Webupon

There are many today that have an illusory literary ability. The problem with that being that these are precisely the ones who will not fall into the below revealed conversational decline. They know the course and either use their talent instinctively or prefer not to share the secrets of being trendy, (if you are comfortable in social environments, this article is not for you).

Letters in the 21st Century.

Millions seem to have entered the once unreachable, now almost addictive, pastime of sharing their soul with strangers-become-friends through online emails and another variance, that of belonging to a Group. Paper letters are nearly obsolete as communication, except for junk mail and bills. Even prisoners may have online “pen pals”. One need merely log on, and type in the word “groups” to be instantly (unless you still have dial-up) overwhelmed with all the selections. This is a good thing, yes? No, not for a handful of cob-web enhanced, ideologically-challenged, unfortunate individuals that are most oft found writing themselves notes just to have something to write about.

One must first learn the unspoken rules of the online Groups or be branded anti-social and a groupie “leper” for a lifetime; a seemingly harsh and gloomy statement, but true.

This writer has lost the ephemeral battle to the point of being an expert on the subject of misguided social graces. The poignant results of no longer knowing how to participate in the “sophisticate” era of one’s own time may haunt that individual through old age, perhaps, depending on one’s beliefs, beyond. In my own rambling way, I will attempt to give hope to those remaining few who languish helplessly in their unsteady journey toward peace within and popularity online.

Finding a Social Niche or How Not to Be Different

In this day of enlightenment, one learns early on that there are many and varied interpretations on all issues of life; whether one is into a cultural swing, a political hotbed or expressing a profound spiritual belief. There will be out there a “group” or a “following” toward which one can lumber. The “Web” has brought those who think alike (or apart) into one household. Therefore, one has choices never before experienced; that of world-wide “yes, I’m-with-you” online groups. Viewpoints abound but even in the safety of one’s home, to survive, there is still a hidden mandate to choose sides.

It can be disheartening to find that although a main issue may be in common, it is the seemingly insignificant differences that decide if one will be in front of the firing squad rather than in it.

Be aware of the overall view before assuming engagement with a group whose mission statement appears to be similar to one’s own core (or accept that yours is rotten).

Be Careful with the Simple, Honest Reply

One may hear that the art of conversation is to know one’s audience, however, an email is not to be construed as synonymous with face-to-face interaction. The written word is only as revealing, as emotional, as passionate, as cold, as the writer is able to convey. The most commonly used tools are the pauses (……), the laughter (LOL), and the varied words of expression (, , etc.). Humorous figures touted as clip art, (many involving sound/moving characters) are frequently used to engage the reader in the writer’s intent. Unfortunately, these symbols of mirth can be mistaken for derision if the writer does not have insight concerning other members of the group. The use of an exclamation point can be absorbed as either extreme joy or potent rage.

Once, in an attempt to un-ruffle neck fur, this writer stated “I am not trying to convince anyone because I really don’t care what others think”. It brought a storm of indignant replies where as the intent of the phrase was to embody my attitude of tolerance toward all beliefs. The old saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is somewhat analogous to these situations.

Discarding the Myth of Forbidden Categories

The idea that nations can legislate the way humans think is not merely ludicrous but illogical. Just because a government determines that the masses must live in a “politically correct” environment doesn’t mean it occurs. It can also lead one to wild disillusionment, to believe, in this 21st century, that persons who have conflicting thoughts in opposition to the mainstream (offbeat paths in particular) are not only tolerated, nay, encouraged to bring forth their views. “Rubbish”, is this writer’s reply. For such a person to reveal their life beliefs, even if wrung, not from academic knowledge, but from unwanted circumstance or uninvited chance can be risky.

The real-world categories such as the haves and have-nots, liberal vs. conservative, white vs. other races, male/female, or North/South is lengthy and deeply ingrained in mankind.

If one cannot find a computer group to which they can exclusively attach, then the only category left available is that of an Observer: a read-only category thought up by group moderators.

Zero is a Non-Word

“Zero” tolerance is alive and well but not the definition originally portrayed; that which started as good has deteriorated into an abyss of flailing attempts at group conditioning toward morality or immorality, belonging or not. One must choose to think and behave as others or stand alone, difficult in a world that is now so closely bound by technology; an energizing, entertaining world where one is taught to believe that the individual is worthy of being, but ultimately find “ not here”, in their space. From this philosophy was born the blog, but now, even bloggers have their own solid entourage of like expression.

The human brain, in spite of fear, oppression or enforceable laws, is susceptible to errant thought so don’t believe it when a group encourages its’ members to “be themselves”.

Final Muse

This tongue-in-cheek “groupie” advice will likely be a point of scornful and refutable return or it could wind up in the X file with none to hear (or see) the plea for caution.

Still, one last thought from an offbeat rambler: type softly, with one timid word at a time, or you might end up like this writer; with the only interest in what you have to say coming from the purring cat on the keyboard.