SkipCoryell
Campaign Veteran
imported post
Questions, skepticism and even criticism don't bother me. They are all merited in their place and time, even helpful tools in helping us to understand each other. But the message can be tainted if it's not delivered in a positive way. The person hearing the message has to believe that you have his best interest at heart or he will misconstrue what you're saying almost everytime. And that's not good communication, in fact is counterproductive to communication.
Some of you say you distrust me because I'm not totally sold on the tactical advantages of open carry so I may as well address that now.
For example, instead of saying "If you don't believe in the tactical advantages of open carry then why are you even here at this forum!"
You could try to understand my views by asking: "Please explain to me your views on open carry and tactics."
This is better because it doesn't make any judgements or assumptions. It makes me think that you value my thoughts and encourages an open and free discussion.
If you had asked me that question, I would have answered like this:
I suspect that open carry will deter most ordinary, common, garden-variety type criminals, (i.e., those without a death wish). I'm not convinced it will deter the lunatics, the crazies, the ones whacked out on drugs and alcohol. But nothing will prevent the whackos short of a bullet in the head.
That alone isn't a sufficient reason not to open carry. I'm a personal protection instructor, so I know that 90% of personal defense has nothing to do with your firearm. Your brain is your best defense. Like Colonel Hackworth said "Stay alert - Stay alive!" When I open carry I'm going to be extra alert just to make sure no one sneaks up behind me with a ball bat. That's not a problem since I'm usually quite alert anyways.
I think if all of us are going to get along and advance the cause, we need to be civil to each other and sensitive about how our comments affect the reader. Before you offer constructive criticism, stop to think: how will this be received?
Always offer a bit of praise first, and then the criticism. (Spoonful of sugar, Mary Poppins, etc) That way the one being questioned, distrusted, or corrected, will suspect that you have his best interest at heart instead of the other way around. Once you've achieved that, your criticism will be seen in a whole new light, a better light.
If open carry is to grow, it has to convert other gun owners who are not yet convinced. Make it easy for someone to change. Encourage them along. It's a process. If you give them a hard time, well, that's bad public relations. If you try to harshly pull a fence sitter onto your side, he'll pull back and end up as your enemy instead of your ally. People usually accept criticism if they believe you mean well.
Thanks for working so hard to defend the RKBA.
Skip
Brian,
Questions, skepticism and even criticism don't bother me. They are all merited in their place and time, even helpful tools in helping us to understand each other. But the message can be tainted if it's not delivered in a positive way. The person hearing the message has to believe that you have his best interest at heart or he will misconstrue what you're saying almost everytime. And that's not good communication, in fact is counterproductive to communication.
Some of you say you distrust me because I'm not totally sold on the tactical advantages of open carry so I may as well address that now.
For example, instead of saying "If you don't believe in the tactical advantages of open carry then why are you even here at this forum!"
You could try to understand my views by asking: "Please explain to me your views on open carry and tactics."
This is better because it doesn't make any judgements or assumptions. It makes me think that you value my thoughts and encourages an open and free discussion.
If you had asked me that question, I would have answered like this:
I suspect that open carry will deter most ordinary, common, garden-variety type criminals, (i.e., those without a death wish). I'm not convinced it will deter the lunatics, the crazies, the ones whacked out on drugs and alcohol. But nothing will prevent the whackos short of a bullet in the head.
That alone isn't a sufficient reason not to open carry. I'm a personal protection instructor, so I know that 90% of personal defense has nothing to do with your firearm. Your brain is your best defense. Like Colonel Hackworth said "Stay alert - Stay alive!" When I open carry I'm going to be extra alert just to make sure no one sneaks up behind me with a ball bat. That's not a problem since I'm usually quite alert anyways.
I think if all of us are going to get along and advance the cause, we need to be civil to each other and sensitive about how our comments affect the reader. Before you offer constructive criticism, stop to think: how will this be received?
Always offer a bit of praise first, and then the criticism. (Spoonful of sugar, Mary Poppins, etc) That way the one being questioned, distrusted, or corrected, will suspect that you have his best interest at heart instead of the other way around. Once you've achieved that, your criticism will be seen in a whole new light, a better light.
If open carry is to grow, it has to convert other gun owners who are not yet convinced. Make it easy for someone to change. Encourage them along. It's a process. If you give them a hard time, well, that's bad public relations. If you try to harshly pull a fence sitter onto your side, he'll pull back and end up as your enemy instead of your ally. People usually accept criticism if they believe you mean well.
Thanks for working so hard to defend the RKBA.
Skip
