A Philosophy of Commenting

Posted on March 21, 2006 in Blogging

Thank you to everyone who posted to my open thread on commenting. It’s fair for me to turn around and tell you what I labor to observe. When I comment for support, I try to keep a few things in mind: first, that listening is more important than giving advice. I tend to not advise unless asked directly.

Second, I encourage. The most important phrase in my repetoire is “Don’t give up”. I mean it.

Third, I remember that life is hard, that the disease is hard.

Fourth, I don’t endorse destructive behaviors such as drug use, alcoholism, spending sprees, or promiscuous sex. Unfortunately, others do. If I see someone commenting on the virtues of these, I keep my mouth shut. There’s no arguing with a drunk or a bipolar/schizophrenic in episode. If pressed, I will tell, but only if pressed.

Fifth, I don’t have to hear the sound of my own voice after every article. (My narcissistic impulses are well-sated by this blog.) Sometimes a person has said something powerful. In the face of this a simple …. or “holding your hand” suffices.

Sixth, I love to add anecdotes, my own experience, or fun facts.

Seventh, I could be wrong. If I give advice, I try to remember to add that.