sure, why not?
being obnoxious is one thing, being just mean is quite another. I can handle obnoxious, plenty of that in the ny metro area, hah!
But I think it's always good to remember that at one time every astrologer was a novice, and had novice type questions. No need to be dismissive or rude to anyone because they are just starting out and I've been coming across that a lot lately.
But my question is really how others handle this, if it is for them a problem as well.
because I am curious.
ashriia, I'm just curious about what prompted your question. waybread was right, when you participate in an internet forum you need to grow a thick skin, and especially when you participate in an internet forum of astrologers. I notice that you joined in September of 2011, just about two months after I did. Perhaps you missed some of the vitriol that was happening around that time?
As an active member of this forum for almost two years now, I've seen my fair share of what could be considered "meanness" and at the same time, I've seen my fair share of complaints by older members about read my chart requests from new members who only want a free reading they don't want to pay a professional astrologer for. I've also, though I try to be fair to all types of astrology, been the vicitm of personal attacks because my beliefs or choice of astrological methods **** someone off. I've even made a few threads about how it's not a bad idea for everyone to try to remember that there are many branches of astrology, and we should all at the very least try to play nice in the sandbox together.
At the end of the day, before I judge any member here, I try to look to the heart of their posts. Yes, there are those of us (and I count myself as one, even though I choose not to participate in all the arguments to which I am invited) who are determined in one direction or the other and get seriously irritated when the craft is taken lightly, or when someone dismisses a technique out of hand because they don't want to explore it fully, or because it didn't originate in the 20th century...I've been both praised and personally attacked for the astrology I choose to persue.
Some of the people most complained about? Well, I've no insight into the complaints, but...I can guarantee that they are among the people who care the most about...people. Each of us expresses our care as astrologers, councilors, helpers, in a different way. If there is a specific member who irritates me (and yeah, there are more than several) I just simply...don't respond. Because my job isn't to change people's minds. It's to learn the best I can, and help those that I can.
So how do I handle it? I don't. I just...move on. And I have to say, as a traditional astrologer on a decidely modern forum...some of the best supporters I've found here are...not traditional. Because they see the heart.
Look for the funny, remember we are all human, and above all, don't take it personally.