Reading Tones Into Replies
By Myrrdin
@Myrrdin (3599)
Canada
March 10, 2008 4:58pm CST
Some people view my responses as caustic and argumentative even though, when in fact, I am neither. I am merely debating passionately. Some people choose to read more into my comments then is there. I don't think this is necessarily their fault, a big part of it is the nature of the internet. Since you can't actually see facial features or read body language you have to assume the tone of the message. Have you ever ran into difficulties with people reading more into your message then you intended? I am perfectly willing to admit that I have misread others tones, I have assumed more about peoples demeanors then is really supported by the comments, have you?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
11 Mar 08
I have the same problem alot of times. I am not trying to argue with anyone either. I am just making a reply as to how I feel about something. they ask for our opinions and should accept our response even if they do not agree with it. They should not take it to heart. I have also been guilty of misreading another persons tone also from something they have typed. It is very different seeing or reading something that is typed, rather than actually hearing them speak in a tone.
1 person likes this
@Myrrdin (3599)
• Canada
11 Mar 08
Yes it is hard to read the tone into the written word. I guess handwriting it is somewhat possible since a person can put anger into their handwriting, but really with the typed word there is no way. You can use smileys and such, but really would smileys really convey anything useful in a serious conversation?
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
11 Mar 08
what you mean. I use smiley faces sometimes but it is hard to be serious with them and make the meaningful. I always try to type something that tells them not to take me personal or something like that. I also tell them that I mean nothing against them also. I am just voicing my opinion, is all.
1 person likes this
@klaudyou (501)
•
10 Mar 08
I agree with you...this is basically the essence here on myLot, to debate...
This is what is interesting on this site, not just posting things to earn money, because this would get boring in time...if there is no argument or a different opinion to discuss.
About the tone, if it's not offending or it does not involve bad words...if it's an argumentative one...then for me, it is welcome.
1 person likes this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
10 Mar 08
I have had that experience, where people have misread what I've posted online, because there could be many different connotations to my wording, and the tones aren't always apparent.
In order to avoid this, I tend to use a LOT of emoticons, or the symbols that represent them. Smilies if you will, such as ;) , :) , :P and :D . I hope that by using those, the tone is more obvious, because I don't usually aim to offend.
Part of my problem is that I tend to talk in a sarcastic manner, and that shows through in my writing. People such as yourself "get it", but not everyone has the same twisted sense of humour. So I am VERY thankful for emoticons, even if I do tend to overuse them somewhat. :P hehe.
@Mondoh (147)
• United States
11 Mar 08
I've had this happen here... I've used sarcasm in the past to make a point... & some take it out of context or as a personal attack when there is nothing there to take it to that level...
I normally don't use smileys, but will consider it in future communications... :P
That being said, it's just part of the deal here... I know people at work who think everone should B "nice & sweet" If everone agreed w/everone all the time, a place like MyLots wouldn't need 2 exist would it? Justa thought...
Mondoh
