Managing Self-Criticism in Online Discussions: A Scientist's Perspective

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The discussion centers on the feelings and reactions individuals experience when reading their own replies in forum threads. Many participants express a mix of embarrassment and self-reflection, often critiquing their own writing for clarity and coherence. Some admit to proofreading their posts after submission to correct errors or to better understand their own arguments, noting that they sometimes forget what they wrote shortly after posting. There are humorous acknowledgments of the tendency to rush responses, leading to mistakes, and a shared sentiment of surprise at one's own insights upon rereading. The conversation also touches on the challenges of keeping track of discussions in fast-moving threads and the impact of time of day on posting quality, particularly for those who may struggle with focus or attention. Overall, the thread highlights the common experience of self-evaluation and the desire for improvement in online communication.
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Just a simpel question really. What do you feel when you read your own replies to a thread?

Personally i think 'aw S**t. I've made a fool o'myself!' and get angry at my dog.
 
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I do because I am stunned and awed by the sheer genius of my own work... :rolleyes:

No, really... I have to because my memory sucks. The only way that I can keep track of what's going on is to keep going back and rereading all recent posts (not just my own). :redface:
 
a dumbass reply ignoring your actual post:

no, I type with my eyes shut.
 
Yeah I usually try to read my replies before I post them, but it never works that way. It is like I do not take anything seriously until it is actually there. Then I think, ohh where is that edit button.
 
Sometimes I create replies that I'm rather proud of, and I will indeed read them over again later -- not out of hubris, but out of a desire to see my own shortcomings. It's rather like a teacher reading over his/her notes every semester, hoping to improve them.

- Warren
 
Since I have a bad habbit of slamming out responses when I don't have the time, I often go back to proof and correct errors later. On a few occasions it was found that little things like the word "not" were left out, which really changed the nature of my post.
 
Once or twice I've had the experience of reading one of my own replies without realizing it was my reply. I was all thinking about and going "hmm," then I noticed the name in the upper left. (I was tired)
 
I always proof-read anything I post immediately after posting it. I'm usually rather amazed at how insightful and intelligent I am (and unlike the rest of you, I'm willing to admit it).
 
loseyourname said:
I always proof-read anything I post immediately after posting it. I'm usually rather amazed at how insightful and intelligent I am (and unlike the rest of you, I'm willing to admit it).
Yes, and for such a young-un too. :smile:
 
  • #10
So if someone likes to read and re-read their own posts, like re-living the moment, should we call this the Domer Effect? :smile: I already spend WAY too much time on the PF, and surf around between threads trying to keep up. Who has time to re-read? Oh, and I have ADD (Lord only knows what I've said :redface:).
 
  • #11
Don't read anything I've written less than fifteen minutes after I post it: chances are, I'm still editing/refining it.
 
  • #12
I've plotted the data points and hypothesized I would be wise to refrain from posting after 7 GMT.
 
  • #13
If someone takes issue with something I've said, it often helps to re-read what I've said to remind myself how I worded my original point before replying.
Its also easier to check for spelling & grammar errors a while afterwards, when its not so fresh in my mind.
 
  • #14
I once did a google search on something (don't recall the topic), found a likely looking link, without paying much attention, followed to ... Here.. and one of my own posts! Scary!
 
  • #15
Chronos said:
I've plotted the data points and hypothesized I would be wise to refrain from posting after 7 GMT.

Yeah, I've had similar experiences. I've learned not to try to answer questions in the biology forum after midnight; I stick with GD when I'm suffering insomnia.

I do sometimes reread my own posts. Most often I end up doing so when someone else comments on it and I need to remind myself what I wrote (do you really think I remember everything I post around here more than 5 min after it's been transmitted from my fingertips to keyboard?)
 
  • #16
Moonbear said:
I end up doing so when someone else comments on it and I need to remind myself what I wrote
No kidding! What with you and the rest of my harem popping from one thread to another like Nightcrawler on bennies, and taking chunks of the threads with you, you've got me totally flummoxed and running in 6 directions at once. (That's pretty good, considering there are only 3 of you.) I'm really going to have to consider keeping you confined at night. :biggrin:
 

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