Posted by Racer on March 5, 2008, at 8:52:21
In reply to Racer, just go back to the posts., posted by your#1fan on March 5, 2008, at 1:24:04
You know what? I never meant to leave you thinking that Babble was like a term paper -- while I always want to hear you restate what I've said in your own words, so that I can get an idea of what you understood from it, all I really want is validation. Hey -- just like you, right? I was the validation that you appreciate the time I've taken, that I've cared enough to answer, that you noticed I was here.
Tip O'Neill used to tell a story that ended, "She said, 'Thomas, it's always nice to be asked.'" In the same vein, it's always nice to be thanked.
Sometimes I feel invisible, and so I get upset when people seem to overlook me. I'm on the board of directors for a non-profit, where often people speak over me, interrupt me -- growl at me if I interrupt -- and where a lot of my best ideas are ignored until another member repeats them. I don't enjoy that. I'm learning to speak up, to make myself heard, and to request courtesy from people in my offline life. Here on Babble, I mostly don't post all that much about myself, because I rarely get much response. And I try to be helpful where I can. It's nice to have that validated, but responding here isn't like a term paper for school -- it won't go down on your permanent record if you don't do it. As you know, however, without that validation, a lot of people will reply less often in future.
poster:Racer
thread:816306
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080303/msgs/816331.html