I'm fairly new to this whole blogging thing. For example, I didn't post yesterday, so I don't know if that earns me a demerit or something like that. (I'm after the shiny gold star, so I'm working on my penmanship.) So forgive me if I'm pointing out the obvious. Newbie learning curve, and all of that.
I'm stunned -- utterly stunned -- by some of the comments people post on other blogs and on public forums. Truly. It's as if posting something via the Internet gives people an excuse to act in ways that assuredly would get them beaten to a pulp in real life. Name calling, thinly veiled threats, profanity...the works. And the attitude! Some people post things that are so laden with sarcasm and contempt that I'm surprised it's not dripping off my monitor.
I just don't get it.
I mean, it's perfectly acceptible for people not to agree with other posters or the blogger or what have you. In fact, it's expected. But why, on God's green earth, do some people insist on being a virtual bully? Is it a power thing? Stupidity? Underwear too tight?
I was in a bit of a daze last night from all of the venom in the comments section on one particular editor's site. Loving Husband thought I was unbearably cute. He, of course, has been thoroughly enmeshed in the Internet since, oh, five seconds after it was invented. So, with all the due pride and nachas that a supportive, loving mate could express, he took my hand and said, "You're up to the second level of Internet discussions." That, apparently, is when you're dumbstruck and rather saddened by how thick and, frankly, mean some people are. (The first level is when you get right and properly pissed off.)
In weeks to come, I'm sure I'll learn about the various other levels of coping with Internet discussions. Until then, I'm going to silently marvel at how some people act as if just because they're in a public forum, they can say anything they want, no matter how abusive or insulting.
Some people really, really need to find a happy place.
Book Buzz of the Day
Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes. This romantic comedy is funny and bittersweet. Very short chapters and very engaging characters make for good reading, even if you don't have a lot of time. If you have five minutes, you can squeeze in a chapter or two. Excellent stuff; highly recommended.
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