snowbird asked this question on 4/5/2000:

Sir,

Maybe you should make sure to publish all your answers to the abuse and violence questions right up front and let others see just how you answers questions.

I realize that you don't feel that you have enough knowledge about domestic violence and abuse and want to know more. But, when you classify yourself as an expert in an area, you should be able to answer the questions yourself and not depend on someone else to give you advice about the subject. If you want to learn more about the subject, you read what other people are saying in their responses.

My wife and I both have answered your question and, therefore, maybe everyone should read all the messages between you and us.

I never said that I was upset at everyone's answers. In fact, I feel that most of the people in this area, as well as most of the areas I am associated with are good honest, upfront people who know what they are dealing with and do a good job of it.

I spend part of my time on this site reading and rating other people's answers. In that way, I gain insight into areas that I may not have had before.

I invited any one and every one to go to my pages and read my answers and rate them as they see fit. I would appreciate any input I can get into how I am doing, positive or negative. I would welcome it.

Capntom, you started making this a public and personal confrontation.

I was trying to get my point across too.

I hope everyone reads the entire conversation that you and my wife and I had.

Blessings to all.

Paul snowbirdhays@netscape.net

wwnelsonfive11 gave this response on 4/6/2000:

Snowbird:

I'm a bit concerned about your response to Capntom. I felt that he had a legitimate question and deserved a response.

I would like to point out something to you, if I may. I have been counseling in this field for more that 15 years and I can tell you one thing I know for sure. I don't have all the answers! I am always doing more research to learn more and more to be able to help those that come to me. (I am a Pastoral Counselor, trained in this specific field).

And, I am always asking questions from other "experts" in the field to understand more. This is not a defined science. We are learning new things all the time. I commend Capntom for asking other "experts" for their opinion. That is a good sign. None of are truly "experts". We have more experience and knowledge than those we counsel, but we should always be ready to refresh and expand our knowledge and understanding. I we don't, we are not doing our best for our clients.

I hope you don't take offense with this answer. I don't mean to be critical. Just giving you an observation.

Thanks,

William

wwnelsonfive11 gave this follow-up answer on 4/8/2000:

Snowbird:

I still sense a sense of anger in your responses to this. I commend you for your longevity in this field. However, we still need to listen to each other and other "experts" and learn from them. One of my professors in college had had more than 55 years in this field, both as a counselor and as a teacher. One thing that truly impressed me was his candor and his willingness to realize he always needed to learn more and he would often tell us that he had learned something new from some of us.

The thing I would like you to keep in mind is that we really need to support each other, not bicker between ourselves. If we find ourselves bickering with others, we are putting attention were it doesn't belong. Our attention should be focused upon those that need our help. I tend to think that's what we are here for. Isn't it?

So, let's just get on with helping them and let's forget what differences we might have among ourselves. We are all here for the same purpose. OK?

Thanks,

William

The average rating for this answer is 2.2.

snowbird rated this answer a 2.

If you, like him, would read, maybe you would understand. I have been in this field for over 40 years.