarely visit those other websites. Oh, and thanks to Birdbomb, too, for the VNS website. I visit that site often, although I don't always post a message. I just like to keep up to date on the latest news.

Thanks, Bernard, and keep up the great work! We're behind you!

Cindy

[Bernard]

Thanks folks. FYI - this is an old thread. I haven't participated over there any further since that incident.

[TeeTees]

Bernard ?...you ?...and being 'in the wrong' just don't suit the same sentence. I'll be honest, I'm too tired to actually read the attached thread tonight (no offence), but I just can't see YOU stepping out of line EVER

[stilldancing_98]

I say, let them think what they want to anyway. You are to good for that anyway. We have other issues on hand. And when I told Harborview about this sight, one of my comments was this place makes me feel comfortable.

[salright2baredneck]

Things getting beyond a simple disagreement like that is exactly why I don't participate in forums like that with no moderation. As grown adults, you should be able to disagree in a civil manner without turning it into a nasty affair. If I wanted to read childish "mud slinging" I'd go to a Yahoo chat room.
This forum has greatly impressed me with the wonderful decorum and respect of its members. Kudos to Bernard for providing us with a place to feel comfortable in, that not only helps keep us informed on the physical issues related to E, but also helps many of us with the mental and emotional aspect of it.

[Shelley]

To be as childish, and say that not wanting to know both sides of an issue form those who have 'e', and those who are madly in love with a significant other with 'e' is the dumbest thing since invading a country for no reason, but I'd be banned for sure, cuz I'm not sympathetic.
You go, Bernard.
You are far more helpful than she is ready to accept. We have shared our research and stories. We are Family. We have you to thank.
:yi ppee: