Discussion of Posting Habits in the Spanish Forum

[LadyK]

Everything is not always perfect with Felipe and Letizia. They have fights, they have adjustment issues, they have love, they have loving gestures.
Felipe and Letizia are a very, very private couple, who prefer to be very professional in their official acts, and so many of the "loving gestures" that we have of them are when Felipe leans his head down towards his wife when she talks, or when they smile at each other, or sometimes, when they just glance at each other. Many of these can be interpreted both ways- romantic, and not.
Yes, I'll admit, I'd love to see them be even more demonstrative, but that's not them. I'd question it if we suddenly saw pictures of F&L in a full makeout session, when at official events.
I DO believe that Felipe and Letizia love each other- they are having their second child, and also, Felipe always declared that he would never marry unless she was his true mate.


Look, I don't agree with the bashing of members, and I'm sorry if anything I ever said seems like that. I tend to ask questions when someone brings up something like that, because, on these threads, that's something new! I'm not doubting you, or invalidating your opinion, I just want to understand the reasons behind it, which I'm sure you have. I'm naturally curious, and I want to know more about the royals, so I'm interested in hearing all the sides. But then you have to respect me disagreeing with you.

Please Post- no matter your opinion on them. Just follow the rules, and don't be offensive, and I, and many of the other members, will continue the conversation.

[adelaide]

Originally Posted by biboquinhas

My honest opinion: We cannot express free our own opinions about Filipe and Letizia because we have to say always that everyting is perfect around them otherwise we will have almoust everyone against you! That is just my impression, please don't get me wrong!

No, dear Biboquinhas, you can't say that. Because you know ,as everybody, that nobody is perfect, nobody is the most beautiful, intelligent, clever, and so on AND HAPPILY.

It's not at all the question, because you have always express your thaught, feeling, and so on, about the Princes of Asturias and the discussion exist because you have answers to your opinion.
If nobody wouldn't not answer to your remarks, may be in this case you could interrogate you about the relevance of your purpose. But you have answers and you aren't doing a monolog.
The single thing that we can remark is that your opinions are always in the same sens, it's your right the most srict, but don't be surprised if you don't find at each time a positive echo to your quiet all negative appreciation

[biboquinhas]

Originally Posted by adelaide

No, dear Biboquinhas, you can't say that. Because you know ,as everybody, that nobody is perfect, nobody is the most beautiful, intelligent, clever, and so on AND HAPPILY.

It's not at all the question, because you have always express your thaught, feeling, and so on, about the Princes of Asturias and the discussion exist because you have answers to your opinion.
If nobody wouldn't not answer to your remarks, may be in this case you could interrogate you about the relevance of your purpose. But you have answers and you aren't doing a monolog.
The single thing that we can remark is that your opinions are always in the same sens, it's your right the most srict, but don't be surprised if you don't find at each time a positive echo to your quiet all negative appreciation

Adelaide: If you go through my posts here you can see that several are not negative ! One of my recent "negative " post here is related to her Royal Work, saying that she should have a more active part in all events, wich had many supported answers!!!

[Avalon]

Originally Posted by biboquinhas

My honest opinion: We cannot express free our own opinions about Filipe and Letizia because we have to say always that everyting is perfect around them otherwise we will have almoust everyone against you! That is just my impression, please don't get me wrong!

No one gets you wrong biboquinhas, you are expressing your opinion, which is precisely why this thread exists.

[Avalon]

This post is not directed at any particular member. This is just my personal view on a few things.

Expressing opinions, both negative and positive is perfectly fine.
We haven't yet opened threads for Prince and Princess X admirers or Prince and Princess Y critics, therefore all opinions should be posted in one thread.
It's about the way we express our opinions that matter.

If, for example, I think that Prince N must do more duties, I can express my negative view either saying "Prince N doesn’t do enough ,he s lazy" or I can say "In my opinion Prince N must do more duties, he doesn’t seem to do as much as he should." While both opinions reflect our negative views of poor Prince N (whoever he is), the second one is more civil and is less likely to attract negative remarks.

Similarly, the response to this could be, for example, either "He does enough and there is no point to argue about it, if you don’t like how it is, don’t post" or "He seems to be doing enough work. In this week alone he had X activities and I think he was fulfilling his role admirably. Why do you think he doesn’t do enough?" While the first answer is highly unwelcoming (and is likely to be deleted as attack), the second leaves space for reasonable argument.

Those examples are only just examples. I have seen worst accusations and ruder replies, but I've also seen very polite questions or expressions of negative opinion and equally polite answers.
As I have mentioned, the key is to maintain polite and civil atmosphere and learn new things. None of us knows everything.


And may I add that I’m truly thankful to all members of this Forum, because most of the time all of you are very friendly and co-operative.

[eireann]

Originally Posted by Avalon

This post is not directed at any particular member. This is just my personal view on a few things.

Expressing opinions, both negative and positive is perfectly fine.
We haven't yet opened threads for Prince and Princess X admirers or Prince and Princess Y critics, therefore all opinions should be posted in one thread.
It's about the way we express our opinions that matter.

If, for example, I think that Prince N must do more duties, I can express my negative view either saying "Prince N doesn’t do enough ,he s lazy" or I can say "In my opinion Prince N must do more duties, he doesn’t seem to do as much as he should." While both opinions reflect our negative views of poor Prince N (whoever he is), the second one is more civil and is less likely to attract negative remarks.

Similarly, the response to this could be, for example, either "He does enough and there is no point to argue about it, if you don’t like how it is, don’t post" or "He seems to be doing enough work. In this week alone he had X activities and I think he was fulfilling his role admirably. Why do you think he doesn’t do enough?" While the first answer is highly unwelcoming (and is likely to be deleted as attack), the second leaves space for reasonable argument.

Those examples are only just examples. I have seen worst accusations and ruder replies, but I've also seen very polite questions or expressions of negative opinion and equally polite answers.
As I have mentioned, the key is to maintain polite and civil atmosphere and learn new things. None of us knows everything.


And may I add that I’m truly thankful to all members of this Forum, because most of the time all of you are very friendly and co-operative.

Hi Avalon,

I agree with your thoughts and the comments of several other members, but like with previous discussions on this, I´m just wondering to what extent it is a language barrier problem. For someone that does not have a good grasp of the English language it is much easier to write the ruder negative comment (because the language used is simpler) than the more polite version. I know myself when trying to express myself in a foreign language I will always take the easier, if non-polite route. I think most of the people on these forums have grown out of the L&M comparison (or just good editing by the mods ) so is it safe to assume that negative comments are just that (no one is perfect all the time after all) and that it is not Letizia or Felipe bashing. I myself have had fear to post negative comments on the SRF even though Letizia and Felipe are one of my favourite couples. I also think that as previously discussed we should be aware of peoples language limitations and for native English speakers not to immediately interpret a foreigner's negative comment aggressively and for foreigners to be understanding if people ask you to clarify your points. The SRF threads are wonderful, with a great exchange of views, pictures, and information, thanks to the many dedicated followers of the SRF - lets keep them like that

[Avalon]

Originally Posted by eireann

Hi Avalon,
I agree with your thoughts and the comments of several other members, but like with previous discussions on this, I´m just wondering to what extent it is a language barrier problem. For someone that does not have a good grasp of the English language it is much easier to write the ruder negative comment (because the language used is simpler) than the more polite version. I know myself when trying to express myself in a foreign language I will always take the easier, if non-polite route. I think most of the people on these forums have grown out of the L&M comparison (or just good editing by the mods ) so is it safe to assume that negative comments are just that (no one is perfect all the time after all) and that it is not Letizia or Felipe bashing. I myself have had fear to post negative comments on the SRF even though Letizia and Felipe are one of my favourite couples. ...

As English is not my first language as well, I know exactly what you mean, eireann, and that's a very valid point.
We had such experince in past, when language barrier made the posts sound rude, though they werern't intended as such. Sometimes people also use online translators, with the result that simple, polite post in Spanish (for example) turn into pretty nasty or rude ones.

And of course, I also want to thank all those members, who make contributions in the Board, and especially at the Spanish Forums. The amount of information, pictures and opinions is incredible.

[LadyK]

If you are every concerned that something you post is not sounding like you want it to sound, like if it might be rude or attacking, then don't hesistate to ask! Any of the mods, plus many of the members, are willing to help you with your English.
Just post- we want you to express your opinions, and share- another viewpoint is always welcome!

[Vanesa]

I agree with the last point. Sometimes we sound harsh, when we wouldn't want to sound this way. Maybe, we may have a quite nice understanding about how writing a sentence, but the mean, the subtilities of some words may escape us. We could believe that it means this, and it really means that. I always have a dictionnary beside me when I post here, but sometimes, the dictionnary cannot explain exactly the subtilities of the choosen word, and we makes a big mistake. Asking is also a good medicine to change our bad habits posting in English, but asking is also hard, for sometimes we doesn't know "how" to ask, and "what" to ask. Besides, when we are there, writing a message, we can't simply stop it an going to look for someone who could help us to use the exact phrase and the exact word. When we post a message we have our own style and our own way to say things...even in our bad English.

However, I must say that I do not encourage the use of online translators...They translates word by word, and this is the main problem with them. Usually, they makes a post sound rude and most of the time not too understable. I had had very bad experiences with them, and American friends whom tried to write to me in Spanish using the online translator, also got ridicoulous results. It's better to let things be like they are!

Vanesa.

[crisiñaki]

I understand sometimes we get lost in translation and sometimes the message comes across in a bad way and maybe we don't mean that; but sometimes I feel like I can't say something not good about Prince X or Infanta B 'cuz I get reprimanded and my opinion is not respected, now I refrain to participate in some threads 'cuz I know I'll start fights because of my opinion

I respect everyone but please: don't think you are the owner of the absolute truth and please respect other's opinions, I was a very "fighty" member and I got into a lot of fights but I'm trying to change about that and I'll ask others to do the same, it's simply the best for everyone

[donnaK]

I really don't understand the complains of not being able to express their opinions freely here . Nobody here has told others to stop posting their opinions, however it's perfect fine to disagree with other's. Since it's the forum of the SRF, one side's voice is bigger than the other's, that is pretty much expected. If someone stops posting because the other side has bigger voice, then it's his/her own issue, should not blame on others.

[adelaide]

Originally Posted by crisiñaki

I understand sometimes we get lost in translation and sometimes the message comes across in a bad way and maybe we don't mean that; but sometimes I feel like I can't say something not good about Prince X or Infanta B 'cuz I get reprimanded and my opinion is not respected, now I refrain to participate in some threads 'cuz I know I'll start fights because of my opinion

I respect everyone but please: don't think you are the owner of the absolute truth and please respect other's opinions, I was a very "fighty" member and I got into a lot of fights but I'm trying to change about that and I'll ask others to do the same, it's simply the best for everyone

You can say that because you are the champion of a specific couple, all your pics shared are from them with quiet often a great quality, but never you are trying really to discuss about subject concerning deeply the Princes of Asturias.

The question isn't to avoid fights, the debate is to have interesting discussions. It's possible only if the debaters - pro or anti- try to express why they are interested, found of or why not, with relevant item and checked point of vew.:smartass:

IMO it's not very relevant to say always what cute boy or girl is the baby or how they love the Dukes or the Princes! The great wealth of TRF is the iconography, the press articles, the specialists comments, all which allow us to appreciate them in our way of life. It's yes, a question of personalities but it's also a question of system and the both are very important for a good analysis and discussion. It's too serious to be only our projection on your favorite idole as a movie's actor o actress.

[Olka]

Originally Posted by donnaK

I really don't understand the complains of not being able to express their opinions freely here . Nobody here has told others to stop posting their opinions, however it's perfect fine to disagree with other's. Since it's the forum of the SRF, one side's voice is bigger than the other's, that is pretty much expected. If someone stops posting because the other side has bigger voice, then it's his/her own issue, should not blame on others.

Easy to say that, Donna K. But things are a bit different when you try to express your opinion - especially about the Spanish Princely Couple - and your opinion is not only "oooooh, aaah, awwwww, wonderful", you have almost at once some people attacking you verbally. Sometimes even without knowledge of the cause. I received such silly arguments, that I prefered not to comment them. And they were from peple who should at least know a bit of their country and royal family history if they want to have good arguments to defend their opinion. Not just throw words her and there...
To make myself clear: I respect all royal families, all members of royal families. But if I don't like something, I think I have the right to say that. And I feel that if I respect all other opinions, I should be respected, too.

The only way to sort it out is to enter Felipe&Letizia's forum just to watch pictures and to read posts. And to say from time to time "wow, wonderful". But if you you have a different opinion, better let it down. Not worth. And it is really weird, as this does not happen in other threads, regarding other princely couples. The issue is discussed, but no tough senteces are said. At least not as strong as in F&L's forum.

Anyway, good that we have these royal forums - there are many, many beautiful pictures and videos. And I just focus on that.

[adelaide]

Olka, you are totally right for the irrelevancy of the "ooh, aah, awwwww, and so on" because it's not an opinion but constatation without sens. And I hope it's not your way of thaught - sure not -

But for me that it's very difficult to understand it's not the critics, it's a legitime right- it's the impossibility, not for every body, to express why?
If it's only because you don't like Princes SO or Dukes XI, ok tell it us and that'all. If it's because you don't like the Letizia's outfit or the Felipe's tie, Ok it's question of taste and as you know the taste is the matter the most difficult to discuss....:bash: .

But, when it's a question of work, relations with the different fields economical, cultural and social in which the different royals have to have a role, involving with people, I don't understand why some arguments aren't checked, because if it's a sense opinion, I don't see any reason to make fight and to have an agressive attitude which is the opposite of the intelligency- for everybody:punk: -

[Olka]

Adelaide, I completely agree with you. But I was not writing about my negative opinion refering to dresses, ties, clothes or such not very important things. I was talking about attitudes/official acts/activities that sometimes I can see in another way than the others on the forum. And in the moment I express my different opinion, not gloryfing/praising Letizia, I receive arguments sometimes so childish and lacking of sense, that I really prefer not to comment them. That's why I rarely post something....unless it is a "oooooh, aaaaah, awwwww" , these ones I dare to publish on the forum....