Are people on the internet ever really your friends? (Page 2 of 2)

Ya, you may be right about this.  We talked about a lot of other stuff too, but nothing "deep" though.

Maybe this is where I keep getting fucked up.  I don't think that even if you only know people casually on the internet that you should treat ANYBODY as merely a means to an end.  Thats bullshit.  Human beings are not a means to an end.  I don't want to treat people like that and I don't want other people to treat me as such.

Me thinking that isn't going to stop people from doing it though.  I guess there might be my problem.  Not to sound emo, but I guess that is kind of an unrealistic expectation of mine.  =/

ahh phone, gotta go.  maybe edit in more later.

Idd like to add in Leagle that from what i understand, you might be going against your own human nature. What do i mean?
Lets say you have an extremely caring attitude and outlook toward the homeless, the street kids and the destitude. Although you are kind hearted toward people, lets say others do not act in the same way to you. You're treeted horribly by your colleagues, the people you come in contact with.

Would you then resort to treat people unkindly just because you got such treatment? Will it make you a bitter person?
Does it hurt to ill-treated like that? of course it does.

From what i understand i think you do care about your friends, whether it is online or offline. Now, whether or not they care in the same manner as you do is an entirely different story. Having said that, there are times when you find out that they actually care less about you than you about them, it will hurt. Nevertheless, i feel you shouldn't change to "i dont care" or turn bitter because of it. If anything, at least now you can be prepared if history repeats itself.

My mother always warned me not to marry a pretty bimbo. She said what if my children had my looks and her brain.

let's have a Blizzpub East convention

i've got candy and puppies!

I consider Das and Thayme my friends. Even though das smokes glorified hookah in detriot.

It's not a question of being a douchebag. You can be civil and still not form meaningful relationships with the people you're playing with.

Ah, I thought you were replying to my previous post in particular.

I think you are misinterpreting my posts, maybe. I'm saying in general your relationship with guildmates will be shallow at worst and business-like at best unless you are actually interested in pursuing a meaningful friendship. Douchefaggery is not necessarily part of the relationship. It's like that "drinking buddies" thread we had earlier - they are not necessarily your "friends" until you move past WoW.

Well, agreed. Thus the "business relationship" comment. You are working together in an environment (the game) to pursue a mutual goal. Civilty definitely helps, especially keeping in mind (like you said) that they're still people.