No Arrogance Allowed In Our WA Community
What Happened?
Just the other day, I came across some comments in response to a fellow member's blog post. The post was indeed quite good and on a topic that seems to be of benefit to many newer members, as well as some not-so-new members, and our fellow member blogger did not deserve such arrogant comments.
Seeing such remarks being made within WA Community really puzzled me since, for the life of me, I could not see any reason, sense, or logic for such remarks being prompted. The wise choice would have been a friendly comment to agree or disagree with the blogger.
“If Everybody Is Only Writing for Newbies, Why Should I Stay Here...”
The comments directed at the blogger were questioning why there is not a WA section for such posts for Newbies, or why bloggers don’t mark their post to designate if they are for beginner or experienced members. One of the comments actually stated “… why should I stay here…” indicating, in my opinion, that such posts on beginner topics are a waste of our fellow member’s time, because of our fellow member’s advanced knowledge and experience, and what else!
Why I Am Here?
On the contrary, one of the reasons that I am sticking with WA is the fact that its Community provides a great environment for all its members to freely share their ideas, knowledge, and experiences. In addition, they can ask their questions in healthy and cordial discussions. Another benefit of WA Community is that everyone is treated equally – no separation of Newbies from Experienced members, with their own exclusive sections to blog or ask questions, etc.
We Should All Exercise Humility
Obviously, not all of WA members have the same level of knowledge and expertise in Internet Marketing and the technology that it requires. This is why WA Community plays such an important role for education and support of all its members. If a member knows something, he/she will humbly share it so that others may learn. If a member has all the answers and has no need to share or learn anything, then he/she has the perfect right not to interact in the Community.
I am a simple man in my golden years. I have traveled the world over, and have arrived at a single solid conclusion: I only know one thing for certain... that there are so many things that I don’t know. I also know that I am yet to meet another human being - regardless of education, status, or riches - who knew everything and had all the answers!
Even if one did have all the answers, that individual is obliged to show the utmost humility and modesty in his/her interaction with others. We simply should not become puffed-up and arrogant in our behavior or communication with others. A wise person once said “… the more one knows the more humble and down to earth one has to be in dealing with others.”
A Humble Suggestion
I am sure that we all get an e-mail notification whenever someone in our network either asks a question or has published a blog. I am equally sure that in such e-mail notifications, the topic of the question or the blog is clearly indicated. Therefore, we all have the option to check the topic on such e-mail notifications, before we even open them, to decide if the topic is one that we want to devote our time and effort to read or not.
With all due respect to our fellow member referred to above, the e-mail notification should definitely present a simple choice to decide if the topic of a particular blog is intended for a Newbie or for an Experienced/Advanced member – it will only take 2-3 seconds to choose if one wants to be pretentious or unpretentious in one’s next move.
For purposes of clarification and the record, the content of this blog post reflects my own personal views and opinion, and not that of WA.
I sincerely thank you for your time,
Jay Barnelli
Recent Comments
160
Thank you for this post. I did not see the arrogant remark but there is no room for arrogance here. We all were "newbies" at some point. Also, I agree with you and Rick that no one "knows it all".
Sometimes, someone will have had a bad day or is under a great deal of stress. Still, they should not take it out on someone else who simply wants to learn something.
We have something special here in this community. No one should have to fear asking questions or blogging about what they are learning. I, myself, learn a little something new each day because of experiences that others share.
If there is someone here that thinks that they are too good to take time for someone else to learn, then the day will be coming when they will be wishing that someone helped them.
If they are offended by that then let them leave. I don't think that Kyle or Carson would mind a bit.
This is in my own humble (but irritated at the arrogance) opinion.
Hello again, Glenda,
Thank you very much for your comment, & I am glad that you thought my post was appropriate.
You quite right in your thought & opinions about those who violate the correct & the proper etiquette of comunication in a community such as ours. There are many reasons that prompted me to open my big mouth & write this post, but two of them pushed me over the edge.
First, the person to whom the comments were sddressed was far more of a humble person than I am, since he was very calm & did not press the issue to make any commotion out of comments. Therefore, in the spirit of keeping a healthy WA Community - for Newbies as well as for the Experienced/Experts - I had to put in my good-intentioned two cents worth into the discussion, in defence of the blogger friend of ours & all the WA Newbies.
Second, the person who made the comment CHOSE to deliberately forego the option not to open his/her e-mail notification that clearly indicated the topic of the blog. Instead, our fellow member had chose to open the e-mail notification & be linked to the post, that he already knew the topic of, for the single reason (at least in my logical reasining) to make the comment that he/she did! This tells me only one thing... that it could be for the pure satisfaction of showing one's true character - being arrogant!
You know, in my other life, as I call my yesterdays, I have had dealt with many such individuals. I did take the time to do them a big favor! I got their attention & made them understand that they'll be the ultimate victim in their chosen manner of treating others, at the end of the day! Pleasant surprise! many of them actually changed & became model individuals!
I have too tell you the best part of this as well... Most of those who did chang for the better, told me, either willingly or reluctantly, that nobody had ever told them that they were doing anything wrong - they claimed innocent ignorance!
And a few, who refused to accept any wrongdoing & would were proud of their arrogance... well, they were soon blacklisted all over town, which eventuall forced them to leave town - literally!
Well, my friend, I think I got long-winded here & had better close.
Thanks again & take care, with all my best,
Jay Barnelli
Fortunately, I have not come across any arrogant comments on this forum, but there will always be insecure people who will lash out and try to blame others for their inadequacies. Those types will not last long here, because they will mostly be ignored by this community.
Thanks for sharing that Jay.
Hi Atlanticus,
You're so right, and perhaps I should have kept quiet about this incident. However, I have a few great friends AND know a lot of people who don't like me... simply because I speak my mind! What can I say?
I appreciate your response... JayBarnelli
If we are serious about our intentions here, we must share information. You did the right thing by sharing that experience Jay, and I will not hesitate to do the same.
Speak your mind, always. It needed to be said. I have just started to see some of the post similar to the ones you are talking about and was really surprised. For those people who left the comments, if you don't want to help then don't. Being negative and condescending isn't making you look very good, people.
Thank you atlanticus,
Together, we can keep out WA Community spotless!
I appreciate you... Jay Barnelli
Heloo Shiloh01,
I am sorry that you had encountered some of these comments here. I do hope that some of our fellow members will realize the hurt they are forcing on others with thier choice of words and decide to stop! wishful thinking? I hope not!
Some of my friends here have PM'ed me to wonder if the ones making the remarks in question are here for a defferent reason than helping & learning! Could that actually be the case?
Well, thanks again for your comment, Shiloh01. I wish the very best for you & your family... Jay Barnelli
I haven't had it happen to me but I have seen it happen to others. I guess when you get this many people together, it's going to happen at some point. It's unfortunate but true.
I know what you mean, Shilo, but we're not going to let it get us down! Right?
Take care,
Jay Barnelli
Hi Jay.
I have all email notifications turned on - as I can definitely spare a few minutes to scan the many emails which come through each day, from members asking questions.
I'm in Scotland - and many posts are from members based elsewhere in the world - so when I get time to check, a lot of them have already been answered. However, if I see any that I think I know the answer to (or that intrigue me to know the answer to), I'll click on it, and offer my advice - unless it has already been offered by another member - in which case, I'll politely "like" their reply, and move on.
I'm not here looking for glory from other members - I truly respect everyone who is here, as I know they are most likely in the exact same boat as me - and as such, I'll welcome new members answers, just as much as an ambassador/long term members answer. What do I know of ANY members background or experience - everyone has something they can contribute that others don't know.
As you say - we all have the choice whether or not to read and comment/answer - you hear the term "Pay it forward" a lot here (I haven't heard it before joining - so maybe it's not a common UK phrase) - but I see no reason at all to not take some time out of our days, to help others with their questions.
After all, that is the ONLY reason I have had my questions answered.
All the best Jay,
Mark
Hello Mark,
Thank you so much for your gracious response. You're definitely an honorable and humble person & doing the right thing. My blog only applies to those few who may find doing things outside of the norm, which is fine, as long as they don't go out of their way to give somone else a bad time.
In this particular instance, the blogger was too nice & did not respond as I did. Therefore, the reason I took it upon myself to make the point.
You're a good man, Mark, and I wish you the very best of success & hope you do realize your dreams.
Regards... Jay Barnelli
Thank you Jay - that's very kind.
I truly believe if someone asks for feedback (as they do on occasion here) on their site, or on a post, it is far more constructive to be honest with them (they are asking for feedback to make their sites better after all), than sugar coat a limp response with "I think it looks great". That won't help them.
Same with any request for help - that's it - the bottom line - someone is asking for help. Why wouldn't you try and do your best for them?
Ok, this is getting beyond the point of your great post - but if everyone in the world behaved like the community does within WA - the world would be a far better place for everyone.
All the best Jay,
Mark
Mark, my friend, what can I tell you, because you are so right on both topics!
Just as I mentioned to anothe fellow member earlier, I have a few fantastic friends, and then I KNOW tons of people... who don't particularly like me - All because I tell it like it is, as opposed to what they want to hear from me!
So, that's why you're right, Mark. You have interacted with a lot of people, since it sounds as though you have that special "sense" of understanding people.
I pride myself in having that "sense" because I have been interacting with people at large since I was 9 years old - this makes me 27? No, seriously some people either don't know any better, or they know but intentionally choose not to play by the rules!
Bottom line, we can only do what we can, which doesn't mean we cannot impact other people's lives nudging them, ever so gently, in the right direction.
Mar, you take care & it is a real honor & pleasure to chat with many wonderful people, like yourself, from around the world.
All my best to you & your family... Jay Barnelli
Hi. "Pay it Forward" is the title of an excellent movie. The phrase started there, I believe, and people have been doing it, or attempting to do it, ever since. I think that is lovely!"
-Alice
I saw the movie & it was great!
Alice, did anyone ever told you that you're quite obsevant? I certain the answer is YES!
So nice to have you around.
Have a great day... Jay Barnelli
Hi Jay! -
Remember - there aren't that many nasty people - they just move around a lot!
I must agree with you on everything you said above.
Thank you David,
You're quite right, and thank God for that!
I appreciate your great response.
All my best & take care... Jay Barnelli
Excellent post .... let us all practice to be kind, generous, helpful, and motivational .... we are here to offer support, guidance and knowledge to each other for the greater good of all!
Thank you for your kind words, Melody.
We all came here for the reasons you outlined. However, the few bad apples who ruin the sweet experience and the joy of learning the Good or the Bad from others who opt to interact & share in the WA Community, should be reminded of the proper etiquette of community interaction.
You see, I am of the opinion that we cannot & should not always simply ingnore the ignorant & hope that they won't bring damage (in whatever manner it may be) to our home!
Thaks again for your comments & I wish you the best,
Jay Barnelli
I can only say no one knows it all. We're here to compliment each other.
Arrogant people are ignorant.
Hi Ade,
You're so right & igorance is quite wide spread that we see at every corner of our lives.
However, there are those times that I am forced to stand up, either in my own defence or someone else's defence, to at leaset make the ingnorant aware that their actions are personally offensive.
In general, I must say that I agree with you, since I have ignored such people all my life!
Thank you again for your response & I wish you a great day, Ade.
Best of my regards,
Jay Barnelli
Hi. I've always believed that we each bring "something different to the table". I am not a techie so will not offer advice on things I don't know about. However, I can offer support and recommend certain posts or training that I think can help the author of the post, so I do that.
I think that we are typically professional and supportive of one another. I, too, have seen comments that have made me wonder. But I try not to participate if a discussion is going sideways, I don't find that useful.
Spam is another matter. This is to be a safe community and we shouldn't get spammed by other members so I will usually remind the author of WA's "no spam" rule. Otherwise, I like the open discussions that I see here. Thanks for sharing this.
Hello Rick,
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate sharing yor thoughts on this topic with me. You're right and I agree with you that we can bring something to the table in a healthy participation in the Community.
I am of the belief that we can learn from bad as well as from the good, since in the case of the bad, we can learn how to not do something that only yields a negative outcome.
As for most of us being professional, I do agree with the emphasis on the keyphrase "most of us" in the sentence! For the ones who either are not or refuse to be a professional, then I think that it won't be fair to both sides if we, on the receiving end, did not, at least, let them know that they are out of line. I say this in the hope that our notification to them would serve as a wake up call! Wishful thinking on my part???
On spam, I agree with you, but you may side with me that it is quite a bit more digestable because it does not come acreoss as personal - at least in my view. I'm convinced that Kyle & Carson are paying attention to all this & would eventually take appropriate action if it gets out of control in the future.
Okay, my friend, I have to leave now, but it was great to get a chance to chat with you. Thanks1
I wish you all the best sucess in a spam & negative comment free Community.
Regards... Jay Barnelli
Thank you, Bruce, for your comment.
You're so right, however, it becomes tiresome to allow this kind of offensive language to go on without informing the source that they are way out of line!
I wish you the very best of success here, my friend.
Regards,
Jay Barnelli
Thank you my friend! I am so glad that this practice is not an epidemic yet.
Take care... Jay Barnelli
As always, Alan, you're right1
It is true, but like anything else, once your ignore it, there comes a time that you can never do anything to stop it.
Beside, WA Community is not a social site & we have to hold all of us responsible to act & speak with respect & concern for each other. Otherwise. many members will DEFINITELY bypass our community altogether with a bad taste in their mouth!
Well, I am hoping that that things will change for the better - of course if I see anything, you know that I will speak out! Don't you wish you weren't friends with a troublemaker like me? Don't answer that!
All the best to your new site... Mr Artist!
Jay Barnelli
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I like this post very much, Jay. Thank you for saying it and sharing your thoughts. I used to be very enthusiastic with the community. It was so awesome until I 'saw' several people with their attitude towards new members or members who work harder than them.
We're supposed to be helpful and supportive with each other here and not to bash on others who are new to stuff like this or who have done their best to work for their future. It's so wrong.
I still think the community is awesome except for some 'snobs'. Sorry about that but it's the truth. This community should be for everyone...
~Jenn~
Hello, Jenn,
I want to start by telling you how refreshing it always is to see your Million-dollar Smile! I am sure it always brings the best out of people!
Question? Is there any way you can package your smile so that I can donate it to the ones who are Always Mad the Word, or they could be Mad at Themselves... for choosing not to be positive & pleasant?
Fogive me, Jenn, but seeing your smile just made me say those terrible things ahbout some people!
In all seriousness, you're 100% right in that WA Community is the best one could find online. With the exception of a far-apart few, everyone displays the utmost level of great positive & motivational attitude. This being the basic ingredient of such a healthy WA Community that we enjoy.
Therefore, not to jeoperdize such a great Community, certain behaviors have to be shed light on for all to see and become aware of - upon need for proper clean filteration!
thanks again, Jenn for sharing your important views & I wish you smooth smmoth sailing toward your golden destination.
Warm regards,
Jay Barnelli
Hello again Jay,
What a kind compliment and words of encouragement from you! Thank you so much. I appreciate your long reply and for being who you are. I am so honoured to have known great people here I can call friends. Regarding my smile, it's in my personal website. I decided to have a personal blog afterall so I have an excuse to keep on writing or rambling. ;)
Take care, Jay.
Warmest Regards :D
You so very much welcome, Jenn, you deserveit! I feel the same way regarding all the wonderful people in the Community.
Jay Barnelli