Let’s raise our voices with respect

I'm tired of American Politics. You can't turn on the TV these days without politicians or their surrogates slinging mud at each other in very loud voices, and we still have 3 months until the election.

The level of discourse in this country seems to reach a new low each day. But this has also made me think about the way we treat each other on social media. It seems that the animosity of the internet has given rise to a new social "norm" for how we speak with each other - and it isn't pretty.

Take the the forums here for example. In general - in business it's a good motto to never insult the customer. But I have seen numerous examples of contributors ridiculing - and down right degrading - buyers for asking questions in the message boards.

Let's remember that not everyone speaks English as their first language - and new users who haven't been around the industry for years and years may not understand the ins and outs of all the license options and their implications. As contributors, we should be helping people use the site and to find the perfect image for their needs.

After all, a happy customer is one who is more likely to come back to this site again and again. And it may take only one slight to lose someone - and their colleagues - for good. We should be encouraging people to ask questions because every response we provide is an opportunity to upsell our products and services.

And while we're at it, how about we start treating each other a little better too? This forum has always been a great place to learn from each other and share our accomplishments. And while 99% of the interaction is still positive, the 1% that isn't is starting to get more and more negative, nasty and loud.

My momma used to always tell me, if you don’t have something nice to say - don’t say anything at all. I say never put anything online that you wouldn't say to someones face. And while we can’t always write in rainbows and unicorns, we can say what we need to without getting personal and mean. All it takes is a little mutual respect.

Oh I know, I have probably just invited all the Trolls to have their day telling me the countless ways I am wrong - or stupid - or wasting everybody’s time. But I am just tired of all the negativity, and shouldn’t we at least try to be the change we want to see in the world? Now if we could only get our politicians to do the same!