Don't Read the Comments

Photo by Mark König

They say not to read the comment section, but I’m the dork who can’t help but do it. Less so these days, I mostly skim, but nonetheless, I do it. I’m curious to know what people are saying. I’d hate to miss out. I want to stay connected and exchange ideas. I don’t want to hold a megaphone and have conversations only go one way. What’s the point? I like talking, but I want to listen too.

But sometimes these comments can be rather jarring, especially when they are about me.

For better or for worse, I just got back from a guest appearance on Tim Pool’s The Culture War, as a token a liberal. The audience wasn’t exactly set up to be on my side, especially since this was more of a debate format. I ended up receiving a LOT of messages after the show—mostly good. The general sentiment was: “I don't agree with you on much [this was a prerequisite to each note], but thank you for coming on and engaging in good faith and articulating your points without resorting to emotion. Wou…