Would you ever use the word manipulate in a positive way ?

[MAJOR METAL]

Would you ever use the word manipulate in a positive way ? In certain context I have found this word is acceptable in persuing a greater good.

[FL Knifemaker]

Yes..........

How do you titillate an ocellot??

You manipulate it's tits alot

[lemur821]

I would use it when referring to any situation that requires dexterity, either manual or metaphorical. I don't consider it negative unless you're talking about manipulating people. "Manipulate the situation." -> A-OK.

[JonathanD]

I often do.

[MakiSupaStar]

I enjoy a good manipulation. It most always brings about an happy ending.

[bongomania]

Sure, not only are there non-negative connotations for handling tools, controls, or "parts" , but I have even used it in the context of manipulating people or manipulating interactions with people with no negative intent (either in the manipulation or the usage of the word). Say you want certain results from someone who is not yet motivated to provide those results. If you motivate them, you are manipulating them. But it doesn't have to be bad, you could motivate by giving them money or doing them a big favor or some other positive act that doesn't hurt anybody but manipulates the receiver into doing what you want.

Now I'll grant right away that money and favors are dirty more often than they're clean... Just saying manipulation per se doesn't have to be negative.

[Phalex]

I get some positive feedback concerning my manipulations of my bass on stage.

It's all good.

[PWRL]

I manipulate lead at work to make stained glass windows, and that's supposedly for the greater good. Whether or not working with lead is for MY good, well, you understand...

[FL Knifemaker]

Originally Posted by PWRL

I manipulate lead at work to make stained glass windows, and that's supposedly for the greater good. Whether or not working with lead is for MY good, well, you understand...

That's cool. Anyone that is good at doing stained glass is an ARRRRTEEEST I have a good tiffany lamp reproduction and I wouldn't attempt trying to make one myself

[JordanDelap]

Yeah i enjoy manipulating my bass!

[Asa Samuel]

Some people like being manipulated so isn't manipulating them good?

[Bryan316]

Sometimes you need to manipulate a mic stand in odd angles to fit it through a complex drum kit.

[unbasslichkeit]

Originally Posted by MAJOR METAL

Would you ever use the word manipulate in a positive way ? In certain context I have found this word is acceptable in persuing a greater good.

It depends on the urgency of the situation. A pre-emptive action, for example, should never manipulate. It should manipuearly.

[BassManPatsFan]

You can manipulate a mathematical function, machine, etc. to produce positive results.

[peterbright]

Manipulating people can be positive. Some really need it badly.

[JimS]

Manipulating can be good.

Womanipulating could be bettter.

[unbasslichkeit]

Originally Posted by JimS

Manipulating can be good.

Womanipulating could be bettter.

Let us now recall those immortal words: That's What She Said.

[MJ5150]

If you're into the whole chiropractor thing, it sure can be used in a positive way.

-Mike

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Having a physio manipulate your back can be useful, i quite often need a few ribs popped, def. a good thing to get it sorted

[5andFretless]

"manipulate - To control or manage skillfully" Anyone who provides leadership manipulates their subordinates.