Respectable Street
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Recently, I've seen a lot of posts about comment nazis, typo police, forum trolls, and people of that ilk. Since I have a limited (i.e. non-existent) readership, I've been spared the problem. But it doesn't change the fact that it's there. And eventually, I'll have to deal with it.
I'll admit that I am at somewhat of an advantage. My mother is an English teacher, and as such has corrected my grammar and diction for as long as I have been speaking. In addition, my father does a lot of public speaking, so that has naturally developed into my use of the vernacular. That, and I like to be a snarky a**hole sometimes, and sounding like an idiot tends to mess that up.
But where did it come from? I think it's something that's always been there. The jerk who posts a comment about a typo, or blasts an article because of some obscure fact that wasn't brought up, or starts a flame war about anything (Mac vs PC on ZDNet always is funny). Even Goodwin's Law comes up from time to time. But why? Because that's who they are.
Now I'll admit that I've gotten involved in these from time to time. Usually, it's when (a) I have direct experience and knowledge of a topic, and (b) the original writer / commenter is just WRONG on numerous levels. But I'm not looking for a fight. I'm contributing.
These people are the same ones who gossip at the office water cooler, or make quiet comments under their breath after a meeting. Face to face, they'd never make these comments at all. But when given the anonymity of the internet, they feel 'empowered' to show everyone how smart they are, how they are superior in all facets of life, and that people should look to them for support, guidance, and moral standing. In other words, they're assholes who feel insignificant.
So what to do? Sorry folks, but I don't have the answer. After all, I am the person who sometimes has issues with playing well with others, so my advice may not be the way to go. But either way. Just relax, ok?
I'll admit that I am at somewhat of an advantage. My mother is an English teacher, and as such has corrected my grammar and diction for as long as I have been speaking. In addition, my father does a lot of public speaking, so that has naturally developed into my use of the vernacular. That, and I like to be a snarky a**hole sometimes, and sounding like an idiot tends to mess that up.
But where did it come from? I think it's something that's always been there. The jerk who posts a comment about a typo, or blasts an article because of some obscure fact that wasn't brought up, or starts a flame war about anything (Mac vs PC on ZDNet always is funny). Even Goodwin's Law comes up from time to time. But why? Because that's who they are.
Now I'll admit that I've gotten involved in these from time to time. Usually, it's when (a) I have direct experience and knowledge of a topic, and (b) the original writer / commenter is just WRONG on numerous levels. But I'm not looking for a fight. I'm contributing.
These people are the same ones who gossip at the office water cooler, or make quiet comments under their breath after a meeting. Face to face, they'd never make these comments at all. But when given the anonymity of the internet, they feel 'empowered' to show everyone how smart they are, how they are superior in all facets of life, and that people should look to them for support, guidance, and moral standing. In other words, they're assholes who feel insignificant.
So what to do? Sorry folks, but I don't have the answer. After all, I am the person who sometimes has issues with playing well with others, so my advice may not be the way to go. But either way. Just relax, ok?
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Maybe the really nasty comments come from people who would be nasty in person as well! Who knows? Maybe we shouldn't give them the benefit of the doubt :-)
Miriam Salpeter
Keppie Careers