Anyone who has been following this blog recently knows I have been using what limited abilities and stunted intellect I have to address the issues of my Life away from the BoZone. I have been more successful than I thought. Putting my mind to other things rather than this blog and my bike shop has perked up my attitude and damned if things aren't getting knocked off "the list". Once I got into the busy beaver routine and it felt comfortable again, I decided to try and give my blogging fix some attention. I figured to get up each morning and write something before I stepped out into my role as Fix it up Freddy or Bike Shop Bozo. I even kinda, sorta came up with a plan of how many hours I would try to dedicate to the blog or writing just so I wouldn't lose whatever edge I had managed to find to this point.
Saturday, it all went to shit. My attitude that is.
Funny/odd how these words we write so carelessly and without regard to how others may view them have more potential to damage than I ever realized.
First thing I noticed was something I did that I thought was no big deal caused I think someone some stress at their end of the blogoshere. I had no intention of hurting someones feelings, but I think I did. Okay, even if I didn't, just thinking I did caused me some stress.
Then some cantankerous fellow commented on my blog and stepped way over the line of what I consider civil discourse. That was Saturday. I did lash back, but only after I had calmed down.
And even worse, a blogging friend contacted me and indicated they may just delete their blog because of cyber bullying. Not bullying by me, but by a mutual commenter we both have to deal with.
What the Hell? This set me back on my heels. It finally dawned on me that not everyone has skin as thick as mine. It occurred to me I may want to be more careful about what I say in the various comment sections of the blogs I visit.
Which brings me to why I may decide to take a break. This blogging shit is supposed to fun. Right now, it is not. And rather than walk away for good, I would prefer to step back for a day or two and cool my jets. I might not, but if I don't calm down, I am taking a vacation.
That said, I guess I will finish with advice. Remembering what you pay for it, please realize this is just one man's opinion.
Human communities exist in all sorts of forms. In order for them to exist and prosper, a certain level of civility must exist. A certain amount of consideration must exist. And a certain amount of honesty must exist.
Be civil. Be honest. And be considerate. Find out the rhythm and mood of a blog before going in with guns blazing. Beating people up in Cyber Space is just being a coward.
Keep it 'tween the ditches.....................
12 comments:
First thing I noticed was something I did that I thought was no big deal caused I think someone some stress at their end of the blogoshere.
So! It was YOU who sent that dang virus to my computer! You'll pay dearly for that.
Oh, and on the off-chance that I'm wrong, ignore that comment.
Writing with more regard as to the effect my words might have on others is something I've tried to do better over the last three or so years. And I don't always do it well, but one thing I do try to do is to think about something for a reasonable amount of time before putting it on the webs. That usually (but doesn't always) include my comments on others' blogs.
As for cyber bullying in the form of uncivil or relentless commenters, I think I would put up with it for just so long, and then if the problem became acute, switch to a moderated comments format. Nothing stops a troll like taking away his cyber stage.
Blogging is something I do only sporadically, because I just don't have the time to write about everything I'd like to write about. So I keep it limited, with the price that my visitors are few in number. But for now that's what I have time for and it's what I'm happy with. If it ever got to the point where it became an annoyance, I'd take a long break.
So, bearing in mind this is just one man's opinion, if you're not enjoying the blogosphere, a break might be just what you need. I know it's worked for me.
All the best, sir.
I'm glad to hear that you have gotten some of the things accomplished that you were wanting to.
You're right. We do have to be careful about how we treat others. Especially on the computer. Words carelessly throw out can feel daggers to the heart.
By nature, I'm not a mean person and sometimes I have to re read a comment a few times before I decide on how I"m going to take it. At first glance I can be very hurt. Often, once I've thought about it for a bit I realize the person wasn't being mean.
That's not ALWAYS the case though. Sometimes, no two ways about it. It's a MEAN and personal jab.
I try to only leave positive comments on other peoples blogs. If I don't like what they have written then I leave without commenting or I just say hi.
I'm seriously considering turning on my comment moderation because I can't take anymore personal digs.
I don't want to do that but I will if I have to.
I hope that you're feeling better about things Mike. I understand the need to take a break. Take it if you must. We'll still be here when you get back. :)
(Hugs)
Laura
I've been taking a bit of a break from my blog as well, due to family issues (mom being sick, etc.) but also because the political scene is so discouraging. So have only been posting every week and a half or so. But I have missed reading everyone else's blogs lately so am trying to catch up now.
Sorry to hear you are not in a happy mood about blogging these days - but I hope you won't take a long break as you would be sorely missed!
glad to see you're still here. Please don't go away. I like to read what you write. Sometimes the trolls get out of hand. You know how to moderate comments if you have to, and I'll respect that and wait patiently for approval. I have only had one or two nasty encounters since starting this journey, and I have been glad. But I have to say, I have curtailed my comments on other blogs -- yes, including this one -- because of the trolls. Not only do they lash back, but they follow me home and try to shit on the carpet at my place too. If I have to go to moderated comments, I will. But I'd rather offer a place where people can express opinions and thoughts without having someone be rude to them.
I think we all need to have appropriate considerations in our words... written or not. However; happy to your post! Just stoppin by to say so...
Mike, don't let some cantankerous old fart ruin your blogging friendships (Saturdays comments). Just delete his/their comments and carry on. You write some great posts (Albeit about American stuff 'n' all ;-) ) and your writing of flash fiction has come on leaps and bounds. Make those shoulders broader and press on mate. This is known as the grumpiest part of the year, everyone spent up after Christmas and waiting for the next paycheck etc, etc. Bollocks to it Mike. Chin up, put on your best smile and write on buddy.
Regards, David.
I think I know of whom you speak and it's ironic that that blogger had to use email authorization on his blog because someone was flipping him shit. Sure could dish it out but couldn't take it. I'm with David, click on the trash can, dump the comment and move on. Life's too short for that kind of thing.
What, so we can't be cantankerous any longer? What a buzzkill you are, man. I'm taking my ball and going home. Hmph.
El Cerdo Ignatius - If I knew how to create a virus, you would be the first one I would target. Unfortunately, I have neither the ability or the time to mess with Canadians.
sunshine - Of course you do. You are from Canada.
Mauigirl - I am getting over it real quick. Shit happens and we move on.
Dawn - I won't go away. I enjoy this too much. As I just read your post about assimilation, I guess we need to just find the flow that works best for us. I got off mine there for a day or so.
Gwendolyn H. Barry - Thanks for swingin by. And I would guess, you are always the considerate visitor from the various comments and posts of yours I have had the peasure of reading.
David Barber - It really was not the cantankerous old fart that got to me, but the idea I might have angered someone I respect. The two just seem to coalesce at the same time.
Demeur - Yes, it is odd he has issues dealing with the same thing. No. I guess it isn't odd, just sad.
Randal - I know better than to tell you you cannot be cantankerous. You'd have nothing to say and then where would we be?
This blogging shit is supposed to be fun? I never started my first blog to have fun, I started it cuz I was pissed off at humanity.
And being as I've been doing this for about five years now you're far from the first one that thinks I stepped on their toes.
And believe me, I don't lose any sleep over it and don't care what you think of me. We don't have to be friends, it's no sweat off my ass if we're not.
Peaceful paths.
I think I know of whom you speak and it's ironic that that blogger had to use email authorization on his blog because someone was flipping him shit.
So one fucked up monkey was flipping me shit and forced me into moderation a few times, big deal. I took a lot more shit from that one monkey than most of you are willing to take and she was a lot more abusive than me.
But you all be nicey nicey to each other and see how that works out for you.
BBC - I get it that you think the rest of us are useless wastes of flesh. I understand that you feel that only you and the few who pass the Billy Test are worthy of the breaths they take every moment. Because of that very intolerance, you fail your own litmus test.
Why is being nice to each other a bad thing? Seems to me, it's all the hate and discontent we also throw at each other that causes most of our problems. Being friendly will not destroy the World. As a matter of fact, being friendly might just put it off for awhile.
But you go ahead and be pissed off at the rest of us and go your own way. Like you, I won't lose any sleep over this. Too bad though, I did like you.
Keep it 'tween the ditches.
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