I introduced myself to someone today, thinking that we had never met. Turns out, we had conversed at length many years ago in AOL's Pilot Lounge. I was thrilled to see that goals had been met, and success had followed hard work and determined effort.


What struck me from the meeting is that there are a lot of people watching these boards, reading, studying, learning, that never let their presence be known by contributing posts. There are eyes and ears that are taking everything in, and taking note of what we say and do. Their silence doesn't mean they don't count.


If you plan to go far in this industry, it's a good idea to consider that what you say and do on a public internet forum matters. You can use this media to progress your career, or you can use it to end your career.


Think before you press "Submit Reply." It might make the difference between getting your dream job, and going nowhere.





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Tony,

You have to be one of the smartest, down to earth, nice guys on the planet. Very good information.

 

Hmmm, makes me think of a thread that mysteriously disappeared in the last couple of days!

 

I guess I'm one of the guily as charged. I've been around these boards from the AOL and compuserve days of Barney and Drew. That was back in late 95, and the discussion have gotten a lot more civil since then. My father used to say it's hard to learn anything when your doing the talking. So, I've probably only posted 15 to 20 times in all those years. My only addition to Tony's statement is it's ok to have an honest disagreement with someone elses opinion, but keep it respectful. These boards are a great way to take the pulse of our crew force and that of others. But trust me, our management and union leaders are watching as well.

 

i can confirm that point...i know of a couple..but they r good guys and participate as well..

and barney....what a dork!

 

It's a small, small world

so small....that i had the cofounder of APC on my jumpseat and we have a mutual friend...

 

Another timely post, Tony. Thank you. As APC continues to mature and the assortment of actual pilots, new students and retirees increases, this has become the premier place to exchange information with people of varying perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. I could go on an extended discourse about this topic, but I will control myself this time and say only this – how you express yourself is probably as important as what you choose to say. Do not hide behind anonymity and end up saying things you would not normally say to someone face to face. These things can and will come back to haunt you.

 

All true points friends. Good thread.

A wise man once told me "Opinions are like a-------, everyone has one." Same wise man took this motto one more step, "you don't have to be an a------ to express said opinion." A little dignity and respect for yourself and everybody else here goes a long way.

 

another wise man said "he who got to bed with itchy butt...wake up with stinky finger"

 

I agree with everything Tony said--unless you disagree with me. Then you are obviously just a (*^&** idiot. (sarcasm off)

I have always said if you wouldn't say it in the AOC or in a group of pilots at a hotel, then don't say it here. Keeping that kind of tone, even if you disagree, goes a long way towards getting good info out and reigning stupidity in on these boards. These boards are a valuable resource, but they can get polluted to the point they are almost unusable (see FI).