-or- just business as usual
And so it goes, on and on and on. Bloggers going bonkers.
It seems to be a cycle here, one that repeats itself not infrequently. They often take the same form. For a week or two prior to the big bang a certain blogger engages in more atypical behavior. They are more vocal, more aggressive, more chaotic in their actions. They post to the forums, then to their blog, they open articles for comments, they then close them, then they open them again, then they start blacklisting people.
Finally it all comes to a head, the inevitable "I'm leaving" or some variant article is written. Blatantly a call for both attention and some sort of endorsement of their existence, it draws a fair amount of attention. Much of the attention starts out sincere and helpful, calm and cool suggestions of things the author can do to make their time here more pleasant, suggestions that are usually offered (at least initially) in good faith and an honest desire to help. This quickly dies off though, as the author rejects suggestions, goes on the attack, and lets others just generally have it.
As I have grown, I have realized that I am a bit of a people watcher, and the internet has only aided that. For the most part, I like to sit back and observe the cycles of madness that present themselves here. Heck, the last time I did choose to get involved in a vocal way I got blacklisted. But in all this observation, I have noticed at least one, universal constant.
The author insists on playing the victim.
It isn't pretty. In fact, I find it rather uncomfortable to watch. But it happens every time. It is always the fault of others, rather than the author, for their need to depart. The blame lies with the system, the admins, the 'power users' or with the internet gremlins. It doesn't matter, as long as it is with someone else.
Sure, there is something seductive about being the victim. I recognize that. But it doesn't excuse it. And, so, when many here recognize the victim card is on the table, we just up and don't care anymore. You can't help someone who refuses to think they need it.
The cycle continues. The wheel turns. On and on.