People Online are Real People

[CHR]

Wise words from a Seth Godin blog post:

People online are real people.

If you send a nasty email, there’s a real human being on the other end who gets it.
If you flame in a forum, you’re wasting real people’s time.
If you spam someone, you’re really only making yourself look bad.
If you write IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS it sounds like shouting.
If you want something to happen your way, try asking instead of demanding.
If you give, you’ll probably wind up getting, too.
If you blog just to pick fights, don’t be surprised when people don’t trust you.
If you collaborate, say thanks.
If you’re independent, say no thanks.
If you like someone, tell them.
If you don’t, walk away from the computer.
If you’re giving feedback, lead with just one good thing.
If you’re getting feedback, realize that the person must care a lot to have sent it.
If you goof, apologize.
If you apologize, mean it.
If you smile, mean that too.
If you don’t like something, don’t do it.
If you do like something, spread it.

But far far more important:

Give people a break.
The break you probably deserve yourself.
People are out to do good, 99% of the time.
You probably are too.
Say thanks out loud and a lot.
Try making someone’s day.
Chances are they’ll make yours in return.

A special thanks to the commenters in the Dozen Roses Competition for the professional way they have expressed their opinions.

 

[CHERYL BAKIN]

THANKS CATHY, For the great reminder!!

Points well taken!

Cheryl

 

[Victoria]

I've never understood why people feel it's okay to demean and bully just because they are invisible.

Thanks for posting this Cathy.

V

 

[lori042499]

Thanks Cathy, this is a great reminder...I try like heck to remember that my words may affect a real live human on this info super highway..It is so easy to forget especially when so many try to keep themselves anonymous...I find that I forget so less often here because every one has a real life personna that well matches the online persona unlike other places on the web where people hide behind their online names just to be mean...I will say that a few times in the past I may have been a bit harsh on someone I didn't know because it was easy to hurt feelings I had no knowledge of...I am sorry to whom ever that may be...I can say with full surity that flower chat has taught me many things about my floral world and many many more lessons on how to cunduct myself as a better business person and how to listen as well as speak...I have grown so much in 2 years due to all of your(collective) coaching and example setting...Thank you all for accepting me, helping me grow and evolve, knocking me down a few pegs when needed and handing me a crutch when I cannot do it on my own....

 

[Connie]

Thanks for the great post, Cathy!