Anonymous
Post 09/13/2012 07:47     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
Anonymous wrote:OP I find it pretty mean here too and I'm from NY.

Someone told me years ago when I move dhere, "DC is a city full of frustrated ex-class Presidents" and once I heard that it allllllllllll made sense.


Yup, this. And agree with the other posters that the anonymous forum encourages some people to lash out and be nasty.
Anonymous
Post 09/13/2012 06:57     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
Just ignore the crazies.
Anonymous
Post 09/13/2012 06:56     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
Anonymous wrote:We are new to the area and I stumbled upon this site. Every time I solicit any advice, the majority of the comments are not helpful and feels like I am being attacked. It makes me wonder what people are really thinking when I meet them.[/quote

Most people who are nasty on the board are just lashing out, because they feel protected by their anonimity.

There are a ton of nice people here, and we all naturally drift to those who are most like us, so I wouldnt worry about it. if you're a nice person, you will attract nice people and will know to stay away from the nasty ones.
Anonymous
Post 09/13/2012 01:09     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
Anonymous wrote:

Of course--I'm from the midwest, and can't wait to get the heck out of DC. I don't think that people in DC are that nice, generally.


I agree. Never understood the sense of superiority and entitlement, either.
Anonymous
Post 09/13/2012 00:59     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
Yes! I think most are mean. I think they are privately unhappy people. And I don't think they are just wealthy superficials folks. I think there's a huge middle class group here that is just disenfranchised and bitter. That said, I have still gotten good advice here at times.
Anonymous
Post 09/12/2012 23:01     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
OP I find it pretty mean here too and I'm from NY.

Someone told me years ago when I move dhere, "DC is a city full of frustrated ex-class Presidents" and once I heard that it allllllllllll made sense.
Anonymous
Post 09/12/2012 22:40     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
The meanness is representative of the pissing contest that is so prevalent in this area. And it is a symptom of insecure people. Go figure. Sheds a whole new light on humanity and the amount of bitterness, which is "enlightening". I had no idea people were so insecure and bitter, frankly.
Anonymous
Post 09/12/2012 22:23     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
Hi, OP! I thought so too when I got on here! But I also found some extremely helpful information, too. I read past the mean stuff (I teach my daughter that she can communicate almost anything she wants to say in a forceful but respectful way, and I try to do the same)! I imagine the hot-blooded nasties to be a little sad, lonely, and isolated... and pay them no mind.

Anonymous
Post 09/12/2012 22:15     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
I think snarkiness on DCUM = road rage among drivers

Something about anonymity bringing out aggression.
Anonymous
Post 09/12/2012 22:00     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
OP, I do think that on balance you will encounter more Type A people in D.C. who may seem abrupt, rude, entitled, or "mean" to you.

But most people are perfectly pleasant IRL. There's just a higher percentage of assholes around here.
Anonymous
Post 09/12/2012 21:54     Subject: Re:Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
There are also a lot of stupid questions posted that just beg for a snarky response.
Anonymous
Post 09/12/2012 21:42     Subject: Re:Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
I think people use the anonymity on this site to lash out. There are plenty of superficial people out there but they may keep the meanness in check b/c they when dealing with you face to face.
Anonymous
Post 09/12/2012 21:42     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
Parenting elicits strong opinions/convictions/beliefs in every area, not just DC. This is a popular forum, in large part because it's a source of helpful advice. But the anonymity also sometimes results in what feels like being attacked - one of the trade offs for a place where you can ask ANYTHING and not be worried about what people who really do know you will think.
Anonymous
Post 09/12/2012 21:38     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
No, at least I certainly hope not. I think the problem is that people who enjoy being nasty also like to talk a lot more, so they post more often. If you poke around the site more, you'll find that the General Parenting forum is nastier than some of the others.

Of course--I'm from the midwest, and can't wait to get the heck out of DC. I don't think that people in DC are that nice, generally.
Anonymous
Post 09/12/2012 21:28     Subject: Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
We are new to the area and I stumbled upon this site. Every time I solicit any advice, the majority of the comments are not helpful and feels like I am being attacked. It makes me wonder what people are really thinking when I meet them.