Commentary

Nowadays there's so much to read online: news, books, how-to sites, cooking sites, dating sites, professional networking, email, and of course blogs, to name less than a few.  As the internet becomes more and more personal, every site becomes more and more like a social network (you know, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Linkedin, etc) where you set up a profile and  express yourself as is relevant to the site.

I think that it also follows that we all want people to be interested in us.  That is, I mean, interested in our aforementioned expression.  And I think that most all of us want our friends, our crushes, our lovers, our family, people, someone, anyone to read and be stimulated by that expression; which is, in some form or another, an extension and facet of ourselves.  Anyone who really doesn't care if someone reads their thoughts, and simply posts online... to the public.... for everyone and his grandmother (you know she has a FB) to read... because they... uh... "do it for me" are A) entirely too self-absorbed and/or B) lying [to themselves]. 

But people don't really comment on the more serious stuff, I find.  Or are perhaps bothered by what they don't understand instantly.  People comment on what they know is safe, what they have strong (if not biased or stubborn) opinions on, or what they will gain some gratification from (Yes Trolls, I think that puts you right about there :foreveralone:).  "There's nothing to say" or "Whaaat?  You're weird." are the most common responses.  Bull.  If you don't get it, ASK, try, go beyond the little box you're staring at; and if you think you get it: What then?  Let yourself have an opinion, find your voice and put it to words and sharpen iron with iron.  Bring it; overcome the fear.

My theory is simple: There is too much complacency.  The fear of being effected, honest, or critical defeats the fear of stagnancy, plainness, or an uneventful status quo.  We must be in control.  Instead of risking and challenging ourselves to have an opinion of something to which there is no right or wrong (or we take a stand for exactly what IS right or wrong) we shy away and fear that someone might take offense, or that we might appear weak to have been swayed in some way. We lack the courage to face even the smallest adversities (intrinsic or extrinsic) if they can be avoided.  There is a constant mantra that ignorance is bliss, in art, in life, friendship and in enmity.

Albeit 1) there are those who practically SEEK OUT such challenges, those strong willed arguers that we all know who never back down if they have an opinion.  Maybe its friendly, maybe its asinine, maybe its outright hostile, but we all know them.  I'm not talking about that kind of courage. 2)  There are and will be those that take offense, no doubt.  But either as friends you mutually accept eachother for who you are or perhaps they don't deserve your time anyhow. And 3) there are times we should hold our peace and let bygones be bygones.  If somebody's out fishing for compliments, angling for anger, or wallowing in some self absorbed kiddy-pool of pity, maybe they really are doing it for themselves; they really don't need your comments.   *Beware of Status: Don't Feed the Troll*

All this to say:  If you feel so moved: Always comment.  Let imagination and honesty ally.  Even just to say you've read it, it helps a writer know who's been listening, and what the reader (hopefully friends and acquaintances) thinks.  Just because someone's 'expression' is opinionated or artistic, I for one shall not be offended that you speak your mind, and in fact am rather encouraged and excited to know you were somehow engaged by what I attempt to share; so long as I haven't offended you or been hypocritical to myself/my beliefs.  I try very hard to learn from my mistakes and actively adapt to criticism: It's how I learn best! I don't know about you, a being in stasis is dead, and none will ever reach the top, so why not still strive for it; at least we can say we tried.  Be it over one word, one line, the piece as a whole, your opinion can have far reaching effects that shape opinion, style, words, and minds.  For better or for worse.  Challenge me, challenge your friends, challenge yourself, to be affected, to be honest, to be creative, romantic, confident, open, free...

Everything in this life is some give, some take:
So take away, I give for your sake.
Tis certain free, I but ask honesty.
If tis but little good,  just let me know;
At very least what wastes our time we show.
But if you delight in something done right,
Just give me your voice, and I'll take it too:
With some luck we'll have made what's a bit me...
...and a little you.

Have a great one!

This is me, wiping the slate clean.
~Ben