Why Do You Come to Ricochet?

Over the years I’ve gotten to know a number of our members fairly well. Although I don't know them intimately, I have a sense of their personalities, their character, their positions, and I can honestly say I like and appreciate them, too. But the question came up for me about the reasons people come to this site. People periodically ask that question, but I think in these stressful times, it’s worth asking again.

Why are you here? Let me tell you, first, why I am here. I love to write. I love to get people’s input on my posts, even though a post may not obviously seem to solicit input. I love even more to have an occasional dialogue exchange, not only with people who agree with me, but also with people who don’t agree with me. I’m rewarded by those who can disagree and still maintain a sense of friendliness and rapport (@She and @HenryRacette, I’m looking at you), and there are many, many more of you. I also appreciate when people ask me to clarify or elaborate on an idea. I occasionally decide that my view is incorrect or incomplete, and I let people know that I’ve changed my mind and often explain why. I can think of no other place I can go to have my ideas challenged by intelligent, thoughtful and (mostly) well-meaning people. We have formed a community.

I love to read posts, too. I’m fascinated by the insightful essays and may not have much to add, so I just “like” them. There are certain people I’m fond of and seek out their work; when I respond to their posts, it’s usually to offer a “pat on the back”; many people don’t like to write and I want to encourage those who do.

I’ve also assumed those are the same reasons that others come here.

But lately I’ve begun to question motivations by some people. There are those who infer that my motives are cruel or misinformed. Others are so offended by what I say that they feel compelled to put me in my place. These people, by the way, are very few, but they pack a punch.

Some people have questioned why one person in particular who, on cue, attacks Israel, Jews and Americans and they’ve tried to find out why. I gave that effort up long ago, because quite frankly, I don’t care what he thinks. He’s proven himself to be ignorant and harsh, and I have little interest in engaging with people like that. If he follows the rules, however, he’s allowed to stay.

So for those of you who come regularly, including those who read my posts, why do you visit? Do you come for the information in the posts? Do you seek lively and thoughtful conversation? Do you want to engage in verbal battles and demonstrate your acumen? Do you enjoy commenting and exchanging ideas? When are you motivated to “like” a post? Or do you have a practice of not “liking” any posts and what are your reasons? Do you “like” posts that you disagree with, but appreciate the expression of their ideas?

I think that now and then, where time is so precious, it’s worthwhile to think about why we are here, to think about why we visit, what we hope to learn (if anything), what you want to share, and what brings you back, time after time.

Why are you here?