Thank you @QVCkitty1 and @GATORGIRL for A.) creating the post and B.) supplying the link to the article. I read it, and found it interesting and enlightening. The two take-aways for me are:
1. “They’re turning the web into a cesspool of aggression and violence. What watching them is doing to the rest of us may be even worse”
2. “I feel worse after using Twitter QVC's Forums … my brain gets polluted here.”
So many times, after spending time in these forums, I have come away feeling empty. I’ve even discussed with my husband how depressing it can be here. I’ve said to him, “If this is a true cross-section of middle class America’s thinking and behavior, we’re doomed. We are Ugly Americans.”
Some time ago I wrote the following with the fully intention of posting. I decided to withhold it for fear of creating more turmoil. You see, I am familiar enough here to be able to anticipate who will likely say what. Some may not realize it, but repetition is rampant among us.
Today it seems appropriate and maybe less risky in light of what we've just read from Joel Stein, to dust off and share, so here is the piece I held back:
I’m prepared to be blasted for the nerves I am about to step on. So be it, as I fully believe this purpose is worth standing up for, even if alone.
Here is my truth: I am sick ‘n tired of what has ever-so correctly been called “deliberate pissiness” (love that, @Moonchilde!) in these forums. Before anyone runs with it, let me assert categorically that I am neither assuming–nor applying for–the role of forum police or room monitor.
Can posting snide comments about issues being too small, of having more important concerns, admonishing someone to “get a life,” name calling, etc., possibly accomplish anything beyond making oneself look like an arrogant ass? Am I the only one who sees this as a form of bullying? I earnestly asked in another thread, “If the issue is too small to consider, why is it big enough to post a snarky comment about?” Of course the question went unanswered, but as you might guess, was manipulated / twisted to sling more mud.
Rather than point fingers, accuse or (ahem) attack, the sole intent here is to get us to think. Think about what we’re putting out into the world. Even on a small scale, what right minded person among us would deliberately contribute to making the world worse? Honest-to-Goodness, People, I am asking we think about what we’re sending out. And if you really don’t care about that, then can you at least consider how you want to represent yourself?
Thank you for staying with me if you have reached this point.
Strive for respect instead of attention. It lasts longer.
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