Honour where honour is due, though: I was generally well received on Digby's blog. Moon of Alabama (where I didn't post) seems very open too. But I don't post on US blogs any more. Apart from anything else, there's so much to do here.
There is a nice bunch of people on Booman doing it too. (From the Americas as well as Europe)
I think you might have trouble getting noticed because of the sheer number of diaries on Kos, but I've never seen anyone go after someone because they are European. Like, ever.
Of course, if you go there expecting Americans to be rude and exceptionalist it will probably be reflected in your writing and we Americans have a pretty good radar for detecting that. Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire
Of course, if you go there expecting Americans to be rude and exceptionalist it will probably be reflected in your writing and we Americans have a pretty good radar for detecting that.
I hope the irony of phrasing was intended.
we Americans have a pretty good radar
What do you know, "we Europeans" too...
I think people forget or downplay the fact that internet forums are used for social purposes just like real "forums" in meatspace (the local coffeeshop, hobby groups, book clubs, etc). The average poster doesn't read or participate to debate and learn only - they are looking for approval, acknowledgement, and friends as well (I certainly enjoy getting 4's for my comments). Just as in meatspace, it takes time to gain acceptance from the broader community, and before that happens feelings of isolation and indifference can be very common.
Americans do differ in that Europeans and Russians are much better conversationalists and are generally better at arguing. Arguing is a lost art in America. The odd co-evolution of conformity and individualism in our culture has led to a view that to argue with someone is to attack them at their very core. When the extra step of removing the face to face interaction is taken things can get quite ugly.
you are the media you consume.