Before Becoming Upset, Consider the Source
Occasionally, a serious, intelligent discussion will devolve into a heated debate. Some participants allow emotion and arrogance to displace logic and knowledge. Their retorts become sarcastic, vindictive, and spiteful.
I enjoy following some discussions featured in literary websites. They are often interesting and informative. If I have something of value to add, I do. More often than not, I do not; so I just read and learn. Some of my best ideas have come from others.
When I do post a comment, it is always presented as either a personal opinion or factual statement that can be easily confirmed. Even so, someone will occasionally become upset and attack me personally. When this happens, I access their profle. Their credentials often do not support their claims of expertise or even a basic knowledge of the subject being discussed. The facts presented by such people usually turn out to be factoids. I choose not to respond to such attacks. They are not worthy of a response.
Whenever attacked or insulted, before becoming upset, consider the source of the criticism or slur. You will usually discover that the person is not worth the aggravation. If your antagonist has posted a comment or profile that seems too good to be true, it probably isn't. Profiles on the internet are a virtual representation of how a person wishes to be perceived. Perception and reality are often two different things. A questionable profile will contain only vague references to previous or current careers, accomplishments, and lifestyle. A trustworthy profile will include names, dates, and other specific references that may be easily researched and fact-checked.
One should seriously consider the opinions and constructive criticism of well meaning, intelligent people. Those of antagonistic, ignorant people are not worth taking seriously.
I enjoy following some discussions featured in literary websites. They are often interesting and informative. If I have something of value to add, I do. More often than not, I do not; so I just read and learn. Some of my best ideas have come from others.
When I do post a comment, it is always presented as either a personal opinion or factual statement that can be easily confirmed. Even so, someone will occasionally become upset and attack me personally. When this happens, I access their profle. Their credentials often do not support their claims of expertise or even a basic knowledge of the subject being discussed. The facts presented by such people usually turn out to be factoids. I choose not to respond to such attacks. They are not worthy of a response.
Whenever attacked or insulted, before becoming upset, consider the source of the criticism or slur. You will usually discover that the person is not worth the aggravation. If your antagonist has posted a comment or profile that seems too good to be true, it probably isn't. Profiles on the internet are a virtual representation of how a person wishes to be perceived. Perception and reality are often two different things. A questionable profile will contain only vague references to previous or current careers, accomplishments, and lifestyle. A trustworthy profile will include names, dates, and other specific references that may be easily researched and fact-checked.
One should seriously consider the opinions and constructive criticism of well meaning, intelligent people. Those of antagonistic, ignorant people are not worth taking seriously.
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Alicia wrote: "Can't argue with you on any of this.And jumping into the fray with people prepared to go far nastier than I would ever, in my entire life, consider, is not educating them. It is feeding their sic..."
Alicia,
An astute observation. Ignoring ignorance is sometimes the best and most effective response.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on the blog post.
Jim Vuksic
And jumping into the fray with people prepared to go far nastier than I would ever, in my entire life, consider, is not educating them. It is feeding their sick habit.
"What if they gave a war and nobody came" applies to the internet, too.