Smeagol
DP Veteran
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- Jun 14, 2012
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I have a friend who asked me to read a chapter in a book he's authoring. He's self publishing at his own expense and he has a history of dumping his hard earned money into his soapbox issues. What I don't get is who is he trying to reach with his book and what impact is he trying to make. I'll add, it seems the only reason he asked me to read a chapter in he book was due to some comments I made to him on politics and that seemingly offended him and that chapter gave his views on the subject. Upon reading it, I'm just shaking me head and I'm not even finished yet. It's filled with polarizing positions, offensive statements and unsubstantiated generalizations one of which is not even close to being true presented as facts.
I initially thought he was asking for my feedback but after thinking about it, he never asked for it, was motivated by not liking what I had to say on politics in race and only started to act interested in hearing what I had to say AFTER I offered feedback based on an assumption that he wanted to hear what I had to say. He's a good guy and means no offence. I wasn't offended at all but I know others will be if he publishes what he showed me. His problem is he's passionately driven by his political/social ideology, is letting the those with no clue define large demographic groups leaving him with jack squat understanding while making very emphatic statements based on very limited understanding.
One thing I've learned and still get caught off guard having lapses in judgment in by my participation on discussion boards is how easy it is to unintentionally offend people. Once you've offended someone, it is highly unlikely you'll be able to win them over to seeing things your way. But do most people even care about winning hearts? Are people really just interested in venting? Do people get a sense of internal affirmation by parroting the positions of their ideological team while reaching no one outside of their group? Do people get a charge out of slamming those they consider the opposition whether members the opposition his in the audience or not?
I'm not asking what makes the most sense now that I'm ranted a bit but what has been you default motive in expressing your views?
I initially thought he was asking for my feedback but after thinking about it, he never asked for it, was motivated by not liking what I had to say on politics in race and only started to act interested in hearing what I had to say AFTER I offered feedback based on an assumption that he wanted to hear what I had to say. He's a good guy and means no offence. I wasn't offended at all but I know others will be if he publishes what he showed me. His problem is he's passionately driven by his political/social ideology, is letting the those with no clue define large demographic groups leaving him with jack squat understanding while making very emphatic statements based on very limited understanding.
One thing I've learned and still get caught off guard having lapses in judgment in by my participation on discussion boards is how easy it is to unintentionally offend people. Once you've offended someone, it is highly unlikely you'll be able to win them over to seeing things your way. But do most people even care about winning hearts? Are people really just interested in venting? Do people get a sense of internal affirmation by parroting the positions of their ideological team while reaching no one outside of their group? Do people get a charge out of slamming those they consider the opposition whether members the opposition his in the audience or not?
I'm not asking what makes the most sense now that I'm ranted a bit but what has been you default motive in expressing your views?
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