I have browsed OSA for months now, particularly the classifieds. I saw an ad earlier today with a great deal on a great gun. Deciding not to overlook this listing, I registered for the first time and replied to the ad via a private message. Upon my return from work this evening, I logged in and discovered a new message. I was elated and thought for sure the reply would be affirmative in nature. Much to my alarm and the arousal of a "fighting-mad" state of mind, the message said simply (in an incomplete sentence less than worthy of my 6 year old nephew) that the individual who posted the ad does not associate with new members who have no posts under their belt. To say that the message was as clear and descriptive as it was described above would simply give the individual too much credit. In a polite manner I followed up with an apology (which I didn't see as necessary, but felt obliged to include) and wished them luck. However, with this less than satisfying experience under my belt, I anticipate the rest of my correspondence and encounters with individuals here to be much more enjoyable and profitable.
Assuming a great majority of individuals on this forum are adults, I encourage us all to act like it. We as a society have come to accept others regardless of race, creed, gender, and social status. However I greatly doubt the ability of society to accept and treat people equally regardless of whether or not they are the "newbie, freshman, etc." Perhaps it is an immature fear of the unknown that holds us captive to such profiling and opinion-state-of-mind. While uncertainty may cloud the image of such unfamiliar individuals, I believe there is a certain amount of respect that is due to everyone whom crosses our path in life. While indignant individuals are entitled to their right to treat others in which ever manner they please, all individuals are entitled to some degree of courteous regard. A community of like minded adults should be the last place in which one would expect to have to bring attention to basic social operating procedures.
I am hoping that the previously described experience is not a typical representation of conduct on this forum. Here's to expecting more out of my next attempt at communicating with ad holders in the classifieds.
Assuming a great majority of individuals on this forum are adults, I encourage us all to act like it. We as a society have come to accept others regardless of race, creed, gender, and social status. However I greatly doubt the ability of society to accept and treat people equally regardless of whether or not they are the "newbie, freshman, etc." Perhaps it is an immature fear of the unknown that holds us captive to such profiling and opinion-state-of-mind. While uncertainty may cloud the image of such unfamiliar individuals, I believe there is a certain amount of respect that is due to everyone whom crosses our path in life. While indignant individuals are entitled to their right to treat others in which ever manner they please, all individuals are entitled to some degree of courteous regard. A community of like minded adults should be the last place in which one would expect to have to bring attention to basic social operating procedures.
I am hoping that the previously described experience is not a typical representation of conduct on this forum. Here's to expecting more out of my next attempt at communicating with ad holders in the classifieds.
