Pest control

A couple things are brewing today that I just have to mention.  I've already written most of part 2 of the Pickled post but just have to put this out first.

Anonymous commenters - I've never had many anonymous folks commenting on my blog, so didn't have a strong opinion about them.  The occasional comment I'd get from what the lovely Loretta calls an "anonymouse" (the plural is even better - anonymice) was neutral and non-provocative and therefore didn't get my undies in a tangle.  But in the last couple of weeks I've noticed the population of anonymice seems to be increasing across our little blogdom. 

In particular, one blogger who's been struggling a bit and getting some strong but concerned and supportive comments from identified followers, has also been visited by a herd of anonymice, feeding off the comments of people who aren't afraid to own their thoughts and words.  It's easy to be judgemental and mean-spirited when you have no identity and can't be called on for your crap attitudes.  I can literally see the thoughts of identified commenters in the words splat out by some of these "livin' down low" folk, and when they're kind - it's one thing.  But many aren't, and it's starting to work my last nerve. 

But my last nerve didn't really get tweaked until yesterday, when a cowardly mouse made a random, rambling and irrelevant comment about my post yesterday.  To my little mouse friend I say thanks for taking the time to comment, but proofread your writing before you publish it to be sure you're saying what you mean to say.  'Cuz it sounded kind of goofy.  Made no sense, though you don't have to feel embarrassed because you don't have enough backbone to claim your words.  And you said, "This is no criticism."  None taken, because why would I feel criticized by someone who isn't confident enough to identify his/herself in any way?

Many anonymice leave helpful and supportive comments.  But others become harrassing and haranguing voices of judgement, criticism and snottiness...an infestation if you will; and the virtual equivalent of bullying, with cowardice as the common denominator.  Look in the mirror and try picking on yourself instead.

I puffy heart blogging and bloggers - There's no way to express how much I love this community, and how often I think of many of you during the course of my days.  Honestly, I can see an ad for a certain food and think of someone.  Or hear about a distance run, or in a conversation with a friend...I honestly feel this virtual community is as vital and helpful to my life as the actual folks I hang with.  Thank you, and whoever invented this bloggy thing (Al Gore as originator of the internet? Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Jack Shit?) for yet another aspect of living in community.  It indeed does take a village.

Pickled Part Deux to follow.  But I just had to get that off my chest.