This a question by Wendigo. Can I get some feedback, from some of the regular users of the Vegetarian and Vegan section?

Hi Wendigo. Sorry I haven't answered sooner; I said I was going to answer, then went down with a really nasty flu-like infection and couldn't concentrate on writing.

I'm glad you showed up in V&V, and wouldn't like you to leave.

Your answers are honest, thoughtful and helpful. They often include your own personal experiences, which to my mind is something that really contributes to a good answer. I'm not saying anecdote is more useful than facts (the plural of anecdote is not data, and all that), but it can make an answer more interesting and personal.

Your answers are also unbiased. Though not a veg*n yourself, you have never aligned yourself with the group of non-veg*ns who are here just to mock veg*nism, but have stuck to the facts as you see them, and have challenged both veg*ns and non-veg*ns on outlandish claims.

Should you remove the question when you answer? No - it's your style; and sometimes it can serve to remind people what the actual question was.

'Am I wrong for trying to remain as neutral as possible in my answers?' Well... I don't think you are neutral. I wonder if you mean unbiased? - not the same thing at all. In which case - no, you're not wrong. Your answers can be a breath of fresh air.

Don't go.

Your answers have always been informative and helpful. Most of them are lengthy because you take the time to go into great detail to explain your response. You not only answer the question but give evidence from unbiased sources that support your statements. Repeating the question in your reply doesn't seem like a big deal. If you prefer to do that, continue to do so.

I think most people here respect you for your objectivity. There are plenty of users who are biased one way or the other, which sometimes results in them avoiding telling the whole truth or outright lying. Your neutrality is a breath of fresh air and adds to your credibility.

I cannot imagine why you, of all people, would be getting reported. Many questions and answers in this section are clearly violations, yet they remain. It's almost impossible to get a Q or A removed with only one report, so it may be someone who has multiple accounts.

Please don't take the situation personally and let it bother you too much. It would be sad for this section to lose your input.

EDIT: Wow, everybody's getting a lot of TD's all at once. It looks like we found the person who's been reporting Wendigo's answers.

I always smile when I see a reply by you, Wendigo, because I know that it will be informative, well-argued, and not least, compassionate. Your's is a voice many young vegetarians and vegans need to hear to make informed choices and to understand that one path cannot fit all. You are far more patient than I when it comes to giving detailed, scientific advice. I know your knowledge is hard won.

Don't be disheartened. You know that eating styles can be cult-like and all consuming to the new convert. People lash out when their core beliefs are challenged. If you write a well reasoned response that you're proud of save it on your computer to resurrect it at a future point should your reply be deleted because that can and will happen on the internet. You are much more likely to feel the responses of those that you've upset than to hear from all the people I'm sure that you've quietly helped. People do appreciate your neutral stance.

PS, I'm a lurker more than a writer, but I've been watching this section since before I ever "joined" answers. This was the first section I ever commented in.

I don't read them all the way through word for word, I might just sort of dart over them but yes I get the impression you are trying to help. I can't concentrate for longer than a couple of seconds, it's my ADHD, I don't know how some people can sit down with a book for hours when I can't even read a long answer here. On occasion I have spoke to you in comments and thought you were OK ... I mean for a yank.

From the other answers and comments I think you are asking this because you got reported a few times recently.

I used to get reported a lot. but not much anymore (knock on wood). I've won every appeal I made. One time i didn't appeal because i wasn't so sure I hadn't crossed a line. but I'm pretty sure every time my question was reported it was just by someone trying to irritate me.

Stay strong man. I love you just the way you are!

Update:

Has my answers been useful, to those who have asked?

I don't ask very many questions. but if you ever answered mine, i'm sure you would have done a good job.

Have my answers been informative?

Absolutely

Should I remove repeating the question when I answer? This has been my style for quite some time.

It doesn't bother me. It doesn't hurt. might as well keep doing it.

My final question is this. Am I wrong for trying to remain as neutral as possible in my answers?

Yeah. You don't get into too many controversial topics as far as I can tell. and you stick to the facts Once i called you out on being blunt. but never biased.

Remaining neutral is good, we need more like you. I can't say I am neutral, but it is good you are.

It depends on the question in terms of if you should repeat the question in your answer. If it is more than one question for example, repeat the questions if you have the time to do so. I however do not right now, otherwise I would be for this question right here.

I don't read other peoples answers too often, I just go down the list answering questions. That said, I can't say whether or not your answers have been helpful. Remaining neutral is nice though, so you probably have been.

(While I'm no regular I do vist the section from time to time and have over the past) I enjoy your answers greatly. They're informative, neutral, and you aren't the kind to pick sides. Keep your style the way you like. Unfortunately you just can't please everyone and those people may be so petty that they would be the type to report a perfectly good answer.

I agree with mermaid. I find your answers to be informative, unbiased, and a helpful contribution to the V&V section. While our styles differ, I agree with most of the points you make. Keep up the good work.

Oh, and, personally, I think repeating the question is unnecessary ...

*thumbs up*

You're one of the few who isn't a troll or a complete asshat. If I were to nitpick, I'd say you overdo it on punctuation. But beyond that... keep doing what you do, hombre.

Hey, I agree with you on MOST things and your answers are DEFINITELY informative. I love your style and don't change a THING, capiche?

Stay neutral, your answers are well researched and intelligently answered. Peace!!