Think Before You Speak

I had something all ready to discuss tonight but there’s been a change in plans. Before I opened my blog page tonight I perused Facebook first, as I usually do every night. I saw a FB post from my friend Tracy saying she was going to close her blog and her Facebook page tomorrow all because someone she considered a friend read her blog the other night, misinterpreted it, and spread false information about it to Tracy’s sister. The information that was given to Tracy’s sister upset her, in turn hurting Tracy in the process.

What gives, people? Why would anyone feel the need to spread rumors based on what they’ve read in someone’s blog? Why not check with the author first to see what the exact message is if you don’t understand it? Tracy’s blog was titled “The Vague Post” and talked about people on Facebook who put cryptic messages in their status. The messages don’t say anything specific about anyone or anything and cause the readers to wonder what the meaning is behind the message. For example, I’ve seen posts that read something like, “That’s the last straw; I won’t be doing that anymore.” Many people write status updates like that – many, many, many people. I’ve done it myself a time or two.

When Tracy wrote her blog she didn’t have anyone specific in mind; she was simply talking about anyone who posts so vaguely that the reader doesn’t understand what’s happening in the life of the writer. She could have been talking about me since I’d posted something similar just a night or two before her blog post. There is absolutely no indication in her blog that she aimed it at anyone specific – it was completely ambiguous in nature. Not that it was confusing; it was simply a vague statement talking about something a lot of Facebook users do and how those types of posts can be annoying.

Tracy’s so-called friend decided that the blog post was about Tracy’s sister and told the sister about it causing friction within the family. What the fuck? Who made that chick Lord and Master over what Tracy writes and what it actually means? Perhaps if she would have asked Tracy about it, Tracy could have cleared up any misunderstanding. I’m also betting that the rumor-monger has written a vague post or two at some point in time. What made her think the blog post wasn’t about her?

What’s really bugging me is that the rumor-monger’s stupidity upset my friend and caused her to rethink what she should and shouldn’t do. That’s not fair people. Tracy has the right to blog about anything she feels, as long as it's not illegal, and nobody has the right to make her think she can’t write anymore. When I write, depending on the topic for the night, I tell the truth. If it upsets you, that’s your problem. You can take things as you want but you will not, in any way, cause me to stop blogging because my words may have hurt your feelings. Tracy shouldn’t have to stop writing either because some simpleton decided to take matters into her own hands and cause trouble for no reason.

If you don’t like what we’re writing, then don’t read it. If you feel the need to spread rumors based on what you think you've read, you WILL be exposed for the idiot you are. Once the truth comes out you’ll be the one people will be questioning and you may lose friends in the process. Try to backpedal all you want but I’m willing to bet it won’t do you any good. Keep it up and see how lonely you become in a really short period of time.

Tracy, you’re a wonderful person who did nothing wrong. Just because that moron decided to do what she did is no reason for you to stop blogging or posting on Facebook. Simply remove her from your Friends list and go on with your life. If she wants to keep reading your blog and spreading bullshit, let her. You have never, that I can recall, written anything about anyone that would label or name them in a negative situation. You go girl and know that people like me know the truth about what you write and what it means. Remember: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind” – Dr. Seuss. :-)