Blogging has been getting me down lately... more accurately, events in the J-blogosphere (and people's reactions to them) are. Thanks to all those who are good, nice, kind, and honest for reminding me that most people truly are.
Moshe, LT - LT's on the right track. There's just so much more to the story... and it's not just that, anyway. In a way, it's not about that at all - just everything that surrounds it, that went into it, etc. And that's deliberately vague, sorry.
People inherently have a hard time separating a person's viewpoint from the person. Whenever politics are being discussed, some are bound to get personal... but there often isn't much room to unleash that animosity or frustration at "the other side".
This plagiarism thing served as a pressure valve. It was an opportunity for people on each side to take pot-shots at the other perceived side.
But it'll blow over. And the truth is, most people don't really care... they're just blowing off steam.
LT - People inherently have a hard time separating a person's viewpoint from the person.
Some people do, that's true. In this case, I don't think that's what's happening.
This plagiarism thing served as a pressure valve. It was an opportunity for people on each side to take pot-shots at the other perceived side.
Again, I don't think that that's mostly what's happening, though honestly, I haven't checked the comments. But in private, off-blog discussions, people are not doing that at all.
But it'll blow over. And the truth is, most people don't really care... they're just blowing off steam.
That's a big problem, in my opinion, as I said in the long post I wrote a couple weeks ago.
But you have to keep your chin up and look at the trustworthy ones... Life is the same. But there are sooo many wierd people out there you just have to overlook the bad ones as much as you can.
Not to be a downer...and maybe this is a topic for a different post...but do you think that most people are good people? I'm not sure that they are. I think the world is probably divided into thirds: the really wonderful people, the "pareve" people, and the really bad people. The crummy thing about a whole third of the world's people being "pareve" is that silence in the face of something bad is often interpretted as agreement, and people who just don't care, or don't want to get involved end up helping a bad person effectuate whatever it is they are up to. So it's really sort of 2/3 bad vs. 1/3 good. Or at least, that's how it seems to me.
Fern - It is more for another post, but it's a good topic. I disagree... I really do think most people are good people, or at the least 'pareve' as you say. I think the bad people are truly rare. Even among them, they're not pure evil either: They're just too selfish in what they do.
People do make mistakes and exercise poor judgement... but I don't think they're bad.
Ezzie, blogging stinks only if you get into pointless fights. The internet is big enough to contain every opinion out there. Putting your effort into shutting down others because they disagree with you is being a bully. You're not the boss of the blogosphere, and your understanding isn't the only legitimate one. People are entitled to form their own opinion; the J-blogosphere is not totalitarian; Moreover, DovBear is one of the most prolific bloggers out there, one who raises people's consciousness and provides an open forum for others. Being manipulative does not do your image much good.
"I'm really not sure what you're talking about. What same old anything is happening?"
Any controversial news happens and it's beaten to death in umpty-blogs that have nothing new to say. The usual flamers and flamees then reappear in the comment sections refighting their old battles.
Raquel - No, blogging stinks when the people who are a large part of it are dishonest.
Putting your effort into shutting down others because they disagree with you is being a bully.
Absolutely. But what does that have to do with what we're talking about whatsoever?
You're not the boss of the blogosphere, and your understanding isn't the only legitimate one.
Huh?
Moreover, DovBear is one of the most prolific bloggers out there, one who raises people's consciousness and provides an open forum for others.
Don't know if I agree with any of that, but okay.
Being manipulative does not do your image much good.
Huh? How am I being manipulative?
Ex-anon - Any controversial news happens and it's beaten to death in umpty-blogs that have nothing new to say.
That could be, though I'd hardly call this an "old battle". I don't think the J-blogosphere has seen anything like this before. I also don't see it being "refought" - it's being discussed, pretty much for the first time. What was posted last night and today is not only new, but a whole new twist on the story. I'm actually surprised that some people haven't quite understood this yet.
Ezzie, forgot about all that stuff, concentrate on your own blog. I think the problem is that you love being part of the "community" so much that you don't think of yourself enough as an autonomous entity. You have a great blog, and you are a great blogger. Just do your own thing and don't focus on any scandals or boycotts :-)
Chaim - True, though honestly, one of the main facets of my blog is that it tracks the J-blogosphere somewhat. (At least, to me.) That's part of what I like doing... and when the J-blogosphere takes a hit, I don't like it.
And you're right about the community idea... but I prefer it that way. I think that while we're obviously all our own, we're also a community - and we'd like that community to be nice, friendly, and honest.
I sort of see what you're saying, but on the other hand, such, um, negative developments have the positive effect of exposing suppressed issues and allowing for self-correction, discussion of serious problem, and in the end, greater self-awareness. Who knows how many people have been affected, pushed to think, or even change their own behavior in responds to all these discussions?
RM - HAHA! You have no idea... after I wrote this, I was thinking about that, and how that would make it all good... :P
Irina - That's what I'm upset about. In this case, people are just whitewashing the whole thing from beginning to end - even attacking those who dare condemn.
Neil - I'm jealous! :) But I agree... So nu, when are you bringing me a Burger Buddy and visiting NYC?
Cheer up Ezzie. You know that part of the problem is that the blogs that bash others are always more popular than the ones that don't, because people are usually insecure, and get a lift when hearing about others' faults. It is hard to wean yourself off of this, and even harder not to do it yourself. So their is a lot of rationalization for supporting blogs that give you this good feeling - even if the blogger in question has done something wrong.
You seem to take it to heart more than others, because you want to be connected to everyone. I think this is a wonderful trait of yours, and by the way, is why I nominated you for "Best of the Rest" in the JIB's. If there was a blogger mensch award, you would win it hands down.
Though I'm still relatively new to the j-blogosphere, my experience here has been pretty much totally positive so far. True, I don't read hundreds of blogs, but the ones I've found through comments on your blog and others seem to all belong to genuinely nice and sincere people. I guess to an extent that's because I make a decision only to read those blogs that I deem worthy--but I've found more nice people than nasty ones. The community involved in your blog, anyway, is a really wonderful one.
Jack - I never know if you're kidding or not... when!? And amen.
WBM - Thanks, I honestly haven't been following the JIBs... that's incredibly flattering. Wow. (bows) Thanks.
You're definitely right - and it is frustrating. I just wish people wouldn't be so insecure, I guess.
SJ - (beams) Thanks! That's actually quite true - on the rare occasion there's been a nasty comment here, it gets patched up rather quickly. I've always been happy that the people who often disagree with me here (JA, TownCrier, CharlieHall) also always write very politely and respectfully, and I try to do the same back. I guess that this is a product of me not being selective enough about which blogs I read. I know I should avoid the nasty ones, but there's something about train wrecks...
Kasamba - Thanks! See, now you're easy to focus on. :P Everything is hilarious!
What, other than the plagiarism scandal, are you talking about?
ReplyDeleteMoshe, LT - LT's on the right track. There's just so much more to the story... and it's not just that, anyway. In a way, it's not about that at all - just everything that surrounds it, that went into it, etc. And that's deliberately vague, sorry.
ReplyDeletewould sushi make you feel better?
ReplyDeleteI know what would make Ezzie feel better.
ReplyDeleteEveryone over to Ezzies place, we're watching "Blazing Saddles"
Sorry you're feeling down Ezzie. Hope you feel better.
ReplyDeleteIf it's of any consolation, I've begun posting more often...
The Wolf
Steg, HH - LOL
ReplyDeleteWolf - That it is... :)
People inherently have a hard time separating a person's viewpoint from the person. Whenever politics are being discussed, some are bound to get personal... but there often isn't much room to unleash that animosity or frustration at "the other side".
ReplyDeleteThis plagiarism thing served as a pressure valve. It was an opportunity for people on each side to take pot-shots at the other perceived side.
But it'll blow over. And the truth is, most people don't really care... they're just blowing off steam.
LT - People inherently have a hard time separating a person's viewpoint from the person.
ReplyDeleteSome people do, that's true. In this case, I don't think that's what's happening.
This plagiarism thing served as a pressure valve. It was an opportunity for people on each side to take pot-shots at the other perceived side.
Again, I don't think that that's mostly what's happening, though honestly, I haven't checked the comments. But in private, off-blog discussions, people are not doing that at all.
But it'll blow over. And the truth is, most people don't really care... they're just blowing off steam.
That's a big problem, in my opinion, as I said in the long post I wrote a couple weeks ago.
There are so many untrustworthy people out there.
ReplyDeleteBut you have to keep your chin up and look at the trustworthy ones... Life is the same. But there are sooo many wierd people out there you just have to overlook the bad ones as much as you can.
Cheer up!!
ExSemGirl - Amen, and that was what I was driving at in the end of the post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHow many times and in how many ways and by how many people in how many places do we need to see the same old sorry catfights restaged?
ReplyDeleteIf self-expression has caused this, we need to fix ourselves.
How many times and in how many ways and by how many people in how many places do we need to see the same old sorry catfights restaged?
ReplyDeleteSide note: In the future, please pick a name...
I'm really not sure what you're talking about. What same old anything is happening?
If self-expression has caused this, we need to fix ourselves.
Huh? I think the point here is lack of said "self-expression".
Not to be a downer...and maybe this is a topic for a different post...but do you think that most people are good people? I'm not sure that they are. I think the world is probably divided into thirds: the really wonderful people, the "pareve" people, and the really bad people. The crummy thing about a whole third of the world's people being "pareve" is that silence in the face of something bad is often interpretted as agreement, and people who just don't care, or don't want to get involved end up helping a bad person effectuate whatever it is they are up to. So it's really sort of 2/3 bad vs. 1/3 good. Or at least, that's how it seems to me.
ReplyDeleteFern - It is more for another post, but it's a good topic. I disagree... I really do think most people are good people, or at the least 'pareve' as you say. I think the bad people are truly rare. Even among them, they're not pure evil either: They're just too selfish in what they do.
ReplyDeletePeople do make mistakes and exercise poor judgement... but I don't think they're bad.
Ezzie, blogging stinks only if you get into pointless fights. The internet is big enough to contain every opinion out there. Putting your effort into shutting down others because they disagree with you is being a bully. You're not the boss of the blogosphere, and your understanding isn't the only legitimate one. People are
ReplyDeleteentitled to form their own opinion; the J-blogosphere is not totalitarian; Moreover, DovBear is one of the most prolific
bloggers out there, one who raises people's consciousness and provides an open forum for others. Being manipulative does not do your image much good.
"I'm really not sure what you're talking about. What same old anything is happening?"
ReplyDeleteAny controversial news happens and it's beaten to death in umpty-blogs that have nothing new to say. The usual flamers and flamees then reappear in the comment sections refighting their old battles.
Raquel - No, blogging stinks when the people who are a large part of it are dishonest.
ReplyDeletePutting your effort into shutting down others because they disagree with you is being a bully.
Absolutely. But what does that have to do with what we're talking about whatsoever?
You're not the boss of the blogosphere, and your understanding isn't the only legitimate one.
Huh?
Moreover, DovBear is one of the most prolific bloggers out there, one who raises people's consciousness and provides an open forum for others.
Don't know if I agree with any of that, but okay.
Being manipulative does not do your image much good.
Huh? How am I being manipulative?
Ex-anon - Any controversial news happens and it's beaten to death in umpty-blogs that have nothing new to say.
That could be, though I'd hardly call this an "old battle". I don't think the J-blogosphere has seen anything like this before. I also don't see it being "refought" - it's being discussed, pretty much for the first time. What was posted last night and today is not only new, but a whole new twist on the story. I'm actually surprised that some people haven't quite understood this yet.
My comments above are general. Whatever you're referring to specifically may be a whole other thing.
ReplyDeleteEx-Anon - In that case, absolutely. Blogs do tend to beat up on old issues over and over again.
ReplyDeleteWell, Ezzie, I think bloggig is too much a part of your life to quit. At least I hope you don't.
ReplyDeleteEzzie, forgot about all that stuff, concentrate on your own blog. I think the problem is that you love being part of the "community" so much that you don't think of yourself enough as an autonomous entity. You have a great blog, and you are a great blogger. Just do your own thing and don't focus on any scandals or boycotts :-)
ReplyDeleteAmishav - Hehe. Don't worry about that...
ReplyDeleteChaim - True, though honestly, one of the main facets of my blog is that it tracks the J-blogosphere somewhat. (At least, to me.) That's part of what I like doing... and when the J-blogosphere takes a hit, I don't like it.
And you're right about the community idea... but I prefer it that way. I think that while we're obviously all our own, we're also a community - and we'd like that community to be nice, friendly, and honest.
Community? I thought you were going to be part of the RaggedyMom-SephardiLady-Kasamba-Ezzie new community?!
ReplyDeleteI sort of see what you're saying, but on the other hand, such, um, negative developments have the positive effect of exposing suppressed issues and allowing for self-correction, discussion of serious problem, and in the end, greater self-awareness. Who knows how many people have been affected, pushed to think, or even change their own behavior in responds to all these discussions?
ReplyDeleteEzzie,
ReplyDeleteI share your feelings. Last motzei Shabbos I did meet Psychotoddler (briefly...a real mensch!! There are good people out there.
RM - HAHA! You have no idea... after I wrote this, I was thinking about that, and how that would make it all good... :P
ReplyDeleteIrina - That's what I'm upset about. In this case, people are just whitewashing the whole thing from beginning to end - even attacking those who dare condemn.
Neil - I'm jealous! :) But I agree... So nu, when are you bringing me a Burger Buddy and visiting NYC?
Ezzie,
ReplyDeleteWe met once, but you probably don't remember. Maybe it is because here in blogland I am anonymous and in the real world I am......
Blogging is what you make of it.
Cheer up Ezzie. You know that part of the problem is that the blogs that bash others are always more popular than the ones that don't, because people are usually insecure, and get a lift when hearing about others' faults. It is hard to wean yourself off of this, and even harder not to do it yourself. So their is a lot of rationalization for supporting blogs that give you this good feeling - even if the blogger in question has done something wrong.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to take it to heart more than others, because you want to be connected to everyone. I think this is a wonderful trait of yours, and by the way, is why I nominated you for "Best of the Rest" in the JIB's. If there was a blogger mensch award, you would win it hands down.
"their" should be "there" - I'm so embarrassed!
ReplyDeleteThough I'm still relatively new to the j-blogosphere, my experience here has been pretty much totally positive so far. True, I don't read hundreds of blogs, but the ones I've found through comments on your blog and others seem to all belong to genuinely nice and sincere people. I guess to an extent that's because I make a decision only to read those blogs that I deem worthy--but I've found more nice people than nasty ones. The community involved in your blog, anyway, is a really wonderful one.
ReplyDeleteWell said SJ!
ReplyDeleteEzzie, ignore the idiots and just keep up the good stuff!
Jack - I never know if you're kidding or not... when!? And amen.
ReplyDeleteWBM - Thanks, I honestly haven't been following the JIBs... that's incredibly flattering. Wow. (bows) Thanks.
You're definitely right - and it is frustrating. I just wish people wouldn't be so insecure, I guess.
SJ - (beams) Thanks! That's actually quite true - on the rare occasion there's been a nasty comment here, it gets patched up rather quickly. I've always been happy that the people who often disagree with me here (JA, TownCrier, CharlieHall) also always write very politely and respectfully, and I try to do the same back. I guess that this is a product of me not being selective enough about which blogs I read. I know I should avoid the nasty ones, but there's something about train wrecks...
Kasamba - Thanks! See, now you're easy to focus on. :P Everything is hilarious!
Jack - I never know if you're kidding or not...
ReplyDeleteThat is ok, no one else knows either.
Well, did we meet!?
ReplyDeleteWell, did we meet!?
ReplyDeleteYOu mean that you don't remember that time. I am disappointed.