Comments on: Stephen Fry quits Twitter over “aggression and unkindness”

By: Anouk

Anouk — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:16:13 +0000

So being a celeb and pushing the card of “oh he’s bipolar’ poor rich, privileged, idle Steve, gives him the right to crunch the underdog under his expensive shoes soles? I don’t think so and some of you are so delusional you should quit online life you can’t take the heat right away.

The fact is, taleneted and spirited as he is, Fry is a spoilt star used to be adored and pampered without contrast.

I used to love him much more before this silly even. I don’t “tweet” and a celeb in RL can be a perfect rookie and a n00b online, like Mr. fry proved to be.

He’s wearing himself off like an old xerox toner now, overxposing himself over this idiot horde magnet, ie, “twitter”.

By: Justa Notherguy

Justa Notherguy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:50:05 +0000

Seems to me that Mr. Fry’s problem, here, is less Borderline Personality Disorder and more like “doesn’t know when to put down his cellphone and do something else” disorder. Call it bipolarism or manic-depression or whatever, the fact remains that he’s bright guy and well aware of his own propensity to overreact. Nobody is forcing the guy to tweet, much less to broadcast adolescent threats to permanently absent himself from the discussion, over a simple fit of pique.

‘Course, taking a Twitter break (tweet-stinence?) is easier said than done. Its a heady experience, thinking that strangers actually enjoy reading about your every thought, reaction, or utterance. Its human nature to see oneself as a better-than-average member of society, with valuable contributions to offer should anyone care to listen. Plus, after 20-odd years of performing, there’s little doubt Mr. Fry simultaneously enjoys public attention (when its the right kind) and finds it problematic (when its the other kind)…pretty typical of celebrities, in general.

Its even more typical of relatively minor, local heroes – however charming – like Mr. Fry, when they are accustomed to the insular, comfortable fan base of Great Britain. Sure, he’s something of a big deal over there but that’s no guarantee of the reaction he’ll receive, elsewhere. And, bipolar or not, Fry is intelligent enough to predict and appreciate the downside of his (now) worldwide exposure. That’s all the more important for someone whose rather droll humor – and precious persona – don’t translate well in many cultures & broadcast media. Ask (the late) Peter Cook; a personal story in which there are parallels aplenty.

Anyway, Fry has now renounced his previous threat, blaming his ‘moods’. We’re told he will seek sunshine to heal his bruised ego and he has expressed appreciation for our understanding. See. Stephen – that wasn’t so hard, now, was it? :)

By: Brian Carter

Brian Carter — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:15:17 +0000

I hope you realize how funny that is… :-) I have thick enough skin to ignore your negativity, bud. Bipolar doesn’t mean a person can’t be medicated and learn how to deal with criticism better.

By: tzikeh

tzikeh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:36:11 +0000

Hey Brian Carter:

Try re-reading the part about “Fry is a well-known sufferer of bipolar disorder aka manic depression, and is clearly not in a good place right now.”

And then STFU about “thicker skin” and “ego calluses.”

By: Brian Carter

Brian Carter — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:21:34 +0000

You’d think a comedian would have thicker skin, but even when you know you’re funny, sometimes one harsh comment hurts. Still, it’s kinda funny how sensitive people are in social media. Need to grow some ego calluses.

By: lisa

lisa — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:09:06 +0000

i am on twitter and i don’t blame these people for quitting. these kids talk about miley being a bad role model but the same kids are cursing people out, writing mean stuff to people they don’t even know do the same parents know what they are doing. i swear i have never saw so much hate in my entire life. my parents raised me with respect and if i have nothing nice to say shut my mouth.