I get up in the mornings and go off to work. I work my shift, leave and come home to relax, and one of those ways of relaxing, after taking my shower…*grins*…is to get online, come to camp and see my girl. Yeah, that's right. My girl comforts me more so than most anyone else, not meaning to offend, but she's been there for me and I do neglect to tell her these things and usually when I do it is late, give or take a few months…*chuckles*. What I think and what I do online are at two extremes of the spectrum. I think of telling my girl how proud I am of her but I don't do it. Just a few simple words can mean so much. The lack of those words again can be taken the wrong way and hurt someone's feelings.

Now I sit in camp and don't say much as I like to observe the on goings of camp and see what all is happening. I watch the words of a slaves serves, a Master's compliments or His postings for a spar and even study the words of various entrances of different individuals of camp. You can notice a lot of difference between those that try to be descriptive and colorful and those that don't care at all and just show up to take up space. Words are expressions of feelings, actions, opinions and thoughts when it comes to online Gor. So, what you type reflects the character you are portraying and the extent of either their complexities or their simple ness. Those who choose to be from Torvaldsland are the exception to the rule, for we all know they are just thick skulled and care only for a warm girl, a bota full of drink and a big axe…*grins*.

But alas, I digress from the matter of discussion. I see many discrepancies on Gor within each individuals writing styles and writings. How often do we stop to think exactly how what we are typing will affect others reading it? Words, often times, can hurt worse than an actual fist. Their impact on someone emotionally can be devastating. Do you ever stop to think that maybe your words have caused someone such pain that they cry on the other side of that monitor? Does it not bother you if someone does cry? Sure it can be easily faked with a simple few words of their own, but what if it's true? I have seen heartaches, heartbreaks, the proverbial "attempted" suicide, and even the classic "I'm leaving Gor…. for good", but what do they mean? Words can maim, disable, hurt and even kill, maybe not literally, but emotionally they can. You can see the difference in a serve or the topic of conversation or even the subtle change in the descriptions a person uses as to how their mood is or how words spoken have affected them.

Sure enough that Gor is harsh and not fair, but words, words, can be…and often times do the people that read them, take them to heart, even though the author of the words doesn't usually think about intonation of what he/she types, we just type. We do neglect the importance of tone in our words and this being a world of chatting online or writing online, full of Instant Messaging services, we have to be wary of tone. Inflection on different words in one sentence can be the difference in seriousness and sarcasm. What we view as sarcasm, another might take seriously and be offended or hurt. How many numerous arguments across message boards have I seen over words that just needed intonation to clarify them I cannot even begin to name. I have seen brother vs. brother and camps vs. camps over the stressing of wrong words. Master's losing slaves and slaves loosing their fires deep within just because the right thing was said, just in the wrong way that made it seem like no real attention was being given. Remember that everything that we do or say online must reflect exactly what it is we are trying to put forth. Negativity online can so depress people to the point of leaving an environment that is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable but has now become a problem pot of brooding arguments and a burden just to attend. Don't make v/t a burden to come to for then it becomes like an r/t job, and we surely don't need another one of those.

Positive reinforcement is what we need to do. If you're not happy with someone or something, tell them so, yet in a kind and non offensive way so as not to further dishearten or anger them. Remember the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Would you want to be pissed on after going through a whole day of it in r/t? I think not and if you do, then I suggest you seek help for you're a glutton for punishment. Remember that a smile can go a long ways, but a kind word even farther. It never killed anyone to smile, even though it surely hurts my own features…*grins*. Don't come online with an attitude, especially if you come to me with one, because if you do, well hoolies, I'll give one right back to you and see if I can't provoke you to the point letting your anger and emotions take over and letting you embarrass yourself, and I really don't like to be that mean, for if I did, well I would be a hypocrite to this subject I'm writing about now wouldn't I? I don't like being a hypocrite so…. be nice.

Watch what you say and how you say it is my only advice on the matter. Occasionally, at the least, pay attention to every detail that you can and remember to give praise where due and correct in a manner befitting a good Master and not just a barbarian. Leave your bad r/t day in r/t and at work if that is the source and remember that when you come online, you face many people that have also had a bad day and would greatly appreciate just a simple smile or positive words. Don't ruin a good time online with trivial arguments or gossips about others. Mind your own matters and watch your words. The smallest most trivial things to you can mean the world to another. Remember the gentle nature of the heart and the power of words that can be so destructive and devastating to it or so beautiful, peaceful and joyful to ease and sooth all the negativity away. The power of words…can hurt, maim or even kill a soul and heart…. or can mend, heal and make a heart beat…. your choice…choose wisely.