After my last blog entry, which was on the heavier side, I think I'll stick to a topic that is of a less serious nature. Or at least it should be. But I get ahead of myself...
Since my return to the TMF on what I must consider to be a pretty full time basis, I find I'm spending a lot of my time in the chat room. Like, a lot of time. Borderline unhealthy amounts. But that's okay, because it's all just for fun...isn't it?
I've mostly enjoyed the time I spend there. It's nice conversing with and getting to know others in real time, and there are often interesting discussions or role plays happening in the main chat that are entertaining, even if I'm not always part of them. But I guess I don't always 'get it' when it comes to the chat room. I'll try to explain what I mean.
I'm a guy who is always looking for the joke in things. Not sure why that is, why I'm constantly playing the role of the class clown, but it's part of who I am. And it's certainly part of what I enjoy about the chat room. I can accept that not everyone shares my sense of humor, and that I'm potentially rubbing people wrong with my attempts at being funny. (Note, to my knowledge, I've never said anything that could be construed as offensive, but what offends my ears might differ from what offends others, so it's possible I've crossed lines without realizing it). I've apologized to the room on several occasions...not for anything specific that I've said, but just a general apology if I'm too much for people. Look, you can't please everyone, but I certainly don't set out to upset anyone. That's not my idea of fun.
But on that note, I have witnessed some 'drama' in the room. I get it...drama happens. Tempers flare. People disagree. Feelings get hurt. But while I get it...I don't get it. Because to me, the chat room is primarily a form of entertainment. I'm not there to discuss sensitive topics, nor am I there to espouse controversial opinions. I'm there to enjoy myself, crack a few jokes, make a few people laugh, and maybe form a bond of sorts with like minded folks. I'm not saying the chat room should be a rumpus room 24/7 where never a serious topic is discussed. But what I'm saying is I don't understand what people get so upset about.
Maybe it's because I'm older, or less sensitive in general. I don't walk around easily hurt by the things people say and do around me, so that attitude carries with me into the chat room. There are aspects about myself that I take very seriously and will react defensively upon if challenged, but those aren't things I take into the chat room with me. I'm there to have a good time, and would love to see everyone follow that example.
Since my return to the TMF on what I must consider to be a pretty full time basis, I find I'm spending a lot of my time in the chat room. Like, a lot of time. Borderline unhealthy amounts. But that's okay, because it's all just for fun...isn't it?
I've mostly enjoyed the time I spend there. It's nice conversing with and getting to know others in real time, and there are often interesting discussions or role plays happening in the main chat that are entertaining, even if I'm not always part of them. But I guess I don't always 'get it' when it comes to the chat room. I'll try to explain what I mean.
I'm a guy who is always looking for the joke in things. Not sure why that is, why I'm constantly playing the role of the class clown, but it's part of who I am. And it's certainly part of what I enjoy about the chat room. I can accept that not everyone shares my sense of humor, and that I'm potentially rubbing people wrong with my attempts at being funny. (Note, to my knowledge, I've never said anything that could be construed as offensive, but what offends my ears might differ from what offends others, so it's possible I've crossed lines without realizing it). I've apologized to the room on several occasions...not for anything specific that I've said, but just a general apology if I'm too much for people. Look, you can't please everyone, but I certainly don't set out to upset anyone. That's not my idea of fun.
But on that note, I have witnessed some 'drama' in the room. I get it...drama happens. Tempers flare. People disagree. Feelings get hurt. But while I get it...I don't get it. Because to me, the chat room is primarily a form of entertainment. I'm not there to discuss sensitive topics, nor am I there to espouse controversial opinions. I'm there to enjoy myself, crack a few jokes, make a few people laugh, and maybe form a bond of sorts with like minded folks. I'm not saying the chat room should be a rumpus room 24/7 where never a serious topic is discussed. But what I'm saying is I don't understand what people get so upset about.
Maybe it's because I'm older, or less sensitive in general. I don't walk around easily hurt by the things people say and do around me, so that attitude carries with me into the chat room. There are aspects about myself that I take very seriously and will react defensively upon if challenged, but those aren't things I take into the chat room with me. I'm there to have a good time, and would love to see everyone follow that example.
