Authoring several blogs and participating in various Internet communities I tend to notice certain patterns.  I’ve met fine upstanding people, most of which share certain traits.  Then I’ve met my share of inconsiderate losers who also share certain traits.  This isn’t an end all list, just my way to blow off some steam today.

• Losers jump to conclusions and publish them as facts on the Internet.  Winners send you a private message asking your side of the story.
• Losers are too lazy to Google an obvious answer.  Winners attempt to find the answer themselves, then come to you because they think you might be able to help.
• Losers begrudge you for making a referral fee or commission, preferring you get nothing even though they are going to buy the product anyway.  Winners ask their friends if they have any links to any products they buy online.
• Losers assume your time has no value.  Winners understand time spent helping them is a favor.
• Losers think because something is called the “Internet” they can take a shit in your livingroom and say “what’s the big deal”?  Winners respect other people’s forums, websites, blogs, whatever.
• Losers assume because they have already failed at what you do, that you are dishonest.  Winners understand why you are succeeding and discuss which ideas work.
• Losers blindly copy every idea they see, usually word for word.  Winners analyze the idea to see if it works, and then look to improve upon it while at the same time making it different from the original.
• Losers try to attract attention without substance.  Winners try to be a useful resource.
• Losers think one tool will miraculously do everything.  If their hammer won’t tighten a screw, they suspect a conspiracy and demand the hammer be changed to accommodate them.  Winners understand each tool has a job to do, nothing more and nothing less.
• Losers gleefully participate and promote scams, hoping to take others like they were taken.  Winners give an honest opinion and warn others of scams.
• Losers blame everyone and everything for their mistakes except themselves.  Winners admit they goofed and try to see where they went wrong.
• Losers write in l33t speak because they just don’t care.  Winners proofread and correct errors out of respect to their readers.

OK, You needn’t take it any further sir. You’ve proved to me that all the Ultra-Violence and killing is wrong and terribly wrong. I’ve learned my lesson, sir. I see now what I’ve never seen before. I’m cured. Praise God!

End of rant.  Feel free to add your own.