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Originally posted by Carl Childress
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I don't think you read LDUB's post very carefully. I heard irony dripping from every line.
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It's quite clear what LDUB is doing, and it isn't just this post. I, however, wouldn't have used a sexual metaphor.
In a dog pack, the
big dogs have two responsibilities: look out for the good of the pack, and ensure that they remain the big dogs. When a new dog arrives, he is
sniffed out to see if he'll fit in. Often, he is physically
challenged to see if he'll submit to the will of the big dogs. A successful dog emerges from this process with a few
scars, but a good
understanding of the way that the pack works, a feeling of
belonging, and the
security of knowing that the big dogs are on his side.
Occasionally a new dog wants to become a big dog himself. Usually with no perspective of the good of the pack, he'll take it upon himself to try out some of those early attacks on newcomers that don't quite fit in. Thinking he's proving himself, he'll be overly vicious. And if he isn't first, he'll never avoid joining a dog pile that is going on.
I have some specific advice to newcomers. (By the way, from what I've heard about Real Umpire(tm) associations, this might be good advice in moving up in them, too.)
- Don't post answers, statements, or opinions. Be very careful about your questions.
- Accept a certain amount of snarling and nipping. Occasionally roll onto your back and whimper. You've seen examples that seem to work.
- Don't take it all personally. Remember, these folks don't take you personally.
Sadly, Tee might be correct. Without a certain amount of policing, an internet forum can become almost totally useless. In particular, nobody is forcing the big dogs to be here, and they do have important information. If you run them off, the group will get worse, not better.
-LL