November 13, 2006

Internet Bullies, Internet Trolls; The Same?

I received this in an email today. How sad that it comes to this just because some commenters cannot restrain themselves.

I regret to inform you that my commentary or opinions will not be posted here. I thank you for your hospitality in extending the invitation, but I will refrain from it for one reason. That reason is the ever present use of ad hominem attacks by one individual who consistently disagrees with nearly everyone. I have a profound respect for opinionated people because it depicts one who is not afraid to make decisions based on the facts they have gathered. Right or wrong, they don't sit on the fence constantly arbitrating and are left without a true compass for their own direction. It is those who add personal insult and use degrading adjectives to describe their opponent and anyone else not available to defend themselves that cause me to move on to more civil territory.

I've been wrong many times in my life, but I refuse to be constantly insulted and watch others be insulted day after day. And I realize that I don't have a constitutional right to be free from insult, but I don't have to paint a target on myself either for those who like to take pot shots so indiscriminately.

One could use the old flies/honey analogy as a manner in which to sway other's opinions and it is a good approach to take. Or just simple dispassionate logic. However, in saying this, I am not implying that I wish to be coddled nor am I afraid of having my views challenged. Only that I demand my opponent display civility and respect when stating their case or I'll move on to a place where insult is not part and parcel of debate. I will not respond to a never ending barrage of mockery. It's quite simple - this is not debate. This is bullying and rigid, unbending cynicism and I refuse to stoop to such a level or even ignore it.

And that is what my letter is about. I'm not writing this to challenge the validity of any of his arguments, but to denounce an individual who thinks his behavior is acceptable due to an over-inflated opinion of his own intellect over others. This person, in using sneering insult as part of his argument, has revealed nothing about his opponents more than his own character flaws. He is guilty of everything he accuses others of.

I have watched others attempt to hold debate here with honest composed commentary on your blog only to be characterized *at best* as "trying to be honest" because he seems to think that allowing any challenge to his views to stand is unacceptable. Regardless of the civility used by those who oppose, the level of censure by this person only decreases slightly, but remains ceaseless. Perhaps his perception of others' lacking intelligence grants him license to be abusive. It does not. And I see today that his vocabulary of four letter words has reached a crescendo coupled with his threat to not come back. Pardon me for this, but I hope the door hits him squarely and firmly. Perhaps he can start a blog called "GMWatch" to assuage his overwhelming and uncontrollable indignance.

You know of whom I speak (although I could be speaking about any number of people we have all run across on the Internet) and I have tried to approach him with my grievances only to garner more insult, mockery and belittlement merely proving my point. I think I speak for most people in saying that if one's argument is so strong then there is no need, nay, it is repugnant, to be so vindictive and insulting.

I've enjoyed past discussions on your blog even with people with which I have disagreed because they kept the discussion in the arena of the actual issue and I've sometimes had to adjust my own thoughts due to a compelling argument. But as long as your site is frequented by one who likes to use crass swipes at everyone, I'll merely move on.

Posted at 09:45 AM | Comments (29) | Add Comment
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