TB: Room for Everyone

I was appalled by the comment directed at Rosalie Figge on Wednesday.  This is a public forum and anything posted on the forum really should be something that you could say to that person face to face in front of a group of people (obviously impossible in this case.)  I truly believe the comment was undignified and innapropriate.
 
This statement is made not to provoke problems.  It is a plea.  It would have been easier to remain silent, and just ignore the remark.  But I can not.  

This group of people - posters and lurkers alike includes many people I love dearly.  We are a diverse group and all love irises, though we each have our own preferences.  It is no secret that Rosalie Figge was a woman with whom I shared a most valued friendship.  It can hardly be a secret that I am a rebloom 'fanatic'  I accept that there are those with good reason to dislike them.  I don't like every type of iris either, but there is room in this group for people of all tastes and levels of interests and experience.  No one need read any post, it is simple to pick and chose.  I would not wish to see anyone make the same sort of comment about ANY person on this public forum.
 
I have been very fortunate- I have been able to ask many, many questions here.  I want to learn so much that I will risk looking stupid time and again.  This is an excellent group of people, we all have something to offer.  Let's not make anyone so uncomfortable that they are afraid to post for fear of attack or humiliation.  That can't be our aim here.
 
Certainly there are sometimes statements that are misconstrued- some of us will even have a bad day.  I know I offended someone on iris-photos earlier this year, it was unintentional and I regret my choice of words.  It was an unfortunate coincidence in the timing of our posts, that is all.
 
Please remember that these words, once written, last forever.  And though hurt is inevitable any time two humans communicate over a period of time - it need not be intentional.  There is enough pain in this world already, we can make the choice to act with a mean tabloid mentality or contribute to the good of the group.  Everyone has something unique to contribute.
 
We can choose to make this a fun place, a place to learn and share.
 
Robin Shadlow
zone 5  Omaha, NE
 



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