A few thoughts on the rampant abuse of a block feature.
12 years ago
Okay my fellow furries, here's a little primer.
The block feature present in many instant messengers, internet forums, etc. is intended to prevent harassment and trolling. It is not designed to be a vehicle by which one can "ragequit" an argument, refuse to hear another's side of a story or feel morally superior to another person they are judging. When you do use it in such fashion, it only destroys any open communication you might've had between you and that person. They can't defend themselves, explain themselves or even try to fix a misunderstanding because you've essentially done worse than hanging up the phone or walking away. You've actually completely severed all communications.
In essence, it makes things worse. I've had this happen recently over my stories here and on Experience Project. People have trouble differentiating fiction from reality, apparently. No, I'm not a rapist (and where does anyone even get that conclusion anyway? None of my stories have non-consensual sex in them!!). No, I don't hurt wildlife. I openly challenge anyone claiming such to prove that I ever did, come to think of it. I can assure you, no skunks were harmed in the writing of my stories or filming of my videos. As has been established, the park I visit is heavily patrolled by local police. If I were actually hurting any skunks there I would've already been arrested. I have, however, seen dead skunks that may have been killed by other visitors to the park (though given the damage to the bodies, it was just as likely a random feral cat or dog). There have been trappers as recently as summer 2012 that caught and executed 60+ skunks. I think that is a lot worse than a guy like me running around taking nature photos and filming.
The block feature present in many instant messengers, internet forums, etc. is intended to prevent harassment and trolling. It is not designed to be a vehicle by which one can "ragequit" an argument, refuse to hear another's side of a story or feel morally superior to another person they are judging. When you do use it in such fashion, it only destroys any open communication you might've had between you and that person. They can't defend themselves, explain themselves or even try to fix a misunderstanding because you've essentially done worse than hanging up the phone or walking away. You've actually completely severed all communications.
In essence, it makes things worse. I've had this happen recently over my stories here and on Experience Project. People have trouble differentiating fiction from reality, apparently. No, I'm not a rapist (and where does anyone even get that conclusion anyway? None of my stories have non-consensual sex in them!!). No, I don't hurt wildlife. I openly challenge anyone claiming such to prove that I ever did, come to think of it. I can assure you, no skunks were harmed in the writing of my stories or filming of my videos. As has been established, the park I visit is heavily patrolled by local police. If I were actually hurting any skunks there I would've already been arrested. I have, however, seen dead skunks that may have been killed by other visitors to the park (though given the damage to the bodies, it was just as likely a random feral cat or dog). There have been trappers as recently as summer 2012 that caught and executed 60+ skunks. I think that is a lot worse than a guy like me running around taking nature photos and filming.
Degrant
~degrant
I hate people that block for no reason...I tend to just ignore them. They aren't worth the time anyhow.
Tybron Mephitis
~tybron
OP
This person had a "reason" (they were pissed at me) but it was surprisingly hasty. And yeah I keep telling myself if he'd block me over that he would've blocked over something else eventually. Still, it's frustrating.
Degrant
~degrant
Yessir...very frustrating. *snugs*
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