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Hi Ms. Netiquette,
I have recently encountered an issue with Pogo, and I would like your opinion on the issue. I love Pogo and have been a valued customer for several years. I teach middle school. Today, I was eating my lunch in my classroom because I had several students in “silent lunch.” Seeing as how I was giving up my social time with my fellow teachers, I played Pogo.
As a teacher, there are moments that I have to leave my computer quickly. This happened today. I had to run out of the room and deal with some kids that were misbehaving in the hall. While I was gone, one of the silent lunch students went to my computer and typed two bad words in the chat box. When I got back to my computer and saw what he had done, I was appalled. I punished the student on the spot.
Several of the members in the chat room were upset at the language, as was I. I apologized to all the members in the room and explained what had happened (if any of those people are reading, I apologize again). The two members that were upset proceeded to bash the education system and teachers. I then explained that even teachers get a lunch break. The two upset members filed a complaint against me, and my Pogo privileges have been suspended. Up to this point, I have not had a single blemish against my good name. What is your opinion on this matter?
Thanks for your help,
Game Girl in Atlanta
| Dear Game Girl in Atlanta, What do I think? I think this whole incident is extremely unfortunate and I do sympathize with you. For those who don’t know, a “silent lunch” is generally a lunch period where students who have not followed instructions of some sort sit in silence and eat lunch. Teaching is an incredibly challenging job, and that you were attacked for your profession was incredibly rude, especially after you apologized so profusely. Many people do not recognize how difficult and often thankless teaching can be. Yet, most of us can recall a particularly wise or understanding teacher who helped us learn, or guided us through a difficult time. Ms. Netiquette admires teachers immensely. Unfortunately, your account was reported, and since you own the account all activity that takes place upon it is your responsibility. Thus, you do now have a blemish against your account. However, your good name is still in tact. Pogo recognizes that things like this do happen and unless you are caught violating the terms of service repeatedly, you will not lose your account. I imagine, being a teacher yourself, you have already devised a plan to ensure that something like this is never repeated. On behalf of students everywhere, we do wish you and all teachers a happy Teacher’s Appreciation Day (May 9th). |
Dear Ms. Netiquette,
Is it considered rude to enter a room in any of the Pogo rooms and not say “hi everyone” and “gl?” I have seen people just come in and not say anything at all. Not even when they are “wtged” and all that. Now to me that is rude not to answer that with at least one “ty” for the compliment. But I was wondering if coming in and not saying anything is rude.
Thanks
Wondering If it is Rude.
| Dear Wondering, No, it’s not rude. There are thousands upon thousands of people who play on Pogo all day long. Some of them come into the rooms to be social, while others are trying to catch a quick game in between other scheduled activities. Some might be at work and only have a few minutes to play, so they just want to get in, play a few games, and get out and get back to work. If you are in a table game where there are only a few players, it’s certainly polite to greet and encourage your tablemates. But even then, if they don’t respond, I wouldn’t let it upset you. Simply recognize that for whatever reason– legitimate or not — this player is not a chatter and continue to enjoy your game. |
Dear Ms. Netiquette,
I find I can’t chat and play at the same time. I am disabled due to a ruptured brain aneurysm and brain damage. I would love to make friends and talk but I can’t do both at the same time. Sometimes I worry people might think me rude when I don’t respond to kudos after winning the occasional game.
I don’t mean to be rude, but the few times I’ve tried to talk and play I got confused and ruined my game. I don’t know how to make friends easily now, so I just close the chat window and play. I want to thank people for their kudos and tell them their words are appreciated. I would ask that you please pass this on in case any other Pogo people are disabled with similar difficulties. I also read your column and love the advice you give and hope you keep on doing what you’ve been doing.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Grateful Pogo Player
| Dear Grateful Pogo Player, Thank you very much for writing. Yours is a real life example of why some people don’t chat. It’s not because they don’t want to, but because they simply can’t. I’m sure many people will appreciate your letter. |
