jskains wrote:liz3564 wrote:
Most of these posters have "given as good as they've gotten".
Droopy, Yahoo Bot, and BC have ALL personally attacked me, when they have disagreed with me (I do not consider myself a critic, but some might), and have also personally attacked out-and-out critics as well.
It has always cut both ways here.
There is a massive difference between offensive and defensive action. I think often people can start out trying to be nice then get dragged in to the tone that does get set here. Ignoring that reality will simply propetuate that tone.
I think that in the world of physical action there is a massive difference between "offensive" and "defensive" maneuvers. But in terms of online debate in which discussion happens both rapidly and asynchronously, the line may be harder to draw. Things can escalate much more quickly here for that reason. Another factor is the lengthy history between various posters and various incarnation of various boards; this also makes the offense/defense line harder to perceive.
I do agree, though, Josh, that it is very easy to start out "trying to be nice then get dragged in to" something else entirely. I know I've done that, myself.
I hope we can all start to figure out how to better manage board rules for the benefit of discussion. I'm happy to see you, too, Josh share this interest.