Message Boards

Why is it so easy to be sucked into message board discussions? I'm not talking about your good-hearted, friendly threads that are always fun. I'm talking about the controversial ones. The ones where people are passionate to the point of fanaticism on their personal views. Why is it so easy to let yourself stoop to that level and participate in these discussions when you know your empty words across a computer screen won't change the way someone else thinks in most cases?

Maybe it's because you feel passionate about it too, and want your voice heard. Or maybe it's because there are blurred lines and you seek answers. Or maybe you're just a sucker. I'm trying to figure out which one I am right now.

Over the past two or three months I've allowed myself to be sucked into these threads and fear I have become one of those posters I so can't stand. You know the ones. They always have to be right and make a point, and never let anyone sway their thinking.

Now I think I'm pretty open in that if someone proves me wrong I'll accept it with open arms. And more than anything I want answers. But lately I seem to have been on some righteous cause, being fed up with these kind of posters and telling everyone about it. And in doing so I may have just sunk to their level, and that sucks.

It just comes out of nowhere. You don't see it coming, you don't expect it, it just happens. It's just hard not to get involved in a discussion where you want answers or you're sick of bashing, or whatever the case may be. But, as I knew before all this, I have to once again realize that their words on a computer screen don't amount to a hill of beans, and their arguments just don't matter all that much. You need to pick and choose your battles, and lately my energy has been depleted on lesser battles that don't affect any outcome worth affecting.

For me personally after today I am taking the high road and staying out of these heated, senseless rambling discussions of internet fans who like to hear their own voices. There are far better threads out there that involve polite, friendly discussions and people that would be a much better use of my free time I think.

So this is my apology to the internet message boards for sinking to that level, if that is in fact what I have done. I'm still not sure. All I know is my dog in those fights is down for the count. I'm putting him to sleep. It's just not worth it.

B-Out