Re: Level of Abuse

"cmurthi" <xyzcmurthi_at_quest.with.a.w.net> wrote in message news:3FA12AE5.8040507_at_quest.with.a.w.net...
> I have a question for you cdt-ers: is there any level of invective and
> abuse that you guys (and gals) will not tolerate?

In the realm of usenet, there are few options to take in the face of bad behavior:

1. leave (either thread or group)
2. killfile.
3. behave badly in return.
4. Try to behave as politely as one can manage. (Because one is human, one often fails at this, but that doesn't mean it's not worth doing.)

These form a progression from least to most difficult. The first three have no direct rewards, but 1) and 2) have indirect rewards in the form of removing oneself from unwanted input, which may well be worthwhile.

There is also

5) subpoena to determine identity followed by libel lawsuit

which continues the progression from easiest to hardest. I do not believe it brings any direct or indirect rewards, though.

> In other words, is
> there anyone there who can tell these cretins where to get off, at least
> for the good of your "community?"

I believe you are referring to 3) above. I have never observed this to be the least bit effective.

> Or do [they] totally cow you?

Almost never. (I will admit to being pissed off at times.)

> It's a sad commentary on the nature of debate in the theoretical world.

I interpret it as society having to adjust to new forms of communication. Also note that moderated forums exist; the level of good behavior is generally much better in such places. But they can be hard to find.

Marshall Received on Fri Oct 31 2003 - 07:57:59 CET