Community Chat

[YorkieonmyPillow]

@JaneMarple I'm not going to argue with you.

I edited my post above, said I was done and apologized so leave me alone, please.

[IamMrsG]

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dooBdoo wrote, in small part:  "...and often wish I could express myself better...   "

@dooBdoo  If only I could express myself so well.  <VBS>  You are a consistent bright light in the dark here, dooBdoo.

[dooBdoo]

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@MomCat wrote:

I totally agree that the trolls ruin the chance at a great conversation, but I actually prefer lively back and forth bantering.  FB is ok, but I agree there are some sites that are actually so trashy I avoid them.  While I don't like censoring, I certainly don't like wasting my time reading total ignorance.   

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          @MomCat, I think I understand how you feel.   In all fairness, however, there is such a thing as lively back and forth bantering in a civil manner, with all parties showing respect for each other and, at the end, with all parties walking away with their dignity intact.    There's really no excuse fo being abusive, abrasive, or personally insulting toward others.

[libbyannE]

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@IamMrsG wrote:

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.

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I am new to this world since earlier this year. While I agree with what you say because I was naive at first and, thus, shocked by some of the nastiness here, I have so much going on in my life that I just stop by QVC to see what people are talking about, reply sometimes, and I don't get too involved. How can I take anonymous posts by angry people or bullies seriously? They must have sad lives if they need to vent herd or to feel better by denigrating others. My advice to you is to take a step back and not let yourself get too involved or upset. Choose to hang out with the nice people and ignore the nasty, no doubt lonely ones! 

[dooBdoo]

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@IamMrsG wrote:

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dooBdoo wrote, in small part:  "...and often wish I could express myself better...   "

@dooBdoo  If only I could express myself so well.  <VBS>  You are a consistent bright light in the dark here, dooBdoo.

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          That's so kind of you to say, @IamMrsG!   I admire your writing skills, as well as the intellect, thought and care that you devote to your posts.    This is much too high praise, I blush, and I thank you.

[Noel7]

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@QVCkitty1 wrote:

I just finished  this weeks Time cover story. For anyone who is interested, it's called "Why we're losing the Internet to the culture of hate ". by Joel Stein. I will say it gave me a new appreciation for the restrictions of this board. I know that we complain about the rules sometimes, but it makes it a safe place to land, lMO.

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Nice post @QVCkitty1  I want to read the article, it's a sad but fascinating subject.

[Noel7]

@GATORGIRL

Thanks for the link!

[Noel7]

@SahmIam

What is the worst imo is to realize there are that many deranged people like that out there.

[deepwaterdotter]

@libbyannE  "How can I take anonymous posts by angry people or bullies seriously?  They must have sad lives if they need to vent here or to feel better by denigrating others.  My advice to you is to take a step back and not let yourself get too involved or upset.  Choose to hang out with the nice people and ignore the nasty, no doubt lonely, ones."

Excellent advice!  I've often thought the exact same thing. 

[YorkieonmyPillow]

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@Noel7 wrote:

@SahmIam

What is the worst imo is to realize there are that many deranged people like that out there.

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I can vouch for that. I've been cyberstalked before, actually that was my introduction to the internet!

Baptism by fire. It was insane.