Redeem your 
Dear Ms. Netiquette,
So, I am one of the many Pogo players who for a variety of reasons chooses to mute chat.
I play to play, not be social. I always assumed that when I mute chat and someone tries to send me a message they are notified I am not in chat. I am playing games like Mahjong Safari and Addiction Solitaire where I gift them and they gift me.
I would hate to think that someone thanked me in chat and they just thought I was being rude. What happens when I mute chat and someone messages me?
Private, Not Rude
Dear Private, Not Rude,
Let’s have a little reality check. You are are simply one of many, many people who chooses not to partake in chat while playing. Most Pogo players are well aware of this fact, and give leeway to those who don’t respond to a chat inquiry.
Granted, there may be some new players who are unaware that some players prefer not to chat, but they’ll learn soon enough.
Some players have handled these types of situations by posting a message in the chat as soon as they enter. Something like “Hi all… I’m turning off chat, so I do appreciate any gifts and will say ‘you’re welcome’ now.” Or they post something in their profiles with a similar message.
But, the bottom line is that yes, in all likelihood someone is going to say “thanks” or expect you to thank them when you receive a gift, and yup – they’re going to think that you’re rude for not responding. And then 15 minutes later they will have forgotten all about it.
Dear Ms. Netiquette,
I just read the letter from someone that is sick of men being rude to women.
I had one that followed me from room to room for a few weeks. I blocked him and he found me and ask why I had him blocked. He asked me if I wanted him to kiss me on the back of my neck. I ignored him. He asked if I had ever been skinny dipping. I ignored him.
Finally after days of ignoring him, he asked me what I was wearing. I told him a badge and a gun. I haven’t seen him since. Then another man in the room said he was going to report me for threatening him. I didn’t not threaten him I just answered his question. I love Pogo and 99% of the other players, but it can be very annoying to run on some jerks.
Thanks for reading.
Badge & a Gun
Dear Badge & a Gun,
Well, as someone who doles out etiquette advice, I really can’t condone your response.
However, as someone who is human and has from time to time had to deal with similar situations, I must admit I howled with laughter when I read it.
You didn’t technically threaten him. He asked you a question and you gave him an answer. For all any of us know, you really ARE wearing a badge and a gun. I really don’t see any threat by your response. It’s quite apparent that you weren’t in the mood for his games, and it’s not like you said “A badge, a gun, and a map to where you live, where I plan to use these items to make your life miserable!” So, that man who accused you of threatening him was off base.
It is unfortunate that we run into annoying jerks from time to time, but keep in mind that they’re very much outnumbered by the nice folks!
Dear Ms. Netiquette,
I would like to respond to why we chat about personal things on Pogo.
In September I found a lump in my breast. Not having family (other than a spouse) nearby I turned to my friends on Pogo. I play in a league and once I went “public” on Pogo with my illness I discovered many of my league friends had been through the same thing. They have been my support through my tests, surgery and now my treatment.
Without them I would have been a basket case. I did not turn to any of them for pity or sympathy. I turned to them for advice. On my bad days I know that they are there for me. I have gotten great advice from my friends on Pogo. When we need to go into details about the illness we do take it to private chat or move to a private table.
Without my Pogo friends I would have come apart at the seams.
So for myself and others like me, thank you all for the support you give to us fighting the fight.
Fighting the Fight
Dear Fighting the Fight,
Thank you for your heartwarming letter. It serves as a reminder to us all how supportive and wonderful our Pogo friends can be. Best of luck to you while you fight this fight!
