Well well folks, it's time for another Six-rant.

I've noticed recently (and well, not so recently also) that there seems to be a large group of people that say they are "unpopular" and feel neglected by the "cliques" or "possies" of the wonderful DP. Why is it that if you're not liked, everyone automatically turns into a 'prep' or the site turns into a popularity contest, or my favorite way of putting it "high school". In this rant type thing, I'm going to discuss these issues, and maybe more, if I feel like it.

Section 1: Unpopularity, and how to deal with it.
So, you've been set apart from the group as an outsider, or consider yourself too mature for the majority of DP? Well guess what?!?! You're not alone! Fact is, this seems to be something that most 'newbies', as us old-folk call them, and a few old times (who are reluctant to change) slip into this mindset. There's an ongoing study as to why, but as of now, there is no way of knowing exactly. But, nonetheless, a large percintage of darkpoetry considers themselves outcasts. Keywords in that sentance are : considers themselves.
Truth be told, no one is really an outcast on this site, seeing as there's a rather large variety of people that frequent. While you may consider yourself alone in this trivial world of text and metatags, you're not. Those people that you consider closeminded, are probably considering you closeminded as well. How do we solve this problem? you may ask. Why the answer is simple. Stop being so ignorant.
That's right, I said it. You're being ignorant. Open your eyes and stop moving your fingers for a second to realize that your own 'nonconformist' mindset is alienating you from the rest of our black/red/and white world. It's all fun and good to be your own person, but don't hate the rest of our e-world because a few don't like the person that you are. Just ignore and move on. There are comment delete buttons.

Section 2: Popularity and Comments
This is a roundabout topic that never seems to die. It should be renamed "The Cockroach Theory". People love to find any excuse as to why they aren't getting the comments that the other, and in their eyes more popular, members are getting. Here's a concept for you: Respect. It's a thing you earn after being a member for a good deal of time (which can sometimes be weeks, depending on talent) and consistantly posting something that makes the reader 'wow'.
"Now", you may say, "of course you think that way, you are one of the popular ones". Well, I may be, big deal. That doesn't mean I dont' know what it's like to not be known. I remember thinking back a few years, that I was a nobody with a generic name that was rarely read. No one is instantly respected. Next time you get pissy and say that you have to kiss ass and suck up to get comments, think about what you just said. Then think about the members that do get comments a lot. How often do they suck up? How often do they rant and rave and beg people to read their work? Hardly ever right?
A good tip is to comment on people, to get comments. Although some are not responsive to this (like me) it's a good start. And a start is always better than sitting there crying and alone.

Section 3: Opinions, and dealing with them
It's obvious that on a site meant to be a sanctuary from the so-called normal world, that everyone would have more than their share of opinions. What most don't understand is that along with these opinions come counteropinions. That's right, there's a slight chance that everyone in the world might not agree with your point of view. What should you do if this situation arises? Should you rant, and scream, and call everyone immature until they ignore you? No, you move along, and continue thinking what you will.
The entire point of an opinion is to voice what you think on a topic, and have the world judge your views. This means that you should not get offended when someone makes an opinionated statement, nor should you be offended when someone makes a negative reply to your opinion. That's what they are there for. There are a few simple steps to take if you either don't like someone's opinion, or can't deal with anyone else having a thought process. They are as follows:

1. Delete the work that causes the uproar.
2. Delete the comments
3. Don't allow comments
4. Don't post.

The last one is particularly special, because it is the one that most people should pay the most attention to. DarkPoetry is a public forum, and everyone should be entitled to think as they feel. As an opposite, everyone should be entitled to display how they feel about the opinions of another. If you can't deal with someone not agreeing, or replying harshly, you should seriously reconsider posting your views here.



Follow these steps, and you should be fine.

THE END

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