{"id":8033,"date":"2024-07-01T17:37:15","date_gmt":"2024-07-01T21:37:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/how-to-read-words-on-the-internet\/"},"modified":"2024-07-01T17:37:15","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T21:37:15","slug":"how-to-read-words-on-the-internet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/how-to-read-words-on-the-internet\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Read Words on the Internet"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Profit<\/a>
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I have written over two million words published on the Internet.<\/p>\n

During the last 16 years, I\u2019ve written over 2,000 articles, launched multiple websites (Becoming Minimalist<\/a>, Simplify Magazine<\/a>, Simple Money Magazine<\/a>, Focus on Faith<\/a>), posted consistently for over a decade on social media<\/a>, and have also produced hundreds of videos on YouTube.<\/a><\/p>\n

All that to say, I\u2019ve been around for awhile and I\u2019m proud of the work I\u2019ve put in. I hope it is resulting in a positive difference.<\/p>\n

Over the years, I\u2019ve seen a lot of changes and a lot of websites and writers come and go. Along the way, I\u2019ve learned a few things about reading words on the Internet and I\u2019d love to try and communicate them here. As a writer, I hope I can offer a unique point of view. <\/p>\n

Every time I publish an article, I receive hundreds (sometimes thousands) of comments and questions and email replies. And for quite some time, I\u2019ve thought it would be helpful to sit down and write out a helpful guide on how to get the most out of the Internet.<\/p>\n

My hope is that by doing this, not only will it improve your experience and application for every article you sit down to read; but also that it might foster a more respectful and understanding online community. Wouldn\u2019t that be nice?<\/p>\n

Here are 12 things to keep in mind that will serve you well when you read words on the Internet:<\/p>\n

1. Not Every Article is for Every Person in Every Circumstance<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Internet is a vast place, and articles are often written for specific audiences. Not everything was written specifically for you or everyone you know. If your first thought when reading an article is, \u201cYeah, but what about that one circumstance where this might not apply?,\u201d then it\u2019s helpful to remember the writer probably wasn\u2019t writing for that specific person. <\/p>\n

For instance, if I publish an article that lists the benefits of moving to a smaller home, it\u2019s aimed at homeowners who live in a home that is larger than they need. Certainly there are many circumstances where a larger home (or any home at all) is the best step forward for a family. But that doesn\u2019t change the arguments in the article\u2014that many<\/em> of us would benefit from downsizing the size of the homes that we live in.<\/p>\n

This can be helpful to remember especially in very unique circumstances that might exist for one person, but don\u2019t exist in large amounts of the population. It can also help save you frustration when reading and help you find the content that most benefits you. Writers tend to write around topics or for people they are personally familiar with in one way or another. <\/p>\n

*Sometimes when I write I will include the phrase, \u201cJust to be clear, I\u2019m not talking about ____________.\u201d But almost every article would contain such a long list of exceptions, it\u2019s not feasible to list them every time.<\/p>\n

2. Not Every Opinion is a Personal Attack<\/strong><\/p>\n

We live in a world where differing opinions are often seen as personal attacks. But sometimes, an opinion is just an opinion and has nothing to do with you personally. <\/p>\n

I once saw a tweet from Jon Acuff<\/a> that illustrated how people read on the Internet perfectly. The tweet went like this:<\/p>\n

Me: I like oranges.
Twitter: I had a bad orange once in 1997, so I now hate you.
Me: I didn\u2019t say every orange that\u2019s ever been was amazing.
Twitter: It was really dry.
Me: I didn\u2019t say, \u2018You like oranges.\u2019 I said, \u2018I like oranges.\u2019
Twitter: Did you even consider my orange?<\/p>\n

There are many people who are just argumentative by nature and the Internet scratches that itch whenever they desire. So they read articles and posts just looking for points to personally argue for or against. I find it helpful when I read argumentative comments in an article or social media post to just assume the person was out looking for an argument that day.<\/p>\n

Remember, an opinion expressed in an article is not a personal attack on you and doesn\u2019t always require a response if you disagree. Often times, it has nothing to do with you. Keep that in mind, and you\u2019ll have a more peaceful, beneficial online experience every time.<\/p>\n

3. Assume the Best Intentions<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the greatest blessings of the Internet and social media is our opportunity to read and learn from people we do not rub shoulders with in real life. <\/p>\n

And one of the greatest hazards of the Internet and social media is our opportunity to listen to and interact with people we don\u2019t know in real life.<\/p>\n

Because when you don\u2019t know the character, integrity, and heart of another individual, and they say something you disagree with, it becomes very easy to just assume the worst about them.<\/p>\n

This will become VERY CLEAR over the next five months with the election cycle here in America. People who don\u2019t even know each other will assume the very worst of another human being just because of political differences. It\u2019s helpful to remember there are genuinely good people on both sides of the aisle. In fact, from what I\u2019ve learned living in both deep red and deep blue states, most people want the same problems solved\u2014they just disagree on how to solve them.<\/p>\n

I try to remember what Thomas Jefferson said, \u201cEvery difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Assuming good intentions behind the writer will lead to more productive and respectful discussions. And this applies beyond politics. <\/p>\n

4. A Calm Answer Turns Away Wrath<\/strong><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a verse in the Bible that says, \u201cA gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.\u201d <\/p>\n

I have used that wisdom, as often as possible, to guide my interactions online\u2014especially on social media. I have been viciously attacked and criticized in comment sections both here and on social media. Each time, (if it is even appropriate to respond), I try to start with a kind word: \u201cThank you,\u201d \u201cNice to hear from you,\u201d \u201cI hope you\u2019re having a great day.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wisdom that a kind word can turn down the heat of a conversation quickly is timeless and helpful both online and offline. When reading articles that provoke a strong reaction, responding calmly and thoughtfully can diffuse tension and foster understanding. Always start with something kind to say.<\/p>\n

5. Not Every Article Includes Every Piece of Information<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a no-brainer, but it is something that pops up routinely in my email interactions.<\/p>\n

Not every article is going to address every scenario or assumption or possible misinterpretation\u2014otherwise every article would get REALLY long. Writers must choose which points to include in an article that argues for the point they are trying to make. <\/p>\n

That doesn\u2019t mean they haven\u2019t considered other aspects or scenarios or the practical application steps required to begin living out the purpose of the article; it just means they\u2019re focusing on certain points and one specific goal. Which leads me to Point #6.<\/p>\n

6. If You Assume Something is Being Said, but It\u2019s Not Said, Then It\u2019s Just Your Assumption <\/strong><\/p>\n

Recently, I posted a quote on Facebook<\/a> that said this: <\/p>\n

Physical possessions are a burden. They take dollars to buy and time to maintain. They take up physical space in our homes and mental space in our minds. Every physical item around us competes for our attention and adds stress to our lives.<\/em><\/p>\n

A true statement. But immediately, some of the comments began attacking the quote. Here are a few:<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re saying minimalism means owning nothing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re saying no possession is ever worth keeping?\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re saying that no possession can ever bring us joy?\u201d<\/p>\n

In all scenarios, the answer was no. I didn\u2019t say you shouldn\u2019t own anything. I didn\u2019t say some possessions weren\u2019t worth keeping. I didn\u2019t say our possessions can\u2019t bring us joy or healing or purpose.<\/p>\n

I just said that every possession costs us money, requires our care and attention, and adds a bit of stress to our lives. (It\u2019s actually based on a quote from Randy Alcorn that I cite almost every time I speak: \u201cEvery increased possession adds increased anxiety on our lives.\u201d<\/em>)<\/p>\n

A 1-3 sentence quote that you read online, or even an 800-word article, isn\u2019t going to address every assumption that could be made about it. So find the value in what\u2019s posted. And know that any assumptions you make beyond the actual words are only that.<\/p>\n

7. Apply However You Can<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reading is an active process. We take in information, process it, and determine how it applies to our unique, specific lives. The same is true when reading on the Internet. <\/p>\n

Some articles you read feel like they were written directly to you with lots of helpful, specific application points. Others will sound like they are speaking to a completely different person in a completely different phase of life. But almost every article will contain something we can learn.<\/p>\n

Our job, as the reader, is to actively discover if the information being presented in the article is A) True; and B) Applicable to my life.<\/p>\n

8. Consider the Full Context of a Writer\u2019s Work<\/strong><\/p>\n

If a writer has been publishing books or online articles for years, each piece of their work is part of a broader narrative. Understanding the context within which they write can provide clarity to their articles.<\/p>\n

For example, I write often on the topic of rest<\/a> and finding an unbusy life<\/a> that is focused on the things that matter. But I have also written extensively on the importance and fulfilling nature of dedicating yourself to meaningful work<\/a>. When I write about the importance of finding time for rest and solitude and refreshment, for me, it\u2019s always written with the understanding that I\u2019m not arguing for complacency\u2014because I have already presented the value of work in others places.<\/p>\n

Long-time readers of a writer may understand that context. But if you are reading someone new, and want to make an assumption about them, it might be wise to dig deeper into their fuller worldview to understand the broader context within which they write.<\/p>\n

This can be a very tricky balance for a writer\u2014especially one who has been writing for a long time. It\u2019s not feasible for the writer or enjoyable for the reader to discuss every required element of context. But I try to do my best by including links where appropriate. <\/p>\n

Additionally, sometimes a deep-dive into an author\u2019s background or worldview might change your opinion of how they see the world in a broader context. <\/p>\n

9. Different Perspectives Offer Growth Opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n

Encountering perspectives that differ from our own can be uncomfortable, but they also offer valuable opportunities for growth. Instead of immediately dismissing opposing views, consider what you can learn from them. <\/p>\n

I like to ask myself, \u201cI wonder how they arrived there and where they see the world differently than me to hold that position?\u201d This approach broadens our understanding and fosters empathy.<\/p>\n

Nobody is 100% right about everything. Therefore, every differing opinion might be your opportunity to grow.<\/p>\n

10.<\/strong> You Can\u2019t Believe Everything You Read on the Internet<\/strong><\/p>\n

Websites can be faked, reviews can be faked, identities can be faked, news can be faked, photos can be faked, even\u00a0videos can be faked now. With the Internet available to everyone, almost everything on the Internet can be a fake\u2014sometimes for fun, but sometimes by people with really, really bad motives. Verify, verify, verify.<\/p>\n

11. Noone is Perfect\u2014Even If Their Writing Sounds Like It<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019m trying my best to live a minimalist life, but I make mistakes. In fact, there\u2019s probably lots of stuff in our home we don\u2019t actually need. I\u2019ve met hundreds and hundreds of writers\u2014none are as perfect as you might think.<\/p>\n

When I read an article about a young mom\u2019s morning routine that begins at 5 am with a kale smoothie, lemon water, 60-minute ab workout, followed by a 5-minute cold plunge\u2014all before getting her kids up for school and packing their organic lunch. My usual thought is, \u201cWaking up early and working out my abs while the family is still asleep really probably would be a helpful way to start my day. But I really doubt she actually does that every single day.\u201d Life just doesn\u2019t work that way.<\/p>\n

Now, that\u2019s not to say I can\u2019t still learn something or have that article spark a good idea that I should try in my own routine. I just don\u2019t hold myself to a standard that probably even the author doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

12.<\/strong> Know When to Take a Break<\/strong><\/p>\n

Anne Lamott once said, \u201cAlmost everything will work again if you\u00a0unplug\u00a0it for a few minutes, including you.<\/em>\u201d I think any time we talk about using the Internet intentionally for any reason, we need to be reminded that there is lots of life happening around us when we\u2019re stuck online. The Internet is not life\u2014and that\u2019s coming from somebody who makes their living on it.<\/p>\n

By keeping these principles in mind, we can read words on the Internet more thoughtfully and intentionally. And hopefully, we\u2019ll all get better because of it.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n