This is the first is what I predict will be a series of regular columns by Allen written especially for this site. I've always wanted JSN readers to contribute regular articles and was thrilled that he of all people volunteered to publish them. If anyone else wishes to do the same, let me know and I'll be happy to include here.  Enjoy! It's a good article -- Christopher

On Ventilation

By Allen Ward, DENSW

Over the past few years, there has arisen a kind of pop psychology about "venting your feelings", "let it all out", and "Let us know how you really feel". On behalf of those of us who feel buried alive in all this babble, I would like to let the rest of the planet know "how we really feel".

Enough, already.

But I'm willing to be fair about someone's First Amendment right to his or her opinion. I call it the Sensibility Rule, and it goes like this:

You got five minutes.

Let it out, send it out, blow it out a volcano if necessary….but do it in five minutes or less. And make it good, because you can't bring it up again. Think about it: After five minutes, you aren't venting your feelings anymore; you are institutionalizing them into everything You Are. All this nasty stuff that you're airing is now becoming your Identity. I think that's pretty scary.

There is another kind of venting, one that also includes pressing needs. And that my friends, is Flatulence. You might chuckle at my comparison, but just think of the similarities (especially the next time you're on a crowded elevator with either form of venting). Both involve the release of toxins, both make surrounding people noticeably uncomfortable, both are socially inappropriate and really should occur behind closed doors.

So, as to walk the talk of this Sensibility Rule, I'll wrap this up quickly. The best course of action is also the easiest. Vent frustration quickly, identify the so-called problem, set up and begin implementing solutions. Problems become projects, and every project becomes a learning experience…even if all you learned was that complaining (venting) never solves anything.

The patent is uncertain, but I think Mom said that.