Negative Mindsay People @ MindSay

Okay, I can't keep my mouth shut anymore. Things matter now.

Here is my approach to blogging:
I don't write on a controversial topic or say something that people might take defence to if I am not going to be up to debating it with them (notice I say "debating", not "arguing"). The reason I post any controversial/whatever else topics I do IS to get people thinking. I take it as a good sign when others respond to me, even if it is a bit negative, which I rarely ever get anyways. I actually think I've only gotten 3 or 4 "rude" responses on my blog, ever. Even then, for the most part, they are simply challenging, just in an offensive way. heh. But let's face it: some people are just assholes. We deal with them accordingly. The rest have been level-headed, relatively mature and intelligent responses, even if they weren't agreeing with me. I appreciate this.

The #1 thing that gets to me is when people try to say that someone, someone they don't even know outside of this community, posts things on their blog just to get attention and that they are lying about the things they post. There is one person in particular that this issue seems to have come up around quite a few times, but I am not up for naming names right now, and besides, this person is not the only one.
But why is this necessary? What does it matter to you if they are only doing it for attention and even if they are lying? If you really think this is the case, aren't you only feeding it by letting it upset you? If you honestly feel that way, then ignore them. If no one gives them the attention, it will not be serving them in any way and they will eventually stop.

Another thing, a lot of people say, "if you don't like what is written here, then don't read it." This is true. I've said this once or twice myself. I say it because I see the drama that has come up around other people's blogs because of some of the things they post and it makes me weary. Sadly, I've even censored myself because of this. But, really, be discriminating and use your common sense here. There are lines. If someone is posting about their personal life, maybe they are asking for input and help, maybe they just want to get it out of their system. Use your common sense based on the tone of the blog as to whether or not you should reply, and how. But it is never really any use to attack the person because of what they've written. I have had some people respond to my blogs about my personal life that disagree with my perception and present to me something new. Usually these people have good points and I consider and appreciate their input.

Also, there is a difference between attacking someone's ideas and attacking the person. This seems more like a maturity thing than anything else, though, so I will leave pointing out that fact at that.

Like I said, if you are posting something political or controversial or some social issues, whatever, and you get negative feed back, don't complain. This is a COMMUNITY of people. You are probably going to get responses, and they may not all agree with you. If you are upset by responses of people that disagree with you, maybe you should examine why you even bother blogging such things. Is it to educate people? To flaunt your point of view? Do you really not want responses at all? If that's the case, ask people to not respond. I have upon two rare occasions; it works.

There are some blogs that I see and don't agree with, but think about it and realise that nothing I say will change that person's mind, so I don't bother. I will read the responses of others and see that many other people agree with the person. Whatever. The person is here, sharing a bit of their life with us through their blog, creating a sense of community... that's theirs. Sometimes I feel like it is a good idea to offer my input to people whose views differ from mine. I try to do it in a tactful manner without attacking the person or making them feel threatened. It's easy to do, it makes them more open to communicating with you, if you really want to prove a point to them and get them interested, and just more pleasant all around. The attacks and mean comments are really, really unnecessary, but I see these mini "wars" all over, and it's not just lately... it's been going on for a while, and I doubt they will ever stop completely. Like someone who commented to my blog earlier said, these things are always going to be present in any community. That's just the way some people are and you will always have it. They have a good point.

I think, though, that there needs to be some basic understanding between bloggers. There are things we should understand as bloggers and as readers. As a reader, go to someone's blog and do realise, it is their place where they are free to say whatever they want. Really, there are not many outlets like this anymore. I don't think I can think of anything else, actually... That is why I love blogging so much, especially in this community. There is no one here censoring me. No one. It is a wonderful thing and I think there is great potential for things to happen and be learnt. There are some people here suggesting we have such things as "rating systems" where you warn people of the content of your blog. I think this is ridiculous and outrageous... but I digress; that is another post. ;)
As a blogger, realise that there are people who are going to read your blog and not agree with what you have to say and maybe even not believe you in the case of posting about your personal life. You are putting yourself out there, and if you chose to make the content of your blog available to people you don't know, don't act like you can't believe some people can call you out or disagree with what you have to say on your own blog. People disagree, plain and simple. If you don't want to deal with them disagreeing with you, don't make it available to them.

For the most part, people here are wonderful. I love this community and will probably continue blogging here for as long as it exists (as long as it doesn't change in a way I don't like) or as long as I exist... whichever dies out first. heh. I've been here from the beginning and experienced it evolve and grow, have experienced and recorded my own personal evolution here, and have enjoyed seeing other's. This community means a lot to me. There are some amazing people here who have exposed me to things I never, ever would have come in contact with otherwise and because of this, I have learnt and grown a lot. The beauty of how people come together here to support each other and grow together has not gone unnoticed.

I just find it sad that there seems to be more and more "issues" coming up all the time.
For what? There are a few "trouble makers" and it's unfortunate. It's unfortunate to see people who I previously understood to be intelligent, mature people getting pulled into these games.

I'm not sure what else to say... I don't think anything I say is going to make a difference, and I'm not sure I really even made any points or brought anything to light that hasn't been noticed before... But maybe you can look at your own actions and way of dealing with people and examine it. Basically I am saying that there is a time and place for everything. Use your head when communicating with people on here (or anywhere, really). Don't create unnecessary drama, think before you act, be perceptive, be respectful, be conscious and aware. I realise some people really aren't capable of this, for whatever reason, but just think about why you are here and how you would like to contribute to the community, if at all, and how that compares to how you really are contributing.

I guess that's all I have to say about this matter for now.

Good night everyone.
-Liv-