It never hurts to send out a reminder that we should all be kind and respectful on social media. Having run into a few things this past week, it felt like a timely reminder was in order.

In one case someone pointed out what they perceived as issues with a tutorial. It was done respectfully, while still stating her perspective on the issue. Fortunately, I had an easy answer for her that could resolve the issue and correct the perception. I appreciated that it was pointed out so I could learn from it, however.

Another instance was more attacking. Some of it with malice and cruelty towards each other in comments on a post. At no time is this OK. Name calling or insulting someone’s intelligence is never appropriate. I chose to delete the posts that were strictly mean and offered no information. I left the others that contained information, even though one of them even called my character and ethics into question.

When you sit on the other side of a screen from someone, please remember the following:

> They can only present information as they see it.

> People have the right to decide what information is relevant to them and what to do with it.

> You do not know what their life experiences are.

> You do not know the manner or speed in which they learn new things.

> Everyone should be treated with respect, whether their opinion is the same as yours or not.

> My social media is a safe place for learning and cruelty will not be tolerated.

Let’s all try to remember that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Or in the words of the amazing Jen Planck: “Don’t wrinkle someone’s paper!”