[Histonet] rudeness

[Rittman, Barry]

When advice is given it is not necessary for it to be accepted. This is
what we all say but if I send something that I know from my experience
works then it is a bit "off......" if this is ignored or ridiculed. 
I feel that in many cases we are comparing chalk and cheese. 
If you send out a request for determining which is the best hematoxylin
you will probably get 20 responses, many of them different. They may all
be correct for that particular application in that particular location. 
Even if an individual states, "I have been using this for 20 years and
it has always worked well for me and my pathologist", it does not mean
that it will be true for everyone.  The response does not tell us what
the particular requirements of either the tech or the pathologist are.
Some pathologists may be happy with a wide range of results, some with
sections that I would consider overstained with eosin and so on.
If you feel that a technique that is put forward has some problems you
can of respond on Histonet, just keep quiet or call the individual.
Many of us keep quiet because of the flack we usually get. In many ways
this is a disservice to those that are less experienced in that
particular field. If only one technique is out there and we feel that it
is in error it is our responsibility to point this out. This can be done
by contacting the author or being diplomatic. "In my experience", or "I
have found that" are reasonable ways to bring a different point of view
to the Histonet audience.
The audience will then have more than one point of view and can make up
their own minds.
Dawn, I appreciate where you are coming from. I attended a presentation
on processing of bone that I and a lot of the audience who were
experienced in bone work felt had so many errors that it would be a
problem if the methods presented were used. No one said a word. For my
part and to prevent any embarrassment to the presenter I wrote a one and
a half page detailed critique. I also signed it (perhaps a mistake). It
did result in a lot of crap for me but did get the message across to the
author. I look back and realize that while it spared the presenter from
any embarrassment, it did nothing for the less experienced in the
audience, many of whom had never been exposed to processing bone.  They
were only exposed to one point of view. If I had to do this again, my
preference would be to yank the presenter off the stage with a shepherds
crook - failing that to be diplomatic and bring up the major points
during the presentation, for benefit of the audience. 
The emphasis I place here is on the word diplomatic, people can be
constructively critical in a nice way.
I hope that y'all have a great weekend.
Barry


-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of LaCinda
Burchell
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 2:25 PM
To: Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Daydawning <@t> wideopenwest.com
Subject: Re: [Histonet] rudeness

I very happily sent someone a protocol of mine and then got several
messages from others who wanted to inform me that my ideas were all
misguided.  It felt as though I'd been slapped in the face.  Since then,
I have refrained from offering any advice to anyone else.  Some folks
have put themselves on dangerously high pedestals, leaving the rest of
to gaze upward to a nasty view!  Cindy B

>>> Dawn Truscott <Daydawning <@t> wideopenwest.com> 1/21/2005 1:49:50 PM
>>>
I have not been personally subjected to the histonet rudeness, but have
read many reponses from others who have a "holier than thou" attitude. 
Even though I have 28 yrs of expereince in Histology I now abstain from
commenting because I am in sales.

I have many times given this resource to my customers to turn to for
help.  I would hate for any of them to be treated rudely after telling
them what a great place it is to go for help. 

I guessing if you think the question is beneath you, don't bother
typing a reply.  As mom always said "If you don't have anything nice to
say, don't say anything at all".


Dawn M. Truscott

Recycling New Year's resolutions since 1987.
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