It seems there are a lot of "extremes" being pointed out here. Apparently, either people who try to be nice and "sugarcoat" don't know what the **** they're doing, OR people who tell it like it is are blunt a-holes. Period. End of story.
I can't speak for anyone else, but that's certainly not what I've implied. To everyone who talked about having the "mean" doctors who ultimately helped them out over the others, I've had doctors with no bedside manner that frankly should be in a different line of work. If I'm having serious health concerns I don't want them thrown at me. But I don't want them tiptoed around either. I thankfully have yet to encounter a "sweet" healthcare professional who was a complete and inefficient moron (though I have met many "rude" ones that were). My point is, people can present facts/suggestions to help others and be gracious about it. People who are considered blunt can provide a lot of feedback. It goes both ways.
Yeah, there are a lot of members here. But not all of them post questions either--some of them read the answers to questions others have had the initiative or courage to ask. I've read so many posts now of people (many of them newbies) saying they were afraid to inquire about something for fear of ridicule--legitimate or not-- I've lost count. I used to be one of those people. Then I realized, "Screw it. None of these people have ever even laid eyes on me. If I get laughed at I can ignore them." Or report it, as mentioned. Although, someone said personal attacks are not allowed on here. I've read more than one thread that would beg to differ.
And just about half the staff that we have here. And they are not like cotton candy, but they do realize how to speak kindly to others.
