I spent many of my formative years in England, where I adopted the cultural norms. [link] My father was in the Navy, which meant that we spent some of those years hither and thither, but Brit’s do not adapt to ‘abroad,’ and maintain the same standards regardless of where they end up. [translation = colonialism] If I were to visit my "brother in China," things would be very different. If I jumped on an aeorplane to visit my "daughter," they would be different again.
But etiquette in the ether, is more intangible, with no-one to tell you what the rules are. Quite often as you’re zipping happily along in the blogosphere, you come across a posting the effects your "psyche." Sometimes you’re shocked, or struck dumb. It is at these times that I feel like a voyeur. Often I will want to add a comment, but I am at a loss to know what to write, that will not seem crass, insensitive or meaningless.
Many bloggers have no way of knowing that anyone has read their work, as a "sitemeter," hasn't entered radar screen. Others know that they have had visitors but that no-one has any opinion that they wish to share with the writer, leaving them without validation, approval or acknowledgment.
As I struggle up my own personal learning curve, or rather, creep, I thought I might share my conclusion Whilst I am a newbie of a mere six months, this phenomenon has left me flummoxed on more than one occasion. Do I make my presence known by leaving a comment, or do I slink away with my proverbial tail between my fingers?
It is therefore with “grateful thanks” that I can now note, that to write a comment to say the equivalent of ‘you have left me speechless,’ is probably the way ahead for me.
So unlock your stiff upper lip, snap those typing fingers and don't let your lips be sealed.
5 hours ago
7 comments:
Now I'm scared. LOL
I'd say do what's most comfortable for you. Somedays I feel like commenting, some days I don't. I can always come back after I've thought on it awhile. ;-)
I agree, it can be difficult to leave a comment without sounding trite but the more I blog the more appreciative I am of any comments, considering the number of people who read. It can be difficult not knowing if people like what you said, or not. Interesting blog you have - and I have looked at your autism blog, too, and will visit again. So many blogs, such little time!
You are so right about commenting... I get the same feeling leaving a blog without saying smth, although I don't always know what to say... "you left me speechless" could be it :))
I used to be very shy leaving comments - not I just let it rip - people usually appreciate a something written - and if they don't I am not sure why they are hanging all of their dirty laundry out to the world...
I'm pretty shy at commenting, I drift about reading blogs and feeling awkward - I sometimes feel that despite being published, they are often private worlds and speaking up would be a little like joining in a private conversation on the bus. But how can I not comment here!
well said.
mm... strange thread
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