Why we can't all just get along

I posted the challenging comment “You’re going to like this,” (copied below) on The Spinks Blog following David Spinks’ article titled “True Transparency,” which compares the value of transparency with the value of etiquette.

Spinks writes, “One of the major concepts of social media is transparency. Be yourself, act human, don’t lie or cover up anything, just be open about who you are and the things you do and your followers/readers/customers will appreciate you.”

As is often the case when a thought-leader like David Spinks posts a ground-breaking piece that reveals fault lines, his “True Transparency” quickly drew fifty comments before I had a chance to post mine. I think you’ll agree that compared to almost all of the others which plead, “Why can’t we all just get along,” mine was special. - Darrell
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http://davidspinks.com/2009/06/18/truetransparency/

You’re going to love this.

I can already tell that my blunt approach to Twitter is going to be a hit on this venue. I bet it draws silence. Because etiquette doesn’t mean squat to me, I’m a couple of steps ahead of most of you.

Olivier Blanchard posted a sweet comment that reads “Being polite is good. Picking fights is bad.” I agree. But right or wrong, some of us feel an obligation to the community to pick fights and kick the butts of those who need it - many of whom just want everyone to get along in blissful politeness. A couple of centuries ago, the most traditional of these would have been called “loyalists.” And indeed, getting even for disrespect must be bad because it feels oh so good.

As I read David Spinks’ article “True Transparency” and the rapidly growing list of comments which follow it, I can’t help but notice hints of envy for trouble makers whose goal is to be the first to point out bad ideas that would have been abandoned decades ago, except that until now, no one cared to notice. As a successful, impeccably transparent special bastard who goes by “Proots” on Twitter, I encourage anyone who is permitted to take initiative, to take a deep breath and grab a robust voice. The air is fine out here on the edge of civil. Besides, playing nice blows.

Conversation trumps oppression. Twitter and other social network tools are not only saving lives this week in Iran, but Internet transparency in healthcare here in the US promises to aid patients through better prevention, lower costs and honesty. It sure stands a better chance of benevolence than traditional obscurity and preferred provider lists.

Conversations mean decentralization, decentralization means liberation, and Twitter is pornography for libertarians.

As one can imagine, to publicly demand transparency from stoic good ol’ boys (male and female) who silently hide beneath layers of traditional bureaucracy, is simply the nuts - even as a spectator sport. Anyone who is allowed to be transparent enough to participate has the obligation to their community to reach in and pull reticent business leaders smooth out into the brightness of the wide open spaces. Just how bad can that be? And now, just how fun can that be? Please, no wagering.

I hold myself accountable, why shouldn’t people like Kim E. Volk, CEO of Delta Dental do the same. What makes her so damn special that she can dodge accountability from a disappointed dentist who treats the clients her business cheats?

Wow! That felt… liberating.

D. Kellus Pruitt DDS