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Slendah. I know what you mean.
Sometimes here on Blogit you watch these misunderstandings occur

posted by beachbelle on January 29, 2005 at 11:00 AM | link to this | reply

Scriber, that's a good strategy

posted by beachbelle on January 29, 2005 at 10:44 AM | link to this | reply

I don't knock myself out on any one day; knowing there are others.

posted by scriber on January 29, 2005 at 9:56 AM | link to this | reply

Slendah, Oh SHUT UP! :)

posted by Renigade on January 29, 2005 at 9:46 AM | link to this | reply

This is what I've observed...

I am currently involved in a long distance relationship.  My boyfriend and I correspond mostly by telephone and through instant messenger.  We both have sort of a sarcastic sense of humor.  When we speak on the phone, its easy to tell when we are serious or when we're just joking.  On the instant messenger its difficult to tell, and we often get into big arguments.  So I feel one should be careful of what words you use when commenting, especially if they can be taken more than one way.  If you must make jokes, let the other person know by typing things like LOL or LMAO or use a smilely

posted by Slendah on January 29, 2005 at 9:44 AM | link to this | reply

Beachbelle

I'm one of those that would know you were laughing at yourself.

I wouldn't see it as arrogant so much as you hold yourself  and others to very high standards with your profession.

Then again, Brits do have a way of their own at laughing at themselves.

Like we Canuks we laugh at ourselves when it's -;) -40 degrees and BBQ in it like I did tonight.

posted by WileyJohn on January 28, 2005 at 7:56 PM | link to this | reply

McNab Divided by a common language

posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 2:49 PM | link to this | reply

beachbelle

My wife often has to kick me when I make a remark like - 'another beautiful spring day,'  to a Canadian, when the temp is - 30 and the snow is horizontal.  The Canadian usually says  'Do you think so?''  Isn't that ironic.

I almost ended up in hospital after an auction in an infants school a few months back.  I was at one of the two tiny urinal when another guy came up behind me and hesitated.  "Room for a small one," I said.  Geeesh.

posted by johnmacnab on January 28, 2005 at 1:55 PM | link to this | reply

it's subjective

posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 12:57 PM | link to this | reply

Writing is about ideas not being regulated. By nature its subjective
And yet I never think of giving and taking hits.

There are too many words out there, more than we can ever read, for them to be policed or categorized or judged by a rigid criteria. Some of the best and truest writers here have lousy grammar and spelling. As a former editor, people probably would expect me to dismiss them. If I adopted strict rules I would have missed out on some wonderful material.
As a former editor and current writer I am aware of what is acceptable in terms of language in some publications but again that is open to some interpretation. I know what I like and don't, that's all I go on and sometimes I comment to that effect just like everyone else.

posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 12:57 PM | link to this | reply

beachbelle

I read the post, over and over. I obviously wasn't satisfied. And I do admit the hypocrisy. All I will say is this: If someone treats my work with consistancy and the same level of subjectivity as they do others, I won't have a problem.

If they choose not to, and single me out (for whatever secondary reason or agenda), I will then be forced to speak up. I have a very thick skin, I can take a hit like the best, and have since the day I got here.What I cannot take is a two-faced hypocrite!

If I am on the road and get stopped by a cop, and I get a ticket; I'll pay the fine and shut up.
If I see others getting a free pass from the same cop for the same "violation", expect to hear from me!

And David has a tendency to speak really loud when the situation warrants!

End of story! Thank you for giving me your comments section to speak my mind.

posted by David1Spirit on January 28, 2005 at 12:00 PM | link to this | reply

David, your comment goes to the heart of the differences in our world view
You present a contradiction. You accept the system is not fair but you want people to be fair. If someone likes Joe Blow's post and not yours so be it. As I said in this post, "it happens all the time to ALL of us."
Look I am not going to rewrite the post - read it again closely. There are the reasons I list and a multitude of others.
Most of the time here we move in ever-decreasing circles kicking around the same half-dozen ideas. That's what I get fed up here, bored with rather than individuals.

Where we are different is in our interpretation of the word "reasonable". Reasonable is is about having sound judgement, moderate, and being ready to listen to reason. It seems a little "unreasonable" to me not to be open to exploring other views. Of course people have strong views but in view we should consistently scrutinize our views. I think that is OK to review and change our opinions and yes we have strong opinions on some matters but conditions change, we change.

The other difference is that you expect people to be consistent. I don't. We all have many facets to our personalities and we reveal them at different times. In that respect we are probably all hypocrites to some degree

posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 11:47 AM | link to this | reply

beachbelle

But that is so not true. I don't care if the system is fair or not, or gives a fair shake. I can deal with that. We have no real control over how it is setup, or how people read or click on a certain post. Clicks and rank and popularity are not constants here; can always change. And what motivates a click should never be the same motivation for determining opinions. Not if that person believes in their own opinions anyways.

But I was expecting reasonable people to at least know what they consider good and/or bad writing. If they don't have the common sense to differentiate between what does or does not offend them, well they should seek help. That should be constant, as in let's be consistant in our opinions people. That is where it gets me pee'd off.

If someone picks up an issue of Penthouse and says: "This is trash! I am so offended" Okay, that's fine.
But if they then pick up an issue of Hustler and say: "This is so good, so funny, I totally get it". Well, that's either a two-face or an idiot! Or someone with an agenda! You getting my point?

BTW: I am only using those rags-mags as examples; but again, I am expecting some level of common sense here.

The same goes for posts. Don't go John's post, which says "blah, blah, blah" and tell everyone how great John is; then come to David's post which says the same "blah, blah, blah" and call it offensive. Be consistant, as a reasonable person should be; otherwise you look foolish. Not you by the way, I am talking about anyone and everyone.

That's all I ever asked!

posted by David1Spirit on January 28, 2005 at 11:00 AM | link to this | reply

void-is
yep, we need to look at the "underpinnings" to understand what people are saying and why they speak as they do. Here that is sometimes not so easy - some people blurt it all out and others need to be read between the lines

posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 10:42 AM | link to this | reply

It feels like we are already heading toward an exclusive "blog...
site .... set up for only [their] closest friends and like minds".

I interpret it as if people are saying, "if you don't agree with me then you are worthless so shut the fuck up".


I enjoy a conversation and debate so an exclusive website doesn't do it for me.

That's the way I see it.



posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 10:39 AM | link to this | reply

Ah, yes, just read it...very Platonic of the Untold One... I agree with
the underpinings of that argument...there must be some kind of 'pre-knowledge' of a thing in order to percieve it as the thing it is...

posted by void-is on January 28, 2005 at 10:29 AM | link to this | reply

void-is
Readers of print publications engage with some writers but don't have the direct relationships of blogging - I don't know if you saw the comment much earlier from UntoldOne who spoke of the patterns and who people only listen to what they are pre-programmed to pick up. It seems on the money to me.

posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 10:21 AM | link to this | reply

Beach, there certainly are many factors in (mis)communication. The bonds
you mentioned, go a long way in laying the ground for understanding. I suppose that in a place like Blogit, bond play a more important role because there is often a lot of communication between reader and writer, something that does not happen with the printed word...

posted by void-is on January 28, 2005 at 10:04 AM | link to this | reply

David1Spirit
"All I want is a GD fair shake!" you said below.

Followed a short time later by: "As for those who think things should be fair, let me assure them that it's all completely fair just the way it is!"

Sounds like wanting it both ways to me.


posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 9:57 AM | link to this | reply

Decshak

I don't have to pump up my readership. Anyone with a pair of eyes (and some brains) can see that pretty clearly!  

BTW: I like Chris, he is very likeable and funny. Blogit needs all kinds, and he fits in perfectly!

posted by David1Spirit on January 28, 2005 at 8:31 AM | link to this | reply

Of course if you are TRYING to pick a fight in order to pump up
your readership, as a certain Chris (who shall remain nameless used to do -- it seemed like such a Fucking cheap trick -- such adolescence! ) used to do, then have at it.  Whatever floats yer boat....

posted by _Decshak on January 28, 2005 at 8:27 AM | link to this | reply

Decshak
You are absolutely right! "I hath called this woe upon thine own self, Oh Lord!"

posted by David1Spirit on January 28, 2005 at 8:27 AM | link to this | reply

David1Spirit
With a name like yours, you probably attract the Religious Right.  That's why you get hammered for using the "F" word.  You should either get used to it, stop using the F word, or change your name -- is my guess.

posted by _Decshak on January 28, 2005 at 8:24 AM | link to this | reply

Well, I am already "mad" as in cuckoo! Just read my posts for proof!

As for those who think things should be fair, let me assure them that it's all completely fair just the way it is!

I mean are these people GD stupid? The very same people who deal with posts and blogs and comments in a very arbitrary fashion, now are going and turn around and curse the same arbitrary fashion in which rank and popularity are decided?  These are the same people who try and get David to understand the reasoning as to why he gets hammered while others get a free skate? Sorry, but you cannot have it both facking ways people!!

If they want it that way, they should start their own blog site, with little or no competition, set up for only their closest friends and like minds. Then they will finally be satisfied. Until then, forget it!!!!!!!!!

posted by David1Spirit on January 28, 2005 at 7:59 AM | link to this | reply

David, if you seek fairness here you will go mad
I imagine that about 50 people on Blogit think that if things were fair they'd be No.1.

posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 7:15 AM | link to this | reply

Totally abitrary and illogical

Yes I will agree with that! For the life of me, I still don't see it. Not when it applies to me.

Example: Say I write a post using the "F" word, I will get hammered for it by some. I see three more posts written that day by other bloggers using the exact same "F" word. Guess what? Everybody goes over and tells those people how funny they are, or how they understand what that person is saying, or some othe happy horeshit; but nothing negative.

Then these same people turn around and write posts saying how they are offended by me!

All I want is a GD fair shake!

posted by David1Spirit on January 28, 2005 at 6:19 AM | link to this | reply

Word.smith
You can learn something from anyone even if it is what not to do. Thanks

posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 6:18 AM | link to this | reply

Good point BB,
I've learnt some interesting tidbits from the comments left in my blogs that have helped me to make some slight adjustments in my approach to relationships - especially the difficult ones.

posted by word.smith on January 28, 2005 at 4:56 AM | link to this | reply

ThomasFranklin
I think perhaps Klara and me are alike in some ways - we don't suffer fools gladly, we want to see people do well, we like people, and we are secure in ourselves (perhaps K even more than me on that), or perhaps I am not at all funny :-) I have a low threshold for the banal and am driven in some ways. Eek ..sorry to talk about myself so much

posted by beachbelle on January 28, 2005 at 12:10 AM | link to this | reply

You write similiar to Klara Roberts with an authoritian tone. Sometimes with this tone-people fail to see the humor. They think that you are just yelling at them or telling them the way it is.....As for me, I like women who excert themselves but thats getting off the subject.

posted by ThomasFranklin on January 27, 2005 at 11:57 PM | link to this | reply

Hi beach, you're a better woman than me because I doubt that
anyone would want to see the look on my face sometimes!  lol.

posted by Kelli on January 27, 2005 at 11:01 PM | link to this | reply

Moondawg
I am tongue-in-cheek in part in almost every post and yet some see me as serious. They do not realize I sit here with a smile on my face. Some get me totally

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 9:16 PM | link to this | reply

wordy
Sometimes our readers see things in us we can't see ourselves and so it can help us see ourselves

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 9:14 PM | link to this | reply

UntoldOne
I guess we have to write and not try to pick these apart too much before we start otherwise we would get nothing down

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 9:13 PM | link to this | reply

Tapsel-T
Often it is good because it takes the thought in new directions

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 9:10 PM | link to this | reply

Renigade3
Some say they are leaving when they are going out to the shop and some never leave

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 9:09 PM | link to this | reply

Decshak
It's true. When I write articles for newspapers I never have a clue of people's reactions. The only indicator is that the editors mustn't be getting complaints because they ask me to write again. Aside from that there is no feedback.
These days sadly there is not so much call for my topics

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 9:09 PM | link to this | reply

That's one reason why Blogit is so good for writers.
It helps writers to see how many different ways one statement can be interpreted.  I should spend more time on my subject lines, too, because I get more readers if I can "touch a nerve" in the subject line.  I get serendipitous visitors when somebody else happens to be doing or thinking the same thing as me and they see a subject line about it in "New Posts".  Like on a sunny day when lots of people are washing their cars...or just any old crap that lots of people are doing or thinking....

posted by _Decshak on January 27, 2005 at 9:01 PM | link to this | reply

beach--good post. I'd never really thought about it that way, but you're
right.  Just like I know which bloggers to take "seriously" when they say they say they are leaving and which ones not to take seriously--It all depends on who is delivering the line...

posted by Renigade on January 27, 2005 at 6:59 PM | link to this | reply

Beachbelle - You are right.  No one can ever predict the reaction of readers to writers.

posted by TAPS. on January 27, 2005 at 6:55 PM | link to this | reply

beachbelle . . .

Interesting post. 

   I think it boils down to observers and the observed.  The mind is a pattern-maker; it looks for, and creates, patterns.  Readers perceive only what is already in their minds; some are literal, others fluid, and some in-between.

   Then there are those with ill intent.  Always will be.

   But don't let that stop you.

posted by UntoldOne on January 27, 2005 at 4:51 PM | link to this | reply

It's all a matter of interpretation....

there's that word again,  I guess. Two people will read the same piece of work and come up with comments from totally different points of view and too, some will get you and some won't. 

posted by word.smith on January 27, 2005 at 4:03 PM | link to this | reply

Without the diversity it wouldn't be near as
much fun. And humor can even be taken different ways. I've written some tongue in cheek pieces that people seemed to have taken seriously and commented accordingly.

posted by Moondawg on January 27, 2005 at 3:02 PM | link to this | reply

symphony
I interpret both your comments in the same way ;-).

Thank you

Thank you

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 2:34 PM | link to this | reply

LOL Beach...
well they got a point, it just wasn't mine! LOL!

posted by MerryAnne on January 27, 2005 at 2:32 PM | link to this | reply

Ca88
Perhaps we need to get out more ;-)

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 2:32 PM | link to this | reply

Hey, you won't hear me saying that very often...so yeah, it's true, but

that's just MY opinion.

posted by Ariala on January 27, 2005 at 2:31 PM | link to this | reply

Ariala. If you say so. :-)

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 2:28 PM | link to this | reply

MerryAnne
Isn't it funny when people say they agree with you totally but miss the point?

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 2:27 PM | link to this | reply

Jemmie
I learnt that here more than anywhere

posted by beachbelle on January 27, 2005 at 2:26 PM | link to this | reply

I laugh at myself all the time.....! *wink*

posted by Ca88andra on January 27, 2005 at 2:05 PM | link to this | reply

excellent post...
I totally agree

posted by _Symphony_ on January 27, 2005 at 1:36 PM | link to this | reply

excellent post...
I totally agree

posted by _Symphony_ on January 27, 2005 at 1:36 PM | link to this | reply

I couldn't agree more...
somedays people just don't get me or my comments, or worse they laugh when I'm serious! Otherdays I could type everything in Farsi and they would nod and say "How True!" LOL!

posted by MerryAnne on January 27, 2005 at 1:11 PM | link to this | reply

Great blog, well written, and very true!

posted by Ariala on January 27, 2005 at 12:38 PM | link to this | reply

Crap, humor, logic

There's a joke in there somewhere.

 

The fun with words on a screen is that you never know how someone will take something you say.

posted by Jemmie211 on January 27, 2005 at 12:37 PM | link to this | reply

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