May I make an observation? Isn't part of the usefulness of this message board that it is an opportunity to vent problems & release frustrations?

PS...I do agree with alot of what you have said. Interesting to hear your viewpoint.

> May I make a recommendation?

> Im by no means a perfect teacher or person. Ive made my fair share
> of goofs on forums. However, after being in China for eleven years, I
> do realize that there are many good teachers from several different
> countries.

> Its been exciting for me to work along side of many Canadians,
> Brits, Australians and some Philippinos. All of us are here for the
> same reasons, to teach English, but we arrived with different
> motivations for coming. In the end, I believe we all have the same
> good intentions to help China with their English programs.

> Each of us needs to remember we all arrive for the same purpose. We
> all have different situations concerning finances. We all have
> different schools that might be better or worst than the other who is
> reading our post. The same reasons for being here but difference
> circumstances are involved in the reason why we post a topic that
> usually reflect on the individuals location and school. Therefore,
> before you bash someone, make sure you didnt read into his/her
> comments. Try to find out what his/her situation is at their location
> in China. You might be surprised at how different it might be from
> yours and you might even agree with them.

> Therefore, I would like all to consider one thought. When you write a
> complaint about a particular topic concerning China, make sure you
> are not writing during a moment of frustration. Ive done this
> before, and my original thought was not received as I had intended.
> If not, you will probably sound like you are unloading a truck full
> of crap in someones back yard. In turn some reader will take offense
> to the comments and say such as go home, why did you come, grow
> up, etc. In the end, the forum is filled with bashing and trashing
> each others purposes, countries, education or even character.
> Supposedly, we are from the developed nations, but from some forums,
> a Chinese might wonder who is civilized and who isnt?

> Of course, Im sure someone will find fault with the above comments
> and say who made you a mediator. Well, no one, its just open
> friendly advice. We will probably never agree on everything
> concerning our countries history, politics, or other matters that
> make us American, Canadian, British, or Australian. However, we can
> agree that we are teachers with the same purpose. If we keep that in
> the forefront of our minds, I believe we can work in concert together
> and not each playing on a different sheet of music. Realize and
> understand that motivations differ greatly from each of our countries
> and when you realize that, a lot of bashing will should cease.

> Living in another country that is developing will definitely test
> your fortitude in many areas and the biggest one is patience and
> kindness when difficulties arise. When your fortitude is tested by
> your environment, make sure culture shock isnt knocking at your
> door. If it is, you will want to blame others and those closest to
> you. You will become thin skinned and the rest of the time will be
> spent bashing and trashing, which can be a means of venting
> frustration and fighting back at culture shock.

> Have fun at your schools. If you havent already read the The
> Dragonfly Incident its a jewel. We need more forum topics like
> that. Its refreshing, eye opening and details the life of a teacher
> in a rural area. I notice he didnt complaint about anything, and was
> written very professionally about a situation that could have gone
> different if others might have been there.

> His comments Now, I can tell the story and make it sound immensely
> amusing - or potentially tragic - you decide which.

> Its a masterpiece! Thanks for the post Dave! Send more!!