Shakabookoo
Brian's Journal, August 22, 1998
From the Movie Gross Pointe Blank
Last weekend we had a powerful run-in with the positive and negative. In the past, I've talked a little about all the positive responses we've received along the road, everything from a simple hello to offerings of places to stay. Well, a couple of days ago, we were greeted with an e-mail that stunned us a little and gave rise to various emotions (good and bad).
A person had read about Quest-4 in the local paper, visited the site, and proceeded to write us an e-mail with some soul searching negative feedback about what we were doing. The person had said that the interview content was immature, pompous, and of little value, and to pursue "successful living" in this manner was a waste of time.
Our first reaction was shock. "Wow, that stings!", followed by a bit of confusion. Had we done something to offend this person? Was this person frustrated with his or her own life to cause such feedback? Had we really presented such meaningless information that nothing of value could be found?
We had two options; 1) respond with the same frustration, or 2) step back, take a breath, and respond with the positive messages and energy that were making our quest so rewarding to ourselves and others.
We chose option two. Chris crafted a letter which thanked the person for the feedback (for we were truly thankful that it opened our eyes to different viewpoints). We then asked for additional feedback regarding how we could make our site and experience more valuable to this person. We sent it off and continued along our way responding to the other e-mails we received that day.
A couple days later the e-mailer returned. We waited with anticipation as the note downloaded with the other mail. We prepared ourselves for the response. Click. We frantically read it and at the end we sat quietly.
The response was quite positive. The person thanked us for writing back and changing an initial impression that may have been too harsh or judgmental. The person ended the e-mail with suggestions for places to visit and other simple improvements. Another chance for Quest-4 was in order.
We were ecstatic! Had we really made a difference in someone else's day? Were we able to use the power of the positive to change a person's thought patterns and perceptions? I hope so. Whatever the case, it opened our eyes to the power of the positive and the negative in people's lives. What I learned most is to keep smiling, no matter what. You never know who it'll effect.
Read Brian's related journal entry: Building A Community
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© Brian Ardinger, 1998
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