Posted by Dr. Bob on February 29, 2000, at 5:06:44
In reply to Re: He's OK, posted by AprilA on February 27, 2000, at 0:09:13
> I don't think these BB's are safe for people who already hurt.
This is a really good point. I think there are bound to be people here who will at least occasionally act in ways that evoke the past traumas of others. This might be difficult for those others. In theory, they might also gain something from the experience, but, for them, the risks might outweigh the potential benefits.
I guess there are two other issues:
1. How people here might deal with this kind of thing.
I think it helps one to help others, but efforts to help unfortunately don't always succeed. That doesn't mean that one shouldn't try to help -- that's the whole idea here! -- just that one shouldn't always expect, let alone feel responsible for, a good outcome.
2. What if any general "policy" there might be.
I don't mean to be heartless, but a forum like this *may* in general be better off without people who act in certain ways.
I think we generally accept this when people are hostile. But what if they're "just" unrelentingly depressed and suicidal (and possibly not doing what they "should" about it, either)? Both may be in pain. But both may also, because of the reactions they elicit, make it harder for the forum to serve its purpose. They should be supported, too, but this might not be the place.
Well, let me know what you think...
Bob
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:24194
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000220/msgs/24773.html