QUOTE (malexander @ 14-Nov 04, 4:12 PM) |
You will find that this forum has many rules, but the rules help prevent what you stated from happening. |
Here is a great column by the illustrious Pat Sajak! Of course, this is the entertainer of Wheel of Fortune fame. But, who knew, he is also a conservative commentator.
https://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=7118
Internet Goons
In this column, he gives some great reasons why so many people are so rude on the internet. Very funny in places, completely entertaining, and a few spots where you will find yourself nodding your head in complete agreement.
QUOTE |
Here's what generally happens: someone posts a message on a particular topic, someone else posts a response, and others join in, either agreeing or disagreeing with the first couple of posters. Eventually, however, an "Internet Goon" arrives, hurling invective, calling names and disrupting civility. Posters then tend to respond to the Goon, and decorum deteriorates quickly. The Goon gets the attention he craves, and then moves on to another message board or chat room where he can enrage a whole new set of posters. It's not too difficult to imagine the real life of an Internet Goon. Ignored by his co-workers or neighbors, stuck in a job he hates (if he has one at all), he sits and seethes in front of a computer screen, where he is finally able to get some attention. People respond to him and talk to him and about him. His outbursts can change the course of any discussion on any topic. Finally, people actually care about what he says. He is somebody. |