Such a little thing to get so pissed off about but I can’t seem to let this go. I know Internet causes and petitions are usually pointless – I know that. Iknow the whole thing is probably a complete waste of time anyway. I get it.

But . . .

If you’re going to commit to a cause, especially one with such simple guidelines and instructions, do it as asked. Don’t add your own cute little embellishments, your own personal thumbprint, your cute little whatthefucks.

Don’t know what I’m talking about? That’s okay. Go here: http://creativefreedom.org.nz/blackout.html

They simply ask that if you want to be supportive, change your internet avatars to black and post why along with the link. Period. Does that sound difficult to you? Nope, me neither.

And then wander Facebook and twitter and other social sites, and see what SOME people feel is commiting to the cause. Adding their own person “brand” to a black background? What the hell is that? First of all, people seeing your internet avatars on Facebook and twitter already fucking KNOW you so you don’t have to advertise. Secondly, the whole thing is over at the end of the month. Do you really have to personalize your black avatar? So stuck on yourselves that you can’t let it go for a few days? Ever heard of the saying Lip Service? Dunno what you’d call it online.

If you’re going to play along, then play along. If you don’t believe anything will come of it and it’s all just a waste of time, then fine, don’t play along. Whatever you decide is up to you, but if you’re going to play along THEN FOLLOW THE FUCKING DIRECTIONS.

Seriously, I don’t know why this is bugging me so much but I feel better now. I posted a couple of comments on twitter earlier. A couple of my friends are doing this half-assed and I thought veiled snark would maybe change their mindsl.

I thought the whole idea behind the blackout was to have a completely blacked-out avatar. Not to be cute about it. http://is.gd/jDKz

I think it’s like embroidering your logo on a pink ribbon. Why bother pretending to be supportive when you’re just paying lip service.

We’ll see if this makes any difference. If not, oh well. Tomorrow is another day. Oh wait, it’s after 12. Today is another day.

Originally published at Spellwight.