Okay, so here's the deal. Lots of people say lots of things online that they might or might not be quite so willing to blurt out in person, speaking face to face. Now, when you go to some 'neutral' site - for example, Yahoo! or CNN - and you read about something that gets you thinking...and you see that there are comments posted about the story, that's the kind of place where you just let it all out - say exactly what you want to say, use whatever kind of language you want to. You don't have to have regard for any one or anything if you don't want to. You can just focus on conveying your opinion. Super cool. Love it. Do it all the time.
However, there's a difference (IMHO) when it comes to commenting on a friend's blog, Facebook page, etc... I have lots of friends on several different social networks. Some of these friends are lifelong companions. Some of the people who I connect with are family members. Others may be more casual acquaintences, but nonetheless, people with whom I've socialized, and shared experiences. So, on those pages, it seems like it makes sense to keep things in a more "civil" tone. Let me rephrase that. If I visit someone's page, and see something they've posted that I disagree with, or that I think is "inappropriate" or "distasteful" or "just plain stupid" (lol) I don't feel it's in good taste to comment there in the same way that I might, had I seen the same information just out on the web somewhere. Today, I had a friend comment about a link and video that I had posted. Not only did they a.) misunderstand completely the point of the link, they b.) made what I considered to be very rude comments in their so-called 'discussion' of the topic. Now, I WELCOME dialogue about any subject. However, it seemed evident that this person had no interest in discussing anything. Their mind was made up, there was no changing it, so sayeth the Lord. Amen. Okay, fine. Regardless of all of that, there were much better ways to have said the things that got said. I'mjustsayin'...
In the future, perhaps we should all take on the habits of good dog walkers. If, while you're out and about online, you feel the need to take a crap on my page please be sure to pick up after yourself. I'll be sure I do the same, if I ever take a squat on yours.
