About 6 months ago, I wrote the post “Why Everyone Sucks.” I received a bunch of emails from that one and read other responses online. Because I don’t write comments or post on message boards, my follow-up has been delayed until now. So why such a long wait? Mainly because these bloggers and commenters are a small part of my busy life. I didn’t want to make this into some kind of blog-reviewing website. There is one of those already and he does a great job. Basically, I just don’t care that much. But a couple times a year, it seems like I have a need to express my frustration. So here we go…
The description of the MileNerd blog should really read, “Just the most miles in the fewest words possible – plus an occasional rant.” Look guys, I can’t help myself. It’s in my nature to do this. My entire life is built around self-expression. Some of you are very different and I totally understand. For those who don’t like this side of me, feel free to come back tomorrow and I’ll have it out of my system (for now). Some others only like this part of my personality…and well, you have issues. Moving on.
I feel like mile nerd is the perfect name for the people in this game. I’m not the only mile nerd, just one of many out there in the world. As someone who deals with and observes the people in this group, the truth is, a lot of you really do suck. And some others of you are amazing. I wouldn’t expect the people who suck to understand why they do. Does a crazy, irrational person on the street stop and articulate the reasons they act so crazy? Of course not. Would a child be able to pause their temper tantrum and explain how self-control will come with age? Uh…no. So if you truly understood why you sucked…you wouldn’t suck.
Some people loved the post. Others read it and thought I was trying to stir up conflict. Here’s the thing about the people who spend time writing on the internet every day….a lot of them are hiding on laptops. There’s a pretty high level of real world social awkwardness with this group. But, awkward nerds, this is what human beings do. We express happiness. We express anger. We express frustration. So, to the people who thought of my post as “drama” – Try to learn how to feel comfortable expressing feelings. It’s good for you. Some of us actually feel safe showing emotion in places other than movie theaters (gasp).
Which brings me to the original question – Am I a “hater”?
Not at all. I’m an honest guy who observes things and doesn’t hold back. I’m someone who has gotten comfortable in my own skin. By the way, there was also a lot of humor in that post. But this isn’t about me. You, many of the blog-reading, point-obsessed, mile-earning public. You are the haters. You have so much resentment for blogs that it doesn’t even make sense anymore. Yes, we know a lot of bloggers are sellouts. But you jump on them for posting deals (isn’t that the point of blogs), for not posting deals, and for all of their money-hungry ways. There are so many more important things you should spend your time worrying about than blogs. Is it really worth all that energy? Not so fast, sellout bloggers. If you don’t acknowledge that you are haters too, then you’re more blind than most. When you provide “tips” that aren’t in the best interest of readers, then you are a special breed of hater. You’re a hater who pretends to be acting with love and care. Very slimy.
Some of you aren’t deep enough into this game to know or care about any of this. That’s good. Earn your miles and points, but just be careful of the people you learn from. This game is full of haters and users. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. Still, it’s a beautiful thing to be able to take your loved ones on fancy trips while saving thousands of bucks. Focus on that, not the nonsense and hate. And if you have a problem with someone, be comfortable enough to express your opinion. Too often, people would rather call themselves “polite” than what they really are – repressed, awkward, etc. You are allowed to have all kinds of feelings, not just the “good” ones. Now get out there and express them!
