Steve Rubel wants everyone in the blogosphere to grow up, and start treating each other with respect. He points to a post by John Koestler, which compares the social structure of the blogosphere to high school. Says Steve:
The world is watching us. In 2007 our challenge, as bloggers, is to up our game. Let's skip the name calling and the back and forth cat-fighting. We should debate issues, of course. But the more that we treat each other like children, the more it brings down the entire credibility of the power of the digital citizen and his/her ability to shape online perceptions.
I have to agree. But I'd also like to note the obvious: people generally do not change after high school. The power structure might change -- e.g., freaks and geeks can emerge and put the jocks and bullies in their place -- but the die is cast pretty early in life.
Which is not to say that the more humane and decent among us cannot make a difference; that was my point about routing the bullies. So, congrats to Steve for getting this conversation going. Now, let's round up the kids from the A.V. room, and get to work.
Recent Comments