Critiquing People Online

Audio Version

Hi everybody. Recruiting Animal here on May 19, 2010.

Back in, oh, I guess April 2008, I was having lunch with a very prominent Recruiting and HR blogger when he said to me: Animal, I am trying to shape a culture.

At first, I was taken aback by the boldness of this statement. But then I said to myself: You know what? In my own little way, I'm doing that too.

I'm not trying to shape a whole culture. I'm not that bold. I'm just trying to shape one little corner of it. And that corner is the Twitter bio.

And this week, a guy named Jason Seiden gave me some feedback on that project. He told me that he doesn't like the way I handle it.

I'll paraphrase what he said. He said:

Animal, I'm surprised that you're surprised when people don't like your overtures.

Because giving unsolicited opinions about someone's Twitter bio is a blunt and heavy-handed powerplay.

And people resent that because truth without empathy is abuse. Truth without empathy is abuse.

Well thanks for sharing, Jason. Here's my reply:

First of all, on Twitter, there's not much room for nuance. And I don't want to be subtle anyway! Because a little shock never hurt anybody. In fact, when you're trying to enlighten someone sometimes it helps to give him a little smack. That's very zen

And, listen to me, my friend. You said: truth without empathy is abuse. But empathy is not sympathy. Empathy just means you know what the other guy is thinking. Sympathy is agreeing with him. And if you can't handle a blunt comment about your Twitter bio, I don't agree with you. I'm not sympathetic with you!

And, you know, Jason, you said I'm surprised when people get mad at me. No, I'm not. I've got a sign on my page that says: if you're sensitive DON'T follow me.

But I AM surprised by people who freak out totally when I say something about their Twitter page and one of those people is your friend, Frank Roche.

When I commented on Frank's Twitter bio, first he asked me: What's happening here animal? And then he gave me an Unfollow Friday. And, then, a few minutes later he blocked me. And you know what? That still strikes me as weird.

So last week, when Jason Seiden wrote a blog posting about power and influence and mentioned Frankie in it, I left a comment. I said it was ironic to see Frank's name here because he used a blunt instrument when it wasn't necessary.

So what did Jason say? He said, Animal you're wrong, Frank acted appropriately. Frank did the right thing.

Well let me axe you this: Who's right, The Recruiting Animal or Jason Seiden? I have to point out, in his favour, that Jason is supported here by Soren Kierkegaard.

Now, I've never read Kierkegaard but I did read a quotation of his and here is what he said:

If you really want to help someone you have to start by finding out where his head is at.

Thats the secret of helping. And anyone who cant do it is arrogant.

That sounds like what Jason is saying, doesn't it? And it might apply to me -- if I was doting on one individual like poor little Frankie. But I'm not. I'm shaping the way a PLANET communicates.

And if guys like Frank and Jason Seiden (who unfollowed me) can't handle the truth, well don't worry, friends. There's going to be plenty of people coming after me who won't be tough and won't be in your face.

No, they'll slobber all over you like a St Bernard while they tell you the exact same thing I do. But, let me tell you, all that saliva is going to cost you money.

So Jerry Jerry, won't you tell us, what show is this?

Comments

[twitter.com/Alconcalcia]

Who is anyone on Twitter to say "I am the truth" though? People disagree with your opinion sometimes. Shit happens. Shouting and ranting is one way of dealing with it. Saying 'if you're sensitive don't follow me" is another, but frankly after the novelty value wears off, getting critiqued by you, or anyone else with a bit of a bull in a china shop approach is of no significance, because if you (or they) were that much of a guru on these things you (or they) would be out spreading the gospel according to..., not on twitter all day 'critiquing' others and bitching when someone disagrees.

At least that's my take on it. I am prepared for incoming but I honestly thin you take yourself way too seriously sometimes.

[Karen Siwak]

@animal as Zen Master of the Twittersphere? Now THAT's funny!

[Christine Chartier McKenzie]

Transferred from Facebook: http://twt.tl/LmQOZdW

What I dont agree with is when people follow you then expect you to know what they think is appropriate.

When someone selects to follow @animal.. I would bet that 9 times out of 10 you know less about them in the beginning then they know about you.

If they are going to follow you, they should be interested in your opinion and what you have to say. ... See MoreYour profile is clear..dont follow me if you are sensitive.

Honestly, in my opinion you are promoting people when you call them out...your followers who might not have otherwise are now clicking on the persons profile to see what they are all about...

[Stephenodonn]

I've yet to read anything that Animal says that I agree with, but I enjoy following his posts for entertainment.
I do also think that "Followers" is inaccurate, as following someone's tweets does not confer an endorsement, and having followers does not make anyone a leader.
Because of Animal's adopted persona and "outrageous" stance from behind an anonymous pseudonym, I find I have to read between the lines to guess what he is trying to say. He may well know what he is talking about, but I can't tell. Funny though.

[Jerry Albright]

What's this all about?

[Christine Chartier McKenzie]

"Followers" is just a term used by twitter...you are either following or being followed. I agree, we tend to think of leaders as positive influencers. However, I think it would be inaccurate to say that every leader in history had a positive influence or impact. Regardless, the fact is, if you choose to connect to or follow someone on twitter, they in turn have the right to actually talk to you. Just my opinion.

[J. Maureen Henderson]

People (even those who'd die before admitting it) like to be told what to do. Period. The majority would probably prefer a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down, but beggars can't be choosers.