VERY GOOD READ: Anonymity opens up split personality zone

[Marguerite53]

I remember when I was growing up my mum would often write a letter to company if she received bad service or was annoyed by something, but not one letter ever got posted. It was her way of venting and she had always calmed down before the letter had a stamp put on it. Unfortunately with computers people express their feeling in emails and on forums and then press the send button before they have had time to calm down. I bet most people wish they could take back what was said when they have calmed down.

Mary

I think that is an excellent comment, Mary. Allowing yourself to diffuse but also allowing yourself to express your frustration. That's what I did when I was raising 3 kids. Didn't spank them, but had a "spanking spoon" in the kitchen that I would threaten to spank them with. By the time I walked over and got the large wooden spoon and smacked my own hand with it a few times, things were usually diffused.

We don't see each other's reactions online. Without that visual interaction, there is no hesitation, no buffer. HEre on VR.com I do a lot of editing, use the Preview Post button each time. I have often deleted aspects of my posts and was glad I took the time to do it.

I don't come here to argue, though. I suppose there are so many other forums where that is what is almost expected.

I think it is a shame that so many people are so angry. I don't know what the answer to that is. But there's certainly no reason to ball out a customer service rep who is trying to help you. Not to say that I haven't been really firm with a few (don't get me started on Wells Fargo Bank!!). And I cuss at driver's too, behind closed windows. So much of it has to do with impatience.

This was an interesting article, Ross. Thanks for sharing.

Marguerite