[StarGrit]

> It's also well-known language from product managers and UX researchers trying to gather data to improve their product. And well-known language from customer support people trying to gather more information in order to escalate to the right people who can help.

No it is not. The particular phrasing that was used I have never seen used in any other way than to be dismissive towards people.

> Your knee-jerk cynicism saddens me.

My cynicism isn't knee jerk, My cynicism stems from roughly 20 years working as a developer, being in and observing the industry.

> If someone doesn't want to help, they generally just ignore. They generally don't suggest hopping on a call ASAP. When they want to call you is when they're taking it seriously.

Not if it gets noticed and talked about on forums. It is then used as damage control.

[crazygringo]

If you're never seen it used to be helpful, I don't know that to tell you. I have, all the time, and it seems entirely normal and unremarkable.

> My cynicism stems from roughly 20 years working as a developer

That saddens me. It seems like you've worked at some rough places, I'm sorry. But they're not all like that, and I wish you could see that.

> Not if it gets noticed and talked about on forums. It is then used as damage control.

I don't see how it's going to work as damage control. Can you explain how? Either it helps resolve things (good), or it doesn't and people keep complaining in the thread. I don't see any scenario where it controls damage. Damage control is things like locking a thread or shadowbanning. Not offering to call.

I'm really sorry you see everything through such a cynical lens.

[StarGrit]

> If you're never seen it used to be helpful, I don't know that to tell you. I have, all the time, and it seems entirely normal and unremarkable.

I suspect that you didn't understand the subtext of the conversation. If you aren't used to dealing with it, you will take the comment on face value, if you are like me that had to deal with it most of my life, you won't.

> That saddens me. It seems like you've worked at some rough places, I'm sorry. But they're not all like that, and I wish you could see that.

I got paid well enough. I prefer to be a gun for hire and deal with the reality. I actually prefer these environments, I can assume everyone around me is a snake.

> I don't see how it's going to work as damage control. Can you explain how? Either it helps resolve things (good), or it doesn't and people keep complaining in the thread. I don't see any scenario where it controls damage. Damage control is things like locking a thread or shadowbanning. Not offering to call.

I am sure other people have explained this to you. However it is extremely simple.

1) Feign concern. This fools enough people so it gets quieted down.

2) Call up, pretend to care, person calms down as they feel like things are being addressed.

3) Do nothing.

4) It gets forgotten about, person that initially instigated complaint doesn't bother following up.

> I'm really sorry you see everything through such a cynical lens.

I don't see everything through a cynical lens. I see communications of this type as cynically because they have almost always been disingenuous.

[crazygringo]

> I suspect that you didn't understand the subtext of the conversation.

I suspect you're inventing a subtext that simply isn't there.

> I actually prefer these environments, I can assume everyone around me is a snake.

Again, I'm really sorry. That's a very, very sad thing.

> I am sure other people have explained this to you. However it is extremely simple.

This process you're describing doesn't make any sense. People who are quitting a volunteer position don't get fooled. They're not going to feel like things are being addressed if they aren't. They tend not to forget, but rather tell others, write long blog posts, share them on social media, etc. If the phone call doesn't try to address things but just ignores them in a call, it only adds fuel to the fire. It wouldn't be a good strategy.

> I see communications of this type as cynically because they have almost always been disingenuous.

And I'm sorry. If you think an offer to delve into a complaint over the phone to get more information is a cynical ploy, I really am sorry. It seems like there's nothing that could convince you someone is really trying to help, because of the lens you're choosing to interpret everything through. And because of the lens you've chosen, it seems self-reinforcing, which makes it extra-sad.

[StarGrit]

> I suspect you're inventing a subtext that simply isn't there.

No I am not. I don't appreciate being gas-lite about this.

How this office politik is used is covered in blogs, covered on YouTube. My parents, friends and colleagues are aware of it. Maybe you need to open your eyes.

> Again, I'm really sorry. That's a very, very sad thing.

Stop apologising, I find it patronising and insincere, even if that isn't your intention.

BTW. I've done the best work under those circumstances, I got paid a lot and it made me HTFU, which helps with personal growth.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/HTFU

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antifragile_(book)

> This process you're describing doesn't make any sense.

It makes perfect sense. You are assuming they care if the get a small amount of negative press about it. They don't.

This will be forgotten about within a week, even by most people commenting even here.

> And I'm sorry. If you think an offer to delve into a complaint over the phone to get more information is a cynical ploy, I really am sorry. It seems like there's nothing that could convince you someone is really trying to help, because of the lens you're choosing to interpret everything through. And because of the lens you've chosen, it seems self-reinforcing, which makes it extra-sad.

Firstly. Speaking to me like this is quite honestly patronising. I am quite capable of doing value free analysis.

Secondly, The sort of language people are complaining about almost always been used as a way to deflect valid criticism back on person making the critique. Almost always for disingenuous reasons. Feigning concern about my cynicism doesn't change that fact.

In any event I am tired of being patronised by you.

[crazygringo]

>>> I suspect that you didn't understand the subtext of the conversation.

>> I suspect you're inventing a subtext that simply isn't there.

> No I am not. I don't appreciate being gas-lite about this.

It's not gaslighting to simply disagree. So please don't throw around accusations like that. Subtext is by definition open to interpretation.

I wasn't trying to be patronizing, and I certainly wasn't "feigning concern". Again, that's the response of a cynic who refuses to believe that sincerity and good intentions are possible. But you are making it clear you don't want to continue the conversation so that's fine.