I spend a part of each day on the internet and, especially social media. I find pages like the Krugersdorp News, the West Rand Business Network, Krugersdorp Community Network and Rants and Raves Krugersdorp highly informative and entertaining. There are items that interest – and sometimes amuse – me, the response is great and, often, I wish I was a lawyer because some of the input is libellous and pure slander.
But let’s start at the very beginning. I’m no better than anyone else but I do try to read through my posts before sending them into cyberspace. I also usually only post in English as I would probably make a complete fool of myself if I had to post in Afrikaans or any other language. So hats off to those people who do post in a language not their own. And, please excuse me for mentioning a few funny posts I just have to share.
There was an insert from a caring company that offers affordable funerals and thompstones. I hope they check the spelling on these stones before they’re erected. Eskom, according to one post is bank rupped (like their power stations maybe); someone is looking for really Hawaiian shirts (probably in Hawaii) while someone else wanted a lawyer who could tell her what her rites are (I didn’t know lawyers could advise on rites). One person said they were in the Seysels (food is very expensive there) while someone else was looking for a purcian kitten (not a siamese)!
Besides the interesting, entertaining and amusing posts you will learn that Krugersdorpers and West Randers are a breed that want their money’s worth. Nearly every post asking for any kind of service, from haircuts to engine overhauls (or, as it was put, overalls) want A1 service that does not cost an arm and a leg. Every second post says this. Never mind that this A1 service or business has to pay overheads, staff or whatever it’s posts like does anyone know who will be able to build a house for me before the end of the week that will be perfectly structurally sound and not cost an arm and a leg. Take a look. You’ll see what I mean!
Now we to the part where I wish I was a lawyer. Why? Because I would make money. Lots of it. I would even offer my service at a rate that would not cost an arm and a leg because I would have so many clients.
It seems as if the “anonymity” of social media lulls people into a false sense of security. Some of us are lucky that the medical fraternity don’t have time to spend on the social sites – they’re too busy saving lives! If I see some of the comments that are written and I shudder. Libel and slander rule!
The same goes for emotional posts. People are quick to judge and condemn. They are like yapping lapdogs where one triggers the other into a frenzy of damning someone without knowing all the facts. They are the typical yappers who follow the pack leader and join in the biting of the ankles. “Scum of the Earth”, “I hate all people” and “I hope they die a horrible death” are some of the more polite remarks. While I might agree in some cases (like the people who are still shooting loud fireworks) in most cases I would prefer to get all sides of the story.
My resolution this year is to be more mindful. Not to jump on the bandwagon until I know all the facts. I will, however, continue to enjoy the amusing posts and the requests that don’t cost an arm and a leg while I study for my law degree!
