Chat, Chat, Chat

I have been busy in my down time chatting with folks from around the world at Talk To Me In Korean, (TTMIK) the site I use to study Korean Language (한굴). I've encountered some really interesting people from Korea, America, Malaysia, Japan, China, England, Poland, and Germany. I was amazed at the number of people out there that are interested in reading, writing and speaking the Korean language.
The people I chatted with are of varying ages, backgrounds, religions, and genders. They also vary in their level of competency with the language. They range from "I just started today." to "I've been at this for years.". The diversity of their skills is really helpful in the learning process, and their human diversity helps to give a fresh perspective on the worlds cultures.
There does seem to be one common thread that ties the majority of them together, and that would be their fascination with the Korean pop culture (KPOP) and Korean dramas. Some of us are into learning the language solely for academics or as a precursor to visiting or working in Korea. It really makes for an interesting mix, and I really enjoy chatting with the folks over there.

So, you ask me. Is there a down side to all of this chatting stuff? Of course there is. Where would we be with out a few detractors in life. Aside from my internet service not being the greatest in the world, there are the "children". You know the ones, that come in a variety of ages etc etc. They consider the internet, and especially interactive applications like blogs, chat rooms, and other social gathering sites as their own little playroom where it is alright to tease and irritate others to fill some void in their life.

In the world of interstate trucking, we call these individuals "Radio Rambo". They like to sit behind the microphone of a CB radio and try to aggravate drivers that have already had a hard day. Just to see if they can get a rise out of them. they think that because they are hiding behind a radio, they can't be found. I've seen some that have been found, and witnessed the aftermath. I felt no compassion for Rambo, as he got his backside thoroughly whipped by a couple of burly truckers. And no, I didn't try to intervene on Rambo's behalf, or even offer a band aid. He (Rambo) got what he asked for, albeit possibly more than he deserved.

We had one of those in our little chat room as well, it took a lot of personal restraint not to match wits with him. I didn't do it because of a personal rule not to match wits with an unarmed opponent. I so felt the need to give him a little medicine. I have a sarcastic streak, and have no doubt that I could have literally brought him to tears. I've done it before. Ask poor Rambo.

I have to remind myself when I run into these types that;

• It's not their fault, they are merely putting on display, for the whole world to see, how poor their parents child rearing skills were.
• They are advertising to all they encounter, their lack of education, their inability to interact with others on an adult level, and above all their personal inability to achieve.
• When they reach the end of their life here on earth and look back at all of their achievements, it will be a woefully short list.
• Generations from now, when their progeny ask, "What did my ancestor do?", They will be rewarded with a blank stare.
• I say this with care because my own list of "meaningful achievements" may also be a short list, but there will be a note on the page that reads "It wasn't for lack of trying".

Even with having to deal with this one bad apple, I enjoy the sessions with all the others that share a common goal in regards to learning Korean via TTMIK. I'm looking forward to this learning experience.