When Words Can't Express...
Okey dokey blogger buddies - I'm putting a call out to all of you for suggestions. But not just for your everyday, run of the mill operation, but for something that each of us could use any day...
The discussion has been had through comment boxes, some emails, even some face to face conversations about fantastic posts that people make, and then potential commenters being unable to come up with something they feel does the author justice.
As in, sometimes you just don't know what to say.
If you agree with something they've posted about, you can't just write "I agree", because that sounds lame.
If something they write makes your heart break for them, and you want to say that you're there for them if they should need you, you can't just write "I'm here", because that doesn't express your concern or your feelings very well.
And so most of us write nothing in those situations - not because we don't want to, but simply because we don't have the words.
So, my request is this, suggest what you think would be an acceptable word or phrase that we can all write in someone's comments should the proper words fail us. Something that we will all know means "Wow, I get it" or "I'm here for you" or damn "That's kind of gross, but I hear what you're saying."
So that when I leave a comment on Logziella's post that just says "Boom boom wacka wacka", Terri isn't calling Zig going, "Uh, why does Ali seem like she just escaped from the loonie bin?"
You know?
The discussion has been had through comment boxes, some emails, even some face to face conversations about fantastic posts that people make, and then potential commenters being unable to come up with something they feel does the author justice.
As in, sometimes you just don't know what to say.
If you agree with something they've posted about, you can't just write "I agree", because that sounds lame.
If something they write makes your heart break for them, and you want to say that you're there for them if they should need you, you can't just write "I'm here", because that doesn't express your concern or your feelings very well.
And so most of us write nothing in those situations - not because we don't want to, but simply because we don't have the words.
So, my request is this, suggest what you think would be an acceptable word or phrase that we can all write in someone's comments should the proper words fail us. Something that we will all know means "Wow, I get it" or "I'm here for you" or damn "That's kind of gross, but I hear what you're saying."
So that when I leave a comment on Logziella's post that just says "Boom boom wacka wacka", Terri isn't calling Zig going, "Uh, why does Ali seem like she just escaped from the loonie bin?"
You know?
posted by Ali at 9:28 AM
13 Comments:
I like this idea!! But...I'm not the creative one...YOU ARE! :0) I'm all for it but chances of me thinking up something funny and yet gets the point across are slim...but I'll try...just for you! :0)
I can't wait to see what others come up with!
TWM, count me out!! I will explain why.
I know what you are saying and often I have been in that situation reading a blog in our "circle" that hit me quite deep and I could not think of the words so I ended up saying nothing right then.
However, I think in that situation one should always try. It is better to try and fail because some of the meaning WILL get across and that's what matters. But to have a code word is kind of lazy.
For instance has anybody read George Orwell's 1984? In it the government replaced superlative words like "super" or "marvellous" or "wonderful" with "good", "plus good" and "double plus good". After a while the population forgot the old words and with it went their creativity and humanity..they became the dulled unthinking slaves that the government wanted them to be.
(Why do you think 200 years ago slave owners forbade slaves to learn to read?)
Sorry if I came on a bit strong but I love the English language and I think this is a bad idea...what do others think? I am sure Alyssa would be with me on this.
James
Whoa there James!
I am a big, big fan of the English language as well (editor, remember?) and usually I DO try to say what I feel.
But there are occasions when I just don't know what to write.
Usually if it's something heart wrenching or heart felt I will write something even if it doesn't express exactly what I feel - but for the times when I just can't say it, but I don't want that person to be hurt that I DIDN'T comment, I'd like to leave something, just so they know I was there...
I usually say...
"Oh I hear you ".
I use it as a general meaning for, I understand, I relate or I'v been there !
D.
Thanks for posting this Ali! I totally get what James is saying and I agree that you should try to leave a comment when you're unsure but there are times when I just want to say I read it but don't necessarily want to leave a message. I've been racking my brain for a code word but words fail me. How ironic! Maybe we need more than one, one for really heartfelt, one funny one, one that just says read it, liked it. Maybe that's all we need to say and not worry about being lame?
That is a hard one. I always try to make a comment but sometimes it is really hard to find something that sounds right.
Perhaps just putting a couple of spaces into the comments box would be a good way - that way your name and picture would appear indicating that you have visited but the comment would be blank?
Spaces don't work, but a full stop does.
I hear what James is saying, - and yes, you SHOULD try to say something - words of sympathy, support, encouragement - etc - but, sometimes... sometimes our little words can't really do the post justice, because we are not REALLY understanding what the person is going through. Other times a post may just not require a comment. its a very "closed" not requiring comments type of post - but you still want people to know you read it, then a "wordless" comment may be required... I think I will just put a couple dots... that will by my thing...
There were times last year when you were going through all you went through that I cared so much but didn't know the words to say. I guess I could have said Just that.
I've been trying to come up with something brillian since we had that conversation the other day, and utterly failing.
I think James is a bit vehement on the subject, but I can understand what he's saying.
I also agree with John and Zig, just put a couple of dots, or get your photo on there so people know that you've stopped by and care...
I got to admit that the dot thing would have the desired effect to let you know we visited. Good idea John!
I love this idea. I get what James is saying, but I have to agree with you that it would be nice to have a way to tell someone that their words moved you deeply. But what? I don't know either.
Great post, I've thought that myself before.
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