Hi everyone,
I’m new here. I’m happy that this place exists and I hope it grows. I am just learning about lemmy, about Fedecan, about all of this.
I know that the rules were presented to all of us when we registered. I also know that reality isn’t so pretty, and some may have not read the rules. Well, shame on you! Just kidding
I’ll make my point relatively short. We all joined here for our own reasons. Most are likely Canadian, some not. No issues.
But, pre-emptively, as a new and novice user of this platform, there are some things I want to express:
We all joined here for a reason, and whatever that reason was has lead you to a Canadian focused place. With that in mind, I hope we can all try to channel our Canadian values and camaraderie to not just create an alternative platform, but a better one.
What I mean by this is, take the challenge of treating your interactions here as you might do with a friend or acquaintance. Try not to assume bad intentions from others based on disagreements. Try to get your ducks in a row before you post.
I know it can be hard when the platform most of us are coming from is so giant that it’s easy to just type the first thing that comes to mind.
But I really believe that constructive dialogue or criticism, or even a non-response when you feel it’s warranted, is better than stoking the fire.
By no means am I saying you don’t have the right to be angry, sad, disappointed, defeated, etc., and these will inevitably be posted from time to time. You’re human, and if you’re here you’re likely looking for a place of sanity and unity.
By no means am I telling you to fence-sit. Please, your voices are your most powerful tool. You absolutely do not need to fence sit if you are passionate, but just try to remember that outright hateful, hurtful, or inflammatory language are far more likely to enforce others’ beliefs, rather than elicit empathy.
Let’s project our voices here in ways that are meaningful, not counterproductive. Obviously, nobody is to be chastised for the occasional burst of over-the-top anger.
Canada is in the midst of a rupture, to put it in the words of the PM. I just really want us to be able to keep our values and culture along the way, even in the scenarios where you have to be a rabid Canada goose about it.
One more thing which I hope isn’t a pipe dream. Can we try to approach discussion with the initial sentiment of sincerity and authenticity? It’s clear when somebody is trying to get a rise out of you, but let’s try to make that distinction before we release our inner geese.
I’m no authority, I’m brand new here. I have lots to learn. I just want to say this while the platform is in the midst of growing substantially.
Finally, just as it was always important to keep up to date with the state of Reddit as a business, it’s equally important to keep up with the state of Fedecan. They operate this place. I like what I see so far, but you can easily go check the website out and take a look around to form your own opinions.
Many a website have succeeded, many a website failed, many a website changed course for better and worse - we are all collectively responsible for ensuring the reason we signed up continues to align with the values of the website owners.
If you’ve managed to read this far, thanks. I hope it was worth reading to some of you.
Most importantly, remember: Stinky tofu may be stinky, but it’s actually really good. I don’t know where to find it locally, but I sure as hell will keep on the lookout.