The "high road?" Using the edit feature to essentially delete and hide things they previously posted. What's the answer to this?

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 20:03:02 -0500

Im sure you all know which thread I am referencing (twin buns).  A soldier basically went through and deleted every comment including the topic header itself.  She then called it "taking the high road."  I can't speak to her motives of doing so but it was probably smart on her part to protect her later.  However, it does make the entire thread useless, especially if you can just make the topic itself disappear.<div>But say for example, I cussed out a CSM on here and then later went back and deleted it.  What then?  I say if you say it, then own it.  Accept responsibility for your actions.  Don't cop-out after the fact.</div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 8:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 20:09:49 -0500

This is the second thread in about two days Ive seen this happen with. I think if you made the remarks, you are stuck with them. You take your licks, move forward, and learn from it. Dont change it, because it doesnt help your appearance anymore

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Jan 30 at 2014 9:10 PM

TSgt Phillip L. — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 21:10:49 -0500

Or, mods should delete it, give a second chance for someone to move on. Do we kick each other when their down? Let me re-phrase that....SHOULD we kick each other when we're down? I saw the trainwreck, we all agree...it was a trainwreck, but lets delete it, and move on. Give a second chance....there is some rank there, rank which deserves some respect. Remember...just like all the annoying butter bars....it isn't the man/woman, it's the rank which we respect. We've all stuck our feet in our mouths. I've done it a ton. Let's delete the thread, and move on.<br>

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 9:31 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 21:31:01 -0500

I've made my mistakes. None as public, but mistakes all the same. I'm thankful for RallyPoint being a place to share these discussions. Additionally I would be willing to bet (with due respect) that the NCO has grown from the experience.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 2:32 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 02:32:09 -0500

That entire thread would been more useful if the whole EO piece and part about her CoC was never brought into it. A discussion on the hair alone would have had the same effect with a simple, "Is this in regs and/or professional." Everyone could have been spared a lot of dramatic posts, and some other people could retain some dignity.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Feb 1 at 2014 3:30 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 03:30:22 -0500

<p>I will not comment on the original thread referenced in the opening of this discussion, but I will offer my "two cents" on the topic of taking the "high road."  It has always been my understanding that taking the "high road"  meant walking away from a situation in order to diffuse it, or because you know that any further discussion will only be detrimental and can end up with someone at either the position of attention, parade rest or the front leaning rest.  An addition definition of the "high road" is realizing that before the point of no return.  Once that line is crossed, there is no more "high road."  </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>I tell Soldiers all the time that words are important.  Think about what you are going to say.  Think about what point you are trying to make.  Think about the possible ways that one may interpret what you are saying.  Think about the second and third order effects of what you are going to say.  Granted, that is a lot to think about before you open you mouth, or hit enter after you type a response to something, but it is important.  Sometimes the difference between a very candid, pointed and beneficial discussion and something that takes a nose dive as soon as one opens their mouth or hits "enter," is thinking before one speaks.  </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Just food for thought.</p>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 3:42 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 03:42:02 -0500

Gentlemen -

" In combat, good judgement comes from experience; unfortunately, experience often comes from bad judgement ! ! ! " ( Anonymous Author, Unknown Date )

We all deserve a second chance. The two bun discussion lost its purpose long ago.

In my opinion, exercising the delegated right to edit / modify / delete one's images and comments, may well be the best exercise of good judgement in taking the high road.

There is no reason to endlessly debate or down vote for exercising good judgement.

Indeed, all that was accomplished was an award 2,500 bonus and many other points.

If you want to blame someone for counseling to take the high road then blame me!!!

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by CSM Chris McKeown made Feb 1 at 2014 8:52 AM

CSM Chris McKeown — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 08:52:47 -0500

Two buns? Just so much comes to mind since I never saw the original thread. lol <br><br>On most sites there is a time limit to edit a post or topic. Maybe RP needs to set time limits on editing post.<br>

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 9:36 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:36:36 -0500

Yes there should be ownership and editing a post to delete your comments is not right. We can all agree some replies were educational and some were outright attacks. If the original poster didn't like the attention or comments then I can understand their actions. Not saying I agree with it but maybe it was the move that would finally send the discussion to the graveyard.<div><br></div><div>It definitely got ugly in there and I am glad for the new turn of events - some individuals lost their professionalism there and we have all decided it is time to move on.</div><div><br></div><div>In this world nothing is ever gone - I am sure if it was unprofessional or disrespectful a post could be unedited by admins and used as proof if need be.</div><div><br></div><div>Now time to move on to the next individual that needs assistance or help.</div>

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Feb 1 at 2014 9:54 AM

1SG Johnny Carter — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:54:39 -0500

Agreed! If you post something and you don't get the reaction you expected then maybe what you thought all along was actually wrong! Don't be embarrassed but learn and drive on. This is a great place to further your education and learn from experienced Soldiers and Veterans and get great ideas on leadership! I SAY HOOOOAH!

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Feb 1 at 2014 9:54 AM

1SG Johnny Carter — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:54:40 -0500

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Feb 1 at 2014 6:13 PM

LT Jessica Kellogg — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 18:13:08 -0500

On some forums, there is a time limit (15 minutes to an hour) during which you can make edits. That gives people the chance to go back and fix mistakes without being able to go back and change posts based on the answers they're receiving. Perhaps something like that would help?

Response by CSM Allen Dahl made Feb 2 at 2014 1:56 AM

CSM Allen Dahl — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:56:51 -0500

The problem I have found with posting comments to threads, or sending/replying to emails, rather than speaking to someone personally is that it seems to mask the gravity of the situation at hand by taking the face to face confrontation out of it. Even, (and often), the little things can be very inflammatory. Words have meaning, I have learned the hard way myself that if I am commenting or replying to an email and feel emotionally inflamed, to draft what I want, then walk away for awhile. When you read what you have written in anger with a clear mind, you either delete it or change it. Taking the high road should be accepting responsibility for your actions and learning from the experience. Pretending it never happened only 1) delays the problem from being resolved or 2) damages your credibility and usually both anyway.