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So, look. I get it. Someone just posted a note talking about their interest in a topic, and you want to reply with advice, even though you're pretty sure it's unwanted and unwelcome. But you have such good advice to share in such a clever way! It's excruciating to restrain yourself from replying. What to do?
in reply to Evan Prodromou

Rabbit Cohen
Rabbit Cohen
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This is one of the reasons that sometimes I type replies out and then delete them instead of posting them.
in reply to Rabbit Cohen

Evan Prodromou
Evan Prodromou
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@BathysphereHat just post it in its own thread like you coincidentally thought of it for no reason. People post random ideas and facts all the time.
@Rabbit Cohen
in reply to Evan Prodromou

Evan Prodromou
Evan Prodromou
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The answer is to post your advice in its own thread. Don't tag or name the person you're trying not to reply to. Don't mention them at all. Just say, "If your washing machine leaks, replace the hoses and seal the connectors." Say it out of the blue, no context. Send it and forget it.
in reply to Evan Prodromou

Evan Prodromou
Evan Prodromou
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This has two positive parts.

First, you got to say your thing. Whew!

Second, if the person who you were trying not to reply to is serious, they're going to search on the topic. And there's your post, right at the top of the results page.

They feel smart because they proactively found the answer. They might even thank you! Well, probably not, but at least they didn't block you.

Anyway: post, don't reply. Don't forget!

in reply to Evan Prodromou

heartlessgamer
heartlessgamer
• •

An excellent prompt for "Staying Motivated" week of #Blaugust2024 !

https://www.heartlessgamer.com/2024/08/blaugust-2024-staying-motivated.html

Thanks for the inspiration!


Blaugust 2024: Staying Motivated

Ever had the itch to reply to someone online after seeing them post about an accomplishment?
www.heartlessgamer.com
#blaugust2024
in reply to Evan Prodromou

Archnemysis
Archnemysis
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I am never going to understand this desire for people to not be social on a social media app.
in reply to Archnemysis

Evan Prodromou
Evan Prodromou
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@Archnemysis for me, I find it irritating to ask a specific question and get back a lot of non sequiturs, jokes, or topic changes. Sometimes I'd like to talk about things I find interesting with people who are as knowledgeable and engaged as I am.
@Archnemysis
in reply to Evan Prodromou

Evan Prodromou
Evan Prodromou
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@Archnemysis there's also the problem of over-familiarity that comes from the parasocial relationship. People will make what would seem to be playful teasing if they came from friends or family but come off as hostile from strangers.
@Archnemysis
in reply to Evan Prodromou

Philip Kaludercic
Philip Kaludercic
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But why would I assume the "even though you're pretty sure it's unwanted and unwelcome." part?
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