I moderate a forum on Real Estate, and (as you can see from my blogroll) , I consider Morgan Carey a friend. Interestingly enough a post popped up on his site that kind of intrigued me. But for a different reason than most might suspect.

The main part of the post is about a trademark issue over the term RELO. (I for one, think the issue is pretty stupid since there are MANY other sites that use the word “relo” as an abbreviation of relocation…BUT THAT’S NOT MY POINT. the courts get to decide that one. My legal opinion matters not at all. After reading Disco’s take on it and dropping a comment there, I have done some further thinking…

Let’s set the legal issue aside for a minute. Hell, set it aside COMPLETELY for all I care. It is what it is (to use an overused cliche…)

My issue is civility among the good citizens of Net-ville (grin)! I started off with the Rodney King approach (ummm…”Why can’t we all just get along??”). But I understand that relationships crumble sometimes. Can we at least make a case for civility? How ’bout some restraint people?

It was hugely apparent to me from the posts that this issue had been on the back burner of the stove, but the heat was turned up by a former friend with a grudge and an attitude.

From a more practical perspective, it is garbage like this that pollutes the internet. Yeah…the Search Engine world is famous for it, but let’s all grow up a bit. (just my opinion). I am glad that things get a chance to air out and forums like Morgan’s provide a public way to air out these things, but if people would be honorable, follow the golden rule a bit and be considerate and hey even mix in some manners once in a while, the whole world would be a better place.

For the record…if I put you down as a friend on this blogroll (or anywhere else for that matter…) you don’t need to worry about the conversations we have coming back to bite you in the rear. A handshake (even a verbal one…) from me and I consider that my bond.

Seriously.

I am not going to get a rash and go looking up anyone who might have an issue with you and dish any dirt I can think of to them.

Call it Karma.

Call it Ju-ju.

Call it the Golden Rule.

Call it the right thing to do.

Call it “what comes around goes around.”

Sure everyone has an agenda. Sometimes agendae. Sometimes conflicting ones…But friendship still needs to stand for something. the standard “You can trust me.” needs to mean something. and we should not have to wear flak jackets to market online and search engine optimize sites.

Although posts like this serve as a great reminder to choose friends carefully out there and treat them like friends. That’s the REAL take home message.

Just my opinion.

Very interesting and enlightening post on REW, Morgan.