One could tell the story of an individual who registers for a web site with the specific intention of baselessly slamming one of the forum participants on that site (coincidentally using the word “twit”). But without mentioning specific names or web sites, who would know what I’m talking about?
The true meaning often lies in what is not said.
I’ve refrained from chiming in thus far, based on my affiliation with that “other” site. (“No website mentioned?” Gimmie a break, TOC. “The other site” has been brandied about so often over here that my spellcheck automatically changes it for me.) I’m not going to criticize anyone for what they’ve said here. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, and I certainly respect their right to express it. I’m also not going to cry “foul” or defend a damned thing. Not my job; not worth my time; and it wouldn’t change anyone’s mind anyway.
I personally find Bob’s laissez-faire attitude quite revealing. One could easily equate “the other site” site to an office setting, where decorum and tact are the rules of the day; this site to a backyard barbecue where anything goes. The advantage of being privy to both environments is that you find out a lot about people–their true natures. Some people have personalities which are far better suited to one environment over the other. The trick is to acknowledge the environment you’re in, and adjust your perceptions accordingly. You wouldn’t expect diplomacy at a barbecue. Conversely, you wouldn’t expect to tell a coworker he’s a twit and not get your hand slapped by the boss. One cannot take offense in either case. Rules exist even when there are no rules. Once you figure out which environment you’re much more suited to, then hang with that crowd and don’t look back.
As for me, I’ve learned much about a good number of people by reading their posts on myriad forums. Some have surprised me, others shocked the hell out of me. But now that I’ve seen the emperor without clothes, his behavior no longer surprises me; in fact it makes perfect sense. Knowing that it’s in someone’s nature to act a certain way, one cannot be surprised nor offended by it. It may not restore any lost respect–which is unfortunate–but it does at least foster understanding. There are some individuals who–given the proper environment–are fare more pleasurable to chat with and learn from than they appear to be elsewhere.
Personally, I’ll keep visiting both sites, and take what I want from each one–enjoying the distinct atmospheres they offer. To me, it’s not “us vs. them,” and anyone who promotes that attitude is really doing themselves a disservice. Twits exist everywhere. But they only bother us if we let them.
Later,
K
