07.16.06
A search for balance…
Just been musing over some incidents that occurred with me over the past 3-4 weeks. Wondering why an on-line presence seems to affect behaviour so much. In the various on-line forums I’ve been part of in the past 3-4 years, similar extreme symptoms seem to arise in me and in others. The urge to appear smarter, more idealistic or honest seems overwhelming. Conversely also is the almost uncontrollable desire to criticize / cut to ribbons any remotely inadequate action by others. A subtler form might also be the urge to whine incessantly in blogs about how everyone in authority is wrong, corrupt, hopeless or without any sort of morals whatsoever. I suppose there are many very focused blogs that do make a difference by taking up activist causes. But the balance is kind of fine I guess since there are countless others that are just hopelessly phony. My last blog did have its moments on both sides of that thin line so I ‘ll be extra careful here. Much rather concentrate on things that I care about regardless of how insignificant or nondescript they may be.
Chitra said,
July 24, 2006 at 12:49 pm
I think the urge to appear more idealistic or honest, online, comes from the realisation that it’s extremely easily to do that here. To be a straight-shooter and bravely take all the flak one might get for that! Ideally, real life should be the same, but the handicaps there, are way too many.
Great writing, and all the best!
Incanus said,
August 10, 2006 at 4:15 am
Thanks Chitra. It’s a temptation that I’ve experienced (and I guess fallen prey to!) quite a few times over the years. Sometimes coz it’s easy to do it, acting a part is almost involuntary and creeps up on you. Seen some smart people take up an identity thru blogging that’s totally removed from their own reality.