Apparently, I am a very poor communicator. I recently posted an OP that I thought was pretty
clear and straightforward. SEE: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215473923#post67
My entire intent was to express my genuine puzzlement about the few DUers who only seem to make negative responses to posts and seem to never have a positive comment.
Somehow, this nothing-burger of a post led some to assume that 1.) I was fishing for recs; 2.) I had somehow checked up on some DUers' rec frequency; and, 3.) that I was of the opinion that anyone has an obligation to rec posts they like or appreciate.
Recs are NOT, IMHO, an accurate assessment of whether a post is worthwhile or well-said. No one should feel any obligation to rec anyone's post. My point was not that there is anything wrong or remarkable about people who never or seldom rec. My point was that people who make ONLY negative remarks are people who puzzle me. Why bother to tear someone down when you won't take the time to give a thumbs up to someone whose post inspires you?
Finally, if there is a way to check up on someone's rec numbers, I am not aware of it and don't care to find out about it.
I apologize for the confusion my OP apparently spawned.
= new reply since forum marked as read
That said, I wasn't particularly disturbed by the post. If someone wants to look at every poster and see 'who recs what', they can knock themselves out. Seems awfully arduous for minimal results however 
Should have LIKES like FB. 
I guess those more "analytical" (critical) showed up shortly thereafter.
Still got 69 recs and counting though. 
that the post was worth a look. Half the time I don't remember to rec a post. Although I never rec a post that is negative. Life is too short unless something really important is being said. I always read your posts, Atticus, 'cause they are almost always worth reading. No one is perfect. 
enjoying a perfect UP day. Yes, it honestly makes sense. I wish I could share with you. It has been
wonderful. But thanks for you vote of confidence. 
Just kidding 
Learn to shrug and move on.....
Runs and hides 
Seriously, I understood your original post. I believe a lot of folks here appreciate your content, I do.
I’ll confess I was a troll on Yahoo. Posted as a RWNJ. My intent was to demonstrate to normal people that RWNJs are insane. One of my favorite memes was to tell folks how proud my wife and I were to have been married by Fred Phelps of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. It took a while, but I got called out and banned shortly before the site blocked all replies to stories. I’ve decided not to repeat this on DU.
I'm one of the ones who misunderstood, so I really appreciate this clarification.
I definitely share your sentiments about negative comments. I don't know how many times I've clicked on the subject line of a positive-sounding OP, only to encounter one negative post after another in the comments. I don't keep track of who the negative commenters are, and it doesn't sound like you do, either, but like you, I've definitely noticed the negativity and been bothered by it at times.
Personally, I try to see the big picture of an issue, not just the negative side. I don't always succeed, but I do try, and I absolutely refuse to completely give up hope in the vast majority of cases. There are a few exceptions; for example, I do NOT have any hope of Chump ever growing a conscience or changing in any other meaningful way. However, in this time, when we have a new president who is doing such a fantastic job, I feel that there is quite a bit to feel hopeful about. I wish more people felt the same, or at least that there wouldn't be such a rush to rain on other people's parades sometimes.
Post what you want to share, or post a comment to others' threads.
Comment to comments if you want.
Then just move on.
Personally I don't count 'recs', comments, etc to my threads.
I have so much more in my life to worry about than that.
There are contrarian DUers ... people who disagree with everything - no matter what is posted, they'll find some way to disagree with it.
My comment was that not everyone has the ability to post a worthwhile comment simply because they're reading on a cellphone (extremely limited) or a tablet (somewhat limited). Many people just skim through and move on rather than post anything - positive or negative.
If you don't always get a lively debate from every post you make, you shouldn't take offense. Spirited comments are a fluke, depending on the time of your post and whatever else is going on. No need to apologize, my friend.
Are you doing ok? Do you need to talk?
And turns out I was wrong about the Lounge, it isn't appropriate for this kind of topic. I didn't think it fell in line for GD either but
Our social forum. Relax with your friends and talk about off-topic stuff. The Lounge is supposed to be a friendly, welcoming place for everyone. No cliquish behavior. No drama. No political arguments. No whining about DU.
I didn’t know, but I’m pretty new here. In the wake of your thread, I learned that one can find that information on the profile page. I’m assuming you know that. 
