Please Read This

[Mermaid Cascada]

THIS IS A LONG THREAD!!!
There are all sorts of mers. Big mers, little mers, mermaids,mermen,merlings,mers who like blue, mers who like pink, and mers who like both. And with so many mers all in one place, there is bound to be differences of opinion. (Please exude the random laughing face; I put it there because I almost typed onion instead of opinion lol).
Anyways, some mers may like this tail maker and some mers may like that tail maker. Maybe some mers don't like either. But my point is that we're all different so we have different opinions. And lately I think we're forgetting that we all have something in common. We are part of this community for our love of mers.
When another mer has a difference of opinion, you have to respect that. For example I can't say that I dislike someone or reply to their post in a way that might offend them because of a difference in our opinions. And if I have to anyone I'm sorry.
I'm posting this because a lot of drama had been erupting. And it weird because when I read it I start to feel upset and I almost feel like; "what is going on here? Do I really want to be part of this?" I'm almost afraid to comment or post a thread because I feel like I might upset someone with a different opinion. And I realize it's bound to happen because we're all different.
But maybe before you post something you'll remember this thread and realize that we have different opinions and to respect that before you go on a rant. This isn't to any specific mer or anyone. I love you all and you're each wonderful in your own way. I just thought posting a thread like this might show a bigger picture. And in the comments (optional) you can pick a random mer and *hug* them. Just to keep the love going.

Love, Cascada. Oh, I also go by Kimmie. Just don't call me goat cheese. You can also call me Cas or Mac n cheese because that's a favorite food of mine. Wow I have a lot of nicknames. I feel so nervous posting this thread. Now Im babbling on about random things... Lol

[Arella]

I completely agree with you I wish people would just try a little harder to get along

[Merman Arion]

I agree with you too. We shouldn't be afraid to post or say something just because it might upset some people.

Communication is the key. We can't expect to get along if we can't be true to ourselves.

[Echidna]

I agree with you too. We shouldn't be afraid to post or say something just because it might upset some people.

Communication is the key. We can't expect to get along if we can't be true to ourselves.

Wonderfully said.

Also, Cascada, please don't mistake normal heated discussion with intentionally created drama.

It's a sad fact of internet life some people will, instead of openly stating their thoughts, make a new "anonymous" account, and then proceed to diss everyone they don't like under their assumed cover of anonymity, and try to sow discord.

I've seen this happen everywhere, it's sad, and pathetic, and really cannot be helped,
because making a new account is fast and easy.

Don't let this alienate you, this site is chock-full of nice people, and great info.
*hug*

[Mermaid Cascada]

Wonderfully said.

Also, Cascada, please don't mistake normal heated discussion with intentionally created drama.

It's a sad fact of internet life some people will, instead of openly stating their thoughts, make a new "anonymous" account, and then proceed to diss everyone they don't like under their assumed cover of anonymity, and try to sow discord.

I've seen this happen everywhere, it's sad, and pathetic, and really cannot be helped,
because making a new account is fast and easy.

Don't let this alienate you, this site is chock-full of nice people, and great info.
*hug*

*hug* ^.^ you're right. It's hard to tell If it's drama or just a heated discussion sometimes. I guess the best way to tell is if your sharing your different opinions= probably a heated discussion. But when you start insulting someone in the process or spreading drama purposely and false info then it's most likely drama. Idk maybe some people like the chaos.

[Mermaid Oshun]

I agree with you Cascada and observing people for 50 years I agree that some people do love chaos. However, I came here to get away from all of that. So I very much agree with your idea that we should try to minimize the silly discussions of "Oh I love this tail maker yours sucks" etc ad nauseum. I think you and I can fully appreciate that Cascada because we both make our own creations so we're not about to become sheep lured to worship in any camp.

[Mermaid Cascada]

I agree with you Cascada and observing people for 50 years I agree that some people do love chaos. However, I came here to get away from all of that. So I very much agree with your idea that we should try to minimize the silly discussions of "Oh I love this tail maker yours sucks" etc ad nauseum. I think you and I can fully appreciate that Cascada because we both make our own creations so we're not about to become sheep lured to worship in any camp.

Very well said *hug*

[Mermaid Cascada]

I agree with you too. We shouldn't be afraid to post or say something just because it might upset some people.

Communication is the key. We can't expect to get along if we can't be true to ourselves.

^.^ *hug*

[Mermaid Cascada]

I completely agree with you I wish people would just try a little harder to get along

Yeah, it's not hard to be nice. I think it's a lot harder to be mean. *hug*

[PearlieMae]

A lot is lost in text, as well... sometimes you read something and it gets taken the wrong way because you can't hear the tone.

There's a thin line between opinion and snarkiness, sometimes, and I think it's not always easy to tell where that line is. I would hate to see the site turn into a big butt kissing convention, though. I've offered what could be construed as blunt opinions on the quality of a tail or two, but I never lash out at the (mer)people!

[Mermaid Varshana]

Even in the fantasy that is cyberspace, it is so important to remember that, behind every avatar, is a real person with any combination of: mood swings, ligands, hormones, neurons that misfire, psych meds, meds in general, health issues, mental illnesses, interpersonal issues, religious differences, political differences, moral differences, genetic differences, past abuse, etc etc. Because of that, it's impossible to totally get away from the squirming mass of bullshit that comprises humanity. Varying degrees of it lives in all of us. I think keeping all of this in mind, knowing how to pick our battles, learning to click the back button, and being extra eyes for the moderators will help keep MerNetwork a fun place to be.

[Alveric]

"...the squirming mass of bullshit that comprises humanity."

This is great. Can I steal it?

[Mermaid Varshana]

Sure, as long as you mention me on your dedication page

[AniaR]

It's funny, I haven't gotten my way through all the threads yet today but I don't even see them as that dramatic. Just one person kinda kicking up a fuss and everyone else seeing through it. We can't be afraid to talk about stuff on here for fear of being labelled. The forum exists SO we can address issues too. But that being said, I personally feel like the community has worked really hard in the past months to separate personal opinions from friendships etc. I have disagreed with several mers on here about things, and we still get along just fine. I don't think it's an issue of subject mater honestly, I think it's an issue of people understanding they can disagree with someone, and it doesn't have to be an all out name calling war

[Echidna]

Well said

And it's also a sad fact not everyone can love everyone else;
Earth would be a so much cozier place if one could be friends with everyone lol.

But not liking everyone equally, or having different opinions, doesn't mean one cannot be respectful and polite.
And that's not drama.
Drama is when someone goes all over the top and starts to get insulting, leaving the realm of reason behind.

That happens too, but so far I've not seen it often, at least not here.

[Mermaid~Summer]

I don't like drama but I LOVE CAKE!! Especially chocolate cake! And mermaids/mermen, vampires, zombies, pizza, movies, talking, typing the random things that i enjoy just because I can I also <3 the awesome friends that have made and people that I have connected with since I joined this site.

[Ariadne]

Oooh, you said cake. Caaaaaaake!

[Mermaid~Summer]

Yes, yes I did and I'll say it again just for you. Cake

[Mermaid Cascada]

I like cake! My mom won't let me have any... For reasons I cannot say lol.

[Echidna]

I like cake! My mom won't let me have any... For reasons I cannot say lol.

sounds fishy.