A Question of Kindness

[ellajam]

"Choose Carefully Who You're Kind To"

Ugghh, nope, no way, not the way I want to live.

I'm a firm believer that we make the world we want to live in. Avoiding purposely hurting people doesn't turn life into sunshine and rainbows, but in the moment it makes it a more pleasant place to be.

Kindness doesn't come from being nice, plenty is said in my head that doesn't exit my mouth, but it is a choice made because it makes me feel better and creates an atmosphere where I, in turn, am treated better.

It is hardest to be kind to someone I consider an idiot, but most satisfying, a daily challenge.

On the internet it seems to be accepted as fine fun to be nasty to a troll, and it may be a useful tactic. It is just something I don't want to be a part of. IRL I just ignore the jerks and although for many people there are different rules online, I'm more comfortable being my actual self. It works for me.

Focusing in on this site, I think the Newly Registered Forum is brilliant. It isolates the posters who don't want to bother to read and apply the clearly, abundantly posted rules and who don't want to read for an hour, which would make the site's format obvious. Anyone who wants to leave some thoughtful feedback before posting their own work doesn't even have to start there. I think it leaves the workshops pretty clean.

If members want to crucify the few who make it through into the workshops and maintain an attitude unsuited to the site, go at it if you want to, it's just not the taste I want in my own mouth.

It's true that in a way I'm letting others do the dirty work for me, but I do what I can in my own way.