Some ideas are just wrong….right?
I sense that when Mark Zuckerberg developed Facebook, his
idea was to deliberately not include a “dislike button” but rather accentuate the positive power of what would become known as “Social Media.”
In the case of Facebook, this causes undue ambiguity, as we
are reluctant to “Like” someone
else’s misfortune or unfortunate loss.
For example, when we see a FB post that reads: “RIP to my French Poodle, Fifi- my very best friend and
companion.” Do you really mean “like” to indicate that you’re glad
Fifi is gone because all he did was bark, nip and hump visitors? No, you want a “dislike” button to show that you are a compassionate person who
“feels their pain.”
Note: I make the
distinction between “dislike” and “unlike” as Mark Z. gave us the option
to “unlike” something that we had
previously “liked” in a moment of
temporary insanity. (Only on Facebook
can you employ the word “unlike” as
a verb.)
Recently, I “friended” an old band mate of mine from our 8th
grade band, (cleverly named, “The Changin’ Tyde.”) I was now viewing posts and comments from him (and his friends)
while appreciating his progressive (see also Liberal) views.
Soon after, he posted a picture of himself being carried off on a
stretcher, his neck in a brace, having suffered a painful, but not debilitating
10-foot fall. This picture got a
number of “likes” but I could not
bring myself to “like” it. Where’s the “dislike” button, I queried out loud, to no one in particular. All I could do was hit “like” (to show that I had seen his post) and then “unlike” (to show that I was not a
heartless S.O.B. who delighted in his misfortune.)
Sometimes I hear or read things and think, “does anyone else
think this might be a bad idea?” I want to carry around a big “dislike” button (like the Staples EASY BUTTON) so I can fulfill my
need for instant gratification and let the world know of my fervent “dislike.” (Or I can just get out my
phone and post a tweet to my 10 million “followers.”)
Recently I saw a commercial for a car that will parallel park
itself with no human intervention. Now on the surface, this seems as if it deserves a “like”, aiding those drivers who never
learned to successfully execute this challenging vehicular maneuver. However, we already have runaway cars that
accelerate on their own while their frantic driver tries to make them
stop. Imagine commanding your Toyota to
parallel park in an open space downtown only to have it accelerate
uncontrollably as you back up into the front window of Starbucks. Call me old fashioned, but I officially “dislike” this new innovation.
Last week’s paper had an article about overturning a ban on
NH highway billboards advertising alcohol products. This made me MADD! (Where’s the “dislike” button?!) Does anyone else think that Captain Morgan or Budweiser
billboards on NH highways might be a bad idea and that they had a good reason
to ban them in the first place? Roadside promotions of alcoholic beverages while flashing “Drive Safely” signs are
mixed messages which deserve a “dislike.” (Next sign on the I95 South reads: New Hampshire State Liquor Store - Take next exit.)
Am I the only one who thinks having any kind of gun as a
prize in a raffle is a bad idea? (Sorry Wayne LaPierre, I must hit the “dislike” button, even though we have the right to bear arms.)
I read an article about a town in Illinois that had a raffle for the town Little League with an AR-15 assault rifle as the winning prize. (As if to allay the fears of non-NRA members, the fine print said that the winner would be subject to a background check.)
Note: New button needed; the “SERIOUSLY?!” button.
Every time I (unintentionally) view a reader comment following an
online article or Youtube video, I wonder who ever thought that allowing
“us” to comment on any article, video or social media post out
in cyberspace was a bright idea? Why do “we” want to
invite the vitriol or stupidity of every disgruntled everyman who thinks his comments are
worthy of consideration? I do not "like" this, Sam I am!
Here's a good one; posted below a Jimi Hendrix video:
"Did he just say 'scuse me while I kiss this guy?' is Jimi gay?"
Here’s a short list of things that “IMO” would be deserving
of the “dislike" button.
1 ) Small remote
controlled drones delivering pizza or Amazon packages.
2) Another Rocky
sequel, Steven Seagal re-run or Fast and Furious movie.
3) Reality shows
about housewives, bachelors, divorcees, backwoods families or self-made
celebrities.
4) Using the
phrase, “at the end of the day” or “no brainer.”
5) Congressmen
voting themselves more raises.
6)
Justin Bieber mugshots.
7)
Miley Cyrus awards show appearances.
8)
Powdered alcohol.
9)
Waiting in line for hours to pay $500 for the next iPhone.
10)
Westboro Baptist Church demonstrators.
Ok- I invite your additions to my list as well as your
comments on my blog. (but only if you “LIKE”.)
Steve E. Reno
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