Condolences.... is there a better way?
After recently posting a tongue in cheek comment, (which was answered with a steady stream of abuse from those who lack the ability to recognise tongue in cheek comments) about the way that many prunner’s post condolence messages on accident threads, I found myself wondering if there is a better way to go about it.
The typical pattern seems to go like this - an aircraft accident happens and someone gets hurt or killed. Almost immediately, clarification is sought from one and all to confirm the identity of the pilots / passengers / aircraft or company. This usually happens by the highly covert and sophisticated use of posting the victims first and last name initials or the nickname of the company itself. Then comes a mixed bag of emotional condolence messages, broken up with speculation, second and third hand news, rumours, innuendo and gossip about the pilot, the aircraft, the company and the industry as a whole. All from anonymous poster who use names like “hairyballs” and “bushmuncher” etc etc.
Now, would it perhaps be better if condolence messages were posted on their own “Condolence Book” type thread, posted among the main body of pprune topics military, historic airlpanes, rotorheads etc. This would allow any grieving and heartbroken fellow pilots to post their condolence remarks directly into the Condolence Book thread and leave the accident thread alone to run smoothly, powered by rumours, gossips and speculation, as it should be.
One simpleton in the other thread attacked me saying that I am heartless and that he has lost many mates to accidents and that he will post his condolence messages because he knows that relatives may read them and blah blah blah……. that’s great, if you are happy to have the relatives also read the other crap that gets put on the thread from “hairyballs” and “bushmuncher”, including wild speculation about pilot contribution to the crash, that the plane was overloaded, had not been trimmed, was carrying a non approved GPS or whatever
I’m sure that the parents would be really touched to hear the heartfelt and soothing words of “scrotebag” posted under a picture of a mangled fuselage and on top of a rumour that his company was not adhering to maintenance requirements.
If you really think that that is a better way then go ahead and continue. Personally, if I was that so bothered by the accident that I wanted to pass comment to the relatives then I would spend five bucks and buy a card and mail it to the family.
Ever considered trying it yourselves?