Internet Primer

OK, since apparently I've run across people who are unaware of this, both inside and outside the family, here you go.

The internet is PUBLIC. Any anonymity is a thin veil that is easy to pierce, and the vast majority of what you post can be read by anyone. In addition, most places where you can post things have the ability for others to post comments on your musings.

Here's a shocker- not all of those comments will be unequivocally supportive. Some will reflect a bit of a dissonance with your views. Some may even be derogatory. On occasion you may find your writings given extremely poor treatment, with aspersions cast upon your family tree or a lack thereof.

If you cannot handle this, the internet may not be for you. Try something else. If you set foot into this electronic space and offer forth your own thoughts, you'd better be ready to deal with what others say about it- sometimes it will be rather blunt, but you're expected to be an adult.

For those who just lurk and read, remember that bluntness and disagreement is not being a jerk, is not being harsh, isn't even being off putting. It's stating a fact, and it may have even been toned down a bit. If you cannot handle this, I likewise might suggest getting off the internet and being quiet while adults are talking.

You don't like what people say, fine. You don't have to. But to act all hurt and whiny because somebody said something in a manner that wasn't full of unicorns and rainbows is just flat stupid- go back to AOL where you belong.