Requesting Respect

The topic of student loan debt stirs up an array of emotions and positions. There has been a strong reaction to my interview with Robert Applebaum, and some of the comments have been downright malicious. Thankfully, there are also remarks being added that are directly related to the actual topic of interest - the movement to forgive student loan debt.


Since this blog belongs to me and I strive to have conversations (online and offline) that are healthy and respectful, I am going to make some suggestions to visitors. I hope that these pieces of advice will be taken into consideration. (For those of you who need some additional guidance, there's a good online primer - Netiquette 101 - by Careerealism guru J.T. O'Donnell).

Here we go (drum roll):

1) It is in poor judgment to leave nasty remarks on a blog or anywhere else on the internet for that matter. Also, here's a newsflash: Attacks on someone's character are NOT arguments against a position. Furthermore, it's downright unprofessional.

2) Let's say you've read something you vehemently disagree with, so you're ready to let everyone know just how wrong they are. Fine. But when you post on the internet (or are sending an email for that matter) stop before you hit send.

Take a breath.

Ask yourself this question: would I be comfortable saying these things in front of people or colleagues I respect? If you know that your remarks wouldn't go over well in that crowd, chances are you shouldn't post and/or send that email.

3) If you decide to post something nasty or irrelevant, be prepared to be confronted. You will not be confronted with your own inappropriate language, but by someone (me) who will prod you to come out of your hiding place and answer questions about why you feel compelled to write such useless and unproductive things on my blog. (I also encourage people to actually sign up with real names - hiding behind nicknames allows for your surly alters to appear, and that generally means that what you will say will be ugly. If it's ugly, then it's a waste of your time and my time).

4) We are adults here (or so I presume), and that means we should play like adults. I have no problem with people disagreeing with my analysis on things related to education or choosing to reject the beliefs of those I interview. But allow yourself (you deserve it) to bask in dignity and play fair.

That's all I ask.

Be as angry about certain positions and topics as you like - debate with me, push me to defend positions or change my mind, but do it in a way that is civil and dignified.

Now let's go debate!