I Don't Have You Memorized

This morning, Mike Monaco wrote a post asking why Cold Iron was used as a term. i.e. why does it have to be cold? Isn't that a useless distinction?

I commented on the post, giving him my answer. I mentioned the connection between iron and the fae in my reply, and he jokingly retorted that he was going to be Alexis-style insulted that I implied he didn't know the faerie connection.

I wanted to reply to that retort as a post, rather than a comment, because I think it has broader lessons. None of the above is a statement or reply to Mike Monaco. He didn't fall into these traps. He highlighted that traps exist.

This is a public service announcement.

Someone commenting on your blog does not have your entire life and blog memorized.

They probably do not hang on your every word. They may have a passing familiarity with your interests, maybe the projects you have been working on, your attitude; basically they may have a good handle on your "style". But they are not YOU. They probably don't know that you made a reference to something in your blog post a month ago on a different subject. They probably don't know a lot about you, unless they are a long-time dedicated follower of your work.

Don't assume that they do. Don't condescend to them. Don't reply "I know that, fuckwad". Don't delete their comment because of it.

This is the Internet. There are people with radically different life experiences from you. Remember that is why you are here in the first place: to connect to people you don't know.

Furthermore, just like the person asking a question in a classroom represents a lot of people too scared to raise their hand and risk looking dumb, each comment represents all the people too lazy, tired, intimidated, proud, or busy to make one of their own.

I try to reply to as many comments on my blog as I can. Sometimes I just can't think of something to add to what they said. But rest assured, I read every one. I appreciate every one, even the asshole ones, because even the angry commenters at least cared enough to comment. The worst place to be is when people don't care at all.

So treat your commenters with respect. Don't be a dick.

That is all. Carry on.