The Demolition of Friendships: UFO Subculture Style.

Greetings.

"Hello William. It seems I've lost some so called friends lately which apparently is due to my stance on calling out people who push the UFO/UAP phenomenon, more for monetary gain, speculation and it's attributed publicity rather than hard scientific evidence and proven facts. I'm not bothered by this, but it annoys me. I am a follower of yours but not a friend, I'm wondering if you can readdress the issue?"

The above message arrived just a few days ago, from the thoughtful keyboard of one of my readers. The sentiments contained within the message were not anything of the ordinary, and certainly not describing anything I have not experienced myself, but they are deserving of a written, albeit somewhat short allocation 

The UFO subculture is a literal minefield of celebrities, personalities, and personal relationships, all subject to the same set of rules, actions, and circumstances. Some acquaintances established in the UFO landscape are real and firmly grounded in emotional reality, with others being the antithesis. As a result of this, it is virtually impossible to know whom to trust, with most of the UFO faithful simply following their favorite celebrity, without having an inkling about the behind the scenes activities and actual motivations of their said "friend/prophet." 

Far too often, people on social media accept what is being posted as reality, forgetting the fact that people post what they choose to post, controlling the narrative and what is made public about their personal lives. The real truth sometimes remains unknown, never to be openly revealed on social media, which obviously means that persons can portray themselves as they see fit, or portray others in a less than favorable light. Adding fuel to the ufological fire, logical and measured inquiries are often seen as attacks, or somehow out of bounds, not to be tolerated and grounds for the dreaded unfriending, or worse yet, blocking. This brusque "cutting off" of people has become commonplace on social media, not just within the confines of the UFO subculture, but on the Internet in general, regardless of platform.

I have experienced such actions for years now, and have learned a great deal along the way, about how people work, and how to conduct one's self when faced with personal problems. When it comes to personal dilemmas, I have found that complete silence is the most respectful course of action, keeping personal details and developments out of the public's awareness, showing respect for all parties involved, which is what each of us deserves. Dirty laundry should never be aired in public. When it comes to professional problems, all interactions warrant a measured and cool-headed approach, void of personal details or attacks, with a keen focus kept squarely on the issues at play, and nowhere else. Name-calling and character assassinations are uncalled for, which goes without saying, but unfortunately, some people have not read that particular memo. 

The unfortunate fact that one of my readers has been victimized by such behaviors is not overly surprising, and I for one find the situation troubling. The exchange of ideas and opinions, regardless of each individual's points of view, should not be grounds for "unfriending," however that Facebook specific term is interpreted. In my humble opinion, one point should always be candidly considered: If a person can engage in such an abrupt and unceremonial cut-off, were they really a friend in the first place? 

Thank you for your time and consideration.