Private annoyances...

[johnpalmer]

You know, I can deal with people not listening to me. And I know, when they aren't, from long, bitter experience, it's best just to let things go.

But there are times when the urge hits to turn back into the snarky asshole who's willing to snap back, hard, when attacked online, because, after all, you're not going to get any satisfaction anyway.

It's interesting, you know? Because people are more likely to cheer a good rant that they agree with more than they are willing to cheer on a quiet, peaceful comeback that makes a point. Some folks will decry the tone of online discussions, but really, it's the snark and nastiness that gets the applause.

Comments

[firecat]

Because people are more likely to cheer a good rant that they agree with more than they are willing to cheer on a quiet, peaceful comeback that makes a point.

I've noticed that too.

[gingicat]

Well, I for one really appreciate it when someone makes a kind, reasoned response. I'll try to actually thank people for it more.

[rickvs.livejournal.com]

*nod*. I've been making an effort to curb my own sharp tongue lately. The trouble I'm having with avoiding snark is, I'm apparently very good at it :/

[erin-c-1978.livejournal.com]

This is, sadly, spot on. I'm appreciating thoughtful, reasoned voices in the blogosphere more and more these days, given their rarity.

If this is in reference to what I think it is, I think it was an excellent example of people who already have their dander up due to other factors taking it out on the nearest person who even seems to disagree. A real shame.

[laurarey.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry...what did you say?


;)

[nsingman.livejournal.com]

Not surprising. Many decry political attack ads, but they get terrific attention. Just as it's easier to destroy than to create, it's easier to dispense (destructive) vituperation than (constructive) criticism.

[zanawake.livejournal.com]

*applauds your calm response*
;-)

[kightp.livejournal.com]

I confess to having a deeply snarky side (well, it's not much of a confession to johnpalmer, I imagine). But I try to keep it in rein, and in particular I try not to let it fly in actual discussion, on line or off. Although oooooooh, I get tempted sometimes.

That's one reason I value certain topical LJ snark communities, as well as the confidence of a few good friends who aren't gossips: So I can let off snarky steam in a place where it won't derail the discussion or scald innocent bystanders.

Not to say my self-control is perfect, but I do think I manage to come off looking like a more reasonable person than I sometimes feel.

[anansi133.livejournal.com]

The posts I'm most proud of, never get the kind of response I wish. And the posts that get the most response, are never the ones I'm very proud of.

I think the lesson here, is not to be in it for the response. YMMV, natch.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

Nod. A lot of life is like this, isn't it? You've got to do it for what you know you can get, for the stuff that's in your control.