-or- show a little more backbone
Good afternoon everyone. Yes, yes, please come in, sit down. Today I would like to discuss with you something that has been weighing heavily on my mind. But first, may I set before you a question? Good.
Who here would turn around and walk away from a conversation they started? No explanation, no "Sorry, got to go", just turn around and walk off, to only strike up a conversation with someone a few feet away?
Hmm, I'm not seeing many hands. Come on, raise them up, high so we can count.
Oh, so you are saying you that you wouldn't do that? It would be rude you say? I see. Oh no, no I agree, it would be terrible rude to strike up a conversation and then just walk away, no explanation, no closure, nothing. That is why I don't do it, and I am sure that is why so few here are actually raising their hands.
So why do some think it is acceptable to do with their blogs?
I am getting so sick of the run-away bloggers. They are a minority, of course. Most here have the decency to either continue or openly terminate a conversation. Yet there continue to be those who write a topic (often of a somewhat controversial nature), enable comments, receive them, and then run away. In the past few days I have been involved with multiple examples of these encounters and, frankly, it is kindles my indignation.
If you are going to say something controversial (and in some cases ignorant) but not answer appropriate and important questions then don't waste our time by enabling comments. I find it insulting, cowardly, and rude. And if you realize you said something stupid, and got called on it, have the 'nads to admit you were hasty in your comments.
Look, I understand things happen, life gets busy, and blogging isn't expected to be the center of your day. But when you turn and, without explanation, leave the discussion only to be seen striking up another one it shows little concern for what you write, and even less for those who took the time to read and respond.