Yeah, I get that - and you make the disclaimer a few times after that in the comments. And it's a disclaimer that's absolutely needed, because to my mind, the bad behaviour that you're talking about in some length is the aberration, not the norm - but you're talking about it as if the genuine, honest, well-meant behaviour is what's unusual.
Saying *hugs* is a basic and reflexive thing - it's a (fairly small) expression of sympathy, part of the normal online discourse, and any depth it has beyond that is a part of an already established relationship. From a stranger it's nice but fairly meaningless; from a close friend it's parcelled with support and camaraderie and whatnot; from the creepy guy you know it's just creepy. But it depends on how you know the person and what they mean to you - just like a real hug. Actually, probably just like a smile. :)
Am I making more sense?
(Sorry about this, you just kinda hit a button. :) )
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Re: I am genuine; you are making an inadequate gesture; they are lazy and insincere.
Date: 2007-03-03 05:45 am (UTC)Saying *hugs* is a basic and reflexive thing - it's a (fairly small) expression of sympathy, part of the normal online discourse, and any depth it has beyond that is a part of an already established relationship. From a stranger it's nice but fairly meaningless; from a close friend it's parcelled with support and camaraderie and whatnot; from the creepy guy you know it's just creepy. But it depends on how you know the person and what they mean to you - just like a real hug. Actually, probably just like a smile. :)
Am I making more sense?
(Sorry about this, you just kinda hit a button. :) )