A serious question about posting factual information

[Ace-Garageguy]

From time to time, i come across info that's been put up, and it's wrong. If I KNOW it's wrong, or if I SUSPECT it's wrong, and then after I triple or quadruple check my research, I usually post a correction. I have this thing about ACCURATE information being available whenever possible, to try to combat the all-too-common endless repetition of just plain wrong stuff that seems to be rampant on the internet, and among "car guys" who haven't ever actually done the work and amassed firsthand knowledge over many years, but just "heard it from someone".

There are times when I feel some folks would be happier NOT to know factual information, that feathers of folks get ruffled when I contradict what they might have "heard"... with facts, and references.

So what's the deal? Should I just shut up, or should I make an effort to get the RIGHT answers for people on the board, when I happen to have access to them?

Personally, I APPRECIATE being corrected when I understand something incorrectly, have inaccurate or incomplete information, or when I believe something to be true that isn't. How about you guys?

Edited May 16, 2013 by Ace-Garageguy

[Harry P.]

I"m definitely on board with getting it right.

It's human nature to cling to one's beliefs, and nobody likes to be proven wrong. But if we accept that approach we'd all still be living on a flat Earth, and the sun would be revolving around us.

To cite one of my favorite adages... everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But you're not entitled to your own set of "facts."

[whale392]

With the thin-skinned and tight-underwear-sporting majority in this hobby, better to keep it to yourself (or approach the matter via PM). Otherwise, you have a bunch of crybabies and a large clean-up on isle 6 to deal with.

[martinfan5]

With the thin-skinned and tight-underwear-sporting majority in this hobby, better to keep it to yourself (or approach the matter via PM). Otherwise, you have a bunch of crybabies and a large clean-up on isle 6 to deal with.

Or you get called an internet bully

[Quick GMC]

If this is in reference to anything I posted about adhesives, please correct me. I've learned a lot of things over the years from a lot of different people and there are bound to be discrepancies. I think if someone is posting incorrect information, it should be pointed out. I try to learn as much as I can but it doesn't help anyone if it's the wrong info. If someone is offended by being corrected, that their problem, not yours.

[MikeyB08]

Accurate information is always a good thing and I appreciate corrections as well. However, as humans, we are over confident beings. Most cases, being corrected entices a natural reaction to become defensive. I choose to keep it quite.

[Lunajammer]

I think you've proven yourself as a valid resource Bill. Chime in and/or "pick your battles" as you see fit. I think this forum is lucky to have an even-mannered contributer with such technical shop knowledge as well as well-rounded modeling knowledge. Make your case and let the chips fall as they may. Your contribution may not be accepted by whom it's directed at, but there are a few thousand readers who'll get it.

Edited May 17, 2013 by Lunajammer

[Guest]

I have no issue being corrected if my info is incorrect.

Edited May 17, 2013 by midnightprowler

[martinfan5]

I have no issue being corrected if my info is incorrect.

I dont either, its how people go about correcting someone, there is the respectful way, and the non respectful way, and to many times here, people go about it the disrespectful way, and that can to turn threads to turn in to a comparing who has the bigger sausage , or I am smarter then you are

[Guest Johnny]

Or you get called an internet bully

A title some have earned on here you would have to agree?

Tact, is the word here, tact!

So many totally forget it or have not heard of it I guess, and come across as bullies when correcting.

In some cases I guess it is more them being pompous or arrogant because they got to point out someones error.

Edited May 17, 2013 by Johnny

[Harry P.]

If this is in reference to anything I posted about adhesives, please correct me.

I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with that topic.

[Chillyb1]

It's human nature to cling to one's beliefs, and nobody likes to be proven wrong.

There is no evidence to support either one of these claims. Or rather, there is no empirical evidence or experimentally reproducible data to support those assertions. Anecdotal evidence, perhaps, but we all know what that's worth.

[Cato]

If I am talking about my own actual experience, it's up to the reader to judge the veracity of my claim.

That's done by the track record we all accumulate here.

If I present fact as I've learned from another source, I will always cite the source and reference of those facts. That also aids in establishing a member as a reliable resource.

[Hollywood Jim]

Bill:

I think if you politely correct wrong information you are doing the right thing and we all appreciate it. I agree with lunajammer.

One time you corrected me using a personal message. I really appreciated it. You did not have to use a PM. But you thought maybe I might be offended. You went out of your way to be polite. ( By the way with your help I won third place with that model at the very prestigious contest. )

The problem is that comments on the internet are devoid of inflection and body language. It is hard to correct someone on the internet with a smile on your face and your hand on their shoulder. They may take your comment as though you are shouting at them instead of trying to help them.

Also you may be communicating with someone who is not sober or who has poor people skills and you won't know this on the internet. For example; suppose someone is walking down the street ranting and raving to themselves and waving their hands in the air? Would you try to correct his misconception about 5W-40 motor oil? Of course not.

The only time we get into trouble is when you try and tell someone they are wrong about politics and religion.

I think your doing fine. Just remember you can't fix everything. And you can't fix stupid.

.

[signguy2108]

I have no problem with being corrected, my wife is ALWAYS telling me that I'm wrong!!!

[philo426]

Facts are facts.Getting upset because someone corrected your erroneous posting is immature,Get the facts or the facts will get you!That is just the way it is!

[Erik Smith]

Please correct as needed.

[Gluhead]

Bill, you raise the bar here. Screw the thin-skinners and the armchair experts. And the conspiracy theorists, while we're at it. We need more like you.

[Harry P.]

Um-should'nt this be in the off-topic lounge,thank you mods

Dang! Once again, you are completely correct.

Moved.

[Foxer]

Bill, you raise the bar here. Screw the thin-skinners and the armchair experts. And the conspiracy theorists, while we're at it. We need more like you.

I second that!

[Danno]

I'm with Hollywood on this ... in fact, he said most everything I was going to say, and he probably said it better.

The other thought I had is to remember that many times one can present information matter-of-factly or even tactfully, but still receive an irrational response because not everyone receives, accepts, or tolerates constructive criticism or correction. Many people have become so conditioned to employing the 'victim' attitude that they have no concept of how to deal with blunt, factual, or even dispassionate delivery of ideas that compete with their own concepts.

[sjordan2]

It's one thing to post factual, usable information - instead of mere opinions and rumors - which is greatly to be desired. It's another thing to get people to read it. How many times do members post opinions and questions that are answered in the original post or during the thread? A lot.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Thanks for all the feedback gentlemen.

And sorry for posting this in the wrong place. My logic was that because the question applied to conduct on a model car forum, it was appropriate for posting under the general heading.

I stand corrected.

[Guest Johnny]

I have no problem with being corrected, my wife is ALWAYS telling me that I'm wrong!!!

I believe that is universal!

My wife claims it is ion the first page of the "Wives Handbook".

[Fabrux]

Here's a little Internet tip: If you feel offended by something someone else posts, remember two simple rules:

(1) It's not about you.
(2) If you try to make it about you, you'll sound ridiculous.

--Uncle George (Takei)