As a participant in a good many online forums, I'm often amazed at how seriously some people really do view the World Wide Web. A fantastic video was made a while back by the makers of 'Red vs Blue' - and I still find it very relevant (and amusing) today.
Check out the Red vs Blue Internet Primer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URsqTsMfNqY
Coincedentally, I came across this video shortly after having a huge blowout with a friend of mine after a rather heated online argument back in 2002 instigated by a cheap joke at my expense. If posts were virtual blows to the face - then both of us certainly had numerous cuts and bruises by the time it finished. Having simmered a couple days, I decided to phone him and asked if he'd like to meet up at our favourite pub; he agreed. That evening, I walked through the door of the local to find him holding a pint for me. As I sipped away - he started laughing and asked how things had gotten to this point to which I replied with shrugged shoulders.
He then repeated the infamous joke that had launched the row and gave me a wink. I stared blankly for a few seconds and burst out laughing, spitting a mouthful of beer across the bar. How had I got it so wrong? Answer: I had become another victim of the curse of the Internet: Text-based conversation.
Since then - I have found a checkpoint that steps in from time to time and says: 'Hey Mate! It's only the Internet' - and in doing so, I remind myself and others that we cannot allow ourselves to take such venues seriously; for they will most certainly disappoint us in time, cause terrible arguments and lead to more precious, tasty beer being spat on innocent bars.
Lovingly Yours,
The Angry Rabbit.
No comments:
Post a Comment