When Words Go Wrong
Now and then we've all probably encountered those uncomfortable blog confrontations or awkward situations where things have turned a bit ugly. Or there are those situations where perhaps something wasn't worded as well as it should have been or there may have even be a typographical error that made something come out wrong. I've seen a number of communication snafus in my six years of blogging. In recent weeks there have been some blogging incidents that I've noticed that brought to my mind this topic of the problems with written communication. This is another one of those topics that has been sitting in my blog line-up to be used someday and now someday is here.
There are so many ways that written communication can be misinterpreted by a reader. Without the presence of body language, facial expressions, and vocal intonation, things are sometimes difficult to convey when taking into consideration what the receiving side is feeling or thinking. I guess this is the main reason that people use those silly emoticons and texting abbreviations. Those things used to kind of annoy me, but now I understand their functionality.
There are so many ways that written communication can be misinterpreted by a reader. Without the presence of body language, facial expressions, and vocal intonation, things are sometimes difficult to convey when taking into consideration what the receiving side is feeling or thinking. I guess this is the main reason that people use those silly emoticons and texting abbreviations. Those things used to kind of annoy me, but now I understand their functionality.
Does Humor Work?
Diplomacy is something I strive for and quite often fail at. I don't know that I have ever intentionally shown much offense in my responses to comments or in the comments I have left anywhere. There might have been instances where I have stated my displeasure with something that had been said, but typically I'm trying for a humorous angle. I realize that a lot of readers don't get my humor and think I am being serious when I'm joking or I'm trying to illustrate the lighter side of a serious subject.
Diplomacy is something I strive for and quite often fail at. I don't know that I have ever intentionally shown much offense in my responses to comments or in the comments I have left anywhere. There might have been instances where I have stated my displeasure with something that had been said, but typically I'm trying for a humorous angle. I realize that a lot of readers don't get my humor and think I am being serious when I'm joking or I'm trying to illustrate the lighter side of a serious subject.
My approach typically will be one of absurdity or a droll sort of humor that is intended to evoke a light reaction and not a big guffaw. I might use sarcasm, satire, or punny stuff. But if I'm upset I will say so and may even send a direct reply to someone. This has been a rarity for me and the more blogging I have done, the more I have become aware of the potential for inadequacies in written communication.
Can We Talk?
Written communication can easily be taken the wrong way and when it does it can sometimes take a bit of explainin' to do in order to unravel all the ties that start binding. And I think this is an important approach. We should be rational if we think an offense has been committed. Rational adults should be able to work things out or at least come to an understanding about what each side is saying. Agreeing to disagree is the better option that agreeing to be pissed off at the other person or even hate them.
I totally understand that we all don't like or agree on the same things. Sometimes we may not even communicate in the same ways. We are all different. That's part of what makes life interesting. We can make serious assessments, but we can also poke some fun. If someone disagrees with me in a rational manner that's what I should accept. As long as they are not personally attacking me in some way because I like something they don't then it's all good. And even if they did personally attack me then that might just add another interesting dimension to it all. In that case it would still be nice to get an explanation for the attack and some ultimate resolution in order to close things out in a righteous manner so to speak.
No Truth Like the Real Truth
I want the truth from people. Remember, I've been the guy with the controversy posts. I purposely try to incite debate and animated discussion. I'm looking for other opinions to weigh mine against. If we all thought the same things we wouldn't even have to communicate with each other. You can rest assured that it's going to be pretty difficult to offend me with your honest opinion or by telling me what you see as the truth if you do it with decorum. I love the discussion. One of the most offensive comments you can leave me is "Nice blog post" or "You are invited to follow my blog"--now those kinds of comments do bug me.
Your comments are great when you communicate what's really on your mind. Please don't tell me something merely because you think it's what I want to hear or because you don't want to offend me in any way. I love it when you comment and I'm disappointed only if you don't leave a comment.
Oh, and I hope my comments on your blog are not anything you are offended by. My approach there is like I explained above. When I comment I'm either trying to be genuinely nice or complimentary or I'm trying to be Mr. Jokester Smart-ass. I can't ever remember a time when I've left anyone a comment where I was intentionally trying to be vicious or obtuse. If you are offended by what I say then just let me know and I'll try to explain what I was saying.
I'd much rather be known as a peacemaker than one who tears the world to pieces.
Have you ever been guilty of a faux pas of written communication? How do you repair the damage when you've offended someone else in written words? Would you rather just let a misunderstanding be even if it cuts off a relationship with another person or do you prefer to fix things to make them better?
My next post will be on Monday June 15th with another Battle of the Bands. I'll also bring up an issue that some might find controversial, but some might be happy about it too.
