Following up on the previous post, about how 90% of the internet is righteous indignation and ridicule, I thought it might be useful to provide some context. While ridicule is of course childish in all instances, there are times when righteous indignation is warranted. Unfortunately, those times are few and far between when compared with the perpetual tide of indignation surging across the internet.
Not everything is worthy of true indignation, though it is admittedly easy to get lost in an argument and forget that what you’re talking about is meaningless. So next time you think you may have lost your bearings, or you’re not sure if flaming someone for their opinion about an espresso machine is appropriate, take a deep breath and consult the Ditchwalk Indignation Scale:
Practically speaking, the benefit of the Ditchwalk Indignation Scale is to remind us all that when we’re arguing about a 1 — which is pretty much all we ever argue about — we’re arguing about a 1. In fact, you can even use that point to express your righteous indignation. For example: “I’m sorry, but I have more important things to do with my time than argue about a 1.” At which point the other person may slug, you, allowing you to continue your discussion on a more substantive basis.
— Mark Barrett
Comment Policy: Ditchwalk is a wild place, but not without tending. On-topic comments are welcomed, appreciated and preserved. Off-topic or noxious comments are, like invasive species, weeded out.