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I've deleted my answer.

I didn't want to hurt anyone.

I checked the FAQ again and there is nothing about that point except the fact that my answer is clearly not constructive.

Should we delete or avoid posting question that can potentially hurt people feelings?

Where is the limit?

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  • 2
    I see no problem with that example.
    – Maniero
    Nov 30, 2010 at 13:10
  • 2
    If people are offended by that, they're being too sensitive. Personally, I think your answer was brilliant.
    – Robert Harvey
    Dec 1, 2010 at 17:51
  • 2
    I undeleted it because of Robert's comment
    – user2567
    Dec 1, 2010 at 18:01
  • 4
    As their 18 yo son was leaving for war in Iraq, the parents were debating: "I think we should we tell him. No Way! - the mother replied. He is too sensitive, he will not take it well. But, he is a man, if we do not tell him now, then his comrades will make fun of him. Fvck it, I am telling" - said the father, ran back inside of the bus and yelled: "Brian! I need to tell you something important. Santa Clause does not exist." Even if you do not find the above funny, think about this: an adult should be able to handle constructive criticism. If they cannot, then it is a major problem for them.
    – Job
    Dec 1, 2010 at 19:21
  • 2
    @Job: +1 for the funny story put in the appropriate place with actual context to the situation.
    – Josh K
    Jan 23, 2011 at 21:09

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
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I often find myself re-reading my answers just before I post them and asking myself (1) if this answers the actual question or (2) is in anyway constructive. A bunch of times after asking these questions I've abandoned my response.

If someone is continually asking dumb questions that are closed within a few minutes of posting, my inclination would be to write something a little more critical to the poster but I try to balance my critical tone with something constructive that could help the poster build a better question the next time.

As in your case I am always tempted to write something funny as my response but that usually gets edited out by my 2 questions above.

2

Pain is a necessary part of the learning experience.

1

I think the simple answer is that if you think it is hurtful to someone, it is probably not a useful answer to the question to begin with. I would say avoid posting anything that could be hurtful. This includes "funny" answers/comments. A lot of the time, what seems funny at one moment can be misconstrued and seem hurtful the next.

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  • 1
    Funny answers often get lots of votes though...
    – Ruan Mendes
    Dec 6, 2010 at 18:53
  • 2
    Comedy = tragedy + distance.
    – whatsisname
    Dec 7, 2010 at 21:54

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