Worried about Posting?

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Over the past few months, I've been told several times that I should be careful about posting on this discussion board. I won't get into the details of these conversations, but they went something like this...from one professional to another...you need to be careful about what you're saying. I also know of at least one other person who has been cautioned.

At first I didn't think much of it and then (after the 2nd time) I started thinking about whether we should be worried about posting to this site. I know that we're responsible for the content of our posts and we should be accountable for that. But, do you think that there are people out there that read and make judgements based on what is being said here...without going to the source first? I'm sure we're all guilty of jumping to conclusions based solely on the written word on this board. I'm guilty of it. I've never met people and I think I know who/what they are about by their posts alone. It makes me wonder.

Here's an example to think about. Lets say that I would like to be a CMC after my assignment on OSAGE. Do you think that I should worry about the opportunity for a job because of my involvement with this site? Do you think that people will judge me based solely on my posts? Do you think that I will get an unfair evaluation of my performance/capability to perform based on what people read here?

So, what do you think? Should we be worried about posting here?

[SKC Raymond Kurtz]

No. Here’s why. Everyone knows that this is a forum that is just that. A forum. I have observed that when we are discussing official military or Coast Guard policy, people tend to keep their emotions in check (I suppose the exception would be the “The hippies in San Fran are at it again” thread where emotions tended to run a little high.

It would take a very narrow point of view to base one’s job performance or potential for a leadership post on what was posted here. Unless of course it could be proven that a poster has potential to be a discriminator based on what he or she posts. I don’t see that happening here since there is no privacy.

[BMCS Dave Considine]

Deane

I am starting to think that way, even though there is a closed door section. I am not worried about what I say, as I stand by my posts. I know that some of the good order and discipline items are what some people will worry about. Some posts have been recently deleted, and it's interesting that they were. I believe it was for fear of retribution. I would hope that posting to a professional forum wouldn't be held against anyone, but I guess you never know! Best advice is to think before you post and choose your topics carefully. This is unfortunate but a reality I guess.

[MSTCS Jerald P. Motyka]

Senior, I think the only time we should be "worried" about posting here is when we discuss things that shouldn't be discussed in public at all... like hearing that (insert name here) just got busted for sleeping with (insert name here) and got relieved, or when possibly showing disrespect for command decisions or policies.

I know that we try to treat this like a "mess", but when SN Snuffy and the reporter from the Picayune can read what we say, I agree that we should be... careful. Not necessarily worried - but careful.

When I got here, I know I stirred up a poop-storm about CCTI, and as contentious as it got, I still don't think that anything posted was unprofessional or personal... nothing that I'd be concerned if my mom saw on here. (private e-mails were another matter!) As heated as it got, the posts were still civil, even when vehemently disagreeing. Worried? Nah!

However, you do raise a good point. I know of three CMC's that read here - and have heard rumor of more, to include the MCPOCG, so I would be "careful", but I don't know about "worried".

Now, if this was the other posting site, then I WOULD be worried, but I haven't heard of anybody here calling commands to rat posters out and the like... but I haven't heard of this happening here.

[ETC Joe Jester ret]

Effective communications occurs when the listener, or in this case, the reader, understands the message being conveyed by the author.

Everyone one of us represent a diversity of educational experiences and thus have opportunities to misinterpet what is written, whether here or other written forms.

Since the begining of the forums at FredsPlace, the soapbox, there have always been people calling the units or the person who disliked what they posted. That will continue as long as one doesn't fully understand what the writer intended in the message.

Yes, any communication can be misinterpeted by the receivers of that communication. Yes, that can be used against you in certain positions.

If the receivers don't understand the message, they should contact the sender for clarification. In alot of cases, this doesn't happen.

This does not relieve anyone of using some sensibilities and that is one big thing when it comes to allowing anonymous posters. The dialog can slide to the nadir very quickly in some cases.

I question the leadership of those who call the units to complain about what is written here, except in cases of slander. It's acceptable to disagree and have diametrically opposing views. I've often wondered about those who lurk and call the units. It would have been easire to air their opine right here on the forums, but maybe they don't have an opine other than what their complaint.

In essense, yes, they can use what you post here against you. But who would want to work for someone who doesn't respect an opposing view.

[BMCS Chris Swiatek]

Funny you brought this up Deane.

Here's my take on this and I can attest to that feeling as I just had the thread that I started deleted. My feelings on this are that with the "virtual Chiefs Mess", items stay posted. It's not like walking into the mess onboard a cutter, airing your grievances or concerns, and leaving with nothing written in stone to throw back at you later. There's also the fact that, believe it or not, there ARE E-7's (notice I didn't say Chief), that will use this info for their own agendas.

My decision to delete my post was, I got the general consesus from the other Chiefs I was looking for, why keep it posted for all to see? As a Chief, I'm in no way "worried" about what I say otherwise we wouldn't have the reputations we have.

I agree with dave "Think before you post and choose your topics carefully"

Chris

[FSC Jeff Stumpf]

I believe it would be pretty petty to use what is said on this form against anyone posting here. We all have our opinions! Everyone should know that. If I feel strongly enough to post my view to a particular thread I shouldn't have to worry if it is going to effect my career and even if I did I will still post. Because I know that opinions will differ if they didn't the wolrd would be pretty boring (although it would be a great world to live in because everyone would think like me and that would be a good thing. NOT!!!!!). :D

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

I've been told to watch what I say since shortly after I learned to talk. I've also been told to watch what I post from alot of people.
I always watch what I say. I also watch what I post. I stand by everything that I say, and everything that I post. If someone doesn't like what I post, they'd like what I have to say even less.
If someone has a problem with what I say, and doesn't want to address that problem to me........ that's their problem.

Should people keep their opinions to themself? I recently heard someone I consider to be senior to me, tell a room full of people, "If you're not standing up for what you think is right, you're not being an effective Chief." or words to that effect........
Can someone hold what you say here against you ? Sure. But if they have it in for you, they'll hold anything against you.
I've posted this before, but I think it bears repeating....... Die on your feet, or live on your knees.
I stand up for what I believe in. I post when I object to what someone else says. I post when I want to express my opinion. If someone wants me to stop, they'll have to explain that to me.

Keep posting Deane, I value your input.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Let me ask you this. If you were a CSC/CMC and your CO told you that they would prefer that you stopped posting...would you? Or would you respectfully decline? Do we have that option?

[SKC Ronald Brumble]

Worried, no, not in the slightest

Why should we? Has anyone truly crossed the line that bad? I don't think so; we may have come close, when you talk/type in an open forum that is always possible. As Stu Said But if they have it in for you, they'll hold anything against you. We have touched on some very dangerous topics. They are just that, topics. Example, see the Hippie thread. In all of those posts, we talk about a lot of different things; disagreements, confrontations, compromises, conclusions, policies.

Heated as they may be I would still want to meet each and every one of you face to face. BMCS Ellis was recently in Baltimore and we met, it was to short but a great lunch. We all have something to give; we can all take something from what we read. As leaders we should always looking at other points of view. This site helps us all become more effective leaders.

You can learn a lot about people from the way they communicate. They way someone will chose their words and get their thoughts out for others to read. Every time I post on this site I am careful of what I say but not because I'm afraid of what someone might do. No, I'm not worried about what I post, except for one thing; when someone will call me out because of a bad typo or the use or misuse of the word Manipulation. :D

This site is a good way for me to become a more effective writer. Sounds a little corny but for me, it’s true.

[BMC John Phillips III]

I have heard about a few people being warned about watching what they post, but like BMCS Considine said, I stand by everything I post.

I think that people being told to watch what they post are the most vocal - which in an earlier thread we determined was the Boatswain Mates. I think that BM's are used to being vocal (having to be) at a much earlier point in their career than most other rates. What I fail to see is the connection in why they are being told to watch what they say. I mean I understand the politically correct aspect of being a CMC or CSC, but I haven't seen any of the people that I have heard of being told to watch what they say, say anything that would be considered innapropriate. Is it a case of be careful what your stance is on something because your's might not match up with your next bosses? Or maybe you are just not supposed to have a stance on something, who knows.

I think what is going on is the people doing the "advising" aren't spending a lot of time reading the posts of the people they are advising. They are reading one or two topics or other peoples post and then making generalizations.

Since I have been posting and reading these boards I think there have only been about 3 times where I said I can't believe he/she just said that! That's not bad out of how many total posts have been made.

[HSC Chris Fly]

While I stand by everything I say and would never hold what anyone says on a forum against them I can see why people might be worried. As was said earlier, what if you are going up for a CMC/OIC/Warrant Board and someone sees something you post on here as "not becoming" of that position? Even though this is a discussion board what you say (type) reflects on you. What would you say if a Chief who frequented legal porn sites at home but his actions were well known at work applied for a Civil Rights/EOA position? Would you want that person to be who you talk to if you have a sexual harrassment issue? I realize that is extreme and the Chief might be top notch at work, but there would be that perception. Again whether right or wrong, a person is judged by EVERYTHING they do or say or type and I think think that could weigh in on a board. I know I somewhat watch what I post on boards because you just never know and I'd hate to turned down for CWO because I disagreed with policy at some point on a forum.
Chris

[BMCS Dennis Endicott ret]

Who is advising you all not to post? We are sitting in front of our screens drawing conclusions as to the identity of these naysayers without having any real information.

Want to settle this right now? Get an admiral somewhere to make a one-time post on this board legitimizing this forum. Nip it in the bud before we scare off some faint-of-heart Chiefs.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Dennis...no one has advised me not to post (I can't speak for the others), I've been cautioned about posting in general. After the 2nd caution...it got me thinking.

I'm not about to say who cautioned me, I'll just say that one was a CWO and one was a Master Chief. Both of these individuals gave unsolicited advice.

[FSC Jeff Stumpf]

Deane,
I would ask that CO why. This form is a great place to talk to and about issues in the Coast Guard as chiefs it helps us to become better informed and give us a chance to voice our opinions to just more than our local messes. If that is bad I would hate to see what is good. This form can only help us become better CHIEFS!

[ASTC Ronny German]

Worried no, cautious yes. Like others have already said, it's about responsible posting. I wouldn't post anything here that would be inappropriate for "all hands" to read.

As for people judging you for what you post, of course they are. The only time it should affect you if you are posting irresponsibly.

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Deane, you have really got my curiosity going now. Did those that "cautioned" you give you any amplifying info? Was there any specifics as to what you should be wary of? Why would they say what they did? I wonder if that was just their "opinion" of if they were in a position to make judgments themselves. I personally think that this is an excellent way to network. Maybe if this site was on CG Central so only those with WSIII access could see what was being said rather than the whole world... Makes me wonder if the knocks on certain "media stories" are of concern rather than other content that has been discussed. I would like to know specifics before I hold my tongue (fingers in this case).
And, if I was in a "badge" position and the CO that I worked for asked me not to post, I would honor the CO's wishes. I think I learned that in boot camp. Although I would ask questions like "why", and let the CO know what value I find in this site.

[BMCS Burt Ford]

I have never had anyone say anything. But then again, I am 6000 miles from the east coast. Maybe I am just posting to get my numbers up and never have anything of value or dispute worth warning about. I the guy always talking and no one is listening too.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, I was contacted by an Admiral that wanted to use the essay I wrote at a CO Conferrence he was holding. I've had two other CMCs contact me to use that same essay.
I'm not going to attribute any of the "warnings" I recieved either. I think there is a preconcieved notion about what goes on in discussion boards. I haven't had anyone (outside this forum) say anything negative about any one of my posts. But there is the general concern about what might be said.

Deane, if my CO said not to post...... I'd have to ask why. Does he want me to just listen inside the Mess as well. Where is the appropriate place for me to express my opinon ? I would express only my opinion, not that of the command.

I've heard rumors that they wanted to start a forum like this in CG Central. I've also heard that there was strong opposition to it. We have CMC/CSCs as posting members. Some of them would probably post more if they had the time. If I got one of those positions in the future, the amount of time I posted would go hand in hand with the amount of time I had, which would be alot less than I have now. If I would still be a geo bachelor...... I'd have lots of time at night. I could always catch up while you guys are off line watching football games or out hunting........

Ron, I agree, corny or not, my writing/typing skills have greatly improved.

[BMCS Ian McVicker]

I don't like to use the word cautious...It's makes it sound like your scared about something. I prefer the word responsible. Using responsible communication, either written or verbal, is a good trait in a Chief.

As far as being worried about a post, as long as it is responsible (not a bunch of childish jibberish) why would you be worried. I'm a firm believe that one of our biggest responsibilities as Chiefs is to tell people exactly what they don't want to hear. We have to be the bearer of bad news at times, or make the unpopular statement.

If your are responsible, but still worry about your comment or post, you should not be wearing an anchor.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Jim...no specifics and It wasn't presented as I was doing anything wrong...it was just a "Friendly Caution". Like I said, I didn't think much of it until it happened for the second time. To clarify...neither the CWO or the Master Chief are in my chain of command.

I don't plan to stop posting. I believe in this site and the value of it.

[CWO Chris Sparkman (BMC)]

To answer the question...No, I am not worried about what I post. As most have said, be a responsible poster, stand behind what you post, and be prepared to answer for your post. There is a lot of value to this site and good information is passed.

If I was asked to quit posting I would have to ask "why"? Specific reasons...I don't think I could settle for anything else. Well, OK, a direct order from the CAPT or ADM would work in my case... :D but I think I would get my specific reasons....

cs

[PACS Steve Carleton]

What, me worry? No Way!

It just proves the point that people are reading it.

We have discussed in other threads how the typed word can be taken out of context when there is no facial expressions or voice inflections that will give the receiver the impression of where we stand.

If you have second thoughts about what you post, then consider doing a coupleo f things:

1. Proof read your post before hitting the POST Button -- You may decide that you didn't want to go down a particular road.

2. Delete the thread

3. Contact ADMIN

If you still have doubts about privacy or COMDT Policy Issues, then maybe you shouldn't post it.