When we disagree with someone in the blogosphere, is it better to remain silent?
I always appreciate dissenters on my blog because they encourage me to think outside of my paradigm. I've learned lately, though, that dissenting views often lead to either defensiveness or hurt feelings. Sure, there are particular ways to "sugar coat" (or kindly share) our dissenting views, but is it better to hold our tongues completely? I'm leaning toward "yes."
You, reader, are invited to disagree, however.
8 comments:
If I feel that I can comment and maintain appropriate debate etiquette (i.e. talk about the issue at hand, don't make personal attacks/judgments, etc.), then I will comment. Though I will usually only comment if someone else hasn't already made my point.
If I don't feel that I can maintain those civilities, then I will try to refrain from commenting.
I think that everyone should be able to voice their own opinion. I don't think it's wrong to comment on somebody's blog if you disagree. If they have posted something for people to read, then most likely they know that someone is going to have a different outlook on it. If everyone agreed on every matter, things would get boring...don't you think? :)
I agree with you, Sherry. I think it is better to remain silent rather than post a negative comment on a blog.
I think it is a very good thing for friends to dissent with their friends in person, face to face. Love can then be expressed with truth. But through a medium like blogs or email, the personal element of love and kindness so often does not come through. In addition, misunderstandings that could be cleared up in minutes if talking in person, may linger for days or never get resolved through blogs. So, alas, in my opinion, the world of blogs and Facebook is limited. It seems we still need face to face, life to life community.
One more thing. I think it is appropriate to dissent in print in more academic or purely intellectual discussions, but very few blogs have that type of content.
I agree completely, Mark. I appreciate your differentiation between intellectual/scholarly discussions and thinking aloud in Web 2.0, too.
For me, it's a matter of pride. I often want to prove that MY position is more sound. Issues that we're most passionate about are often the ones that compel us to comment, but they are also the most emotional issues (resulting in hurt feelings). How often do our dissenting opinions convince blog readers of our way of thinking, any way? Never?
My concern, however, is that true dialogue requires honesty, and dialogue about "real" issues is often skirted in real life. I do appreciate the honest dialogue in blog comments, but I've decided that I need to keep my thoughts to myself unless they're truly helpful to the discussion (and not just because I want to prove my point).
I think people are cry babies.
I agree, Kimberly. Wah, wah.
You two are brats.
I submit that all debate should heretofore be confined to Twitter.
The 140 character limit will keep it from getting out of hand!
Post a Comment