For the past 7 years and 4 months I’ve had the luxury ability to be a work at home mom. What this means for me is that I am an independent contractor working for a company with a set hours of work per day/week. I have the flexibility to go to the school if I need to. As well as hit up doctor appointments when necessary (and as I’m pregnant, they are necessary). The downside to this is that I work solely via the computer.
Now don’t get me wrong. I love my computer. As the saying goes, most of my friends live in it. But just like in real life, there are a lot of bad eggs that live in it as well. And after 7+ years, I’ve learned pretty quickly who is going to be a bad egg more often than not. But that doesn’t mean it still doesn’t sting.
So on that note, begin rant: I find it utterly amazing how easily (and swiftly!) people toss away their manners (assuming they’ve had any to begin with) when they sit down in front of the computer.
People, let’s get this straight once and for all… when you are emailing or posting a comment or replying to a message board post, there is undoubtedly a person on the other side reading what you’re writing.
So no, being on a computer does not mean that you can use smilies to “passively” roll your eyes at someone. Nor does it mean you can be rude and obnoxious. And no, no you can’t just demand everything under the sun in a tone that makes you sound like you need a good smack upside the head. WHERE ARE YOUR MANNERS?!?!
Let’s assume for a minute that you do have manners. And let’s assume you’re looking for help with a problem. Wouldn’t it also be right to assume that if you asked politely that you’d get what you want, rather than ticking off the person who can help you, so much so that said person no longer is willing to help you ever again?
Thought so.
And I really hope that these people that toss their manners to the side—Miss Manners be damned—aren’t teaching the younger generation to do the same. Although if I were a betting person, I’d bet a million that they are. For shame.
So in conclusion (I’ve always wanted to say that!) let’s try to remember that yes, Virginia, there is a person sitting in front of their computer reading what you’re spewing.
