About a week, week-and-a-half ago, I posted a whiskey-fueled diary, wherein I declared that Jesus didn't actually die. I have since deleted it, because I violated our prime directive: don't be a Dick.
Well, I did be a Dick. I was a Dick in the way I formed the headline, in the way I put forth my thesis, and in the way I replied to those who commented on my Dickishness. I even admitted to trolling for bites, so that I could argue my point, and the admins have, rightly, smacked me down for it. I never thought that losing my TU status here would leave such a mark, but it really has. While I essentially believe in the position I expressed in that diary, I expressed it in absolutely the wrong way.
I have only the greatest respect for the people who post here. This place is where I get most of my news, most of my entertainment, and most of my cultural awareness. This is where I verify stories I couldn't believe from other sources. This is where I find people who think like me, and believe things I believe, but accept those who may believe something else. I've been reading this site for more than ten years, at least, and I keep coming back because of the values I see represented here.
So, being a Dick feels pretty good while you're being a Dick. You can tell people to fuck off and die; you can call people nasty names; you can even troll for fights. Yep, it's good to be a Dick, as long as you're REALLY a Dick. But, if you're not, then the morning brings a lot of regret, and you see things a lot differently, and you're sorry for the things you said to people you really respect.
Therefore, do not be a Dick, unless you are truly a Dick. I've been there, and done that, and, contrary to popular wisdom, being a Dick doesn't feel good at all.