What to Do | slacker news

> One should help people, and take care of the world. Those two are obvious.

From what I encounter, almost daily, I don't think everyone is on the same page, on that; especially amongst folks of means.

I have seen people without a pot to piss in, treat others -even complete strangers- with respect, love, caring, and patience, and folks with a lot of money, treat others most barbarously; especially when they consider those "others," to be folks that don't have the capability to hit back or stand up for themselves.

As to what I do, I've been working to provide free software development to organizations that help each other, for a long time. It's usually worked out, but it is definitely a labor of love. The rewards aren't especially concrete. I'll never get an award, never make any money at it, and many of the folks that I have helped, have been fairly curt in their response.

I do it anyway.

Not actually a “white knight.” More of a scarred old dog, helping other mutts out. Like I said, in another comment, long story, and not one for the town square. I find it fascinating that you consider what I wrote to be “verbal aggression.” That’s a new one.

Neither saint, nor villain [anymore -Ed.]. My life story has made me who I am, and has forged my worldview. From what I have seen of your comments, life has forged a different worldview for you. It sounds like you may have overcome your own challenges, and it might be inspiring to hear those stories.

My story is not at all unusual. I regularly hang out with folks that knock it into a cocked hat. These are real people. They actually exist. They aren’t some Internet simulacrum. It makes me a bit regretful, that so many folks may not find communities that inspire them. They are out there, if we but look.

Just because we may choose not to look for it, does not mean that it doesn’t exist.

My post may not be what everyone wants to read, but it certainly inspired some interesting discussion, didn’t it? Whether or not I agree with everything, I find it a refreshing sidebar to the types of topics we usually cover.

I choose to keep showdead = no, so I am sure there’s some pretty brainsick stuff, as well, but HN seems to do a fairly good job of suppressing that kind of nonsense.