Moody Writing on Message Forums
Moods Will Get You and Get to You - Every time
Can you truly be yourself in an online writing community?
Really? I'm finding that it's the assumption that most people
are like me that gets me into trouble. That they know what I
mean, we're on the same page, so to speak. What I might consider
harmless fun or discussion may extremely offend someone else.
The message that was truly intended is forever lost if the
perception is wrong. Be careful of the words you use. You can't
expect anyone to be able to read between the lines, or notice
the tongue n your cheek if they can't see the twinkle in your
eye. Your words are taken literally, and the tone is very
important. I think more is read from the tone than the words at
those times.
Posting a message in the emotion of the moment should be
avoided, because invariably, emotion means you are being
yourself, and someone is going to misinterpret it. You may flare
up and burn out immediately. You're over it, and in real life,
face-to-face, it would pass quickly for all parties. Online it
can't, because there is no way to satisfactorily explain what
was meant.
Perception becomes reality.
Encouragement:
Encouragement is needed by everyone just to keep them going.
It's one of the most important elements of life. Without it, we
shrivel up and die. In online communities, over time, we begin
to take each other for granted. We are so busy with our projects
we forget that others are busy too. We first forget to say
'thank you' now and then, and finally we forget to say it at
all. Everyone needs some sort of recognition for their efforts.
We need to know our time is appreciated. Just as our real life
families need a friendly welcome and smile, so do our online
friends. Being taken for granted wears thin real fast.
Members of good writing groups can't wait to get home and log
on. They love it. Why? You can guess why, I think. It's
friendly, welcoming and encouraging. It's such a small thing to
give, but oh, so very important. Don't deny it to anyone because
of a perceived slight.
Real life affects us. It can't help but put the humor in our
writing that everyone loves, but remember, it also adds the
anger, hurt and rudeness that we sometimes show in our posts and
replies. Try not to take it personal when it happens to you.
Holding grudges is not good for you. Forget it! Offer a
word and a smile. If it isn't accepted, move on, but don't carry
on.
Perception is stronger than reality.
Try to forget and forgive online offenses, they usually are not
truly directed at you, but caused by an off-line incident. You
just happened to be the first person encountered after the
event.
Perception is not always reality.