SASless
My answers to the questions you've asked me .....
Re "the concept of total strangers offering condolences to those who have suffered a loss."
I meant 'in person' because I was responding to Capt Waffoo's assertion but I wouldn't limit it to 'in person.'
"Is it also your personal opinion that impersonal offerings of such condolences, in public forums, from anonymous sources, with the vague hope that some time in the future, some one might read them and be somehow comforted from that reading, is really a valid effort to comfort the bereaved next-of-kin?
Yes. I believe those who offer condolences here genuinely mean what they say and hope the families (or friends/colleagues of the pilot) see them. And I know pilots' families who have found comfort in them.
"Or.....is it somehow a well intentioned method of some anonymous individual to record the fact of some pour soul's passing through a tragic event and in some way salve the contributor's internal need."
Hmm. Very interesting question. I'm not a psychiatrist but, for what it's worth, I think for some people there is an element of salving an internal need - I think there probably is in my case. But the two motives are not mutually exclusive, and the 'internal need' element (if present) doesn't devalue the condolence offered, nor detract from its sincerity.
" Is it, in your view the correct thing to do socially, ethically, and morally, that is, to anonymously post a condolence message or would a more personal approach better meet the dictates of standards of etiquette, ethics, and morality."
I think it is perfectly acceptable "socially, ethically, and morally."
A personal approach is preferable but it's not always practical and, given the anonymous nature of Pprune, not possible.
I don't think anonymous messages are a breach of etiquette, and can't see how they could possibly be considered unethical or immoral.
What-ho
As you correctly guessed, I don't think any one of the three categories is 'right' or 'wrong'. I happen to fall nearer (1) than (3) because I do sometimes express condolences. Although I disagree with those in category (2) I respect their right to hold those views.
What in my view is 'wrong' is to spoil a thread in which people are expressing condolences by criticising in disparaging and patronising terms. That is not only insensitive, but plain bad manners. Respect for others' views cuts both ways. I suspect Capt Waffoo must be the only one who doesn't understand why his post was from a crash thread.
Last edited by Flying Lawyer; 20th July 2002 at 23:16.