Do Me A Favor Before You Comment On A Comment.

We can all be better at this — remember, kindness counts.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

I’m an avid reader. I read a lot of books, a lot of stories, and a lot of articles — especially those right here on Medium.

And, although I am a big fan of many of the people I follow and read, I don’t comment very often.

I know, I know…engagement matters. I’m sure there is some part of the algorithm that takes that kind of activity into account…or maybe not. Tech stuff isn’t really in my wheelhouse.

I don’t comment because I know better than most people how text-based communication can get screwy, be misinterpreted, and cause a mini-internet-style riot.

My whole coaching career has been built on app-centered, text-based communication and I know just how easy it is for someone to read a note, comment, or even a full-blown paragraph in a different tone than the one intended. It’s part of the reason I use so many emojis when texting and/or communicating with clients. I think the kids these days say that is the mark of an old millennial.

But, old or young, text-based communication is rough without inflection points. Even when the tone, message, and emotion behind those things are obvious to the sender.