By Stephen Bruce, Ph.D., Editor

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After we published our "Gun in the Lobby" story [go here for original story], we printed an apology to those who were upset by the story's headline. [Go here to see our retraction.] But then even more readers wrote to complain about that. So, today, at the risk of alienating everyone, we'll air the complaints about the complaints.

"I have a problem with all of the hand-holding and coddling that is done these days. HR seems to be more concerned about being politically correct than anything else … For anyone who complained about your headline, I say, 'Get over yourself!'"

"That is ridiculous if people thought your headline was over the top. Did they think you were telling them of a real thing that was happening to you right then? Why in the world would it get them upset?"

"I just read your recant of the "He's back … in the lobby … with a gun" title and certainly understand your decision from the viewpoint of continuing to attract readers. However, as an expert in workplace violence prevention (you have included my information in past articles), I would say the reaction you got actually shows your title hit a sore spot that is one that needs to be uncovered.”

" … Many would like to say, as one person you quoted said, ‘You don't have to shout about it.’ I am sure the victims and families of those victims wish someone had shouted about it even louder."

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"As a management-side employment lawyer, I thought your headline was accurate and appropriate. Those who were upset by it probably do not realize the possibility that this could happen to them."

"You were much more accommodating than I would have been. You were nowhere near yelling 'Fire' in the theatre anymore than printing the word BANG startles someone. If they think they were disturbed by an e-mail's headlines, then they ought to be in the room with an angry 'Ex' with nothing to lose."

"Personally I prefer the original title. A scan of the news shows that such situations are far too common; unfortunately, mishandling can lead to the horrible incidence with weapons and violence.”

“Your information spoke to the prevention of workplace violence and identification of potential threats. That’s great, but not enough. You did not mention any ways to avoid getting shot once the shooting starts:

  • Have a public address system with the ability to make announcements from more than one location.
  • A spoken code over that PA or shouted out that indicates gunman in the building and the location if known.
  • Know what a gunshot sounds like, and if you hear them, escape the building without waiting to be told.
  • Use a route away from the gunman’s location to escape the building and run (and leave your purse—you may need both hands).
  • If you cannot escape, lock your office door (the shooter usually won't take the time to kick it down) turn off the lights, hide, and make no sound at all.
  • If confronted by the gunman, get his or her attention by speaking the gunman's name loudly. Remain calm and speak in a calm voice using the gunman's name and hope you never offended the person. Try to calm the gunman and help him to understand there is no point in shooting people, that it won’t make things better.
  • Lastly, have a will; you never know when you are going to be called home.”

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"Some people are ridiculously sensitive. I thought the headline was effective."

"… while the headline was a bit disturbing, it got the point across and made me want to read and think about something I would rather not. But why I am writing is to thank you for your sensitivity and taking responsibility for, in the apparent view of many, an objectionable tact. I respect you for that and find much value in the e-mails you send. Thank you for what you do."

"Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciated the article, and it got my attention because we were possibly facing that exact scenario.… I’m not really sure where the other people that complained were coming from, but I forwarded that particular information to the entire management staff as a training tool and anticipation of what “could” happen here.”

"Thank you for all the information you provide me on a daily basis to do my job and motivate me at 50 years old to apply for an exam to achieve my HR Certification. Keep it coming!"

Thanks, readers, for all your interest.

 

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