<p>As moderator, I am going to support what ChrisM just posted. I think if you have a problem with how another poster posts, then contact that person directly. If you don't like someone's comments or tone, either don't read their posts, PM/email them, or if you feel they have broken a posting rule, report it to the moderator. Nobody here, by the way, broke a posting rule. I do think, however, criticizing another poster's tone or discussing that poster is not appropriate. I think comments should be regarding thoughts or issues stated but not about the poster her/himself. </p>
<p>I want to also add that Mary Anna, as well as so many others, are valued posters on CC. An issue that does arise, however, is that others will view what Mary Anna has to say as someone in the position of authority or a professional viewpoint, because as you say, NoccaMom, she has a professional background in the field and ties to those in the collegiate world. Therefore, when she posts information, others will likely opt to take it as fact. However, like with others, sometimes information she posts is not accurate, though often comes across as factual. This might be misleading to students looking for information from someone "in the know". When there were posts about Tisch drama studio admissions statistics, erroneous information was disseminated. The director of the program posted to correct the misinformation, as did others with more first hand knowledge. Now information about "substantial tuition increases" is being posted and may not be an accurate depiction. The issue, then, becomes problematic, precisely because Mary Anna is someone perceived as well informed in this profession. Of course, anyone reading a message board should not take any posts by anyone as "gospel" and look into the facts directly. But some students will take posts from professionals on the forum as being factual. Therefore, we all need to be careful when posting that we are either sharing experiences, opinions, or first hand factual information. In the case with a tuition increase, for example, one might be more apt to post along the lines of, "Has anyone heard of any planned tuition increase at NYU next year? Any direct information as to how much? I'm asking as a student seems to think there will be one and I am trying to find out." All colleges raise tuition yearly. When we use words like "substantial increase" without backing that up, we may do a disservice to readers who will take such information as factual, unfortunately, though I realize only good intent was meant. </p>
<p>I'm not directing this comment to anyone in particular but to say to be careful when posting as to whether your posts come across as facts or opinions. Once any hearsay is corrected, try to not perpetuate the hearsay further. </p>
<p>We value each one of our posters' contributions. We also are very happy to have professionals in the field participate on the forum. Professionals' posts, however, are often taken in a different light, as being the "right" information, so one needs to be careful if they do not have the information, to say so, and to frame comments in that context. We don't know the "credentials" of each poster either. </p>
<p>I did not observe any disrespect to Mary Anna on this thread but merely an attempt to clarify the record as to what is fact and what is hearsay. I don't think it is respectful, however, to then criticize the poster who shared what she knew about the topic and cautioned against posting hearsay at this time. I think if you are concerned about disrespectful posts, don't perpetuate that problem by criticizing another poster (which in turn, comes across as disrespectful), but keep to the topics/opinions at hand, but not to opinions about the poster herself. </p>
<p>Thanks everyone,
CollegeMom</p>