Cranky, Nasty Posters

I have to vent because I just think the internet can be a real dumping ground for stinky, crappy mean people who go around expressing their negativity under the guise of screen names like snookidogooder172 or creativebeautycakes404 (forgive me if those are real screen names - please don't leave me a nasty comment.)

I am so tired of seeing these message board meanies raking people over the coals because they posted a link to their blog, asked a question that had been asked before or spelled something wrong in a comment.  It is petty and hurtful and so unnecessary.

Has a crime been committed? Blood been drawn? Was there an act of social injustice?  Why not put this energy into something constructive like a random act of kindness, supporting someone who takes the time to share useful information or by "paying it forward?"

I can't help wondering who these people are that sit in front of their computers spreading ugliness just because they can.

I suppose there are some posters that have thick enough skin and can ignore the snarkiness without letting it affect them but there are plenty of us that can't and we are left feeling hurt, rejected, embarrassed and saddened.  I would bet that 99.9% of the time, the original poster never meant to break rules, offend someone sense of order nor stealthly peddle goods.  Doesn't SOCIAL MEDIA, by definition, include message boards?  Doesn't a blogger have the right to say "hey I have something cool to share -I worked hard putting it together and you are invited to read it, see it, buy it if you are interested and want to pop over?" Don't click on the link if you don't want to see it!

Ignorance of unspoken rules is not a crime against humanity. Making mistakes is not a federal offense. Sharing information (even if it isn't useful to you) is not worthy of your wrath. Marketing yourself in a "non-commercial" way is not deviant (I'm super not interesting in debating over what is commercial vs. non-commercial - check out Craig's List if you want to see my personal definition.)

Someone once posted a thread stating that pinning your own photos from your blog is disgusting - I disagree and said so but I said it kindly and didn't spank the poster. Wouldn't it be great if people didn't assume the worst of others?

I have had my posts attacked a number of times and it stings. I found myself fearful of responding because I knew that jerkface99 would be willing to shred me if given the fodder and I am too sensitive to participate in a battle of hate.

So... since this is my blog and I am feeling pretty irritated by the stupid comment yoyo365 left me on a post, I am spewing a little negativity of my own.  This is my word house and I didn't place my frustration on anyone specifically. I said what was on my mind and I will leave it at that. But I do have one more thing to add... A loud, spitty raspberry directed at all the cyberroadragers out there. I hope some saliva hits you in the eye.