Online gossip and message boards

The Internet has spawned a new breed of people--online bullies and beeyatches who love to hide under their anonymity to be mean to others.

I am not saying this because I have recently been the target of online meanies because of what I do, but because of reading a thread on a gossip site with a friend for what we thought would be giggles and grins. I am not going to mention the name of the site because I don't want to give the posters there any satisfaction. What we found were people attacking each other verbally, even cruelly. It seems to be a trend on many online sites no matter what the topic is.

I wonder how those people would act in real life? Would they be so offensive?

I enjoy the camaraderie here. And at any rate, I can't imagine getting my panties (when I wear them) all in a wad over something someone I didn't know said. I don't get that upset over things in real life.

That being said, I do feel sorry for Gerry because of those boards. I don't think he personally reads any of the online gossip or message boards but I think his "people" may very briefly summarize it for him. I hope he laughs it off, as I do, and gets back to enjoying life. I even feel a little apologetic for some things I said. I truly just want him to be happy and true to himself, no matter what that means for him. I don't also agree with him or understand his ways, but if he is at peace I am glad.

I am thankful we are not that way on this board. We can disagree respectfully. That's the key--respect. Not everyone is going to see things the same way. But as humans, we should all respect our right to be different.