September 5, 2014

Like what I always say, I am pretty new here in Awesome Wattpad world. And like all newbie, I think, I did what we all do (redundancy?): I read Wattpad rules and regulations (not the entirety but I did get the gist) the mechanics of how-to's and what-not's and some Wattpad guide books. On a side note, please don't berate me yet about the pictures I used that might be subjected to copyright; I have asked permission for the use of some and I am still working on the others. ;)

But I guess not all did this. Not all knew what the rules and regulations are; not all knew what the proper etiquette is that one must apply when interacting with others, or when using Wattpad. However, it's common knowledge that we have to be RESPECTFUL with others, not just in Wattpad but also in the real world. It's a no brainer.

So what is the meaning of respect? According to Wikipedia.com respect is a positive feeling of esteem or deference for a person or other entity (such as a nation or a religion), and also specific actions and conduct representative of that esteem. Respect can be a specific feeling of regard for the actual qualities of the one respected (e.g., "I have great respect for her judgment"). It can also be conduct in accord with a specific ethic of respect. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respect) Even Urban Dictionary has a reserved spot for the meaning of respect. Google it.

My elders always remind me that respect begets respect. And I take their advice by heart. There were times where I forget myself and throw common courtesy and respect outside the window. I am not a saint; I make mistakes, too. But I get to realize it, most of the time, the hard way because I believe in the theory that KARMA WORKS FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF LIGHT TRAVELLING.

So what's this rant of yours about respect? I know different people have different views about respect based on their culture, religion and probably due to geographic location. But I think we Filipinos have the same idea what respect is.

I have found a friend through Wattpad. She is quite young but very friendly and talented. Like me, she likes reading books and she makes appropriate comments that encourage authors to write even more wonderful stories. She also gives votes. Aren't votes and comments considered important for authors and writers? Aren't those two fuels and feeds every writer to give their best? You may say "I just write because I want to express myself" or "I write because I want to share my stories to the world". You may be right. I think like that as well. But I know it gives everyone a wonderful feeling when we read the readers positive comments and when they try to help us by offering constructive criticisms.

Like what I said earlier, not all have read the rules and regulations, and I think most especially the younger Wattpad users. So my friend sent a friendly message to anonymousX and asked anonymousX in a very NICE way if she can follow back. And boy the anonymousX really gave my friend a thrashing that I think my friend does not deserve. And by thrashing, I meant mean and nasty words. My friend is still young, and my friend does not understand yet the entirety of life. In my opinion, if anonymousX does not do follow back, anonymousX should indicate that in his/her wall. If in the event that anonymousX indicated it on his/her wall that he/she does not do follow back in bold capital letters and others have missed it and still sent anonymousX a message, anonymousX could have 1.) Ignored the message 2.) Replied in a respectful and tactful manner saying "I'm sorry, I don't do follow back". It's easy, especially if you follow number 1. I'm not sure if anonymousX is a grown-up, a teenager or wherever age brackets he/she belongs. I will be vastly disappointed if anonymousX belongs to the grown-ups block or even in the new-adult bracket. I mean, shouldn't we be the role model for the youth? Shouldn't we explain to them that "hey, what you did is a No-No"? Hindi man tayo ang mga magulang nila e dapat pa rin mag set tayo ng good example.

I don't claim to be an angel with no speck of evilness about me. I am a villain especially when it comes to Brother's Dota 2 and Clash of Clan hours. And I did pretty stupid things in Wattpad like sending messages to other people's message board asking them nicely to read my story. That was until recently I found out when I read two guide books in Wattpad that by doing so might cause other people to frown upon you. So I stopped doing that. I once thought of sending PMs to others to ask them to read my stories but I realized that wasn't a cool thing to do as per some guide books say. But I guess here in the Philippines it is an okay thing to do. But I avoided it altogether. But I do, however, admit that I had asked some people if they do follow back. And I was fortunate enough to find friendly people who responded to my message in a very nice way.

There were Wattpaders who sent me messages asking me to read their books. Did I snapped at them and bite their heads off? No. Not because I'm new in Wattpad and wanted to gain more followers. It's because I respect them and they have worked their brains out to create a story. And in the process, I earned their respect as well.

So my point is we should all be nice even if others are not. I'm not saying we should be a wimp. What I'm trying to say is there are always other diplomatic and right way to settle things. And if you happen to be already an adult, then set a right example. I am proud of that said friend because she did not stoop to the level of anonymousX. She told me that she decided not to put much attention to it even though she was hurt with the words said to her by anonymousX. She pointed out that what was the use of her listening to God's words in church if she will return the rudeness and nastiness that was bestowed upon her by anonymousX?

The real world is not all sugar and spice and everything nice. One must also learn how to be though. But respect for others should never be forgotten. All these are merely my opinion. And I am proud to say that I am not abusing the 'Freedom of Speech' context. It doesn't mean that since we have the freedom of speech, we can already say or write things with the idea of hurting others. We live in one planet, we breathe the same oxygen, and we were created by one Almighty Father... So let's all be nice little children and play nicely, kapish? :)

pinkangel2127 Over and Out.

**anonymousX isn't really THAT Wattpaders user name. If you know someone with the user name anonymousX, then I am definitely not refering to that person. I used the name anonymousX as a codensme. Rudeness is not highly appreciated everywhere.