OK, this is a little late, as my holiday projects spilled over into the New Year. But a policy statement of sorts is in order due to a flood of rudeness in comments to one of my postings.
OK, it’s 2011, and I did in fact have a productive holiday, crossing a good number (but by no means all) of scheduled activities off my list. More on that shortly, but I must say upon getting back to work last week I was surprised to find that the number of responses to my last entry on xG Technology reached as of this morning on the order of 310 (now down to about 185 – read on), and this over a holiday period when I (and, presumably, many others) weren’t even glancing at ravings posted online (save for Facebook and Twitter, the crack cocaine of the Web, of course). While I’m heartened to find that my posting generated such a degree of interest, and indeed, controversy (the world quickly becomes boring and perhaps even inconsequential if we’re all in violent agreement), I, and, I’m sure, many others, have little tolerance for rude postings that (figuratively, in this case) assault specific individuals. While vigorous-even-to-the-point-of-emotional arguments regarding facts and ideas are perfectly acceptable, I won’t tolerate personal attacks of any form. And, much as it pains me to do this, I will delete (and, despite the many hours involved, have done so in this case) any such postings that in my opinion serve primarily to assault individuals, as opposed to their ideas. I was shocked to read the vitriol, profanity, and positively racist and similarly objectionable comments posted once again by Mr. or Ms. Anon (and, to be fair, a few others), and these are now gone. It pains me to do this kind of editing, as it involves a lot of time that could truly be much better spent, and as I feel as if I’m rewriting history at the Ministry of Truth when I do so. But there is no place for such nonsense here, and I have zero tolerance for such behavior. What are we becoming as a society, as a planet? Can’t we disagree without such boorish behavior – without, as the saying goes, being disagreeable?
Please note I still believe that anonymous posting is important and no one will be censored just because they’re posting anonymously. But with anonymity comes responsibility; the hiding of one’s identity cannot be used to spread hate or even simple misinformation, although it’s beyond my capabilities to check every fact. I still think Mr. or Ms. Anon’s problems could be cured by (a) taking a deep breath before posting, (b) thinking before posting, (c) reviewing the necessary facts before posting, (d) a re-read of the proverbial Golden Rule, and (d) eating a lot more bran. I think collectively these should solve the problem, but, if they don’t, it will be my policy from this point forward to delete any message I believe to be offensive. I’ve got a pretty thick skin, but let’s keep the postings civil, on message, and idea-centric. If you really don’t like what someone is saying, please say, so, say why, and leave it at that.
If anyone at any time wishes to bring objectionable posts to my attention, such would be most appreciated. I’ll remove them at my discretion, using the above-noted filter. BTW, Mr. or Ms. Anon, if you send me your address, the first box of bran flakes is on me. A pleasant New Year to you (and everyone else out there) regardless.
