Blocking comments

[lederhosen]

Just to explain something I do now and then.



Every year, Australia has a SIDS-research charity event called Red Nose Day. (The idea comes from a UK charity of the same name with a different goal). You pay your money, the money goes to SIDS research, you get a red nose and you wear it on the day.

Now, I have nothing against the cause. Cot death is a tragedy, and research into prevention is a Good Thing. But the red nose thing always makes me feel a little uncomfortable. IMHO, charity should be motivated by the desire to do good, not for the feeling of approbation that comes from wearing a visible token of that donation. I feel uncomfortable when I feel somebody's trying to manipulate me into giving via social pressure, and so I tend to avoid that sort of charity; on the rare occasions when I do give them money, I don't take their tokens, because I have no earthly use for them.

Most of the time when I do it, blocking comments is my way of making the metaphorical 'red noses' invisible. If you want to actively want to say something to me, you're welcome, and there are plenty of ways to reach me. But I don't want people sitting there staring at an empty "Respond to post" window feeling they're obliged to fill it up with a friendship tax, if that makes any sense.

Comments

[ambitious-wench.livejournal.com]

I've never taken offense at a disabled-comments post of yours, my friend. I've often felt a need to at least express concern for you, but not to the point of sending you an email, because I felt that would be intrusive. I do know that sometimes just writing out your thoughts is thereapy enough, and so haven't worried too much.

You're OK, Art.

As for Red Noses, well, there is such a thing as "helper's high"--the release of endorphins when we do charitable acts, and yes, they are addictive.

*shrug*

I know I feel better for helping folks, especially when I am low.
Edie

[lederhosen.livejournal.com]

I know that feeling well. I do the same thing myself sometimes - but it doesn't necessarily have to be visible to the rest of the world, which is what the red noses are about.