The world is bigger than "me".

I've done it. In trying to make a point; in trying to win an argument; in making simple observations. I've said the "everyone" or all-inclusive. And I know its not valid.

Maybe its just me, but it seems that nowadays, more than ever, there's the "me" culture out there. I hear it all the time. "Everyone hates (fill in show name here)". Not Everyone.
"Everyone's already heard about (fill in the blank)". Not Everyone.

A classic example was in last Sunday's Sound Off in the Janesville Gazette.
Two calls were published regarding the recent 2-inch snowfall. The first caller wondering why in the world would the city send out salter trucks? The inference was that no one in their right mind would send out those trucks.
The very next post was a caller wondering where in the world the salt trucks were and how come they weren't out that day.
It made me laugh.

Truly, different points of view are as close to us as our next door neighbor or the office across the hall and its more likely that not everyone agrees with me than that they all do.

Sometimes I wonder if these days of social media and blogging are eating away at the basic interactions between people. Does anyone just talk anymore? It feels to me like we're moving to a fast "bash and post" kind of dialogue which is further supported by a veil of anonymity.

I know I find it frustrating when an obviously disgruntled listener will contact me, drop a viscous comment, email or voicemail, and never allow for the opportunity to become educated on why a show is on, or the station automation had issues, or any of a number of other situations.
In most cases, the truth is that people are involved on the other side of our issues. People who work hard, usually try to do their best and deserve better than a quick "hit and run". People who can be as quickly hurt and upset as we are when nasty comments are hurled their way without much thought.
I bet most of us would never say many of the things I see posted if we were face to face with those individuals. Yet, in print on a website.. it lasts so much longer.

So I'm making my pledge to post, when I do, as if the person were right in the room. How about you? Join me?