Now, it is easy to add pictures, broadband often (but not always!) means no restrictions on bytes. There are more "lists", more "forums", more "communities". Blogging is free and easy to manage. It has become cheaper to own websites.
But. It seems to me that at the same time words have become less... important? On some communities where I participate, nowadays it is quite normal that commenters have not really read the question, and thus answers/comments on something else entirely.
Let me fabricate an exaggerated example:
Q: "Anybody knows how to define 'houndstooth' pattern?"
A: "Use one light-one dark in both warp and weft and you get 'log cabin'"
Yes, but... that wasn't the question?
Or, another one:
1:st post: "I found this interesting article (link provided)"
1:st comment: "Very interesting, esp the discussion on ..."
2:nd comment: "Where can I find the article?"
?
I suppose the above is a cousin to what I wrote in january.
Except... these (albeit fabricated) examples are from within a forum. That is: the participant(s) has 1) managed to find the forum, 2) managed to sign in and 3) has had enough interest to read the first part of the thread (well, obviously not - but open the page in question).
OK, everyone of us has "senior moments", whether we are old or young. But I think this is getting more and more common?
I have read articles saying that elderly people get "smarter" when they start using the 'net (whatever that means - and, question is: if you already were a 'net user, are you already "smarter" than you would have been, without the 'net?). I have also read articles saying that surfing/gaming children lose reading ability - but also articles that state that children having access to a computer read better than children without.
Whatever. But: shouldn't we all be courteous enough to try to understand the question(s) before we answer/comment?
Some textile content from our co-op, now open seven days/week:
3 comments:
I echo your point of view on Netiquette. I have tried to follow various discussion groups in the past and find that they often waver about and loose the germain point. I've given up trying to follow most of them and merely 'lurk' on Weavolution and Ravelry.
I have to admit, I have been guilty of the above, usually a hasty response to assist. Between working full time, teaching weaving and producing, 3 kids and 2 dogs it is hard to remember to SLOW DOWN and be thorough. Thank you for reminding me of how irksome this can be! I will make a good effort to be more careful! I always look forward to your input regarding weaving.
Dawn
I share your frustration. I know I've misunderstood a question a time or two myself, though. I also get irritated at people who read the first post and reply to it without reading the 10 posts after it. Maybe I'm just a grouch haha
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