Mysterious case of the missing Vocal comments

”What comets, I ain’t seen no stinking comets!”

“I said comments. My complaint is that the comments seem to disappear or not show up.”

“The comment box in the lunchroom?”

“No, the Comment section on the creators page after something they wrote. You know the comments...”

“Why are you asking me?”

“You are Justin, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Justin from @Vocal?”

“I guess, I don’t refer to myself like that, but sure.”

“Justin the founder and CEO of Vocal?”

“No!”

“No? I asked for Justin in editorial.”

“Well, you got Justin from janitorial.”

“So, you can’t help me with the lost comments.”

“Not unless someone sweeps them under a rug.”

“Rug?”

“That’s just a little custodian humor.”

“Ha, ha…So you never seen any comments in the trash?”

“Nope. Perhaps he flushes them down the toilet.”

“People do that?”

“So, I heard. Apparently some leaders toss important papers in the crapper.”

“Why, wouldn’t that plug it up?”

“And how. Why is this comment thing such a big deal for you?”

“Because it’s important. I see people read my work and leave a comment but when I review it there are no comments. Also, I read other authors stories and leave a comment, but I cannot see their replies, and my comment disappeared. It make me wonder how many comments have vanished.”

“And this bothers you?”

“Very much.”

“Why?”

“Because I would like to say thank you.”

“Would it be wrong if you don’t say thank you.”

“I saw recently where it was a major faux pas not to say thank you.”

“Really?”

“Apparently.”

“Seems petty.”

“I think it’s worse if you’re not dressed properly.”

“Ok, now you’re making shit up.”

“No, I swear it’s … look I think we got off topic. I must get back to my inquiry about the missing comments?”

“I think I know what you’re going through.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s like my rash.”

“It’s not at all like that.”

“Yes it is, let me explain.”

“Please do, this should be good.”

“I have this rash, but every time I see the Doc, it disappears. I know it was there, but now it’s gone.”

“Okay…and?”

“And the moment I walk out I can feel it growing back.”

“I think we are far apart on this.”

“Wait, hear me out. Do your comments show up later?”

“Well, yeah, I think eventually they do.”

“AHA…just like my rash.”

“NOT the same.”

“Well, agree to disagree.”

“LOOK…I just want people to know that I am reading their articles, and stories and I would like them to know that I appreciate them reading mine.”

“Hey, buddy. Why is this so important to you?”

“If you must know. I am a creator on Vocal, have been since 2020. I really like this platform and the people. Lately I haven’t been writing. I am taking a break. However, I continue to read much of their work. I guess I wish them to know I support them.”

“You stopped writing?”

“I paused.”

“Shouldn’t a writer, write everyday…isn’t that a thing?”

“Yes, but…”

“But nothing. Look I read many of the stories on Vocal and wish I could write, you say you can write but don’t. That is just wrong.”

“You seem like a wise man.”

“Well, I do have two degrees. One in Critical theory and analysis and the other in Philosophy.”

“Really, if you don’t mind me asking why are you a…?”

“A custodian?”

“Yeah, not that there is anything wrong with that.”

“Because I have two degrees. One in Critical theory and analysis and the other in Philosophy.”

“Ah.”

"Thank god I dropped Jazz hand dance class."

"What?"

“Look it’s been nice conversing with you, but I have another floor to finish, and the toilets don’t clean themselves. Before I go I am going to give you some advice, get back to writing.”

“Okay, it’s been nice chatting with you….Wait can you give me Justins number….Hello…you still there?”