…is something we all do once in a while, I think. It’s very elementary that we shouldn’t, but we do anyway. What is ‘it’? What we know. And taking what we know for granted can cause a lot of animosity.
For example, I read a lot and learn about SEO. That is Search Engine Optimisation. While helping a new friend out with his website,I noticed that although the has had his website up for many years now, he had no Meta tags in his header whatsoever. (if you do not know what I am talking about, look up SEO on the web) He stated he was getting about thirty hits a day. His site is http://www.squirreljunkie.com if you would like to take a look.
Now I could have taken the low road and assumed that he already knew that and not even checked his code, but that would be assuming. We all know what that gets us. And then just be like “What you have had a website for ## years and you don’t know what SEO is? My God!”
But where would that have gotten me or him? I would lose a friend and he would think I am an asshole.
Instead I gave him some pointers, some friendly code hints, and he went on his merry way. Instead of me losing a new friend because I took for granted what I know. SEO is not an overnight process, but by the end of the year, I think he will be up to at least 50 hits a day. Good publicity for him and good karma for me.
But I am not talking just about knowledge of concepts. You could be making something to eat and although you know exactly what you are doing, somebody comes in the kitchen and asks “Whatcha making?” It may not be totally clear what you are making to that other person and you take the ‘low road’ and say “What the hell does it look like I am making?!”.
Why? It would actually take less breath and keep the mood happy if you said “a Peanut butter and ketchup sandwich”
See what I mean?
If you don’t see what I am getting at(seriously), then comment below and I will be glad to explain again. With no animosity whatsoever.