The Problem with Bullies

A reader sent me a copy of a local blog which made me laugh. I haven't been up and running a week and the Bullies are already at it.

Their post stated that the BarnstableBlog is a ripoff of the local blog in question (I guess they are talking about the one and only BarnstableBlogger, i.e. me). They state that I am attempting to cut into their readership by using an identical layout to their site? The post goes on to state that I am supposed to be focused on "a realistic look at life and politics in Barnstable," asking why the hell do the people running the site (I guess that's me again) have something up on Virginia Tech? Makes no sense at all, concludes the bully. (I guess the thoughtful writer didn't take the time to read the last portion of my blog which asked whether this could happen in Barnstable or Cape Cod).

Several points are in order:

1. I didn't think I had to ask anyone what I ,or you, can write or not write.

2. My strategy is not to cut into their or other local Blogs small readership. I would rather create my own readership. I have read three other local blogs (one of which, Cape Cod Today, is a quality Blog) and to be honest, I don't want the type of viciousness that others promote. And

3. The layout used is a standard layout provided by Google, not designed by anyone locally.


The Blogster concludes by saying that my new presence is a good thing since the "moonbeams" (I guess that's you) will now have a place to go. How thoughtful and poignant. These Bullies are as predictable as they are vicious.

You have to laugh. These guys just can't help themselves. They are in constant and permanent attack mode. They are sort of like pit bulls, although even pit bulls can be nice now and then.

Can you imagine having to put up with these guys for more than 2 seconds a day?

The problem with bullies is that they don't see themselves as others do. They couldn't. Or they wouldn't act the way the do. We know that no one likes bullies. Why would you want to be despised?

And the characteristics that experts point to are that bullies have greater than average aggressive behavior patterns and they have no sense of remorse for hurting/affecting other people. (see previous post). Sound like anyone you know?

Bullies. You can pick 'um out of the crowd. We all know them. And none of us like them. Is there a generational thing going on here? Are these bullies the sons of bullies? Are they victims? Who knows.

Are these guys bullies? As the old saying goes, if it looks like duck and quacks like a duck....