Social Networking

Once upon a time, waaay back before computers were commonplace, the accepted way to socially interact with other people was to go to a public venue such as a public house, and chat to your freinds and acquaintances about your day / week / month whilst sharing a drink or a meal.

A typical evening would have involved drinking a few beers or glasses of house wine whilst exchanging amusing stories and anecdotes about your week at work and what an idiot your boss / co-worker / mother-in-law was.

It was generally accepted as rude to shout at people whilst socializing with them and even ruder to swear at them. Usually only the very drunk would use this behavior which would generally tend to get you either thrown out or dragged outside for a punch up (or both - depending on which establishment you frequented).

New friends were made, old friends passed by, but everyone always followed the basic rules of social etiquette.

This was the way were brought up - to show respect for others, and to be polite. 'Good manners cost nothing' as my mum would often say.

Fast forward to 2009.

Computers are now commonplace, many spend more time interacting with their PC's than with real people. Some so much so that their online persona (read: alter ego) is much larger then themselves. Pretty soon people are not going to know how to function in a normal society  - and the recent behavior of some in this community echo's scary proof of that.

For those of you who swear, flame and generally belittle people - if that same person was standing in front of you - would you speak to them the same way??

I doubt it!

Everyone is entitled to thier own opinion, and there is nothing wrong with a little rhetoric or constructive criticism to keep the creative spark ignighted, but downright rudeness is just not acceptable, remember, there are actually some basic rules of social etiquette, regardless of where the socialising is taking place - why not stop to consider them.

Remember, good manners cost nothing.

DM.